AME: New Toys
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan dives into the rejuvenating power of a tech refresh in the dental operatory. After a brief detour discussing the bittersweet postseason fate of the Miami University Redhawks basketball (they made it!), the focus shifts to a trio of "new toys" that have transformed his clinical workflow. The centerpiece is the installation of the Zumax OMS 2050 microscope, which Alan credits with finally removing the ergonomic and software barriers to becoming a full-time microscope dentist. He breaks down the benefits of a compact head, improved wall-mounting strategies, and the game-changing...
info_outline
Very Dental: Dr. Matt Burton on the Renewable (Profit) Resource of Dentistry
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan sat down with Dr. Matt Burton to talk shop in a "swanky" new Chicago Dental Society podcast lounge that's a far cry from the usual exhibit hall floor. Matt shares the latest evolution of the Quad Matrix System, detailing how a few "minor" tweaks to wedge angles and material firmness are making a massive difference in clinical predictability. Between the deep dives into dental engineering, the conversation takes several hilarious detours—ranging from the high-speed, contempt-filled experience of Chicago taxi rides to the traumatic sight of a mascot (Hadley the dog) with its...
info_outline
Very Dental Classics: A Conversation with Dr. Frank Spear
The Very Dental Podcast Network
"If people don't value dental health, I don't care if it's free. They're not doing it." — Dr. Frank Spear In this "Very Dental Classics" throwback episode Alan sits down with the legendary Dr. Frank Spear at the 2022 Spear Summit. Recorded in the quiet moments of the exhibit hall, the duo explores the evolution of the Summit from a small faculty gathering into a global "family reunion" for the dental community. Dr. Spear shares personal reflections on the state of dental education post-pandemic and his own journey as a "dental dad," but the heart of the discussion lies in...
info_outline
AME: Bad Influencer
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan reflects on the grogginess of "springing forward" and why he’s perfectly content being a "bad influencer" in an era of highly curated dental content. He dives into a major equipment refresh at his practice. New scope, new scanner cart and some new handpiece tubing should make for a cool week. The heart of the episode explores the contrast between his "authentic" feed of horses, cats, and mountain bikes and the professional "shoot days" of high-level influencers that take the job of "influencer" more seriously. Ultimately, Alan reminds listeners to stay mindful of the "sell" behind...
info_outline
Very Dental: Two Years to Life with Dr. Tiana Hall
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this episode of the Very Dental Podcast, Alan sits down with Dr. Tiana Hall at the 2026 Voices of Dentistry meeting in Gilbert, Arizona, to explore the unique world of correctional dentistry. Tiana shares her transition from private practice and volunteer work to her current role as a prison dentist in Utah, explaining how the move helped her navigate professional burnout by trading administrative stress for a predictable schedule and a collaborative medical environment. The conversation dives into the clinical and logistical realities of working behind bars, from managing patient security...
info_outline
Very Clinical: Ask Us Anything, Again!
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Today's Very Clinical Throwback episode brings us back to November 2023 with Kevin and Zach at their very best answering scenarios with a voluminous "Ask Us Anything" mailbag. The duo balances clinical expertise with their signature banter, covering everything from the Cleveland Browns' defense to the ethics of stealing hotel cookies for $20. On the clinical side, they tackle the philosophy of material selection—discussing when to switch bonding agents and the trap of "marketing innovation"—alongside a deep dive into implant systems and the diagnostic "game-changer" that is the cone beam....
info_outline
AME: The Withering Gaze and the Obituaries
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan balances the local charm of a family trip to the with the heavy, often unspoken emotional realities of a "mom-and-pop" dental practice. After braving the Michigan winter to celebrate his son's 16th birthday, Alan dives into the complex feelings that arise when a long-time, difficult patient appears in the obituaries. He explores the "bell curve" of patient relationships—from the favorites who brighten the schedule to the "10%" whose withering gazes cause genuine dread. The episode serves as a candid call to action for dental professionals to embrace brave, blunt conversations and...
info_outline
Very Dental: Relatability is the New Flossing with Whitney DiFoggio
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this high-energy episode recorded live at the 2026 Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, Alan once again sits down with Whitney DiFoggio, better known as to discuss the evolving landscape of dental communication. Whitney shares her journey from YouTube pioneer to a leading voice in dental public health, emphasizing her "relatability equation": how building trust through shared interests leads to better patient compliance. The duo dives into the dangers of social media "DIY" dental trends, the psychology of combatting misinformation, and why Alan has officially become a convert to interproximal...
info_outline
Very Clinical: "Crushing It" with Zach and Al
The Very Dental Podcast Network
This throwback episode is actually an older episode of Very Dental featuring one of the amazing co-hosts of Very Clinical! In this wide-ranging "shop talk" session, Alan is joined by Zach to revisit the early days of dental social media and the evolution of their clinical workflows. From the "crushing it" culture of the old Dentaltown forums to the practicalities of the modern operatory, they dive into the tools that actually make a difference. Zach shares his love for the spade proximator and the Swiss-Army-knife utility of Teflon tape, while Alan makes a case for the PDL syringe. They also...
info_outline
AME: The Price of Dabbling
The Very Dental Podcast Network
"I’m excited for this disruption. I’m excited for the 'price of dabbling' to come down... I’m okay with high-quality products that are less expensive that are disrupting the status quo. I’m actually here for it." Alan recounts a whirlwind trip to the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, but not before detailing a "hellish" day in the clinic that nearly derailed his travel plans. From grueling extractions to elusive mesial canals, Alan shares the raw reality of a high-stress day in the operatory. Once in Chicago, the conversation shifts to the "price of dabbling" in dental...
info_outlineAlan 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 on his own lack of clinical experience after graduating dental school in 1997 with a minimal number of completed procedures. He suggests that a new dentist's license is essentially a "learner's permit," and advises both new practitioners and experienced dentists approaching new techniques (like his recent Bioclear review) to embrace humility and the beginner's mindset to learn effectively without existing biases.
Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast Network is and will remain free; please support the people who support us!
Crazy Dental has everything you need—from cotton rolls to equipment—at the best prices! Get an free shipping on your order by visiting verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and using coupon code VERYSHIP. Save money and support the show.
The Wonderist Agency is your one-stop shop for marketing your dental practice and brand. They cover everything from logo redesign to a full-service marketing plan. Check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist
Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes. They also distribute loupe-mounted cameras and Zumax microscopes! Boost your magnification/headlight game and support the podcast at verydentalpodcast.com/enova.
CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills, and their own browser-based design software, Clinux. See the brand new scanner from Shining 3D, the Elf! Get the best service on all things digital dentistry at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!