The Vedder Society Celebrates 60 Years of CE (DHP260)
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 10/04/2019
VC: The Changing of Very Clinical Minds
The Very Dental Podcast Network
This throwback episode from May 2024 brings together Zach, Kevin and Al for a candid look at how their clinical philosophies have evolved over decades of practice. From the baseball diamonds of the Midwest to the operatory, the guys dive into the "then vs. now" of daily dentistry. They tackle the shift from buried subgingival margins to biology-first placement, the transition from "last resort" handpiece extractions to proactive sectioning, and how digital workflows have turned "hail Mary" saves into predictable, high-level care. It’s a deep dive into the materials, tech, and hard-earned...
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AME: The Evolution of Online Reviews
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan explores the shifting landscape of digital reputation, from the "gold rush" era of 2018 to the current state of consumer skepticism and review fatigue. He dives into how online feedback has largely replaced traditional SEO and Yellow Pages for dental marketing, specifically through its influence on the Google "three-pack." He balances his perspective as a practice owner—noting how automated systems like Podium drive high call volumes—against his skepticism as a consumer, highlighting how the system can be gamed through professional reviewers and paid removal services. The episode...
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Group Function: Reflecting on Efficiency with Kate and Brian from Zirc
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Recorded live at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting,Alan is joined by Kate Reinert and Brian Shoberg from Zirc Dental Products to the podcast lounge. The trio discusses the evolving landscape of dental trade shows in the digital age and the enduring value of hands-on continuing education. Brian and Kate introduce Zirc's latest innovation: a double-sided, one-piece soft grip mirror designed to improve visualization, ergonomics, and dental assistant workflow. Kate delves into her specialty of dental office organization and efficiency, sharing "origin stories" from her days as an assistant and...
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AME Redux: Mental Hygiene and the Outrage Machine with Dr. Dawn Grimes
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this throwback episode Alan and Dr. Dawn Grimes explore the unexpected parallels between physical and mental decluttering. Starting with the simple, visceral satisfaction of a "dump run," the conversation pivots to the "self-administered poison" of modern media. Alan shares his recent transition to a three-day clinical work week and the surprising discovery that has changed his morning routine: the silent commute. By trading outrage-driven podcasts for quiet reflection, he discusses how to combat the "morning scaries" and set a more intentional tone for the day. From the psychology of...
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AME: Polypharmacy, Comfort Food and Bisphosphonates
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan gets candid about the "aging practice" and the sobering clinical hurdles of geriatric dentistry. As both he and his long-term patients cross major milestones, Alan explores the dangerous intersection of polypharmacy, xerostomia, and the "comfort food" trap of sugary hard candies. The discussion dives deep into why the dental "ratchet" only turns one way, the necessity of shifting toward more aggressive, proactive treatment planning for patients over 65, and the complex surgical risks posed by bisphosphonate therapy. It’s a heartfelt look at the frustration of watching health decline and...
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Very Dental: Mastering the Microscope with Dr. Michael Wenzel
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan sits down with Dr. Michael Wenzel (known to his YouTube fans as "") to discuss the transformative power of the dental microscope. From his early days of "magnification envy" at dental conferences to becoming a leading voice in dental videography, Michael shares how switching from loops to a scope changed his clinical flow and patient communication. The two dive deep into the gear—comparing internal cameras, mirrorless setups, and the surprising power of the iPhone—while discussing why the microscope makes dentistry feel less like work and more like an immersive video game. They...
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Kevin and Zach on Dental School Reunions
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this episode of the Very Clinical podcast, Zach and Kevin take a nostalgic trip through the evolution of technology and the social dynamics of the dental profession. The duo starts with a look at their "tech origins," comparing stories of 3.5-inch floppy disk backups, FORTRAN punch cards, and the struggle of logging into office computers via dial-up modems. The conversation then shifts to the personal side of the profession as Zach prepares for his 25th dental school reunion. They explore the "awkward factor" of professional gatherings, the reality of "dental bragging," and Kevin’s...
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AME: The Nostalgia Playlist
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan explores why musical tastes often freeze in middle school and why a 54-year-old dentist still feels like he’s in his twenties—until he sees the Ticketmaster bill for Rush’s 50th-anniversary tour. Alan dives into the friction of analog nostalgia, from landlines to worn-out cassettes, and contrasts it with the instant-access world of his 18-year-old son, Sean. It’s a reflection on whether the "effort" of the 1980s created a deeper brand of nostalgia than the frictionless, Spotify-driven experience of today’s youth, questioning if we value things less when there’s no barrier...
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Very Dental: The Explicit Truth with Teresa Duncan
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan catches up with dental administration expert Teresa Duncan at the "posh" Chicago Midwinter Meeting press center to discuss the shifting landscape of dental documentation and technology. The conversation dives deep into the ADA’s refreshed radiographic guidelines, emphasizing the shift from "implicit" to "explicit" clinical notes and how AI and ambient listening are revolutionizing chart accuracy. From debating the ethics of insurance claims to reminiscing about the "sterile pockets" and dip-tanks of the past, Alan and Teresa explore how innovation—and maybe a future sterilization...
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Very Dental: Dentistry in 2050 with Dr. Alex Kantor and Dr. Eric Applesies
The Very Dental Podcast Network
This special episode of the Very Dental Podcast flips the script, featuring Dr. Alan Mead as a guest on the podcast with hosts Dr. Alex Kantor and Dr. Eric Applesies. In a wide-ranging and speculative conversation, the trio peers into the future to imagine the landscape of Dentistry in 2050. From the role of AI and robotic assistants in practice management to the potential "pendulum swing" away from DSO consolidation and back toward private practice, no stone is left unturned. The discussion also tackles the mounting burden of student debt, the evolving role of dental hygiene, and whether...
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Alan has talked about (bragged about?) The Francis B. Vedder Society on the show for years. He's been a member for 20 years or so and it's been very influential in his career. Some of the speakers Alan has seen in the last 20 years or so include Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. John Kois, Dr. Jeff Rouse, Dr. Jeff Okeson, Dr. Stephen Chu, Dr. Pat Allen, Dr. John Burgess, Dr. Bernard Touati and Dr. Bob Winter to name a few. It's been a literal "who's who" in dentistry lecturing to a small group of colleagues in a laid back setting.
Last weekend was the 2019 Fall meeting and the society celebrated 60 years of continuing education and fellowship. Alan recorded a "live podcast" at the event where many of the members of the Vedder society shared some funny and emotional stories of what the society has meant to them. We hope you enjoy this unconventional episode and maybe you'll consider a trip to northern Michigan next fall (September 24-27th, 2020)!
Some links from the show:
Voices of Dentistry #DancewithLance
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Stuff YAPI can’t do:- YAPI can take in and organize a ton of patient information and make sure it shows up in the right place at the right time.
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Dr. Arthur Volker 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!
Go Hack Yourself
Jason: Naked Training
Alan: Bloody Genius by John Sandford
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