AME: Dr. Steven Vorholt is in the Sweet Spot
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 05/16/2022
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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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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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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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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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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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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Marking nearly three decades in clinical practice, Alan takes a candid, nostalgic look at how dental technology has evolved from analog drudgery into science fiction made reality. Drawing inspiration from a classic Louis C.K. routine, Alan reflects on our tendency to take miraculous advances for granted—whether it's getting frustrated by Bluetooth handoffs while carrying a supercomputer in our pockets, or griping about a minor software glitch when digital sensors have entirely replaced darkroom dip tanks and 12-minute polysulfide impression sets. It’s a grounded reminder to step back from...
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In this throwback episode, Alan is joined by frequent guest and co-host Dr. Lance Timmerman to explore game-changing shifts in clinical efficiency and practice workflows. Lance shares his firsthand experience integrating Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) and EMS Airflow technology into his practice—explaining how disclosing plaque and switching to air polishing speeds up hygiene appointments, enhances patient comfort, and streamlines complex restorative preps. From there, the two discuss the hygienist staffing landscape, the power of asynchronous video case presentations via unlisted YouTube...
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Zach and Kevin welcome Dr. Emily Wojtowicz and Dr. Shane Wingler to the podcast for an honest conversation about career evolution, ownership, and practice growth. After recapping summer highlights—from National Parks and World Cup matches to East Coast camping—Emily and Shane share how getting involved with 3D Dentists and the Mastermind community helped transform their offices from early ownership chaos into focused, high-production practices. They break down the transition from bread-and-butter dentistry to primarily performing surgery, full-arch rehabs, and sedation, while empowering...
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Broadcasting from a shady Michigan porch alongside an overly affectionate cat, Alan details his first clinical experiences integrating biofilm guided hygiene protocols into practice. From navigating setup quirks to pairing Ivoclar's OptraGate with Zirc's disposable Mr. Thirsty bite block, he shares how combining disclosing agents with air polishing completely shifts the prophylaxis experience. The real turning point? Receiving completely unprompted, glowing reactions from patients—including his son Sean—raving that their teeth had never felt so smooth. Alan also explores his microscope...
info_outlineWelcome to Vorholt week here on the Very Dental Podcast Network! We start with a throwback episode of the Alan Mead Experience from May 9, 2018. This is the "prequel" of the Very Clinical and Very Dental episodes we'll be bringing yout this week! I hope you enjoy the Alan Mead Experience again and if you like it...drop me a line and tell me!
Dr. Steven Vorholt is a dentist in the sweet spot. He heard episode 068 of the AME and realized that the "sweet spot" I was talking about was HIM! He's starting a journey to understand digital dentistry and use it in his practice and you can see this journey LIVE at www.stevenvorholtdds.com.
Some links from the show:
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