The Very Dental Podcast Network

Alan discusses the significant differences between his intensive, abstinence-based path to recovery in 2002 and the current standards of addiction treatment. Prompted by renewing his DEA license and taking a required CE on opiate prescribing, Alan contrasts his successful, disruptive model (therapy and 12-step programs) with the modern focus on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), such as buprenorphine (Suboxone), and harm reduction. He grapples with his past skepticism of these newer methods but shares a patient's story and discusses the Sinclair Method (using naltrexone for alcohol recovery) which have opened his mind to various effective ways of getting well. Alan invites listeners to discuss these evolving approaches in the Very Dental Facebook group and the smaller, recovery-focused group, Dentists That Don't. Some links from the show: Drink Your Way Sober, by Katie Herzog The Sinclair Method Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Dr. Zach Meiners, a restorative dentist and co-host of the Very Clinical podcast, dives into the exceptional benefits of glass ionomer (GI) materials. He and Alan explore GI's status as a primary restorative, ideal for Class I, III, V restorations, and its forgiving technique, making it perfect for geriatric and pediatric patients. With minimal postoperative sensitivity and a reliable bond, GI proves its worth in core build-ups and crown margin repairs. They also discuss product evolution and practical application techniques, reinforcing GI as a staple for busy restorative dentists.

In this throwback episode Zach and Kevin feature Dr. Bob Convissar, a pioneer in laser dentistry with over 32 years of experience. He's a prolific author, lecturer, and practitioner who began his career after graduating from NYU in 1980 and acquiring a unique, century-old dental practice in New York City The main topic is the ABC's of Laser Dentistry, starting with a critical distinction between true lasers (like CO2​ and Erbium) and devices often called lasers but primarily used as hot glass tips (like diodes). Bob explains that diodes, which can operate at extremely high temperatures (750∘C to 1500∘C), work thermally, creating a burn, while CO2​ and Erbium lasers are absorbed by the water in soft tissue and vaporize it at 100∘C. He emphasizes that the CO2​ laser is the best option for general dentists doing soft tissue work, as it creates a much smaller zone of necrosis (thermal damage) than ElectroSurge or diode lasers, leading to better healing. He also offers a crucial financial perspective, arguing that while a CO2​ laser may have a higher initial purchase price (around $30,000), its lack of expensive disposable tips makes it a more cost-effective long-term investment than a cheaper diode laser (like a Picasso) with high operating expenses (potentially $18,000 in tips per year). For a multi-faceted approach, he recommends dentists invest in a CO2​ laser, a modern air abrasion unit, and a Photobiomodulation (PBM) laser (around $2,000 to $3,000). PBM lasers are purely palliative and can be used for pain management, like treating TMJ issues or for analgesia on deciduous teeth, and for promoting healing after invasive procedures. Finally, Bob stresses that the most crucial factor in laser dentistry is training, advising listeners that any course focusing on only one manufacturer or wavelength is likely a sales pitch, not a comprehensive educational seminar. He promotes his widely used textbook, Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry   Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!      

This episode features host Mohammed Abo-Basha's conversation with his classmate, Garrett Davis. They talked about his experience on a senior year dental externship at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).  Key takeaways: Senior Externship Experience: Guest Garrett discusses his dental externship at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), contrasting it with the slow pace of dental school. Increased Patient Load: He was excited to move to a realistic, faster-paced schedule, seeing approximately eight patients a day (compared to two in school). Biggest Concern: His main apprehension was managing deep caries with less oversight from faculty. Workflow Differences: Garrett appreciated the realistic workflow and the support of competent dental assistants who took over many setup and cleanup tasks. Clinical Growth: He gained significant improvement in speed, confidence, and proficiency, particularly with Removable Partial Denture (RPD) procedures, which were completed in 30 minutes instead of the three hours allotted in school. Board Exam Advice: Garrett shared advice for the INBDE and OSCE, recommending using a study plan like Bootcamp, focusing on practice questions, and scheduling the two exams close together. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!      

