The Very Dental Podcast Network

In this throwback episode, Kevin and Zach are joined by Dr. Nate Lawson to discuss the ins and outs of resin infiltration! They delve into the history of resin infiltration (specifically the Icon system by DMG), its clinical applications, predictability, limitations, and how to achieve optimal results. Dr. Lawson also shares insights from his own clinical experience and discusses his upcoming continuing education course on resin infiltration. Key Takeaways: What is Resin Infiltration? A minimally invasive technique used to arrest the progression of early caries and improve the appearance of white spot lesions (and sometimes fluorosis or other enamel defects). It involves etching the enamel, drying the area, and infiltrating it with a low-viscosity resin. Advantages: Conservative, can halt caries progression, improves aesthetics, can be used on various types of enamel defects. Disadvantages: Unpredictable outcomes, time-consuming procedure, can be expensive for single-tooth applications, results may not be visible radiographically. Case Selection is Key: Ideal candidates include patients with white spot lesions following orthodontic treatment. Deeper lesions or those with significant staining may not respond as well. Tips for Success: Multiple etching cycles can improve results. Managing patient expectations is crucial, as results may not always be perfect. Long-term Results: Limited data exists on long-term outcomes beyond a few years, but the conservative nature of the treatment minimizes potential harm. Continuing Education: Dr. Lawson offers a course on resin infiltration through UAB Continuing Education. The course focuses on case selection, clinical techniques, and achieving predictable outcomes. Links and Resources: Zirc Dental Products UAB Continuing Education Dr. Nate Lawson on Instagram ICON by DMG Very Clinical Facebook group Links from Our Sponsor Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization. The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence.  Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA  Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call  Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc’s solutions today: zirc.com  

Alan explores the concept of "automaticity" - the things we do without thinking. He discusses the pros and cons of this autopilot mode, drawing on examples from dentistry, daily commutes, and social media habits. He encourages listeners to be mindful of their automatic behaviors and make conscious choices to break unhealthy patterns. Key Takeaways: Efficiency vs. Mindlessness: Automaticity can be efficient, like in established dental routines, but also lead to mindless, unhealthy habits like emotional eating or excessive social media use. Intentionality is Key: Be aware of your automatic actions and assess if they're serving you well. Breaking Bad Habits: Consciously interrupt automatic behaviors and replace them with healthier choices. Tools like website blockers or the "Brick" device can help. Social Media Habits: Alan challenges listeners to examine their social media use and consider strategies to break free from automatic scrolling. Some links from the show: Zirc Dental Products Color Method

Alan interviews Dr. Thom Caspers, a former Seattle-area dentist who now teaches at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Arizona. They discuss the early days of Dentaltown, the transition from private practice to academia, and the unique aspects of Midwestern's dental program, including its focus on the private practice model and comprehensive patient care. They also delve into the challenges and opportunities facing dental students today, including the impact of social media, rising tuition costs, and the evolving landscape of dental technology. Key Takeaways: Dentaltown's Influence: Dentaltown played a crucial role in shaping Thom and Alan's careers and connecting them with other dentists.  Midwestern's Unique Model: Midwestern's dental program stands out for its private practice model, where students work in suites with experienced faculty, providing comprehensive care to patients. This approach fosters continuity of care, mentorship, and real-world experience. Competency-Based Education: Midwestern emphasizes competency-based education. This contrasts with traditional dental schools that often rely on a set number of procedures. Financial Realities: Dental students today face significant financial burdens due to rising tuition costs. While Midwestern offers some opportunities for loan forgiveness, many students are drawn to DSOs for their financial incentives. Social Media's Impact: Social media presents both challenges and opportunities for dental students. While it can provide valuable information and connections, it can also contribute to anxiety and unrealistic expectations. Technology in Dental Education: Midwestern embraces technology, offering students access to CAD/CAM systems for same-day dentistry, but significantly less emphasis on traditional lab work. The Changing Student: Thom observes that today's dental students are different from previous generations, with higher levels of anxiety and a preference for technology-driven learning. Some links from the show: Zirc Dental Products Color Method Midwestern University School of Dentistry 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!  

