Very Dental: Planned Obsolescence & Subscription Hell with Dr. Brian Baliwas
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan is joined by the one and only Dr. Brian Baliwas. You might know him better as on Instagram, where he is probably the most entertaining dental follow on the platform! Alan and Brian have a lively discussion about the frustrations of dental insurance, the perils of planned obsolescence in dental equipment, and the importance of transparency in dentistry. They delve into the surprisingly efficient insurance model used for Dr. Baliwas's dog, Xylo and contrast it with the often opaque and frustrating world of human dental insurance. The conversation also touches on the challenges...
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Very Clinical: Dr. Nate Lawson is a Fan of Onlays (and Partial Coverage)
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Today's throwback episode features Dr. Nate Lawson as he returns to the Very Clinical Podcast to discuss partial coverage restorations with Kevin and Zach. They debate the merits of onlays versus crowns, discuss different preparation designs and temporization techniques, and explore the use of new materials like Emax and zirconia. Tune in to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of partial coverage restorations and how they can be used to provide optimal patient care. Key Takeaways: Onlays can be a good alternative to crowns in certain situations. Proper preparation design and...
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AME: Conquering the Blank Page
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Would you like to discover how to overcome creative inertia and tedious tasks with the help of technology? Al explores how he's using Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used to enhance creativity and productivity for dentists and other professionals. He shares his personal experiences using AI for podcast editing, email composition, student study guides, and even generating clinical notes. Key Takeaways: AI tools like Google Gemini and Descript can significantly enhance productivity and creativity. AI can help with a wide range of tasks, from podcast editing to generating...
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Very Dental: Rethinking Decay Removal with Dr. Melissa Seibert
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan welcomes back Dr. Melissa Seibert to talk about caries removal. While academics and researchers don't find the idea of incomplete caries removal controversial, many clinicians just can't get their head around it! Melissa drops a LOT of knowledge on us in this episode! Key takeaways: Selective caries removal is a well-substantiated approach to caries management that involves removing only the infected dentin while leaving affected dentin behind. This can help to preserve healthy tooth structure and avoid pulpal exposure. Magnification and light are essential for accurate caries diagnosis....
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Very Clinical: People Hear What They Want To Hear
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this throwback episode of the Very Clinical podcast Zach and Kevin talk about verbal skills and patient communication. Show Topics: Office Holiday Parties: The hosts discuss their plans for their office holiday parties, including venue selection, gift exchanges, and timing. Kevin shares an amusing anecdote about a past party location mishap. Verbal Skills in Dentistry: Zach and Kevin delve into how their communication skills have evolved over their careers. They emphasize the importance of confidence and clarity when presenting treatment options to patients. Rubber Dam Use: A...
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AME: Holiday Chaos and Smart Choices
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan is back after a month of exciting crossovers on the Very Dental Podcast Network! He dives into his holiday craziness (tuba concerts galore!), reflects on consumerism and making thoughtful purchases, and shares valuable advice on navigating dental technology decisions. Plus, he gives a shout-out to (his awesome lab tech neighbor)! Key Takeaways: Support is Key: When investing in dental technology, prioritize companies with excellent customer service and support. Don't Rush: Waiting to purchase technology can be beneficial. Prices may drop, and newer, better versions often come out...
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Very Dental: Dr. Mike Mansell Becomes a Civilian
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this episode Alan catches up with Dr. Mike Mansell, who recently retired from the Army after a 24-year career in military dentistry. The conversation covers a range of topics, from their initial meeting at a dental course, to Dr. Mansell's transition to civilian dental practice. Dr. Mansell shares his experiences and insights on the differences between military and civilian dentistry, the challenges of switching roles, and the importance of having a family support system during dental school. They also discuss the impact of debt from dental school, the evolving role of technology in...
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Very Clinical: Tissue Management for Fun and Profit with Mo
The Very Dental Podcast Network
The crossover content keeps on coming! Kevin and Zack welcome Mo back to talk about how to manage tissue for that beautiful crown prep you're doing! They discuss various tissue management techniques crucial for successful crown prep appointments. They emphasize the importance of using cord, paste, and other tools to manage tissue effectively. They also touch upon the potential use of lasers, electrosurge units, and the controversial deep margin elevation technique. This is a comprehensive guide for dental students and dentists looking to enhance their tissue management skills!...
