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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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
Kevin and Zach on Dental School Reunions
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this episode of the Very Clinical podcast, Zach and Kevin take a nostalgic trip through the evolution of technology and the social dynamics of the dental profession. The duo starts with a look at their "tech origins," comparing stories of 3.5-inch floppy disk backups, FORTRAN punch cards, and the struggle of logging into office computers via dial-up modems. The conversation then shifts to the personal side of the profession as Zach prepares for his 25th dental school reunion. They explore the "awkward factor" of professional gatherings, the reality of "dental bragging," and Kevin’s...
info_outline
AME: The Nostalgia Playlist
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan explores why musical tastes often freeze in middle school and why a 54-year-old dentist still feels like he’s in his twenties—until he sees the Ticketmaster bill for Rush’s 50th-anniversary tour. Alan dives into the friction of analog nostalgia, from landlines to worn-out cassettes, and contrasts it with the instant-access world of his 18-year-old son, Sean. It’s a reflection on whether the "effort" of the 1980s created a deeper brand of nostalgia than the frictionless, Spotify-driven experience of today’s youth, questioning if we value things less when there’s no barrier...
info_outline
Very Dental: The Explicit Truth with Teresa Duncan
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan catches up with dental administration expert Teresa Duncan at the "posh" Chicago Midwinter Meeting press center to discuss the shifting landscape of dental documentation and technology. The conversation dives deep into the ADA’s refreshed radiographic guidelines, emphasizing the shift from "implicit" to "explicit" clinical notes and how AI and ambient listening are revolutionizing chart accuracy. From debating the ethics of insurance claims to reminiscing about the "sterile pockets" and dip-tanks of the past, Alan and Teresa explore how innovation—and maybe a future sterilization...
info_outline
Very Dental: Dentistry in 2050 with Dr. Alex Kantor and Dr. Eric Applesies
The Very Dental Podcast Network
This special episode of the Very Dental Podcast flips the script, featuring Dr. Alan Mead as a guest on the podcast with hosts Dr. Alex Kantor and Dr. Eric Applesies. In a wide-ranging and speculative conversation, the trio peers into the future to imagine the landscape of Dentistry in 2050. From the role of AI and robotic assistants in practice management to the potential "pendulum swing" away from DSO consolidation and back toward private practice, no stone is left unturned. The discussion also tackles the mounting burden of student debt, the evolving role of dental hygiene, and whether...
info_outline
AME: Outrunning the Discounts with Dr. Bart Schultz
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan catches up with his longtime friend and dental school classmate, Dr. Bart Schultz. The duo takes a nostalgic and candid look back at Al's "super senior" days at the University of Minnesota, critiquing the traditional dental school model as a "scam" that often fails to provide students with enough clinical repetitions. They dive deep into the frustrations of the Minnesota Care Tax, the ethical grey areas of "outrunning the discount" when dealing with certain insurance benefits, and the unique guilt dentists feel when restorations inevitably fail. It’s a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the...
info_outline
Very Dental: Why Dentistry is Still a "Safe Bet" for Lenders with Kirk Dewart
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan sits down with Kirk Dewart of US Bank to pull back the curtain on the world of dental practice finance. With 15 years of experience in the healthcare banking niche, Kirk debunks the myth that individual ownership is dead and discusses why dentistry remains one of the safest bets for lenders. The conversation covers the critical importance of early preparation for buyers, how banks evaluate student debt, and the value of building a local advisory team—including a CPA, attorney, and a banker who understands the dental landscape. Whether you are an associate looking to acquire your first...
info_outline"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 technology. Alan discusses his hands-on experience with the new Shining 3D Elf scanner, the seamless logistics of the Midwinter meeting, and how high-quality, lower-cost innovations are disrupting the status quo for scanners, microscopes and frankly all of dental technology. It’s a candid look at clinical struggles, the joy of in-person podcasting, and the evolving landscape of dental technology.
Some links from the show: