The Dr. Phil Klein Dental Podcast Show

As AI continues to advance, it’s essential for dental professionals to stay informed and proactive. By embracing AI today, you can position your practice for a more efficient, effective, and patient-centered future. To tell us more about AI and how it can do many things for dentists and hygienists is our guest, Melissa Turner, a 20-year veteran dental hygienist. Melissa is a sought-after consultant and speaker. She partners with companies of all sizes on brand strategy and product growth, leveraging her unique insights from experience in the boardroom and as a clinician. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/ BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

Today we’re going to talk about why staying on top of waterline testing is such a big deal, how it can give you an early heads-up if something’s off with your infection control, and the simple steps that keep your water — and your reputation — clean. Our guest is Michelle Strange, a registered dental hygienist with a masters in dental hygiene and is a leading infection control expert with over 25 years in the dental field.

In-office milling and 3D printing are cutting-edge technologies. But, like any major investment, these tools come with their own set of questions. Is this the right time to spend the money? What kind of volume do I need to make this investment profitable? Are there any ongoing costs and do I have the staff to manage these machines? Today, we'll be talking to Dr. Chris Pescatore, who will give his candid viewpoint on the pros and cons of these in-office technologies. Dr. Pescatore is general dentist for over 30 years who maintains a full-time practice dedicated exclusively to aesthetic restorative dentistry in Danville, California. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Centrix Dental - https://www.centrixdental.com/ NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Brown offers valuable insights for younger dentists who aspire to enrich their careers by blending the art and science of dentistry with the opportunities that come from sharing knowledge on a larger stage. He walks us through the pivotal moments that shaped his expertise, and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a respected key opinion leader—building relationships with manufacturers, navigating industry partnerships, and still maintaining authenticity in the lecture hall and operatory alike. Dr. Kevin Brown is in private practice in Bellevue Washington. He has a passion for minimally invasive cosmetic techniques and has published numerous articles and lectures routinely on direct and indirect anterior smile enhancement. Find him on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevin_brown/

As with any profession, doing the same thing every day can put us in a rut. As things become routine we soon begin to lose interest. So as dental professionals, how to stay inspired, fulfilled, and energized in our dental career? Today we’re diving into a topic that’s more important than ever for dental professionals: how to reignite your passion for dentistry and avoid the burnout that’s become all too common in our field. Our guest today is Dr. Jacqueline Patterson, a general dentist and orofacial myofunctional therapist with over 15 years of experience. Thanks to our episode sponsors: BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/ Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

Our guest, Dr. Chris Pescatore, is using nothing more than his iPad and an off-the-shelf app to perform digital diagnostic wax-ups—right in front of his patients—in only a matter of minutes. This isn’t just a tool for planning aesthetics, prep design and occlusal adjustments—it’s also a powerful way to wow patients. In fact, Dr. Pescatore’s case acceptance rate has been hovering close to 100%. Stay tuned to learn how Dr. Pescatore has integrated this simple, inexpensive piece of technology into his daily practice—and why it’s become a true game-changer for both him and his patients. You can learn more about Dr. Pescatore's course on this topic by visiting The Center at Dental Ceramics https://www.thecenteratdentalceramics.com/upcoming-courses.

In today’s episode, we’ll discuss a scenario that every dental practice owner dreads—a disgruntled employee reporting infection control violations to the Department of Health. We’ll explore a real-life case that highlights just how devastating such a report can be, leading to potential fines, damaged reputation, loss of patient trust and even the shutting down of the practice. What can we do to prevent this? 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: VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/ Septodont USA - https://www.septodontusa.com/ GUM - https://www.sunstargum.com/us-en/

In a field where precision and stamina are paramount, poor ergonomics can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and long-term health issues. But it doesn't have to be this way. By understanding and implementing ergonomic practices, and choosing the right kind of operatory delivery systems and equipment, we can transform our work environment into a space that supports our bodies as much as our skills. 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: GC America - https://www.gc.dental/ NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/ VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/

The reality is, many patients simply can’t afford traditional, lab-fabricated veneers. And without a more affordable option, they do nothing and continue living with a smile they’re not happy with. But now, there’s a solution. With a product called VeneerNow, dentists can offer a beautiful, life-changing makeover that’s easy to do, completed in a single visit, and well within reach for most patients. Dr. Lundon Albrecht shares with us how this easy-to-use veneer system has been a game-changer for his practice.

Today, we’re zeroing in on something that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs. Whether it’s training new team members, navigating a vacation or unexpected sick leave, or simply making sure tasks get done the right way every time, SOPs are the foundation of a stable, resilient practice. Our guest is Sherrie Busby, a certified dental assistant, sought after speaker and expert on creating and maintaining SOPs in the dental practice.