Journey From New Dentist to Dental Expert & Educator. Trends in Digital Dentistry w/ Mike Skramstad
Release Date: 02/12/2025
The Evolution of Modern Dental Practice: A Conversation with Dr. Tarun Agarwal
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Join the Simplify Dentistry hosts as they discuss the changing landscape of dental practice with Dr. Tarun Agarwal ("T-Bone"). From managing insurance relationships to creating sustainable business models, this episode explores how to adapt and thrive in modern dentistry while maintaining clinical excellence and practice profitability. Episode Navigation 00:01 - Introduction and welcome 01:16 - Evolution of dental practice models 03:44 - Practice valuation and transitions 10:56 - Clear aligner therapy discussion 17:50 - Insurance participation strategies 34:24 - Career advice for new...
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Real life dentistry, gaining predictability through education. Dr. Gregg Kinzer of Spear Education.
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Dr. Gregg Kinzer joins Dr. Mustafa and Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan to share his journey from dental school to leading prosthodontist and educator. He discusses mentorship, digital vs. analog workflows, and how Spear Education helps dentists simplify complexity. A must-listen for clinicians at any stage looking to build confidence and master the fundamentals. Episode Navigation: 00:20 – Introduction to Dr. Gregg Kinzer 01:05 – His path into prosthodontics and near miss with orthodontics 03:30 – Lessons from working alongside Frank Spear 09:15 – The evolution of treatment planning 14:40 –...
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Wealth Planning for Dentists: A Conversation with Tim McNeely
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In this episode of the Simplified Dentistry Podcast, host Dr. Richard Offutt welcomes Tim McNeely—founder of Dental Wealth Nation and author of the book by the same name—for a deep dive into wealth management for dentists. Tim shares practical strategies for financial planning, building high-value practices, and transitioning from “doing it all” to leading with clarity. This conversation is packed with insights for dentists at every stage—especially those in mid-career thinking about exit strategies and legacy planning. Episode Navigation 03:00 – What real wealth management looks...
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Buying or Selling: Conversation with Transition Specialists
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Episode Description Join us for a practical and eye-opening conversation with Dr. Rod Strickland and Jimmy Studzinski from Legacy Practice Transitions and Excite Realty. In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of dental practice sales—from navigating DSO offers to preparing your practice for maximum value. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply plan for the future, this discussion breaks down what matters most: timing, valuation, and building the right team. Episode Navigation 01:05 – Jimmy’s career shift from cardiology to dental transitions 03:56 – Rod’s...
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Revolutionizing Dental Education: A Conversation with Dr. Muhammad Ali Shazib
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Join us for an enlightening discussion with Dr. Muhammad Ali Shazib, Dean and Chief Clinical Officer of the Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University. Learn about their innovative approach to dental education, including community-based clinical training, integrated business education, and how they're preparing students for the future of dentistry. Episode Navigation 00:14 - Introduction of Dr. Muhammad Ali Shazib 00:54 - Current state of dental education 04:00 - Why choose High Point University Workman School 06:14 - Admissions process and values alignment 15:57 - Clinical...
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Banking Insights for Dentists: A Discussion with Provide Bank's Johnette Green
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Join us as we explore dental-specific lending with Johnette Green, Regional Director of Provide Bank. Learn why choosing the right financial partner is crucial for practice success, understand the benefits of working with specialty lenders, and discover key strategies for preparing yourself for practice ownership. Episode Navigation 00:01 - Introduction and welcome 01:18 - Overview of Provide Bank's services 02:08 - Benefits of specialty lending for dentists 08:45 - How to become an appealing loan candidate 10:28 - Managing student debt while pursuing practice ownership 13:10 - Timeline for...
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The Nifty, Thrifty Dentist: A conversation with Dr. Glenn Vo
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Join us as Dr. Glenn Vo shares his unique path into dentistry, from reluctant student to dental industry leader. Learn how his immigrant background, sister's intervention, and focus on relationships shaped his approach to practice ownership and community building. Dr. Vo offers valuable insights on practice management, mentorship, and creating lasting impact in dentistry. Episode Navigation 00:16 - Introduction to Dr. Glenn Vo 00:25 - Dr. Vo's unexpected journey into dentistry 02:55 - Building a personalized practice approach 04:28 - Immigrant perspective on professional careers 07:42 -...
