Very Dental: What Dentistry Can Learn from Medicine with Dr. Tarun Agarwal
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 08/13/2021
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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Kevin and Zach welcome Alan back to discuss the world of business and entrepreneurship within dentistry. They begin by reminiscing about their childhood "businesses," which leads to a discussion sparked by a conversation Alan had with dental entrepreneur Dr. Mark Costes. The group explores the idea that while dentists of their generation could often succeed with a simple practice, the current landscape of high student debt and large dental organizations demands a more business-minded approach. They debate whether an entrepreneurial spirit is something you're born with or can be developed, and...
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Al shares another "recommendation engine" in this episode! He starts with a dental recommendation, praising the Bioclear Evolve Matrix system and explaining why he's going back to get recertified. He then moves to personal interests, recommending the Harry Potter audiobooks narrated by Stephen Fry and the Hot Ones Instagram feed. He also suggests trying Fly By Jing's Sweet & Spicy Sichuan Chili Sauce and the sci-fi audiobook Automatic Noodle. Finally, he gushes about his new Stihl RZ 560 K lawnmower and encourages listeners to join the Very Dental Facebook group to share their own...
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Alan interviews Dr. David Clark about a near-fatal heart attack he suffered almost two years ago. Dave describes the dramatic details of the event, from initially mistaking his symptoms for heartburn to his wife heroically rushing him to the emergency room. The episode delves into the importance of being your own health advocate, particularly for dentists and other seemingly healthy individuals who may be at risk without knowing it. Dave emphasizes that a heart attack is one of the few life-threatening events that can be largely preventable if people are armed with the right knowledge. He...
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Zach and Kevin are joined Alan to have an in-depth discussion on the business of dentistry. They explore the surprising contradiction many dentists face: the challenge of maintaining a profitable practice while also promoting preventive care and serving "healthy" patients who need minimal treatment. They discuss how a shift in the dental landscape, including stagnant insurance reimbursements and rising overhead costs, has made it less viable for some practices to rely heavily on a traditional recall model. The conversation touches on how different dental practice models, such as DSOs, may...
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Alan shares his journey into the world of digital dentistry and digital design. He reflects on his past hesitations and the challenges of committing to expensive software like Exocad. A recent case involving a patient in need of a provisional partial, however, sparked his interest in finding a more accessible entry point. He recounts how his friend, Dr. Russell Schafer, introduced him to , a powerful, free design software. BSP, , offers an excellent way for dentists to "dip their toe" into digital design without a huge financial or time commitment. He encourages listeners to check out the case...
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Is the entrepreneurial drive something you're born with, or can it be learned? Alan had the chance to sit down with his friend and colleague, Dr. Mark Costes, at the recent Voices of Dentistry Pop Up for a deep dive into the mindset of a business owner. Drawing from his own family history, Dr. Costes argues that an entrepreneurial spirit is often an innate trait (nature), but that the skills to succeed can absolutely be cultivated (nurture). They explore the massive shift in the dental profession from the "golden era"—when clinical skill alone could guarantee a great living—to today's...
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In this throwback episode from Voices of Dentistry 2023 in Scottsdale, Zach and Kevin are joined by guest Dr. Brian McGue for the inaugural "Myths and Tips" episode. Dr. McGue, the inspiration for this format, kicks things off by myth-busting the posterior palatal seal, questioning its origin and clinical necessity for upper dentures. For his pro tip, he shares a game-changing technique for seating crowns—especially implant crowns—by recontouring the adjacent tooth contacts to eliminate undercuts and achieve a perfect, passive fit. Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook"...
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Recorded live at our recent pop up VoD 2025, Alan is joined by the one and only Dr. Matt Standridge! Matt shares two innovative marketing strategies he uses in his practice. First, he details his process for creating personalized virtual case presentations using Google Slides. He records custom videos for potential patients, walking them through their specific case, treatment options, and fees before they even come into the office, which has led to significantly higher case acceptance rates. Second, he explains how he collaborates with patients who are professional photographers. After a...
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In this throwback episode Alan is joined by his good friend and co-founder of Voices of Dentistry, Dr. Mark Costes. They catch up after the VOD 2022 event, sharing personal stories about their kids, past injuries, and the humbling (and sometimes embarrassing) experience of getting older. The conversation wraps up with a behind-the-scenes look at the world of dental podcasting, discussing everything from download stats and interview strategies to their most memorable guests. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Gary," "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa...
info_outline- T-Bone talks about meetings and the Voices of Dentistry
- How COVID affected 3D Dentists...getting back in to "course shape."
- How hard is it to perf a tooth? Hard...but not impossible!
- What's new at 3D Dentists?
- The history of the 3D Dentists retreat.
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- "This is how education should be."
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- Living together is an interesting way to learn
- The treatment center/addiction during COVID
- Al's medical problems
- What medicine can learn from dentistry (and vice versa)
- The patriarchal approach of medicine may have a place in dentistry
- Two diabetics walk into a room
- Water shaming...what is the right amount of water?
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- having to pee all the time at work
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- The Voices of Dentistry!
- Very Dental Facebook group (password: Timmerman)
- Would you like to support the podcast? Then you should take a look at our sponsors! When you choose to buy from our sponsors you're helping support the podcasts that you love!
- The Very Dental Podcast network is brought to you by our friends at Microcopy Dental. Single patient use carbide burs, diamond burs, polishers and a variety of single use products that make your office more efficient, make your infection control simpler and your dentistry better! Find more information at verydentalpodcast.com/microcopy
- Dentures get a bad reputation in dentistry. Quite a few dentists even brag about how long it has been since they have done a denture. Dr. Russell Schafer wants to reverse this trend. So if you want to learn to hate dentures less, you need to take Russell's course on November 12-13th 2021 in New Orleans! Learn techniques to streamline your denture workflow and help you deliver a more predictable product for your patients! You'll even learn how you can incorporate digital dentures in your practice! Find out more information on this thorough and cost effective class at verydentalpodcast.com/denturece!
- The Very Dental Podcast network is brought to you by Cosmedent! Cosmedent is the premiere source for education and materials for cosmetic dentistry! Find out more at verydentalpodcast.com/cosmedent.
- The Very Dental Podcast network is also brought to you by our friends at Zirc! Zirc has clincial and organizational products to make your office and clinical systems more efficient and make infection control a breeze. Zirc would love to work with you to optimize the efficiency of your practice! Find out more at verydentalpodcast.com/Zirc
- The Very Dental Podcast network is also supported by Crazy Dental! Go check out some of the best selection of dental supplies powered by an amazing website! Crazy has become my office's "go to" for dental supplies because of its ease of use and the lowest prices anywhere. Even better...you'll save 10% by using the coupon code "VDP10" on their website and it helps support the podcast! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/Crazy
- The Very Dental Podcast network is also supported by Enova Illumination! Enova makes custom made loupes and the very best headlamps in all of dentistry. They also sell the amazing Zumax line of dental microscopes (I've got one in my office...it's amazing!) Go take advantage of the discount that they offer Very Dental people at verydentalpodcast/Enova
- The Very Dental Podcast network is brought to you by the Wonderist agency. The best marketing agency to build your website, logo, SEO, design, Google Ads, social media and on. And on. Marketing your dental office...the Wonderist Agency can help! Find out more at verydentalpodcast.com/Wonderist