The Very Dental Podcast Network

Alan is once again joined by Dr. Matt Standridge. The episode was recorded live at a Voices of Dentistry event following Matt's presentation on "Simplified Smile Design." Matt and Alan explore how a person becomes an expert, from their beginnings on forums like Dentaltown to Matt's current role as an industry educator. They discuss the difference between genuine experience and the illusion of expertise created by social media, and how both can impact the way dentists learn. Matt shares valuable lessons learned from his own journey, including the importance of setting boundaries and the value of detaching from the stress of a clinical practice. He also opens up about his recent decision to sell his practice and what it's like to transition from an owner to an associate. Some links from the show: Voices of Dentistry Matt's website with all his course info Matt's "Clear Aligner Therapy" course at 3D Dentists The AOS Clear Aligner Bootcamp Matt's Instagram   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!

In this episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin chat with guest Dr. Allie Frounfelter about digital dentistry and the process of creating "trial smiles." Allie, a self-proclaimed "trial smile queen," details the steps of designing, 3D printing, and fitting a temporary smile for patients so they can preview their results before committing to treatment. She explains the benefits of this modern approach, including improved patient confidence and better-fitting temporary restorations, which leads to healthier gums. Allie also discusses the shift in dentistry toward more fulfilling, life-changing procedures and shares that even if she won the lottery, she would continue doing this kind of work.  The conversation concludes with a discussion about the essential tools needed to implement this process, emphasizing that a 3D printer is the most crucial piece of equipment for a dentist to own. Some links from the show: Roe Dental Lab: For dentists looking to outsource the design and printing of Trial Smiles. 3D Dentists: To learn more about Dr. Frounfelter's Trial Smile class and other dental continuing education courses. Dr. Allie Frounfelter's Instagram: A great resource to see examples of her dentistry and patient reactions to their Trial Smiles. 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 shares his frustrating experience with AT&T's poor customer service after his office's phones went down. The ordeal leads him to develop a theory about the inverse relationship between demand for a service and the need for excellent customer service. He explains that businesses like AT&T, which provide essential services with high demand and low-elasticity, can get away with poor service because it's difficult for customers to switch. On the other hand, professions like dentistry, which operate in a more competitive market, must provide great service to retain patients. Al's negative experience with AT&T highlighted the importance of treating his patients well, especially since they have other options. He emphasizes that providing excellent customer service isn't just a business strategy; it's the right thing to do. 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!

Alan brings together Dr. Lance Timmerman and Dr. Brady Smith for a lunch conversation at VoD Lite 2025. The trio discuss the unique, small-scale nature of the event, which was planned just three weeks beforehand and features a food truck instead of a hotel's expensive catering. Lance and Brady talk about their professional lives, including their pride in their respective hometowns' (Seattle and Portland) high poop-on-the-streets-per-capita and their mutual surprise at the high cost of a hard-boiled egg at hotels. They also delve into their unconventional dental practice models, with Lance discussing his use of the EMS Guided Biofilm machine and Brady explaining his two-day, 32-hour work week and his decision not to hire a hygienist. Their conversation also touches on Brady's side career as a stand-up comedian and the challenges he faces, from dealing with angry hygienists who file board complaints against him to navigating the complex and expensive world of venue rentals. Some links from the show: EMS Guided Biofilm protocol Voices of Dentistry Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Gary," "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!

Zach and Kevin welcome Dr. Allie Frounfelter to discuss her innovative approach to cosmetic dentistry using Trial Smiles. Dr. Frounfelter shares her journey from a high-volume "bread and butter" dental practice to a more balanced and fulfilling one, emphasizing the importance of slowing down to speed up. The episode details the step-by-step process of creating and using a 3D-printed resin shell, or Trial Smile, to help patients visualize their potential new smile. Dr. Frounfelter also highlights the importance of incorporating the entire dental team in the process and discusses how this patient-centered approach, along with the right technology and systems, has transformed her practice. Key Takeaways Invest in Digital Technology: Dr. Frounfelter and her husband significantly transformed their practice by investing in digital tools, including a CBCT, intraoral scanner, and 3D printer. They initially sought a CBCT but came back from a conference with a full suite of digital tools. The Trial Smile Process: A Trial Smile is a thin, 3D-printed resin shell that fits over a patient's natural teeth, allowing them to try on a new smile. This is a crucial step in cosmetic dentistry consultations as it offers a tangible "try before you buy" experience. Difference from Traditional Wax-ups: Unlike a traditional bis-acryl wax-up, a Trial Smile is easily placed and removed, making it repeatable and mess-free. This allows patients to get a clear and instant before-and-after comparison. Team Involvement is Crucial: Allie stresses the importance of training and involving the entire team in the new workflow. Her clinical director, Brandon, handles the initial patient conversation, photos, and records, while a dental assistant, Emma, designs the smiles using specialized software like Exocad. Slowing Down to Speed Up: By implementing new systems and focusing on comprehensive cases, Allie and Adam were able to move away from a high-volume model that led to burnout. They now see fewer patients but generate more revenue from cosmetic and full-mouth cases. Outsourcing Options: If a practice lacks the necessary design software or a 3D printer, they can partner with a dental lab like Roe Dental Lab, which offers a cosmetic design service to create and even print the Trial Smile for them. Some links from the show: Roe Dental Lab: For dentists looking to outsource the design and printing of Trial Smiles. 3D Dentists: To learn more about Dr. Frounfelter's Trial Smile class and other dental continuing education courses. Dr. Allie Frounfelter's Instagram: A great resource to see examples of her dentistry and patient reactions to their Trial Smiles. 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 argues that dental sealants should be treated more like restorations rather than simple preventive measures. He critiques the common practice of placing sealants without preparing the tooth, which he believes can lead to failure and hidden decay. Instead, he details his own protocol, which involves using a bur to open up and clean out the deep grooves of the tooth, often discovering stain, decalcification or even decay. He then fills these prepped grooves with a glass ionomer material. Alan asserts that this more involved approach results in a highly durable, decay-resistant solution that he feels far more confident in than traditional sealants. Some links from the show: Fuji IX Microcopy Pit and Fissure bur Microcopy "small pear" Microcopy fine egg finisher Microcopy very fine egg finisher Ultradent Permaseal 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!