Kevin and Zach welcome back Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Gary Holtzclaw to share their predictions for 2025, holiday traditions, and dream guests they'd love to have on the show. The conversation covers topics such as advances in dental technology, personal goals, and the importance of grip strength. The hosts share their aspirations for future podcast guests, including comedians and musicians, while reflecting on their professional and personal plans for the coming years. Key Takeaways: Dream Guests: The guys share their ultimate podcast guest wish lists, ranging from the attainable to the wildly ambitious. 2025 Predictions: Hear what Gary, Aaron, Kevin, and Zach have planned for the new year, including practice updates, personal goals, and travel aspirations. Staffing Challenges: Zach and Kevin discuss the challenges of staffing and the impact of losing key team members. Technology in Dentistry: Aaron and Kevin talk about embracing new technology like Overjet AI and intraoral scanners, while also expressing reservations about jumping on the fixed hybrid denture trend. Grip Strength: A surprisingly passionate discussion about the importance of grip strength for longevity and overall health. The Future of Very Clinical: Hints at potential changes and new directions for the podcast, including a possible "Very Grippy" spin-off. 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 reflects on the holiday season, canceled plans, and the importance of human connection. He dives deep into his personal journey with recovery and announces the launch of a new Facebook group, "Dentists That Don't," a supportive space for dental professionals exploring sobriety and their relationship with substances. Some links from the show: Dentists That Don't Facebook page 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 frequent guest and co-host Dr. Matt Standridge back to Very Dental. They dive into the evolving landscape of dental practice ownership, comparing traditional solo practices with the increasing prevalence of DSOs. The conversation explores the current incentives and hurdles for new dentists, the impact of rising dental school debt, and the practical aspects of introducing advanced procedures like aligner therapy and all-on-X implants into general practices.  They also touch on the phenomenon of influencer culture in dentistry and its implications. Mostly they just laugh about our absurd profession and how it continues to change.   Key Takeaways: Private practice ownership is becoming increasingly challenging due to factors like rising costs, insurance reimbursements, and patient expectations. The "one doctor, one owner" model may become less common, with more practices incorporating associates or transitioning to alternative models. Many young dentists are less driven by ownership and more interested in alternative career paths, including becoming a dental influencer. Overuse of all-on-X procedures is a concern, with potential for complications and ethical considerations. Orthodontic training, particularly with aligners, offers a high ROI and can improve overall dental skills. "Bread and butter" dentistry still has value and shouldn't be dismissed. Beware of "style over substance" in dentistry, particularly when it comes to advanced procedures. Mentorship (or "coaching") can be valuable, but find trusted sources.   Some links from the show: Matt's Instagram Matt's 3D Dentists bio/info 3D Dentists American Orthodontic Society CandidPro Aligners Episode Index: 01:24 Tom Hanks: The Yelling Actor 04:25 The Reality of Multiple Practices 09:53 The Future of Dental Practice Ownership 18:13 The Rise of Dental Influencers 22:25 Patient Preferences and Overuse of Procedures 30:38 Orthodontics as a Gateway to Advanced Dentistry 33:28 The Evolution of Dental Training and Technology 36:45 The Financial and Professional Pressures in Dentistry 38:49 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching in Dentistry 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!  

In this episode of Very Clinical, Zach and Kevin are joined by guests Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Gary Holtzclaw to discuss their favorite moments from the past year. The crew reflects on significant events in their personal and professional lives, including challenges with heavy snowfalls, adding new technology to their practices, navigating staff changes, and memorable vacations. They also share insights on office management, patient care, and their love for live learning. The episode concludes with a teaser for next week's podcast where they will make predictions for 2025. 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!  

