Dr. Mike Melkers on How We Get Better (DHP105)
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 07/19/2016
Very Clinical: Failures and Last Case Bias with Dr. Kevin Donlin
The Very Dental Podcast Network
This throwback episode features Kevin and Zach talking to Dr. Kevin Donlin about winter sports, clinical failures, "last case bias" and how social media can affect a clinician's treatment plans. Key Takeaways: Last Case Bias: The guys discuss how last case bias can influence treatment decisions, particularly when it comes to new materials and techniques. They emphasize the importance of being honest with oneself about the causes of failures and avoiding making changes based solely on anecdotal evidence. Social Media's Influence on Dentistry: The fellas discuss the potential dangers of...
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AME: Still Pushing the Button
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan reflects a bit on a technique he calls "Pushing the Button." He originally wrote about it in a post on the Dental Hacks website and still finds it an effective way to help create interpersonal connections. Key Themes: Patient communication and relationship building The importance of human connection in dentistry Managing challenging patient interactions Personal growth and self-awareness The benefit of being personable. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and...
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Very Dental: I Can See Your Crack From Here with Dr. David Clark
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan welcomes Dr. David Clark back to the show. David is the inventor of the Bioclear system and one of the people that really turned Alan on to microscope dentistry. Key Takeaways: Dr. Clark discusses his "Cracked Tooth Lecture" and the controversy surrounding its title. The importance of microscopes in dentistry and how they can help diagnose and treat cracked teeth. The evolution of bioclear and the latest advancements in injection molding composite dentistry. The importance of the gingival third and achieving a perfect margin. Dr. Clark's recent heart attack and the lessons he...
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Very Clinical: Dental Student Questions, Part Deux!
The Very Dental Podcast Network
This week, Kevin and Zach are joined again by Alan and "Dr." Mo, host of the Very Dental Student podcast, to answer more listener questions. They cover a range of topics, including: Mastering Occlusion: Tips and tools for achieving optimal occlusion in restorative procedures, with a focus on fillings and crowns. Managing Patients with a Strong Gag Reflex: Practical strategies for minimizing gagging during procedures, including the use of acupuncture, rubber dams, and patient communication techniques. Diagnosing and Treating Crack Tooth Syndrome: Identifying and addressing cracked teeth, with...
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AME: Chicago Midwinter 2025 Review
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan is back from the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting and shares his experiences and highlights from the exhibition floor. He discusses new products and technologies, including a new buffering system for anesthetics, AI tools for chart notes, updates from Bioclear, and a "new" microscope from Enova Illumination. He also talks about his experience podcasting at the meeting and his plans for future episodes. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to...
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Very Dental: Hands On Implant Training with Dr. Justin Moody
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan catches up with Dr. Justin Moody, his friend and business partner. They reminisce about their experiences in dental school and how dentistry has changed over the years. They discuss the importance of hands-on training, especially for new dentists, and the need for critical thinking and humility in implant dentistry. They also touch on the challenges of treating patients with full arch implant cases and the importance of ethical considerations. Key Takeaways: The importance of hands-on training in dentistry, especially for new dentists. The need for critical thinking and humility in...
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Very Clinical: Dental Student Questions!
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Zach and Kevin are joined by the "Very Dental Student" podcast's host, Mohamed and Al to answer some questions that Mo put together from dental students! Managing Cancellations: The hosts debate the best strategies for dealing with frequent cancellations, from strict rescheduling policies to prepayment systems. Restorability vs. Extraction: A nuanced discussion on the factors that influence decisions about saving or extracting teeth, including patient preferences, practitioner skills, and the availability of implant options. Emergency Protocols: Tips for effectively managing dental...
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AME: A Pain Management Puzzle
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan delves into a thought-provoking ethical dilemma presented in the Very Clinical Facebook group regarding pain management for a patient in recovery. Pain Management Dilemma: A detailed discussion of a Facebook post in "Very Clinical" about a patient in recovery on methadone who initially refused narcotics but later requested stronger pain medication after a procedure. Alan's Perspective on Recovery and Pain: Alan shares personal anecdotes about his own recovery journey and experiences with pain management, including his thoughts on harm reduction and the importance of personal...
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Very Dental: Is the Hygiene Model Broken with Dr. Jason Smithson
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan is joined once again by the one and only Dr. Jason Smithson. We've often compared how dentistry is delivered differently between the United States and the UK, but today we compare how dental hygiene is delivered differently. Summary: Dr. Alan Mead and Dr. Jason Smithson discuss the stark differences in how dental hygiene is approached in the United States versus the UK. They explore the reasons behind these differences, including insurance models, historical practices, and the perceived value of hygiene appointments by patients. The conversation also touches upon the role of...
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Very Clinical: The Kevin Fryer Origin Story
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Where did the Kevin Fryer we know and love come from? In today's throwback episode Zach interviews Kevin about why he became a dentist and how his career evolved! Kevin shares his journey in dentistry, from a traumatic childhood injury that sparked his interest in the field to establishing his own practice. He discusses his educational background, initial years doing general dentistry, and the subsequent shifts that led him to embrace advanced procedures like ortho, implants, and sleep apnea treatments. Kevin highlights key influences like Dr. Rick DePaul and Dr. Tarun "T-Bone" Agarwal, and...
info_outlineHow do you become better as a dentist? Is it as simple as taking a course? Or is there more to it. That's one of the topics we discuss with Dr. Mike Melkers in episode 105 of the Dental Hacks podcast. Mike is well versed in how we develop our understanding of new concepts. He's a teacher as well as a learner and he discusses the ups and downs of continuing to learn our craft. He also discusses the work he put in to become a master in the AGD this past weekend! Dr. Melkers returns to teaching this November in Waltham, MA teaching a course called "Occlusionists Now" with Dr. Lane Ochi! If you use the coupon code "HACKS" you'll receive a discount on your registration!
In the Brain Trust things get a little lighter when we open with the question: what's the craziest thing a patient has done in your dental chair. Alan is joined by Dr. Dawn Kulongowski, Dr. Andy Hayes, Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. David Scardella to tell stories that get very inappropriate very quickly.
Some links from the show:
The Dental Economics Principles of Practice Management Conference (Jason and Alan will be podcasting LIVE!)
Please go take our dental podcasting summit survey
Go Hack Yourself:
Jason: Inside Job
Alan: The Big Short (on Netflix!)
If you have any questions or comments for us please drop us an email at [email protected] or find us (and like us!) at www.facebook.com/dentalhacks. Or, if you prefer...give us a call at (866) 223-5257 and leave us a message. You might be played in the show! If you like us, why not leave us a review on iTunes? It helps us get found by like minded people and might even help us get into "What's Hot" in the iTunes store! Go to this link and let the world know about the DentalHacks! Finally, if you aren't an Apple person, consider reviewing us on Stitcher at: stitcher.com/podcast/the-dentalhacks-podcast!
If you would like to support the podcast you can check out our Patreon page! Although the show will always remain free to download, our Patreon supporters get access to special bonus content including (at least) one extra podcast episode every months! Also be sure to check out the Dental Hacks swag store where you can find t-shirts, stickers coffee mugs and all sorts of other things that let the world know you're a part of the Hacks Nation!