Spouses, Tractors and Disc Golf with Dr. Mike Melkers (DHP106)
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 07/26/2016
Very Dental: Creating Furniture to Support Dentists with Steven Haaksma
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan 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....
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Very Clinical: Kevin is (Care) Stacked!
The Very Dental Podcast Network
"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 using the password "Timmerman,"...
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AME: Do Something
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan reflects on the importance of "doing something" when it comes to emotional health, contrasting it with his earlier philosophy of "don't just do something, sit there" in the context of dental diagnosis. He shares a personal story about his son's music competition and how his own emotional reaction led him to realize the power of action in managing feelings. Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a...
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Very Dental: Understanding Authenticity with Dr. Charlotte Drumi
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan is joined by Dr. Charlotte Drumi for an "in person" recording from the recent Chicago Midwinter Meeting! She's a young dentist with an old soul and Alan learned a lot from this conversation! They discuss Charlotte's journey from documenting her dental school experience on Instagram to becoming a recognized content creator in the dental field. They delve into the challenges of social media, the importance of authenticity, the pressures faced by new dentists, and the impact of her international background on her perspective. Key Talking Points: Social Media and Authenticity: The...
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Very Clinical: Amalgam in 2025 with Dr. Kevin Donlan
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this throwback episode Kevin and Zach are once again joined by Dr. Kevin Donlan to discuss the controversial topic of amalgam in modern dentistry. Is this classic restorative material still relevant in 2025? They delve into the pros and cons, share personal experiences, and debate whether amalgam still has a place in everyday dental practice. Key Takeaways: Amalgam still has a place in dentistry, particularly in situations with challenging isolation. Patient education and clear communication are crucial for material selection. Dental education and practice philosophies have evolved...
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AME: Dentist Side Hustles with Alex and Eric from "Just a Couple of Dentists"
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan shares his recent guest appearance on "Just a Couple of Dentists," a podcast hosted by millennial dentists Alex and Eric. They discuss the evolving landscape of dentistry, the rise of side hustles, and the challenges faced by younger dentists. Alan, Alex, and Eric delve into the reasons behind the shift from traditional clinical focus to entrepreneurial ventures, the impact of social media, and the realities of practice ownership. They also play a fun "Kiss, Marry, Kill" game with potential dental side gigs. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman,"...
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Very Dental: Embracing AI in Dentistry with Preet Sandhu
The Very Dental Podcast Network
AI is rapidly transforming the dental industry, offering numerous opportunities for efficiency and improved patient care. Alan talked with Preet Sandhu at the recent Chicago Midwinter Dental meeting about some used of AI in dentistry that you may not have thought of. Preet is the CEO of ViralKraft (an honest marketing company) as well as StafGo Health, which focuses on the revenue cycle in the dental office. Preet has extensive background in finance and marketing, including 18 years in corporate finance and experience with healthcare finance. The conversation is a deep dive into how AI...
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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...
info_outlineThere are a bunch of dentists that work with their spouse in the dental office. Dr. Mike Melkers is one of them. There are significantly less dentists that use tractors on a regular basis. Again, Dr. Mike Melkers is one of them. Very few dentists have created a disc golf course at their home. Dr. Melkers is one those, too. It's called "Thumper's Hollow." In today's episode, we discuss all this stuff. More importantly, we discuss the things that dentists need to do outside the practice of dentistry to keep themselves sane. You'll learn a few things (what is a catio?) and have a few laughs, guaranteed.
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!
Oil pulling? Figs for healthy teeth? The Brain Trust returns to discuss the craziest things that patients have said to their dentist. Join Dr. Dawn Kulongowski, Dr. David Scardella, Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Andy Hayes as they dig into inappropriate patient comments.
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: Revisionist History podcast (Malcolm Gladwell), Tim Ferriss podcast, Stranger Things on Netflix
Alan: Slither.io
Mike: My Mother, Your Mother
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