In this throwback episode of the Very Dental Student Podcast, host Mohamed Abo-Basha is joined by recent graduate (at the time) Dr. Kurren Virk!  Dr. Virk shares his experiences from dental school at Midwestern University, his advanced residency at the University of Oklahoma, and his extensive continuing education pursuits. The conversation covers Dr. Virk’s motivations for choosing dentistry, the unique clinical opportunities at Midwestern, and the advanced cases he handled during his AGD residency. The episode also touches on Dr. Virk’s approach to selecting a residency program and his ongoing job search post-residency. This episode provides valuable insights for dental students and new dentists aiming to enhance their clinical skills and career trajectories. Some links from the show: Dr. Kurren Virk's Instagram 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 is joined by the one and only Dr. Brian Baliwas. You might know him better as @sfdentalnerd on Instagram, where he is probably the most entertaining dental follow on the platform! Alan and Brian have a lively discussion about the frustrations of dental insurance, the perils of planned obsolescence in dental equipment, and the importance of transparency in dentistry. They delve into the surprisingly efficient insurance model used for Dr. Baliwas's dog, Xylo and contrast it with the often opaque and frustrating world of human dental insurance.  The conversation also touches on the challenges of running a fee-for-service practice, the hidden costs of dental procedures, and the value of patient communication. Key Takeaways: Dental insurance vs. pet insurance: Dr. Baliwas highlights the stark differences between the transparent and efficient claims process for his dog's insurance and the confusing world of human dental insurance. This raises questions about the role of employers, transparency, and the overall value of dental insurance plans. Planned obsolescence: The conversation explores the frustrating trend of planned obsolescence in dental equipment, with examples like air polishers and intraoral scanners. Dr. Baliwas shares his experience of repairing his own equipment due to a lack of available parts and discusses the push towards subscription models for dental technology. Fee-for-service dentistry: Brian discusses the benefits and challenges of running a fee-for-service practice, emphasizing the importance of accurate cost analysis and transparent patient communication. The value of hygiene: Brian and Alan discuss patient perceptions of dental hygiene and the importance of comprehensive exams in a preventive dental model. They also touch on the use of air polishers and guided biofilm therapy. The importance of company support: When choosing dental products and equipment Brian stresses the importance of excellent company support and customer service rather than simply focusing on the "best" brand names. Some links from the show: @sfdentalnerd: Dr. Brian Baliwas's Instagram handle Healthy Paws: Pet insurance company EMS Airflow iTero Element: Intraoral scanner mentioned in the context of planned obsolescence Medit i700 "Buy Now" Documentary Episode Index: 01:26 The Role of Social Media in Dentistry 02:39 Emergency Dentistry and Zylo's Insurance 05:35 Transparency in Dental and Medical Insurance 19:18 In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Dental Practices 27:25 The Role of Hygiene in Dentistry 28:54 Patient Perception vs. Clinical Reality 29:48 Innovative Hygiene Tools and Techniques 31:52 The Cost and Maintenance of Dental Equipment 34:10 Subscription Models and Planned Obsolescence 37:47 The Value of Customer Support 42:08 Disposable vs. Durable Dental Tools 47:42 The Frustration of Warranties and Repairs 52:22 Leveraging Social Media for Dental Practice 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!  

Today's throwback episode features Dr. Nate Lawson as he returns to the Very Clinical Podcast to discuss partial coverage restorations with Kevin and Zach. They debate the merits of onlays versus crowns, discuss different preparation designs and temporization techniques, and explore the use of new materials like Emax and zirconia. Tune in to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of partial coverage restorations and how they can be used to provide optimal patient care. Key Takeaways: Onlays can be a good alternative to crowns in certain situations. Proper preparation design and temporization are crucial for successful onlays. New materials and techniques are making onlays easier and more predictable. Some Links from the Show: Dr. Nate Lawson's Instagram Marcus Blatz's Instagram Steve Schiffenhaus's Instagram Ivoclar Telio Onlay temporization material  Nate Lawson's website Tempocem ID Temrex TNE 3M Relyx Universal 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!