Very Dental: Creating Furniture to Support Dentists with Steven Haaksma
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 03/21/2025
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Today's episode is another one that was recorded live at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting! Alan Mead chats with renowned dental ergonomics expert Katrina Klein. Katrina shares her incredible journey from just starting out to becoming a leading voice in the field, emphasizing the critical role of ergonomics in career longevity. Discover why this often-overlooked aspect of dentistry is essential for preventing pain, improving wellness, and how small, practical changes can make a significant impact on your daily practice and overall health. Some links from the show: Join the using the...
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In today's Zachless episode, Kevin is joined Alan, along with co-hosts Missy Fryer and Jamie Flanagan of CareStack! They Share insights on transitioning to CareStack, a cloud-based practice management software. The conversation covers initial fears, benefits of the system, and the comprehensive support provided by CareStack during the switch. Jamie outlines the advantages, including consolidation of operations, enhanced security, and operational efficiency. Missy reflects on the seamless data migration and robust ongoing support that alleviated initial concerns. Some links from the show:...
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Alan shares a personal milestone (achieving a fitness age of 50!) and dives into his love for mountain biking – an exercise that feels like playing. He uses his experience to draw a powerful analogy between the often extreme portrayal of mountain biking on social media and the curated "highlight reel" often seen in the dental world online. Alan discusses how comparing ourselves to these curated images can lead to feeling "less than," whether it's watching downhill racers pull off impossible stunts or seeing dentists showcase only their most complex cases. The core message? It's okay to find...
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Recorded live from the CDS Midwinter Meeting Podcast Lounge, Alan had a great conversation with veteran implant dentist and educator, Dr. Tim Kosinski! With nearly four decades and over 20,000 implants placed, Dr. Kosinski shares his "recipe for success," emphasizing critical thinking, foundational knowledge, and the importance of mentorship in the evolving world of implant dentistry. Key Takeaways: Master the Recipe: Success in implants requires a step-by-step foundational approach. Don't skip steps in planning and execution. Think Critically: Placing the implant isn't the hardest part;...
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In this throwback episode of Very Clinical Kevin and Zach are joined by Dr. Adam Frounfelter! Adam and Kevin teach hands on implants together at 3D Dentists! Key takeaways: Overview of the 3D Dentist Implant Continuum Key Aspects of Implant Planning and Placement (Crown-Down Approach) Extraction and Grafting Considerations Utilizing PRF and Sticky Bone in Grafting Guided Implant Surgery Benefits Same-Day Scanning for Implant Restorations Post-Implant Placement and Uncovering Surgical Skillset for Implant Training Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman,"...
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Fresh off a spring break road trip Alan has some dental and non-dental recommendations! Some links from the show: If you're buying Garrison stuff use code SO1124MEAD for 10% off any non-curing light product and $100 credit off a future purchase if you buy a curing light!
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Alan was joined by the incomparable Melissa Obrotka, also known as "The Badass Hygienist!" They recorded this conversation live at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting. The episode dives deep into Melissa's journey in dental hygiene, her passion for progressive care, and her insights on the current state and future of the profession. Melissa shares the story behind her "Badass Hygienist" nickname, stemming from her proactive approach to improving patient care and her willingness to advocate for better technology and techniques. She recounts her experience transitioning to a periodontal...
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Kevin and Zach are once again joined by Very Dental Student Mo and Very Dental's Al to answer student questions! Topics: Managing Difficult Crown Preparations Managing Team Conflicts Referring vs. Attempting Extractions Recommended CE Courses for New Dentists Tricks for Achieving Perfect Posterior Composite Contacts Join the 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...
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Mohamed is back with Kevin, Zach and Al to pose dental student questions to these grizzled veterans. The guys start out with a raucous discussion of NCAA brackets and what's wrong with basketball but then move to answering questions from curious dental students! Some key topics of discussion: Post-Op Sensitivity: What are your protocols for managing post-op sensitivity for fillings or crowns? Challenging Patients: How do you handle patients who challenge your clinical recommendations or demand unnecessary treatment? Soft Tissue Management: What are your best practices for managing soft...
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Alan recently sat down with Teresa Duncan at the Chicago Midwinter Dental meeting! Teresa is an expert in dental insurance and dental office management. The conversation dives into the often-overlooked but critical aspects of dental practice, including insurance compliance, the evolving role of AI in administrative tasks, financial discussions with patients, hygiene practice management, and the potential future of dental practices within the broader healthcare landscape. The episode offers practical advice and insights for dentists and their teams on navigating the complexities of modern...
info_outlineAlan is joined at the Chicago Midwinter meeting by Steven Haaksma of BQE or "Back Quality Ergonomics." Alan has used a bunch of their stools over the years and is a big fan of the ergonomic products that Steven's company has created.
Key Takeaways:
- BQE = Back Quality Ergonomics: The meaning behind the company name.
- Dutch Roots, American Story: Steven's background and how BQE started in the US.
- PT-Founded: BQE's origins with Steven's father, a physical therapist focused on back pain.
- Dental Professionals' Back Pain: The high prevalence of back issues in dentistry inspired BQE's focus.
- Challenging Traditional Stools: The problems with round and flat dental chairs.
- Ergonomic Design Principles: Getting closer to the patient and preventing slouching.
- The Original ErgoDynamic: The unique chair where the backrest automatically adjusts to the user.
- Convex Backrest: BQE's signature design for optimal lumbar support, available in different sizes.
- Beyond Dentistry: BQE also serves veterinary and optometry markets.
- Alan's Back Story: Dr. Mead's personal experience with a back injury and the importance of prevention.
- The "Chair Museum": Alan's journey to finding the right ergonomic seating.
- Armrest Benefits: Supporting arm weight reduces strain (arms are ~5% of body weight each).
- Saddle & Alternative Seats: Options for different preferences while maintaining good ergonomics.
- European vs. US Saddle Popularity: Interesting differences in adoption.
- Educating Dentists: Raising awareness about the long-term benefits of ergonomic seating.
- The Science of Slouching: How the ErgoDynamic chair actively combats poor posture.
- Proper Positioning: The importance of both dentist and patient positioning.
- Investment, Not Expense: BQE chairs are durable and competitively priced.
- 30-Day Trial: Confidence in their product with a low return rate.
Some links from the show:
Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!"
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