It isn't very often that I get to interview a legend, but this episode is one of those. I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Joe Massad who has been educating dentists about removable prosthodontics for decades. Last weekend Joe lectured to the Francis B. Vedder Society at their fall meeting up in northwestern Michigan and he didn't disappoint. I had a chance to sit down and talk to Joe about the concepts he was teaching and how he learned them.  Joe discussed techniques such as the neutral zone concept, cameograms and gothic arch tracing. He emphasizes the importance of accurate records, patient involvement in the process, and the need for lab precision. He also touched on his innovative approaches to digital dentistry and the benefits of offering patients secondary dentures. This insightful conversation offers valuable takeaways for any dental professional looking to excel in removable prosthodontics. Some links from the show: Vedder Society Massad Tray website  Joe's textbook on the neutral zone Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Alan reflects on the value of specialization in dentistry after attending a meeting where he saw a presentation by Dr. Joe Massad, a renowned specialist in removable prosthodontics. Alan discusses how Dr. Massad's focused expertise allows for a streamlined, efficient practice and attracts a specific type of patient, leading to greater predictability and success in treatment. Alan contrasts this with the challenges of being a general dentist who performs a wide range of procedures, highlighting how a lack of specialization can make it difficult to gain mastery and efficiency in specific areas. A dentist, who hones in on a specific niche can gain significant advantages through focused expertise, efficient systems, and the ability to attract patients who are already committed to a particular type of treatment. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Host Mohamed Abo-Basha provides a solo update on his fourth year of dental school. He discusses his busy schedule, which includes studying for the new Integrated National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). He also shares his experiences with classes, including a senior seminar paper and presentation on Guided Biofilm Therapy, and a practice management course. He mentions his progress in clinical requirements, particularly in endo and removable prosthodontics, and a goal of completing four more quads of SRP. Finally, he looks ahead to upcoming challenges, including the ADEX clinical exam, externships, and his search for an associateship position. Some links from the show: Guided Biofilm Therapy Dental Decks DAT Bootcamp Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!    

Alan welcomes back Dr. Dawn Grimes to talk about burnout. Lately it seems like social media can't stop talking about it and they both have some things to say about it! They define burnout as emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress, arguing it's not unique to dentistry. Dawn asserts that a poor relationship with stress, a lack of resilience, and unrealistic expectations—often fueled by social media—are the real causes. They suggest that instead of quitting or hiring a coach, dentists should reframe their perspective, manage expectations, and take practical steps to improve their lives both in and out of the office. Key Takeaways Burnout is real, but it's not unique to dentistry. It’s the result of prolonged, unmanaged stress from any demanding part of life or work. Social media can worsen burnout. The algorithm feeds you more of what you look at, so lingering on videos about burnout can make you feel worse. The constant comparison to a curated, glamorous online presence creates unrealistic expectations for your own life and career. A "coach" may not be the answer. The hosts question the credibility of coaches who no longer practice clinical dentistry, suggesting that their advice may be disconnected from the day-to-day realities of the job. The only thing you can change is yourself. Rather than trying to change your job or circumstances, you should focus on changing your reactions to problems. This is a core part of developing resilience, which allows you to let go of negative experiences and start over. Rumination makes things worse. Dwelling on past mistakes or bad days (internal rumination) or consuming content about burnout (external rumination) reinforces negativity and prevents you from moving forward Meditation is a powerful tool. It helps you train your brain to let go of unhelpful thoughts and focus on the present moment, which is the key to building resilience and managing stress. Maintain perspective. Remember that dentistry is a well-paying profession and many other jobs are physically and emotionally harder. Accepting that life and work are often challenging is the first step toward finding peace. You have control. You can manage your social media algorithm by engaging with positive content like dog videos, mountain bike content or clips of cooking very tiny food! Like and highlight the things that are joyful and light on social media and the algorithm will do the rest.  Some links from the show: Real Happiness at Work, by Sharon Salzburg The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz How to Avoid Burnout with Dr. Frank Spear AME: 5 Things You Can Do to Fight Burnout Dental Hacks Extra: The Burnout Bonus Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

This throwback episode of the Very Clinical podcast features hosts Zach and Kevin discussing the value of continuing education (CE) with special guests Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Tim Anderson! They share amusing anecdotes about their worst CE experiences, including a condescending lecturer and courses that didn't deliver on their promises. The conversation then shifts to a more positive outlook, focusing on modern dental practices. Dr. Elliott, a sleep apnea expert, and Dr. Anderson, a 3D printing specialist, highlight the importance of team-driven growth and how live, interactive courses are essential for successful implementation and patient care. They also touch on the growing public awareness of sleep issues and the political challenges dentists face in treating sleep apnea. The episode wraps up with a nod to their upcoming courses and the importance of professional development and collaboration. Some links from the show: 3D Dentists Voices of Dentistry Join the Very Clinical Facebook group! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Alan reflects on his 27 years in dentistry, revealing how his past struggles with addiction and a conservative approach to treatment planning have impacted his practice. He admits he often defaults to a "watch-and-wait" approach in gray-area cases, feeling a need to save patients money or fearing they will say no to treatment. He worries this may lead to more complex and expensive procedures down the road, benefiting neither the patient nor his business. Alan challenges himself to be more assertive in presenting a full range of treatment options, allowing patients to make their own decisions. He believes this shift is crucial for both his professional growth and the long-term well-being of his patients. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!