

The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan Mead
The Very Dental Podcast network brings you entertaining and relevant conversations with visionaries, clinicians and your friends in the dental space.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 31, 2024 • 45min
Very Dental: Dr. John Burgess was One of the Great Ones!
This throwback episode features Dr. John Burgess. I heard of his recent passing and thought it would be very appropriate to replay a spectacular interview I was privileged to have with him back in 2022. Do you have advice that you've heard that you use on almost every single procedure? I do. And it came from today's guest, Dr. John Burgess. Dr. Burgess is the assistant Dean for Clinical Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham as well as Director of the Graduate Biomaterials Program and was recently featured on the main stage at the Spear Summit 2022. But I heard John at the Spring Vedder society meeting some years back and some of the things he said have stayed with me to this day. It was a true pleasure to get to talk with John about what he does, how materials research should be done and how dentists can be better at understanding materials. How does someone get in to biomaterials research? Clinical research at LSU How to find unbiased information...how do we evaluate literature? Is the research measuring what they think it's measuring? Bevels on posterior composites? How do we test this? (spoiler alert: don't bevel occlusal margins) The best material is "abuse tolerant." How do patients get screened for clinical research? NCCLs (noncarious cervical lesions) and the controversy surrounding them New chemistry Read the instructions more often than you think you should! "Dentists don't read" Manufacturers take their instructions very seriously...you should, too. Burgess on zirconia Designing research equipment on a napkin Zirconia is very kind to the opposing when polished Cementing zirconia crowns Cement removal...he REALLY likes Panavia SA Universal Polish vs. glaze on zirconia (glaze facial on premolars) The power of a credible speaker and disclosure of honoraria Some links from the show: Dr. John Burgess' website Spear Practice Solutions Panavia SA Universal Axis by Kerr zirconia polishers 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!

May 28, 2024 • 29min
Very Clinical: We've Changed Our Minds About Clinical Stuff
If you've been practicing dentistry for awhile, you've probably changed your mind about some stuff. Today's episode starts an interesting series for Zach and Kevin where they talk to some experienced dentists about what things they've changed their mind about over the years. Today's episode features a discussion with Al about some things we've changed our minds about clinically! Al has changed his mind about where to place margins. Now, he aims for equigingival margins vs. below the gingiva. Kevin changed his mind about specialty procedures for general dentists (implants, ortho, sleep, etc.) Kevin changed his mind about how soon to get a CBCT (seeing things in 3D). Zach changed his mind about sectioning teeth (he does it much sooner). "Atraumatic extractions start with the handpiece." Al has changed his mind about how soon he goes to an indirect restoration (go to indirect sooner). Zach changed his mind about digital dentistry. Become a member of the Very Clinical Facebook group! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," 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!

May 27, 2024 • 24min
AME: Upgrades
Are there things you can do to make the day to day dental grind a little bit more fun? A little bit less of a grind? Would that make your day a little better? I think yes! Al discusses how adding "upgrades" to your day to day dentistry is good for your mental health and doesn't have to cost a bunch of $$$. Some links from the show: Berman Instruments rubber dam retainers Septodont Paroject from Crazy Dental (use coupon "VERYDENTAL10" for 10% off! Intraoral scanners from CAD-Ray CBCT's from CAD-Ray 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!

May 24, 2024 • 48min
Very Dental: Hygiene Dollars vs. Doctor Dollars with Amy Morgan
In today's throwback episode, Alan welcomes back Amy Morgan, the VP of Practice Growth Strategies for Spear Education. Way back in September of 2022, Al had the chance to talk with Amy about dental hygiene, bouncing back from COVID and a whole lot of other stuff. This episode has so much good stuff in it that I thought it was time to offer it back up! "...a hygiene dollar, even in the best of times, has at best a 15-20% profit margin. A doctor dollar has up to 60%..." -Amy Morgan Amy Morgan will give you 52% clinical excellence. But she wants 48% for business excellence! Amy joined Spear in 2018 as Vice President of Consulting Strategy. For more than 25 years as a She's been a consultant and trainer for more than 25 years and is the former CEO of Pride Institute. Some of the topics they covered include: How did Spear quickly retool for the COVID crisis? Is she over Zoom? Once the "fight or flight" crisis was over, what did Amy and Spear Education learn? "The Great Hygiene Migration" What's the strategy for the lack of hygienists? (spoiler: you can't wish for something that's not there) Healthy patients vs. less healthy patients Doctors should NOT be doing hygiene Embrace your inner hypochondriac What do you do for COVID no-shows? (RFR..."reason for return") Having patient sign their financial commitments ("we hold this spot for YOU") "Lost time fee" vs. "missed appointment fee" (you can have that one for free!) "It's OK to not like people" Paying your team well is important, but you need to know how to do it right. "Don't chase behaviors but question beliefs" How does a team member show their value objectively? Variable component of pay: quarterly bonuses paid out over a quarter A very fat pitch for Spear Practice Solutions! A specific hygiene formula: hygiene wages should range 30-40% of their production Some links from the show: Spear Education Spear Practice Solutions Spear Online Go get your ticket and your room for Voices of Dentistry 2023! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," "McWethy" 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!

