The Very Dental Podcast Network
"Biology remains undefeated." Alan reflects on the stark contrast between social media’s flawless clinical highlight reels and the sobering reality of burnout and mental health struggles in the profession . Borrowing from the philosophy of absurdism and the myth of Sisyphus, he argues that because restorative work enters an aggressive biological environment destined for entropy, biology remains undefeated . Rather than viewing inevitable breakdowns as personal failures, dentists can free themselves by recognizing their true role: not performing permanent miracles, but buying dignified time...
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Live from the Bioclear Summit Alan sits down with Dr. Taras Konanec, Director of Operative Dentistry at McGill University . The two discuss the realities of modern dental education and the struggle to get clinic instructors on the same page . Taras details how McGill successfully integrated the Bioclear method and heated composites into its curriculum . They explore the clinical mindset shift toward minimally invasive care, avoiding aggressive crown preparations whenever possible . The conversation wraps up with a deep dive into selective caries removal and why a solid peripheral enamel seal...
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Kevin and Zach welcome back Alan to dive into the art of "getting ahead of it" in everyday operative dentistry to prevent patient complaints before they start . From anticipating shade discrepancies caused by tooth dehydration during anterior composite restorations to managing lingual thickness and opposing occlusal contacts, the conversation breaks down real-world restorative hurdles . The team discusses the critical value of clinical photography for documenting chipped incisal edges, strategies for placing rubber dams and anatomical wedges (or "separators") without startling patients,...
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Alan is joined by Dr. Marco Maiolino live from the 2026 Bioclear Summit to challenge the profession's obsession with superficial aesthetics and make the definitive case for longevity dentistry. Drawing on over two decades of clinical experience in Sicily, Marco breaks down the psychological nuances of real informed consent and how clinicians must take clinical responsibility to remove doubt. He outlines his pragmatic, stepped protocol for treating worn dentition using Smile Cloud, aesthetic mock-ups, and reversible snap-on PMMA "rebalances" to open vertical dimension without irreversible prep...
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In this episode of the "Getting Ahead of It" series, Zach, Kevin, and guest Dr. Alan Mead break down practical communication strategies to preempt patient complaints and callbacks before they happen. Starting with local anesthesia, the trio covers common chairside dilemmas: setting realistic expectations between upper and lower numbness, handling palatal pressure, navigating anatomical misses, managing epinephrine-induced jitters, and managing the dreaded numb-eyelid sensation. The discussion shifts to post-op occlusion, exploring why asking numb patients "how does your bite feel?" often...
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Fresh from the 2026 Bioclear Alumni Summit, Alan reflects on the power of tooth preservation, the lost art of "herodontics," and why the default move to implant therapy might be selling patients short . Addressing recent listener feedback about network reruns and solo monologues, Alan dives into standout presentations from Dr. Rafael Bustamante and Dr. Marco Maiolino that challenged conventional treatment planning and reexamined the true meaning of radical informed consent . Rather than viewing heroic restorative efforts as subpar dentistry, this episode explores how well-engineered, minimally...
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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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Brian Colao knows DSOs. He's an attorney that helps people create and administer DSOs. He's been a frequent guest on the Dental Hacks and he gave Jason and Alan some of his time at the recent Voices of Dentistry meeting. We went deep on the topic of DSOs and covered a lot of information:
- What is a DSO? (spoiler: "A DSO is an entity that provides nonclinical administrative support services to a dental practice that is owned by a licensed dentist.")
- From one practice to thousands
- When did we start to really see DSOs take hold
- The episode where we met Brian, "DSOs and Digital Smile Design (DHP186)"
- Was there a DSO bubble?
- Denovo vs. Acquisitions
- What to do if a DSO approaches you?
- How do you research a DSO that might want to acquire your office?
- Brian thinks that there is probably a DSO that could fit most any office...go to a conference
- What are DSO deals looking like for selling dentists?
- The facts from Brian's mouth to your ears: DSOs are at 23% market penetration in the U.S. dental market right now. He predicts that there will be 80% market penetration in 7-10 years. He feels that you should plan accordingly.
- EBITA: "Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization"
- What does a DSO look like?
Some links from the show:
Dykema DSO conference (use coupon code: VOD2020 for a discount), July 15-17th at the Omni Hotel in Dallas.
The Dental Hacks Nation closed Facebook group has 28,000 members! Head over there to interact with other Dental Hacks listeners, guests and Brain Trust members every day, all day! Remember…if you don’t have anything “dental” on your FB page, we might decline your membership request. So IM the group or email us at [email protected]!
Our friends at Cosmedent are offering a course by Dr. Rhodri Thomas called “The Art of Resin.” It’s this coming May 14th and 15th at the Cosmedent Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago overlooking Michigan avenue! Rhodri is a dentist and artist who has an interesting take on resin and cosmetic dentistry. Rhodri will demonstrate step-by-step simple and complex Class IVs, a direct resin veneer, how to mask a discolored tooth and the steps for mastering finishing and polishing. You will be able to practice all the exercises live with Dr. Thomas and gain invaluable feedback as you work. There will also be pre-recorded instructional videos of each stage to ensure everyone is supported regardless of clinical speed. Go check it out at dentalhacks.com/Rhodri!
Are you in one of those offices where the system for team communication consists of “yelling down the hallway?” Come on guys, that’s so late 90’s. It’s time for you to get up to speed and get your team on the same page! Our friends at YAPI have figured intra office communications out! YAPI understands that a team that communicates is a team that’s happy and productive! Check out YAPI’s intra office messaging and all of the other great features YAPI has to offer at dentalhacks.com/YAPI. YAPI. It’s a funny name, but it’s serious software!
OK CAD/CAMmers...I want you to imagine a workspace so clean and organized that you won’t even recognize your operatory. Our friends at Zirc are really good at organization. And they really GET you CAD/CAMmers. They have a new product out called the Block Organizer. It’s like the adorable little brother of their amazing block lockers and it’s meant to help organize your CAD/CAM blocks in a drawer or on a desktop. It keeps your blocks right at your fingertips and Zirc offers you a bunch of different labelling options at zirc.com/labels.The coolest thing about the Block Organizer is how it was created to fit within existing cabinets! You won’t need to change anything in your workflow except the extra time that you’ll save! Check them out at dentalhacks.com/blockorganizer and be sure to use coupon code: DHBlock on their website for a special buy 3, get one free deal!
Go Hack Yourself
Jason: The Toys That Made Us
Alan: NSK Forza M5
If you have any questions or comments for us please drop us an email at [email protected] or find us (and like us!) at www.facebook.com/dentalhacks. Or, if you prefer…give us a call at (866) 223-5257 and leave us a message. You might be played in the show! If you like us, why not leave us a review on iTunes? It helps us get found by like minded people and might even help us get into “What’s Hot” in the iTunes store! Go to this link and let the world know about the Dental Hacks! Finally, if you aren’t an Apple person, consider reviewing us on Stitcher at: stitcher.com/podcast/the-dentalhacks-podcast!
If you would like to support the podcast you can check out our Patreon page! Although the show will always remain free to download, our Patreon supporters get access to special bonus content including (at least) one extra podcast episode every months! Also be sure to check out the Dental Hacks swag store where you can find t-shirts, stickers coffee mugs and all sorts of other things that let the world know you’re a part of the Hacks Nation.