The Dr. Phil Klein Dental Podcast Show

In this episode you will hear first-hand what silver diamine fluoride can do and why every dentist should consider using it on posterior teeth that are infected with dental caries. Our guest is Dr. John Frachella, a pediatric dentist (now treating adults and children) with 50 years experience in the delivery of dental services in public and private settings. He’s worked in private practices across the country and for a decade was on staff at OHSU Dental School. He currently lectures at NYU Dental School for the largest dental residency program in the US. Thanks to our episode sponsors: NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/ Centrix Dental - https://www.centrixdental.com/

Our guest today, Dr. Sara Kuckhoff, is a general dentist from Michigan who has been out of dental school for six years. She has fully embraced the mindset of continuous growth. She’ll share her journey, how she pursues her passions, and why that pursuit has helped her not only enjoy her profession but also feel more confident and fulfilled as both a person and a dentist. Whether you’re a new dentist just starting or a seasoned professional looking for fresh inspiration, this episode will remind you why setting goals, staying engaged, and keeping an open mind to learning can make all the difference in your career.

When faced with extensive decay or structural compromise in a primary tooth, full coverage restorations are often the go-to solution. But which material is best—traditional stainless steel or newer options like resin-based and zirconia? And what about those gray areas where we could opt for either full coverage or direct restorative techniques? To tell us all about it is our guest, Dr. Carla Cohn. She owns and operates Kids Sleep Dentistry Winnipeg, a private practice at Western Surgery Centre in Canada. She is the founder of Lit Smile Academy, a CE company that focuses on pediatric dentistry for the GP. In fact, she has an upcoming hands-on program in Vancouver on June 7th, 2025. You can get all the details at litsmileacademy.com. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/ BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

What does it mean for dental hygienists to take charge of the operatory? Traditionally seen as supporting roles, hygienists have focused on cleaning teeth and patient education. But our guest today believes they can do much more—enhancing case acceptance, improving clinical outcomes, and elevating overall patient care. Her mission is to empower hygienists to lead, take ownership of their role, and contribute beyond their clinical duties. Dr. Kelly Tanner is a reg dental hygienist who holds a Ph.D. in Business and Leadership. Her website is nextleveldentalhygiene.com.

As dental professionals, we often focus on the well-being of our patients, but it's equally important to prioritize our own health. The demands of a dental career—long hours, awkward postures, and repetitive movements can take a toll on our bodies, leading to chronic pain and injuries that can significantly impact our ability to work effectively. In this episode we'll address simple things we can do to minimize the risk of injuries so that we can continue to work optimally and pain-free, thereby enjoying good health and fitness throughout our lives and professional career. Our guest is Katrina Klein, an expert in ergonomics. She is a dental hygienist, author, speaker, educator and competitive bodybuilder. Her company is Ergofitlife. Thanks to our episode sponsors: VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/ Shining 3D- https://www.shining3ddental.com/

According to Dr. Brian Novy, the application of fluoride varnish is, hands down, the most significant procedure we can do for our patients. But as with any procedure, there’s a right way—and a wrong way—to apply fluoride varnish. Dr. Novy will shed light on common mistakes that can undermine its effectiveness, a phenomenon he calls the "fluoride bomb." We’ll discuss what can go wrong during application, how to avoid these pitfalls, and what steps you can take to ensure your patients receive the full benefits of this essential preventive treatment. Dr. Brian Novy is a practicing dentist in Boston MA. He is President of the National CAMBRA Coalition, faculty at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences, and consumer representative for the US Food and Drug Administration Dental Products Panel. To can reach Dr Novy at whollymolar.com.

To fully harness the remarkable technology of the intraoral scanner, it’s important for us to understand the clinical best practices that are directly tied to capturing precise digital impressions. This includes scan technique, bur selection, prep design, tissue management and so forth. So today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Chris Pescatore to fill us in on some key clinical techniques that he's learned over the past 30 years. Dr. Pescatore is a general dentist who has been a pioneer in digital dentistry since the early ’90s, and has seen it all when it comes to creating aesthetic restorations. He maintains a full-time practice dedicated exclusively to aesthetic restorative dentistry in Danville, California. Thanks to our episode sponsors: BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/ Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

When should you print in-house dentures, and when is it best to send cases to the lab? We’ll break it all down, exploring the clinical decision-making process, material considerations, and workflow efficiencies. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion on the evolving role of 3D printing in denture fabrication! Our guest is Dr. Russel Schafer. a general dentist in New Orleans, Louisiana who focuses on removable dentures and teaches other dentists how to design and print dentures in their office.

Beyond keeping your patients safe, a solid infection control protocol is also a powerful tool for retaining your top employees. This is especially important in a time when we're all dealing with a shortage of hygienists and dental assistants. So we'll be talking about this as well what to expect from an OSHA inspection and how best to respond to one. Joining us today is Dr. Karson Carpenter, a dentist and CEO and founder of Compliance Training Partners. Thanks to our episode sponsors: GC America - https://www.gc.dental/ NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/

As electric handpieces gain popularity for their torque and cutting efficiency, many dentists feel pressured to make the switch. However, before making that decision, it’s essential to explore the latest advancements that have taken air driven handpieces to a whole new level. In fact, according to our guest, one air-driven handpiece stands out for its ability to cut through zirconia with ease, making it the primary workhorse in his busy prosthodontic practice. To tell us all about it is our guest, Dr. Miles Cone, an educator, speaker and prosthodontist practicing in Yarmouth, Maine.