239: Interview with clinical dental hygienist, award-winning educator, consultant & sommelier, Katrina Sanders

Katrina Sanders is a clinical dental hygienist, author, award-winning educator, consultant, podcaster, international speaker, sommelier, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dog lover. Her mission is to elevate the profession by creating an undeniable movement that educates, encourages, and empowers the dental profession to rise in its power. Known as the “Dental WINEgenist™,” she pairs her unwavering desire for excellence in the dental industry with her knowledge and passion for wine. She has charmed audiences around the world with her lectures on provocative topics that leave the participants with a call to action and a renewed sense of pride for their industry. She is enthusiastic about creating an environment where the course participants are supported, energized, and connected. Her message of empowerment and her zest for dental hygiene are infused throughout her content as she brings her own unique blend of knowledge, inspiration, charisma, and humor in her approach to continuing dental education. 

Katrina is the founder, CEO and keynote speaker for Sanders Board Preparatory, a comprehensive program designed to supplement student learning and enhance understanding of concepts, terminology and procedures commonly discussed in preparation for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Her desire to help hygiene students develop and succeed grew from her position as a dental hygiene faculty member.  During this full-time appointment, she published three editions of her preclinical textbook, developed programmatic competencies, spearheaded curriculum design, and served as a faculty representative for community oral health partnerships.

Katrina is the Clinical Liaison, Hygiene Excellence and Innovation for AZPerio, the country’s largest periodontal practice.  She treats advanced periodontal patients clinically, while working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected hand skills during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard of care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.  

Katrina is the host of Fast Facts Perio Edition Podcast with A Tale of Two Hygienists and co-host the Floss & Flip Flops Podcast with her sister Dr. Elizabeth Sanders, DPM. She is a published author with RDH Magazine, Inside Dental Hygiene, Oral Health Group, DentalTown and Today’s RDH, a columnist and advisory board member for Modern Hygienist, editorial advisory member for the Dental Academy of Continuing Education and brand ambassador for Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.  

Katrina is a Level 1 Sommelier as recognized by the Court of Master Sommeliers. A member of GuildSomm, Premium Wine Lover with Direct Cellars, and VIP member with Aridus Wine Co. In 2022, she co-founded The Wine Op with her business partner and fiancé Dale Stewart, bottling beautifully curated wines that honor her hygienist heroes with proceeds providing support to underserved populations. Proudly, her wines speak to the empathetic and humanistic side of what it means to be a provider. 

Her philanthropic efforts include dental humanitarian work in developing countries, most recently in Kigali, Rwanda, supporting abused and homeless animals and spreading awareness about the benefits of organ and tissue donation in loving memory of her late mother, Linda Marie Sanders.  Visit: www.katrinasanders.com. Handle: @thedentalWINEgenist.