The Dr. Phil Klein Dental Podcast Show

Our guest today is Dr. Yan Kalika, DMD, MS, a certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He earned his dental degree with honors from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and completed his orthodontic training — along with a master’s degree in oral biology — at the University of California, San Francisco. We’ll be talking with him about how he leverages ClearCorrect, AI, and digital workflows to attract new patients, streamline operations, and grow a profitable practice — all while keeping patients at the center of care.

We’re not just talking about sitting up straight or adjusting your stool—we’re talking about the equipment you use day in and day out, and how the wrong tools, especially your ultrasonic scaler, can take a toll on your body, your comfort, and even the length of your career. Joining me is Caitlin Parsons, RDH, a dental hygienist with over 15 years of clinical experience. Caitlin will tell us why it’s so important to have that conversation with your boss about updating older, non-ergonomic equipment. From ultrasonic scalers with ergonomic handles and adjustable frequencies, to small operatory tweaks that make a huge difference. Caitlin is here to show us how smart choices in ergonomics can mean less pain, more happiness, and longer, healthier careers in dentistry.

As dental professionals, we often focus solely on dental insurance reimbursements, yet many procedures qualify for coverage under medical insurance. By understanding how to articulate the medical necessity of certain dental treatments, dentists can not only enhance patient care but also unlock additional revenue streams. Joining us is our guest Kandra Sellers. Kandra is a RDH with over 25 years in the dental industry. She is widely considered one of the most passionate and respected dental coaches. She is an educator in the field of oral systemic health, as well as founder and CEO of TIPS Medical Billing. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Septodont USA - https://www.septodontusa.com/ GC America - https://www.gc.dental/

Dr. Graz Giglio shares decades of clinical experience on how to make your veneers beautiful and long-lasting. He talks about the steps in veneer cases that dentists sometimes overlook and some of the common mistakes dentists tend to make. He says, if done correctly with the right material, veneers can last over 25 years. So if you’re looking to add veneers to your practice and/or improve your clinical outcomes, Dr. Giglio offers invaluable practical tips and recommendations.

In this episode, we’ll explore why muscle strength is a game-changer for dental professionals, the key muscle groups you need to focus on, and simple exercises to keep you strong, stable, and pain-free. To tell us more about it is our guest, Katrina Klein. Katrina is a registered dental hygienist for 16 years, national speaker, author, competitive bodybuilder and certified personal trainer. She’s the founder of ErgoFitLife, where ergonomics and fitness are a lifestyle to prevent, reduce or eliminate pain. Thanks to our episode sponsors: BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/ Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

Today we’re diving into a real game-changer in endodontics—the RootFlex File System by Morita. This system was built for speed and efficiency, letting you shape canals with as little as two files. And here’s the kicker: the ultra-sharp tip not only cuts faster , it stays sharp longer—so in many cases, you can shape the canal with just one file. Our guest today, Dr Henrique Bassi, is a world respected endodontist from Brazil.

Today’s episode is all about expanding your expertise and setting yourself apart in the ever-evolving world of dentistry. As a general dentist, you have the opportunity to transform your practice by sub-specializing in airway and TMJ conditions—two critical areas that are often overlooked but deeply impact patient health. Our guest today is Dr Stephanie Vondrak. She owns and operates a private practice in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Dr. Vondrak is a prime example of how expanding a practice with specialized services in airway and TMJ disorders can elevate the standard of care across all phases of restorative dentistry. In doing so, she has not only enhanced patient outcomes but also found immense fulfillment in her career. Thanks to our episode sponsors: NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/ Shining 3D- https://www.shining3ddental.com/ GUM - https://www.sunstargum.com/us-en/

Zirconia crowns in a single visit? Dr. Mike Skramstad shows us how it’s done. From mastering digital workflow to choosing the right zirconia blocks and furnaces, he shares his go-to strategies for strength, esthetics, and efficiency. Plus, when does he go direct — and when does he go same-day indirect? Stick around — this episode is packed with pearls you can use tomorrow. Dr. Skramstad is a resident faculty member at Spear Education, an advanced continuing education center in Scottsdale, AZ. He also maintains a successful restorative practice in Orono, MN focusing on Esthetic, Implant and CAD/CAM Dentistry.

Beyond our primary goal of protecting patients and employees from transmissible disease, there’s another crucial consideration: the potential for patients or employees to weaponize agencies like the Department of Public Health, OSHA, or your state dental board as a form of retaliation against you or your practice. While this is thankfully rare, it’s essential to be prepared for the potential challenges such situations might bring. Joining us today to shed light on this topic is Dr. Karson Carpenter, a dentist and expert consultant on infection control and OSHA compliance in the dental setting. Dr. Carpenter is the founder and CEO of Compliance Training Partners, a company dedicated to helping dental practices stay compliant and navigate investigations related to infection control violations. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Shining 3D- https://www.shining3ddental.com/ VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/

From body awareness and maintaining a neutral posture, to minimizing unnecessary reaching, to making smart decisions about your equipment and operatory layout—ergonomics can make the difference between a long, pain-free career and one cut short by injury or chronic discomfort. Joining us is Stephanie Botts, a dental hygienist with over 17 years of experience and a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist. She’s here to share how being mindful of good ergonomics is the key to maintaining our comfort, workflow efficiency, and career longevity.