Composite vs. Ceramic Smiles with Dr. Arthur Volker (DHD112)
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 07/22/2019
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan welcomes Kyle Lim, the dynamic owner of Power Dental Group, to discuss how a second-generation family sharpening and retipping business evolved into a disruptive direct-to-dentist brand. Kyle pulls back the curtain on taking over his father’s blue-collar manufacturing roots, shifting away from declining trade shows, and leveraging engaging social media marketing to stand out in a historically sterile industry. Along the way, the two dive into practical problem-solving in the operator including patented innovations like the Power Crown Remover for tackling stubborn zirconia, the...
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In this throwback episode Dr. Justin Moody joins Alan to chronicle the remarkable evolution of Implant Pathway—from early hotel seminars to establishing a massive, purpose-built 32-operatory clinical training and nonprofit center in Scottsdale . Together, they break down the philosophy of the Fast Track program, emphasizing actionable clinical judgment, live-patient mentorship, and the importance of immediate chairside implementation . The conversation also covers the regulatory landscape of Arizona’s Good Samaritan temporary dental licenses, Dr. Moody’s newest venture into winemaking...
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Alan reflects on the stark contrast between social media reach and traditional audio podcast listenership after short Instagram clips featuring guest Dr. Brady Smith quickly garnered tens of thousands of views while overall podcast downloads remained steady . Looking back on the evolution of dental media since co-founding The Dental Hacks in 2014, he examines the rise of short-form video, shifts in podcast download metrics, the role of algorithmic distribution compared to RSS feeds, and whether traditional audio shows can still effectively connect with dental professionals . We're proud to be...
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What happens when you combine an aggressive 16-hour clinical shift, 18 frivolous state dental board investigations, and a completely fabricated, highly inappropriate anesthesia technique? You get Dr. Brady Smith’s return to the Very Dental Podcast. Alan sits down with Brady to unpack his transition from a dentist who merely likes attention to a full-blown social media juggernaut. Brady explains why he’d gladly accept a shout-out from anyone with a pulse, confesses to "bone smashing" exclusively during lower molar extractions, and recounts how an absurd viral bit called the "fireman's...
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In this throwback episode, the Dental Hacks (Alan and Jason) kick things off by breaking down the realities of practice build-outs, avoiding the dreaded “construction valley,” and weathering economic downturns before revisiting a milestone live recording from northern Michigan . Recorded on location at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Francis B. Vedder Society, Alan passes the microphone to longtime members, prosthodontic mentors, and dental technicians to reflect on six decades of clinical excellence . From legendary clinician encounters—including early lectures from Dr. Frank...
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Fresh off his annual trip north for the Francis B. Vedder Society meeting, Alan dives into the notorious dental slump known as “Sucktember” and unpacks the clinical disconnect many general practitioners feel during high-end continuing education . While watching master-level prosthodontists and technicians showcase complex, full-arch All-on-X cases is inspiring, Alan argues that comparing everyday general dentistry to full-mouth reconstruction is like comparing hockey to the long jump—they are simply entirely different sports . From mountain biking through Glacial Hills to reflecting on...
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Alan is joined by longtime friend and meditation teacher Dr. Dawn Grimes for a candid, reflective conversation on navigating change, managing career stress, and breaking the cycles of mental exhaustion. Moving from updates on moving houses, farm animals, and September financial anxiety into deep discussions on mindfulness, Alan and Dawn explore the teachings of renowned meditation instructor Sharon Salzberg and the core Buddhist concepts of impermanence, clinging, and suffering. Dawn breaks down why “regretful rumination” is the human brain’s default setting, the reality of balance as a...
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Zach and Kevin catch up on summer milestones before diving deep into hands-on surgical dentistry with guests and fellow course instructors Dr. Shane Wingler and Dr. Emily Wojtowicz. Ahead of their upcoming TRT course, the panel shares actionable, real-world clinical pearls across the three critical phases of implant therapy: atraumatic extractions, socket grafting, and guided implant placement. Listeners will learn why wide flap reflection and aggressive sectioning with a surgical handpiece eliminate extraction headaches, how sticky bone and PRF revolutionize graft handling and tissue healing,...
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Marking nearly three decades in clinical practice, Alan takes a candid, nostalgic look at how dental technology has evolved from analog drudgery into science fiction made reality. Drawing inspiration from a classic Louis C.K. routine, Alan reflects on our tendency to take miraculous advances for granted—whether it's getting frustrated by Bluetooth handoffs while carrying a supercomputer in our pockets, or griping about a minor software glitch when digital sensors have entirely replaced darkroom dip tanks and 12-minute polysulfide impression sets. It’s a grounded reminder to step back from...
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In this throwback episode, Alan is joined by frequent guest and co-host Dr. Lance Timmerman to explore game-changing shifts in clinical efficiency and practice workflows. Lance shares his firsthand experience integrating Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) and EMS Airflow technology into his practice—explaining how disclosing plaque and switching to air polishing speeds up hygiene appointments, enhances patient comfort, and streamlines complex restorative preps. From there, the two discuss the hygienist staffing landscape, the power of asynchronous video case presentations via unlisted YouTube...
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You've got a patient that wants to change their smile. So how do you know what material you're going to use? Dr. Arthur Volker joins Alan to talk about the decision tree he uses to help determine which direction to go!
Artie is teaching anterior composites in Chicago at Cosmedent's CEE! His course is called "POWERlooking: Anterior Direct Composite Course and it's this coming November 14-15! Artie will be teaching anterior composite techniques from simple to complex and you don't want to miss it! Learn color theory, smile design, texture, polishing, simple class IVs all the way to layered composite veneers from a master who's also a great teacher and a great guy! Go check it out at dentalhacks.com/Artie!