Academy of General Dentistry

AGD Podcast Series Host Wes Blakeslee, DMD, FAGD, talks with dental coding expert Greg Grobmyer, DDS, discuss coding strategies, updates for 2022 and 2023, documentation practices, and opportunities for managing insufficient documentation. Dr. Grobmyer is currently the Chief Editor of Dr. Charles Blair’s Dental Coding with Confidence book and Practice Booster’s Insurance Solutions Newsletter, a contributing editor to the Dental Administration with Confidence, Dental Technology with Confidence, and Dental Documentation with Confidence books, a course creator and lecturer for DentalZing.com, a Revenue Enhancement Program Specialist, and host of The Dental Code Advisor Podcast.

Most patients trust that their dentist is competent in the prosthetic restoration of their teeth, but also believe they have less concern relating to the final color match. Understanding the various aspects often overlooked in the process of color selection, is a critical factor for case acceptance. Beyond the fundamental photographic and color-shade selection skills needed, color-selectors need to be well trained in identifying bias, body language and how the words they use and hear may be perceived. Equally important is the ability to listen and communicate effectively, to establish a realistic expectation or outcome. Robert Ingrassio, CDT, founder of Design for Perfection, a collaboration in dental artistry, provides an overview of his philosophy within the color selection arena, acquired over decades of hands-on experience with color and the selection process. Robert spends most of his time training and coaching new dental professionals in technical procedures, not often taught in dental schools.

AGD Podcast Series host Wes Blakeslee, DMD, FAGD, talks with dental marketing expert Scott Spencer ways to move the needle in the digital marketing effort. He describes specific opportunities to boost your online presence and be more responsive to current and potential patients. Spencer is a website marketing expert. In 2015, he established his own boutique dental marketing agency called Dental Growth Solutions. With more than a decade of experience in the dental industry and an abundance of knowledge regarding online marketing resources for dentists, Spencer has assisted all types of dental professionals with growing their dental practices using customized marketing strategies. Scott looks forward to continuing to work with dental consultants and dental practices around the country in a consultative manner to ensure they have all the tools necessary to increase their customer base. Listen now

The April podcast features oral cancer survivor Gloria Cancellieri, a patient of AGD Podcast Series host Dr. Wes Blakeslee. In 2020, Cancellieri was diagnosed with oral cancer during a regular screening in Dr. Blakeslee’s office. She describes the benefits of working closely with her dental care team to ensure her cancer was treated quickly. As a result of early diagnosis, her cancer has been successfully treated. A former janitorial services company owner and nurse, she is now retired.

Dentistry expert Stephanie Tilley discusses the benefits of stem cells in oral health, including their role in tissue repair, immune modulation, and treating peri-implantitis. She shares personal experiences with stem cell therapy for immune support and highlights the potential of stem cells in regenerative dentistry.

AGD Podcast host Wes Blakeslee, DMD, FAGD, talks with Richard Madow, DDS, this month about important considerations for moving your practice forward. Madow outlines smart steps members should take to improve the experience for current patients and help recruit new patients.

The October podcast features Ben Miraglia, DDS. He and AGD Podcast series host Wes Blakeslee, DMD, FAGD, discuss sleep disorders and breathing and how general dentist ca n address these issues. In the podcast they discuss why so many children present with malocclusion and adults suffering from sleep apnea. Miraglia provides tips to help general dentists support their patients with these issues.

This month's podcast features John Molinari, PhD., professor emeritus at the University of Detroit Mercy and an expert on infection control in dentistry. Molinari and AGD Podcast Series host Wes Blakeslee, DDS, FAGD, discuss vaccine properties, required standards for testing and follow-up, COVID-19 vaccinations, booster shots and more. John A. Molinari, Ph.D. earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh and subsequently worked as a faculty member in the School of Dental Medicine. He is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he served for 32 years in the School of Dentistry as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Director of Infection Control. Later, he was Infection Control Director for DENTAL ADVISOR. He has published over 500 scientific articles, text chapters, and abstracts in the areas of microbiology and immunology, and lectures nationally and internationally on topics dealing with infectious diseases and infection control. He has also been a consultant for the CDC, ADA, and regional hospitals. Listen to the interview now.

AGD Podcast host Dr. Blakeslee interviews Charles Whitney, MD, a national leader in the concierge/DPC movement since 2007 and founder of Revolutionary Health services. Dr. Whitney talks about transformation patients experience when a medical team integrates improve oral care as part of their overall care. Dr. Whitney is double board certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He served 7 years as an Air Force physician and 6 years in the University of Pennsylvania Health System before establishing RHS in 2004. He has enjoyed volunteering his time as team physician of New Hope/Solebury High School, coaching youth sports, and as a volunteer physician at the Bucks County Health Improvement Project (BCHIP). Listen to the podcast now.

AGD Podcast Series host Wes Blakelee, DMD, MAGD, talks with Setareh Lavasani, DDS, MS, FGDIA, a Board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist. During the podcast, they discuss 3-D imaging and what general dentists need to know. Dr. Lavasani is a Board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist. She is a full time associate professor and director of Oral Radiology and Advanced Imaging at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine in Pomona, California. She received her specialty certificate and master’s degree in Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Lavasani is a 2019 honoree of the of Americas’ best dental specialists under 40 called “40 under 40” and the international elite group of "Leading Ladies in Dentistry". She has presented lectures and hands on courses in more than 100 national and International scientific meetings and is a frequent presenter at the California Dental Association (CDA), and UCLA School of Dentistry AEGD residency program. Dr. Lavasani has been invited to contribute to present lectures, mini residencies, and hands on CBCT courses at the American Dental Association annual meetings, Harvard, UPenn, UOP, UCSF, Loma Linda, UT San Antonio, and Loyola University schools of Dentistry. Dr. Lavasani is the co-author of multiple textbook chapters including the first interactive digital Oral Radiology textbook; “Fundamentals of Oral Radiology” which is available in iBooks. She is a member of board of directors at the Global Dental Implant Academy (GDIA) an Associate editor for the Journal of The Lebanese Dental Association (JLDA) and a distinguished reviewer for the OOOO (Quad O) journal. She is an active member of multiple standing committees at the American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, Organizing committee at AAOMR, America’s Dental Educator’s Association (ADEA) and the incoming 2022 member of Board of Directors at the Tri-County dental society in Los Angeles, CA. www.slavasanidds.com, @slavasanidds.