972: When “Ideal Dentistry” Isn't Ideal: The Art of Working in the Gray – Dr. Charlie Ward & Dr. Christopher Mazzola

Sometimes, your “ideal dentistry” isn't ideal. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christopher Mazzola and Dr. Charlie Ward, faculty members at the Pankey Institute, to share what to do when things aren't black-and-white for your treatment plans. To learn the systems that will lead you to success, listen to Episode 972 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Ward & Dr. Mazzola:

• Join Dr. Mazzola on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.d.mazzola
• Follow Dr. Mazzola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherdmazzoladds
• Send Dr. Ward an email: charlie@bmoredentalarts.com 
• Follow Dr. Ward on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcwarddds
• Register for Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward’s Mastering Dental Photography course (July 30, 2026 to August 1, 2026): https://pankey.org/course-category/mdp/?courseId=17781
• Register for Dr. Mazzola & Dr. Ward’s Mastering Treatment Planning course (September 10-12, 2026): https://pankey.org/course-category/mtp/?courseId=22975
• Register for Dr. Ward’s Mastering Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry course (November 19-22, 2026): https://pankey.org/course-category/mard/?courseId=19847
• Follow CASE TXP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/case_txp

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 972: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Try Limitless AI recorder: https://www.limitless.ai

Main Takeaways:

• Give yourself grace. Don't fall into the trap of looking at what you didn't do “ideally”.
• What you may not consider “ideal dentistry” may be just as great for your patients.
• Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone is at a different point in their journey.
• Systems make your dentistry excellent. Don't do complex cases without them.
• Don't skip over planning. All of your hard work is in the planning process.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:46 It’s not so black-and-white.

4:56 “Ideal” isn't the only path.

8:36 The patient is the difficult part of dentistry.

11:38 Give yourself grace.

17:16 The importance of systems.

23:53 How an AI recorder will change your life.

26:15 Final thoughts, about CASE, and how to get in touch.

Dr. Charlie Ward Bio:

After graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004, Dr. Charlie Ward went straight into the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He earned his DDS degree in 2008, and since then he has completed the Essentials courses and many others at the esteemed Pankey Institute, where he now serves as visiting faculty. He is currently a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

When Dr. Ward isn’t spending time with Dr. Melody Ward and their two young boys, Cyrus and Lucas, he can often be found golfing or fishing. He also enjoys playing the guitar. While in dental school, he was actually in an all-dentist band called Incisal Edge! He even has his own guitar collection and has turned his basement into a music room.

Dr. Christopher Mazzola Bio:

Dr. Christopher Mazzola was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with honors with a Chemical Engineering Degree. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research with dental school faculty on materials to aid in patients’ healing after dental surgery. He then continued his education at Michigan where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. While in dental school, he was awarded the University of Michigan American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Award for his research in the clinical application of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.

Prior to joining Traverse Dental Associates, Dr. Mazzola owned a practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was named one of the area’s 2013 TopDentists™. He continued with education focusing on communication and technology in private practice. He has also served as an instructor and mentor for new graduates focusing on patient interactions and CEREC CAD/CAM Technology.

In his spare time, Dr. Mazzola enjoys spending time with his wife, Christina, his children, Baylor and Eliana, and his three dogs, Isabelle, Lola, and Aspen. He tries to stay active through competitive CrossFit, golfing, running, and skiing. He is looking forward to watching his family grow in the amazing community that is Traverse City!