Alan welcomes his friend Adam McWethy back to the Very Dental podcast! Recorded in person at the 2025 Voices of Dentistry pop up event in Arizona, Adam drops in to talk about his new company, The Leadership Thread.  The Leadership Thread works with specialist practices to achieve growth and life balance by taking control of their careers. Adam and Al explored how AI is poised to change the way dentists handle a variety of tasks, from documenting treatment to managing patient relationships. Adam discussed several ways that AI can dramatically reduce the time specialists spend writing referral letters and charting. He mentioned a new AI-powered platform that automates these tasks, giving providers hours of their week back. Alan discussed his experience that even with minimal training, AI can generate detailed, persuasive narratives to help justify treatment to insurance companies, a common pain point for general dentists. The conversation highlighted that AI in dentistry is quickly moving from a novel concept to a standard tool. Just as features like anti-lock brakes were once a luxury add-on in cars and are now standard, AI-driven solutions are becoming a core part of dental practice management, improving efficiency and communication across all dental specialties. Some links from the show: Voices of Dentistry The Leadership Thread 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!

Dive into the thrilling debate over Invisalign's value as Dr. Craig Harder challenges the myth of its worth for dentists, particularly for low-volume providers. Kevin, the high-volume advocate, counters by highlighting Invisalign's powerful marketing advantages. They also compare user experiences between different clear aligner companies. Plus, discover essential insights on using Vivera retainers post-therapy and a humorous take on podcasting tech! It's a lively exchange packed with dental wisdom and playful banter.

Alan shares his favorite verbal phrases that have improved his patient interactions over his 28-year career. He emphasizes the importance of building rapport and setting patient expectations to create a smoother, more enjoyable practice. Alan discusses how these simple word choices help him diagnose problems, manage treatment compromises, and handle post-op concerns, all while fostering trust and a human connection with his patients. Some of Al's Favorite Words: "Can you say more about that?" This phrase encourages patients to elaborate on their symptoms, often unlocking a more accurate diagnosis. It prompts them to think more deeply about their sensations, which is especially useful when a problem isn't visually apparent. "Are you going to be mad at me if...?" Used when a patient is considering a compromised or less-than-ideal treatment, this phrase invites them to contemplate a potential negative outcome. It shifts the responsibility for informed consent from a formal, authoritative one to a human, conversational one. "Julie is going to explain this to you in English." Dr. Mead uses this line when handing off a patient to a dental assistant or hygienist. It humorously acknowledges that dentists often use technical jargon and signals to the patient that a clearer, more accessible explanation is coming from the other team member. "We're here if you need us." This phrase is used for patients who have perfect checkups or don't require extensive treatment. It reassures them that they are still valued and that the practice is available for any future concerns, fostering a sense of long-term care and trust. "This is going to be sensitive for a couple days." When delivering a new crown or performing other procedures, setting the expectation of post-operative discomfort helps patients mentally prepare. It reduces the number of post-op calls and gives patients "grace" to experience normal sensitivity without alarm. "Are you okay if we wait to see what happens?" Used after cementing a crown while a patient is still numb, this asks for their consent to check the bite again once the anesthesia has worn off. It acknowledges that they can't accurately feel the bite while numb and gives them control over their final comfort. "You're going to be numb for a couple of hours." Dr. Mead uses this to manage a patient's expectations about how long the numbness will last. By saying "a couple of hours," he gives them a realistic timeframe, and if it lasts longer, they are less likely to be surprised or concerned. 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. Russell Schafer, Dr. Randy Houska, and Dr. Brian McGue join Alan for a pre-conference discussion at the Voices of Dentistry Lite event in Arizona. They explore the different options for dentists to expand their practices. Brian, a general dentist who also does (and teaches) sedation, believes that sedation is the best for return on investment, but implants are essential because of the learning curve and the way they expand a dentist's mindset. Randy, who added implants to his practice 25 years in, agrees and says he wished he had added them sooner. Russell explains that his patient base limits the amount of implants he can place and that doing general dentistry like fillings and crowns is still a very profitable business. The episode ends with the dentists discussing the value of taking online CE courses and starting with simple procedures before committing to expensive education or equipment. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Gary," "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!