Very Clinical: Getting Ahead of It, part 1: Anesthesia and Occlusion
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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AME: Radical Consent and the Lost Art of Tooth Preservation
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental: A New Twist on Dental Instruments with Kyle Lim of Power Dental Group
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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Very Dental Classics: The Implant Pathway Story with Dr. Justin Moody
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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AME: Is Podcasting Dead?
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental: 18 Board Complaints and Selling Out Comedy Clubs with Dr. Brady Smith
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental Classics: The Legacy of the Vedder Society
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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AME: Different Sports
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental: Inviting Your Demons in for Tea with Dr. Dawn Grimes
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Clinical: Extractions, Sticky Bone, and Guided Implants
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Jason and Alan are joined by Lisa Moler of MedMark Media and Dr. Erin Elliott of Erin Elliot fame! They sat down to discuss a bunch of stuff on the second day of Voices of Dentistry! Topics include:
- How does one start a dental media company?
- The ZZZ Pack Podcast!
- Creating publications for specialists
- Dental Sleep Practice magazine
- What happens when you catch the sleep bug?
- Podcasting as "infotainment" (start with the "-tainment", move to the "info-")
- MedMark and social media...where are the big guys?
- Put it out there, you can't control how people react to your message
- Podcasts are social media
- The community that we've built through podcasting and social media
- Who are the "right" providers for sleep and airway?
- You don't have to treat, but you need to screen
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