Very Dental: Transparency vs. Tradition and the New Rules of Dental Supplies with George Khoury
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan sits down with George Khoury, VP of Enterprise Sales at Net32, to discuss the evolution of the dental supply industry. Drawing on his 30-year career—spanning the early days of digital X-rays at Schick to nearly two decades at Henry Schein—George provides a candid look at why the traditional "high-touch" sales rep model is facing significant pressure. They explore how Net32 functions as a transparent marketplace, empowering independent "mom and pop" practices to access the same pricing advantages and catalog variety as large DSOs. The conversation highlights the shift toward...
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AME Redux: Joint Ventures and the Prophylaxis Problem
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this throwback episode from 2023 Alan revisits a long-standing "chip on his shoulder": the persistent and often unscientific demand for antibiotic premedication in joint replacement patients. Sparked by his own wife’s hip surgery, Alan dives into the disconnect between evidence-based ADA/AAOS guidelines and the "premedicate for life" culture maintained by many orthopedic surgeons. With his signature wit and candid frustration, he explores the risks of antibiotic resistance, the myth of dental-induced bacteremia, and the awkward "middle man" position patients are forced into when dental...
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AME: Caries Anonymous
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan recovers from a Mother’s Day brunch—feeling a bit like a boa constrictor that swallowed a goat—to discuss a profound connection between the worlds of 12-step recovery and clinical dentistry. Drawing on his 24 years of recovery, Alan explores the "spiritual principles" of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness, and how they apply to patients struggling with rampant tooth decay. He shares a refreshing story of a patient who, instead of blaming "soft teeth" or genetics for runaway caries, took total ownership of his Mountain Dew habit. From the isolation caused by social media to...
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Very Dental: "I Hate Dentists"
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this special compilation episode of the Very Dental Podcast, Alan explores one of the most universal and uniquely blunt experiences in the profession: the "I hate dentists" phenomenon. Recorded live at the 2026 Voices of Dentistry meeting in Arizona, this episode features a wide-ranging roundtable of perspectives from doctors Eric Applesies, Alex Kantor, Paul Etchison, Tiana Hall, Abe Hoellrich, Mitch Hopkins, Matt Standridge, and Russell Schafer. From comparisons to auto repair and Starbucks to the psychological weight of performing "awake surgery" and navigating societal double standards,...
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VC: The Changing of Very Clinical Minds
The Very Dental Podcast Network
This throwback episode from May 2024 brings together Zach, Kevin and Al for a candid look at how their clinical philosophies have evolved over decades of practice. From the baseball diamonds of the Midwest to the operatory, the guys dive into the "then vs. now" of daily dentistry. They tackle the shift from buried subgingival margins to biology-first placement, the transition from "last resort" handpiece extractions to proactive sectioning, and how digital workflows have turned "hail Mary" saves into predictable, high-level care. It’s a deep dive into the materials, tech, and hard-earned...
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AME: The Evolution of Online Reviews
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan explores the shifting landscape of digital reputation, from the "gold rush" era of 2018 to the current state of consumer skepticism and review fatigue. He dives into how online feedback has largely replaced traditional SEO and Yellow Pages for dental marketing, specifically through its influence on the Google "three-pack." He balances his perspective as a practice owner—noting how automated systems like Podium drive high call volumes—against his skepticism as a consumer, highlighting how the system can be gamed through professional reviewers and paid removal services. The episode...
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Group Function: Reflecting on Efficiency with Kate and Brian from Zirc
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Recorded live at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting,Alan is joined by Kate Reinert and Brian Shoberg from Zirc Dental Products to the podcast lounge. The trio discusses the evolving landscape of dental trade shows in the digital age and the enduring value of hands-on continuing education. Brian and Kate introduce Zirc's latest innovation: a double-sided, one-piece soft grip mirror designed to improve visualization, ergonomics, and dental assistant workflow. Kate delves into her specialty of dental office organization and efficiency, sharing "origin stories" from her days as an assistant and...
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AME Redux: Mental Hygiene and the Outrage Machine with Dr. Dawn Grimes
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this throwback episode Alan and Dr. Dawn Grimes explore the unexpected parallels between physical and mental decluttering. Starting with the simple, visceral satisfaction of a "dump run," the conversation pivots to the "self-administered poison" of modern media. Alan shares his recent transition to a three-day clinical work week and the surprising discovery that has changed his morning routine: the silent commute. By trading outrage-driven podcasts for quiet reflection, he discusses how to combat the "morning scaries" and set a more intentional tone for the day. From the psychology of...
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AME: Polypharmacy, Comfort Food and Bisphosphonates
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan gets candid about the "aging practice" and the sobering clinical hurdles of geriatric dentistry. As both he and his long-term patients cross major milestones, Alan explores the dangerous intersection of polypharmacy, xerostomia, and the "comfort food" trap of sugary hard candies. The discussion dives deep into why the dental "ratchet" only turns one way, the necessity of shifting toward more aggressive, proactive treatment planning for patients over 65, and the complex surgical risks posed by bisphosphonate therapy. It’s a heartfelt look at the frustration of watching health decline and...
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Very Dental: Mastering the Microscope with Dr. Michael Wenzel
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan sits down with Dr. Michael Wenzel (known to his YouTube fans as "") to discuss the transformative power of the dental microscope. From his early days of "magnification envy" at dental conferences to becoming a leading voice in dental videography, Michael shares how switching from loops to a scope changed his clinical flow and patient communication. The two dive deep into the gear—comparing internal cameras, mirrorless setups, and the surprising power of the iPhone—while discussing why the microscope makes dentistry feel less like work and more like an immersive video game. They...
info_outline"I want this to run like a real business, and if that's what it takes to run it, I know that I'll get the revenue back."
-- Kevin on investing in CareStack.
Today, the Very Clinical guys dive into the world of dental practice management software. Kevin, Zach and Al discuss their first experiences with computers, their current software choices, and Kevin's recent switch to CareStack. The conversation highlights the evolution of practice management from early home-grown solutions to modern, cloud-based platforms.
Some links from the show:
Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!"
Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization.
The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence.
Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA
Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call
Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc’s solutions today: zirc.com