The Alan Mead Experience: 5 Things You Can Do to Fight Burnout
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 03/20/2023
AME: 363 Days
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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Very Dental: AI Skepticism with Dr. Gary Holtzclaw
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Clinical: You Won't Know if You Don't Ask with Dr. Dhaval Patel
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental Student: Mo on Boards and Externships!
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental: One Move Makes All the Difference with Dr. Martin Mendelson
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Clinical: Dr. Nate Lawson in 3D!
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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AME: The Beginner's Mindset
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental: The $10,000 Bioclear Tooth and Other Tales with Dr. David Clark
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Clinical: Three Parts of a Dental Career with Dr. Frank Clayton
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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AME: The Average Dentist
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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...
info_outlineBurnout. The very real phenomena experienced by many of us. Dreading the work. Dreading the routine.
Most dentists (and humans, for that matter) experience burnout at times. Your humble host is no exception and frankly is barely hanging on until Spring Break next week. I tried to come up with some tips to help beat burnout and this is what I came up with besides the obvious (and helpful) "take a vacation":
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Knock something off your long term “to do” list
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Fire a patient that you hate seeing
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Exercise
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Take a break from social media
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Get deeply involved in something (a book, podcast, cooking, woodworking project)...something that you can find a flow state in
What things have you found help with burnout?
Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," McWethy" or "Lipscomb."
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