Very Dental: "Go Visit Your Lab" featuring Dr. David Hornbrook
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 10/01/2021
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_outlineAlan welcomes Dr. David Hornbrook to the Very Dental podcast! David was the presenter at the Vedder Society's fall meeting and he did not disappoint! He's an amazing clinician with an approachable style of presentation and we got to see and interact with him for 3 days! Some of the things we discussed on the podcast were:
- David is REALLY glad to be back to in person teaching!
- David explains how he became such a lab and materials focused clinician
- "Knowing exactly what they're doing in the lab has made me a better dentist."
- Do you invite your lab to ask for more information and critique your work?
- Digital workflow isn't an invitation to be sloppy. PVS is way better for someone who doesn't pay attention to details
- What's the benefit of visiting the lab?
- Do you know who is creating your restorations?
- Your lab techs know what kind of dentist you are!
- Let's go to Lab Day in Chicago!
- Do you do CE with your lab tech(s)?
- Are we moving to implants too quickly?
- Bridges are legitimate treatment in a lot of cases and implant are not always the best choice.
- The greatest trick for strengthening a zirconia bridge!
- Becoming David Hornbrook
- Photography vs. "Instagram Photography"
- Patient expectations and "ideal" dentistry
- Weighing minimally invasive techniques against creating room for materials
- Informed consent and how the dentist "spins" the treatment
- David's recommendations for new dentists:
- find a mentor
- eliminate the undesirable procedures from your practice as soon as possible
- realize that you're going to be a dentist for a long time
- "hurry up and slow down"
- Be uncompromising
Some links from the show:
- Vedder Society
- David Hornbrook's courses (Utah Valley Dental Lab)
- The Voices of Dentistry
- The Very Dental Facebook group
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The Very Dental podcast is brought to you by our friends at Microcopy Dental. Neodiamonds from Microcopy Dental are very fine. I mean, all of them are awesome, but some of them are actually “very fine.” Specifically I mean the yellow striped ones they call “finishing” diamonds. I use Microcopy finishing diamonds on just about any patient that I might be spinning a bur on. Very fine finishers do the heavy lifting on composites so polishing is simple and easy. I use them to finish crown preps. I’ve been known to adjust Emax and Zirconia with them. Once you try them you’re going to find a ton of places to use them! And just like all of Microcopy’s burs, they’re sterile out of the package and single use means they’re sharp and efficient and can be disposed of at the end of the appointment! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/veryfine (all one word)!
The Very Dental podcast is also supported by our friends at Cosmedent! Cosmedent has just released a new composite that you’re going to want to try! It’s called “Renamel Bulkfill” and it’s here to simplify your posterior composite placement. It rivals the speed and efficiency of amalgam but it’s still packable, sculptable and polishes like a dream! You can cure up to 4mm increments, so it’s sure to increase the efficiency of working in the posterior. It’s radiopaque for easy identification on recalls, too! I’ll get a chance to try it clinically next week and I’ll give you my review with photos in the Very Dental Facebook group! Cosmedent is offering a killer 20% off deal for Very Dental Podcast Network listeners by using the coupon code “VDP21” at checkout on their website! So go check out Renamel Bulkfill at verydentalpodcast.com/bulkfill
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