Very Dental: Removing Barriers for Dental Implants
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 05/21/2021
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan explores the state of prevention in dentistry, inspired by his constant sense of smelling periodontitis everywhere. He argues that while the profession talks a good game about prevention, its core focus remains surgical intervention. Alan stresses that the success of dental health hinges on the 363 days of patient home care outside the office, yet dentists often fail to properly educate patients on effective techniques beyond generic instructions to "brush and floss." Drawing on insights from hygiene experts, he calls for a radical shift to front-load prevention—moving past a reliance...
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AI is in the conversation all the time these days. Most people are convinced that the productivity gains that AI promises are all to the good, but is that really true? Alan is joined again by Dr. Gary Holtzclaw for a conversation that needs to be had. The conversation includes the role of AI in dentistry, skepticism towards new technologies, the evolution of social media, and the impact of sports betting on the integrity of sports. They explore the benefits and potential threats of AI, the changing landscape of social media interactions, and the implications of gambling in sports. The...
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On the Very Clinical podcast we're suckers for a good story, and our guest, Dr. Dhaval Patel tells one of the best ones we've ever heard! Kevin and Alan (sorry, no Zach this episode, he's busy mourning the record of his Kansas City Chiefs) welcome Dr. Dhaval Patel to the show. Our plan was to talk about his journey into CAD-CAM dentistry and don't worry, we get there. But he tells the story of how he became a dentist in the US after his training in India and the story is AMAZING. Let's just say that Dhaval has taught us that you need to ask for the things that you want. Following...
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In this episode of the Very Dental Student Podcast, host Mohamed Abo-Basha and Dr. Alan Mead discuss his journey through the fall semester of his D4 year. We discuss Mo's recent experiences with dental boards and externships as he approaches graduation. Mo shares that the dental boards have recently changed, moving away from live patient exams to mannequin-based clinical testing (Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics already completed, Operative to follow) and computer-based written boards. He expresses that this change is a positive step ethically. Clinically, Mo is nearing...
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Alan is joined once again by Dr. Martin Mendelson to talk about about his new book, 'One Move Makes All the Difference.' They discuss the journey of writing the book, the importance of taking actionable steps, and how to overcome overwhelm in both personal and professional life. Martin shares insights on marketing strategies, the future of dental practice ownership, and the role of coaching in personal development. The conversation also touches on the innovative use of AI in audiobook production and the significance of personal stories in inspiring others. Some links from the show: Join...
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In this throwback episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin are joined by Dr. Nate Lawson to dive into the evolving world of 3D printing in dentistry. They touch on a variety of topics including the current state of 3D printed crowns, bonding protocols, practical applications in night guards and dentures, and market trends. They also discuss the economic and technological benefits and challenges of integrating 3D printing in a dental practice. Some links from the show: on Instagram Join the using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook,...
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Alan opens the episode by discussing his experiences teaching his two sons, particularly his youngest, Jacob, how to drive. This experience, which he finds unnerving and anxiety-producing, has highlighted how much of his own driving is now automatic "muscle memory" that he struggles to verbalize. He notes the beginner's mindset—or lack thereof, particularly in confident teenage boys—and how new drivers often don't realize what they don't know, struggling with basic things like staying in the lane. Alan draws a parallel between his son's learner's permit and a new dental license, reflecting...
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This episode features host Alan welcoming back guest Dr. David Clark, the founder of the Bioclear Method, for an insightful and entertaining discussion. The main focus is the launch of the new Tooth and Surface Specific (TSS) matrix system, which David describes as a "game-changer" that significantly simplifies complex composite restorations, particularly for teeth with normal papillae. They also cover the rising value of Bioclear procedures, with David sharing a story of a patient who expected to pay $10,000 per tooth for comprehensive treatment. Finally, they dive into a "King of the Nerds"...
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In this episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin welcome back special guest Dr. Frank Clayton for a deep-dive conversation sharing essential advice on navigating a dental career from its beginning stages to retirement. The discussion kicks off with lighthearted banter about alternative dream careers—Zach as a baseball play-by-play announcer, Kevin as a morning radio host, and Frank as a game show host. For the early career dentist (Years 1–7), Frank advises working for a couple of years, then investing heavily in CE to establish a clinical niche (like his focus on form,...
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Alan reflects on his self-described "average" skill level as a dentist and explores how adopting prescriptive, systematic approaches can help practitioners in the middle of the bell curve achieve consistently excellent patient outcomes. Inspired by his recent experience at a Bioclear course, he argues that a systemized methodology, like the one taught by Bioclear, is often more reliable than relying on individual "superhero" hand skills or talents. Dr. Mead shares how the course's emphasis on a specific, step-by-step process—from using warmed composite and specific matrices to...
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Dr. Mark Whitefield joins Alan for a rousing discussion of how implants can change everything for the general dentist. Mark is a fourth generation dentist from Nashville who admits to being obsessed with dental implants!
- Mark talks about being accredited in both the AACD and AAID and how that's made him a better dentist.
- Mark graduated in the mid 90's during the big cosmetic boom but switched his focus to dental implants in the early 2000's.
- What I noticed about Mark is that his mindset is that dental implants can be for anyone. Not just high end/wealthy patients.
- Mark hates removable! He tries to get edentulous patients back to TRUE FIXED! (particularly in the mandible)
- Cost effective fixed implant restorations are within reach!
- What keeps dentists from getting into implants?
- Keeping implants in house
- Can a person who fears surgery become a surgeon?
- Young dentists aren't afraid of anything and they have a ton of debt!
- Removing barriers to implant treatment
- Mark explains that dental benefits actually cover a lot of implant services
- The solution for implant education is mentorship!
Some links from the show:
Mark's implant marketing service, Implant Evolution