Mary Otto, a journalist focused on dentistry, and Dr. Lisa Simon, a dual-degree dentist and physician, dive into the trust issues surrounding dental care. They explore how dental visits can be anxiety-inducing, revealing the historical divide between dentistry and medicine. The conversation highlights disparities in dental access, especially for marginalized groups, and shares a tragic story emphasizing systemic failures. Listeners get actionable advice on building trust with dental providers and understanding the complexities of insurance.

Dr. Lisa Simon, an expert in dental care for primary care physicians, discusses a range of topics including dental pain, caries, gingivitis, dry mouth, TMJ dysfunction, and dental side effects of medications. She provides tips for diagnosing dental pain, treatment options, and post-operative care. She also talks about managing complications and emergencies in dental care, as well as oral health in patients with opioid use disorder. Additionally, she addresses the use of anticoagulants during dental procedures and offers recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis.