The Evolution of Pediatric Dentistry, with Dr. Mike Kanellis

We have a very special guest for today's episode. Dr. Mike Kanellis has been practicing pediatric dentistry for over 40 years. Following his pediatric training at the University of Iowa, Dr. Kanellis started and operated a private practice in Muscatine, Iowa for 13 years. He then sold his office and made the transition into the world of academics and now acts as the associate dean for patient care at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. He continues to actively see pediatric patients at the dental school.

Dr. Kanellis shares a wealth of knowledge about his experience in pediatric dentistry. We talk about what it was like seeing 30-40 patients per day out of his original 400 sq/ft office. Dr. Kanellis has always been interested in outside-the-box thinking to manage decay, and he discusses his use of Hall crowns 30 years before it was an established technique. We take a deep dive into treating Medicaid patients, and why everybody needs to do their part to help address this population.

Dr. Kanellis also treats a substantial Amish population, and we have a long conversation about the challenges that exist with this community. Finally, we reflect on the direction that pediatric dentistry is headed in the world of DSOs, student loans, and private practice. Dr. Kanellis also shares his new book, Novocaine, a dark comedy involving a dentist, dental assistant, and the mob.

Link to Novocaine:  https://www.amazon.com/Novocaine-Michael-Kanellis-ebook/dp/B099DXX2XF/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=novocaine+book&qid=1627429645&sr=8-2