Why Get a Dental Microscope? With Dr. Graham Forbes and Dr. Brad Mattison
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 09/06/2021
Very Dental: The Art of Longevity with Dr. Marco Maiolino
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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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...
info_outlineAlan is joined by two relatively new owners of microscopes. Specifically the Zumax OMS 2380. Dr. Graham Forbes and Dr. Brad Mattison both bring some pretty compelling arguments for microscope use in their offices in this episode.
Graham’s story: He loved what he saw from the Eastern European scope gurus (Dr. Maxim Belograd and Dr. Nazariy Mykhaylyuk) and found that a full day of restorative dentistry was getting hard on his neck!
Brad’s story: In dental school he watched a lot of dental Youtube and was inspired by Dr. Gerard Cuomo.
The rest of the interview is a deep dive about what you need to know about dental microscopes, what you could expect the shopping experience to be and why the three of us recommend the experience of working with Enova Illumination and Zumax.
Narzariy Mykhaylyuk’s Instagram
Al’s microscope chairs:
BQE Ergodynamic and BQE Backup
Dental EZ J-Chair (“Whale Tongue”)
The Scope Curious Facebook page
Wayne Remington’s microscope classes
The Very Dental Facebook group (password: Timmerman)
Zumax OMS 2380:
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The Very Dental Podcast Network is brought to you by our friends at Microcopy Dental. Here are 3 reasons that you should check out Microcopy Dental:
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The Very Dental Podcast Network is also brought to you by the fine folks at Zirc. The first time I knew anything about Zirc was a LONG time ago. I tried the Zirc Crystal HD mirror and it’s wrecked me on any other mirror ever since. If you want a dental mirror that reminds you of using an HD TV, you should check out Zirc’s Crystal HD mirror. It comes as a replacement head for any mirror handle you already use or as a single piece. Either way, it will change the way you see everything for the better. Go check out the Crystal HD mirror from Zirc at verydentalpodcast.com/mirrors
The Very Dental Podcast network thanks our friends at Cosmedent for all of their support! Have you ever wished that one simple and painless change could make your dentistry better? Cosmedent is here for you! If you aren’t using a microfilled composite (and let’s be honest, you probably aren’t), I can guarantee that it makes anterior composite dentistry easier, better and more fun. The handling and polishability of Cosmedent’s Renamel Microfill must be experienced to understand the major difference it makes! Go check out Renamel Microfill at verydentalpodcast.com/microfill
If you’d like to support the Very Dental Podcast, go check out the monthly deals from our friends at Crazy Dental! Each month Crazy Dental will be offering all kinds of different coupons on the product you’re using most! Head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy to see the monthly deals they have in store for you!
Our friends at Enova Illumination have your magnification and lighting needs all figured out. Whether you’re looking at new loupes, a surgical headlight like no other or the amazing line of Zumax microscopes, Enova Illumination has you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/Enova and take advantage of the discounts they have for Very Dental Podcast Network listeners!
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