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A Digital Dentist's Dentist: A Conversation with Meena Barsoum
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Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Meena Barsoum, a leader in digital dentistry and CDOCS faculty member. Dr. Barsoum shares his journey from starting a practice during the recession to becoming a prominent educator in CAD/CAM dentistry, while offering valuable insights on technology adoption, clinical workflows, and the future of digital dentistry. Episode Navigation 00:14 - Introduction of Dr. Meena Barsoum 01:50 - Dr. Barsoum's journey into digital dentistry 08:23 - Evolution of CAD/CAM technology 13:06 - Discussion on material selection and bonding 15:04 -...
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How do you like your Dental Nachos? Career advice for 5,10, 20-year dentist with Paul Goodman.
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Join Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt as they welcome Dr. Paul Goodman, founder of Dental Nachos and Dental Job Connect. Discover how these innovative platforms are helping dentists build community, find career opportunities, and navigate practice transitions while maintaining work-life balance. Learn valuable insights about practice ownership, associate placement, and creating sustainable dental careers. Episode Navigation 00:14 - Introduction to Dr. Paul Goodman 00:53 - Dr. Goodman's journey into dentistry 02:02 - Building Dental Nachos community 04:19 -...
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Timely Tax Tips For Dental Professionals. A Conversation with Holden Sours, CPA
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Join dental-specific CPA Holden Sours as she shares critical year-end tax planning strategies, retirement options, and financial insights for dental practices. Learn about maximizing deductions, implementing effective retirement plans, and understanding recent tax law changes that impact dental practitioners. Episode Navigation 00:00 - Introduction and welcome 00:47 - Year-end planning fundamentals 04:01 - Retirement planning strategies 10:46 - Practice fee increases and inflation 14:59 - Research and development credits 17:40 - Audit frequency and considerations...
info_outlineIn the latest podcast episode featuring Dr. Mike Skramstad, a leader in digital dentistry, listeners are introduced to his unexpected journey into the field following his graduation from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2000. Skramstad shares insights into the evolution of CAD/CAM dentistry and the importance of adequate tooth preparation, advocating for preparation courses for new dentists. Additionally, he discusses cloud-based collaboration tools and various intraoral scanners, emphasizing a scanner-agnostic approach within the SPEAR curriculum. The episode also highlights Skramstad's personal interests, including a recent golf trip, and he concludes with key takeaways centered on focusing on fundamentals and investing in efficient workflows for dental practices.
🎙️ Introduction and Background
- Graduated from University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2000
- Certified advanced digital dentistry trainer
- Lectured internationally on technology, implantology, and digital dentistry
- Leader in development of CDOCS educational program
- Skramstad's journey into dentistry was unplanned
- Bought first CEREC machine in 2002
- Focused on digital dentistry throughout career
- Became educator through online community involvement
🖥️ Digital Dentistry Evolution
- Discussed evolution of CAD/CAM dentistry materials
- Emphasized importance of proper tooth preparation
- Recommended preparation courses for new dentists
- Explained integration of digital technology in SPEAR education
- Discussed cloud-based collaboration tools like DS Core and Smile Cloud
- Highlighted importance of understanding treatment planning fundamentals
🔬 Technology and Education
- Discussed various intraoral scanners (Prime Scan, 3Shape, ITERO)
- Mentioned new A Oral Elite scanner with built-in photogrammetry
- Emphasized scanner-agnostic approach in SPEAR curriculum
- Talked about personal scanner preferences for clinical use
- Discussed golf as a personal hobby and recent competitions
⛳ Personal Interests and Closing Thoughts
- Discussed recent golf trip to Ozarks
- Mentioned daughter's artwork of Jordan shoes
Provided key takeaway messages:
- Slow down and focus on fundamentals
- Don't be afraid to invest in efficient workflows