Group Funtion: Cloud Software Built by Dentists for Dentists
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 06/10/2022
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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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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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...
info_outlineDental practice management software. Usually it's not the kind of thing that people get passionate about. Maybe you chose one back in 1998 and have just stuck with it because the fear of change was greater than the frustration of the status quo. Maybe you inherited your software from the previous owner of your practice. No matter how you ended up with your current software, you really should think about how well it's serving you.
Today Alan is joined by Dr. Rania Saleh, the inventor/creator of Oryx Dental Software. Oryx is a smart and intuitive cloud based practice management software that was built around concepts taught by Dr. John Kois and the Kois Center. Rania invited two current users of Oryx, Dr. Meredith Gantos and Dr. Ashish Patel to talk about their experience using Oryx and why they chose Oryx in the first place.
Some of the topics that the group covered were:
- How did you choose Oryx and what helped you make that decision?
- What was switching to Oryx like?
- What hardware do you use with Oryx?
- How does Oryx handling imaging?
- What are your favorite features?
- What would you tell someone who is interested but is stuck on the idea of change?
Cloud software is the future of dental practice management software and these folks are pretty excited to talk about Oryx!
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