May 21, 2024 • 37min
Very Clinical: How to Be Good at Saying Things
This throwback episode features Kevin and Zach expanding on the idea of improving your verbal skills! Some links from the show: Isodam Become a member of the Very Clinical Facebook group! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," 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!

May 20, 2024 • 29min
AME: Am I a Horrible Clinician?
Al discusses an amazing Facebook group thread about what to do when you feel like you're doing an awful job. Inspired by a recent bad outcome, Al has a GREAT story that's going to make you feel better about your clinical abilities! Some links from the show: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells Ivoclar Adhese Universal Pen (get it at Crazy Dental using coupon VERYDENTAL10 and save 10%!) 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!

May 17, 2024 • 55min
Very Dental: Understanding Visual Learners with Dr. Ash Mark
Al is joined by Youtube sensation, Dr. Ash Mark! Ash has joined the Very Clinical crew many times but this is the first time Al sat down to talk dentistry. On being a hockey dad How the Youtube channel started All Things Dentistry is like dental school on Youtube Driving a minivan vs. a race car Lots of mistakes = lots of practice = a gift Ash feels no pressure to put out video content Two content creators talking about the process Two reasons for a microscope (he was voluntold in residency) Does Ash record everything? Real dentistry vs. Instagram dentistry People don't want to have dentistry done (efficient...don't waste your patient's time) Profound anesthesia required Is endo the most "given up" procedure? Hard to dabble. Stress test your endo files on extracted teeth! Extracted teeth are harder to come by due to ridge preservation The pros and cons of Youtube Some links from the show: All Things Dentistry website All Things Dentistry Youtube channel 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!

May 14, 2024 • 38min
Very Clinical: It's About Movement with Dr. Jessica Merhar
Zach and Kevin welcome back Dr. Jessica Merhar to talk about preventing and dealing with the pain that comes with our job! Core strength is great, but our pain has more to do with movement Strong muscles can handle forces better than weak muscles You don't need a LOT of exercises. You need effective exercises that you will do! Use a sauna What Kevin is doing What Zach is doing Lift heavy! Some links from the show: Outlive by Peter Attia McKenzie Method website Roman Chair Treat Your Own Back Become a member of the Very Clinical Facebook group! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," 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!

May 13, 2024 • 50min
Very Dental Student: Dr. Andrew Clingan on Early Practice Ownership
Mohammed is joined by Dr. Andrew Clingan, a 2023 grad of UAB and a practice owner right out of school! Mohammed and Andrew discussed Andrew's dental school experience moving directly into practice ownership. Andrew has had an entrepreneurial streak all through school and he interned with the Shared Practices crew in dental school. Who is a good candidate for early practice ownership? If at all possible, know what you want as a new grad Mailers and off market practices Practice acquisition philosophy Finding the diamond in the rough Transitioning from the "old guy" to the "new guy." Attrition expectations (patients and team) Financing as a new grad Would he do it again? Some links from the show: Shared Practices Andrew's practice website 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!

May 10, 2024 • 22min
Very Dental: The Intraoral Scanner to Beat with Justin Lee
Back at the Chicago Midwinter Al talked with Justin Lee of 3Shape. Trios used to be "the $50,000 scanner" Trios 5 is wireless and retail priced at $26k or so New AI software makes scanning nearly idiotproof Using a wireless scanner on Wifi! AI design software! Some links from the show: 3Shape Buy 3Shape from CAD-Ray! Splashtop Justin on LinkedIn 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!