Brews and Tiny Teeth, The Unfiltered Pediatric Dentistry Podcast

Dive into the world of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) as experts share why pediatric dentists should be wary of buyouts. They debunk five common myths and highlight the importance of practice ownership for long-term success. The discussion touches on the challenges young dentists face and the impact of the Affordable Care Act on independence. Myths surrounding big city practices are challenged, showcasing the benefits of rural dentistry. Plus, learn about the real implications of equity offerings and the future of pediatric dentistry.

Bourbon and Baby Teeth was a blast down in New Orleans this year. If you haven't been... put it on your bucket list. Even though it's always tough to record podcasts at conferences, I was able to pull aside three awesome dentists to have a quick conversation over some bourbon. 1. Dr. Hubert Park talks about pros and cons of doing his scratch start vs his practice acquisition. 2. Dr. Phil Chung talks about extracting permanent teeth with the SOAN, as well as his insane sealants protocol. 3. Dr. Chad Jensen talks about what goes into developing a new product in the dental field, as well as talking about his new Octo-Matrix.

Dr. Marc Soelberg is a pediatric dentist who recently did a scratch start in Post Falls, Idaho. After several years of associating without a partnership offer, Dr. Soelberg decided to open his practice in a growing rural town in northern Idaho. In this episode, we talk all about what opening a practice in 2024 looks like. He shares his challenges with obtaining a loan big enough to cover the cost of an office that's a functional size. We also discuss what marketing strategies worked best to obtain new patients, along with sharing some mistakes he made along the way.

Dr. Reed Faldet, a dynamic dentist turned entrepreneur with an impressive 8-figure commercial real estate portfolio, shares invaluable insights on real estate investments for dental professionals. He explores the evolving commercial real estate market, discussing when to lease versus buy practice space. Faldet sheds light on financing options for those without a hefty down payment and explains the nuances of practice loans. He emphasizes the tax benefits of ownership and depreciation strategies that can significantly lower taxable income, making real estate a powerful asset for dentists.

Dr. Kevin Kennedy is a pediatric dentist and practice owner from Clarksville, Tennessee. He fostered and adopted three kids during his pediatric residency before having biological children of his own. This experience really opened his eyes to the complexities and challenges of kids who have experienced loss, or as Kevin defines it "kids from hard places." Dr. Kennedy shares his story and gives listeners some advice on how to care for these kids and communicate better with their parents.

This episode is all about pediatric dentistry in Canada! I'm joined by four awesome docs: Drs. Sara Werb, Shuran Liang, Nikhil Sharma, and Priya Kothari are all amazing pediatric dentists and each have their own unique experiences that they share with us. Some of the topics we discuss: - What does Canada's administration of dental care look like? Is it similar to Medicaid? - Certain materials that are and aren't allowed in Canada (Bioflx!?) - What does it take to get a dental license in Canada? Are there any residency programs? - What are the challenges to practice ownership, and how are employee rights/benefits different than in the US?

Dr. Donny Qafleshi is a pediatric dentist in Indiana. He comes on to share some of his personal and professional experiences as an immigrant, a dad, and a pediatric dentist. Some of the things we discuss: -Dr. Donny's journey to the United States as a child to escape war - How to know when a practice partnership is the right choice - How many kids a day is a sustainable amount to see without burning out? - Internalizing emotions as a pediatric dentist and a new parent - Working on mindfulness and techniques to prevent work anxiety

Dr. Nick Luke is a pediatric dentist, originally from Iowa but now practicing at a busy office in Wisconsin. Dr. Nick is a big fan of finding creative ways to follow the guidelines and literature while also creating a fun experience for his patients. In this episode, we discuss: - Why Wisconsin is awesome - Hall crown philosophy and techniques - MTA usage in pulpotomies - Caries removal and biofilm control - How being a dad and work-life balance go together

Dr. Jay Leung, a pediatric dentist and owner of The Little Tooth Company Pediatric Dentistry, shares his gripping experience with a Medicaid audit. He discusses the anxiety of receiving an audit letter and the hefty penalties that followed. Dr. Jay highlights the importance of legal assistance and meticulous documentation in defending oneself. He offers valuable tips for his peers on navigating audits, emphasizes the psychological toll of the process, and advocates for community support among dental professionals facing similar challenges.

Dr. Art Nowak has been practicing pediatric dentistry since the mid 1960's, back when there were only seven residency programs. He taught pediatric dentistry at the University of Iowa for almost 50 years, during which he published "Infancy Through Adolescence." This textbook is a staple in our profession, and Dr. Nowak literally "wrote the book" on comprehensive pediatric dentistry. We have a great discussion on how pediatric dentistry has changed through the years. Dr. Nowak expresses his concerns that we have commercialized pediatric dentistry and moved away from focusing on prevention and treating the whole patient. Dr. Nowak continues to stay busy and he is excited to release his newest edition of the textbook sometime next year.