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Very Dental Student: How to Prep a Crown with Zach and Kevin
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Mohamed continues the epic crossover event with the Very Clinical guys, Zach and Kevin. Today they talk about the quintessential dental appointment...crown preps! They discuss their personal experiences with crown preparation, from the early days in dental school to modern practices in their dental careers. They compare techniques, materials used, and share anecdotes about challenging cases and instructors. The hosts elaborate on their current methods, including the digital tools and anesthetic procedures they use, and close with a discussion on how they handle build-ups and tissue...
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Very Dental: Getting Out of Your Own Way with Dr. Martin Mendelson
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan welcomes back Dr. Martin Mendelsohn to the podcast for a conversation about getting out of your own way. The discussion revolves around the importance of coaching, dealing with limiting beliefs, effective delegation, managing time and tasks, and the value of perspective in overcoming personal and professional challenges. Dr. Mendelsohn shares insights from his experiences, upcoming keynote lectures, and a new course designed to help dental professionals master leadership skills. It turns out that Martin has written a book, too! We talk a little bit about the creative process...
info_outlineIdentity is a weird concept. "Dentist" is technically a job description (what you do) but for many of us, including Al, it becomes our identity. Or at least a huge part of it. Al takes a little time to riff on his experience on his history of disengaging from dentistry and how evaluating how you see your identity is a healthy thing to do.
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Why should you care about single patient use burs? I can think of a lot of reasons, but the one your patients are thinking about is this one. What’s that sound? That’s the sound of a rotary instrument that’s never been used on another patient. That’s the sound of no cross contamination. That’s the sound of your patient knowing that you are looking out for them. Sure you get a super sharp, never been used bur each and every time you open a Microcopy bur, but mostly your patients know that you take cross contamination seriously. Go check out the wide variety of single patient use products at verydentalpodcast.com/microcopy. A new (and sterile) bur…every time. Microcopy Dental.
Ideal preps. That’s what we aim for. One excellent way to get there is to use a core material to build the tooth back up to ideal contour. Cosmecore from Cosmedent is my choice for building up a broken down tooth. It’s dual cure, comes in a variety of colors and cuts just like a tooth. You’ll get a super smooth finish with no gouging. Right now I’ve got the 50 gram dispenser that fits in a small impression gun, but when I need to refill I think I’ll go with the 8 gram syringe. Both work great, but those syringes are handy and don’t take much room on a set up. Check it out at verydentalpodcast.com/cosmecore!
It’s funny, but you never really know how your branding effects people until you see it in your own life. So Jacob, my youngest 11 started Invisalign with a local orthodontist. He’s following all the instructions, including taking them out to eat. So I’m CONSTANTLY seeing a case for his aligners with our orthodontist’s brand. Like every single day. I’m realizing that cases for aligners, splits and removable offer a brilliant way for people to remember your office and your brand! And then I thought of our friends at Zirc who offer aligner sized and denture sized boxes in tons of colors that you can customize with YOUR logo! They’re offering a buy one, get one deal on retainer or denture boxes with your logo and 4 lines of custom print! Go check it out at verydentalpodcast.com/imprint and use code: verydentalimprint for your Very Dental deal!
Our friends at Enova Illumination have your magnification and lighting needs all figured out. Whether you’re looking at new loupes, a surgical headlight like no other or the amazing line of Zumax microscopes, Enova Illumination has you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/Enova and take advantage of the discounts they have for Very Dental Podcast Network listeners!
Do you need help with a logo or website design? Our friends at Wonderist can definitely help! Keep your eyes open for updated logos of all your favorite Very Dental Podcast Network shows this month...they’ve been designed by the pros at the Wonderist Agency! Want more information? Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist!
Do you want an easy way to support the Very Dental Podcast network? Go check out the monthly deals from our friends at Crazy Dental! Each month Crazy Dental will be offering all kinds of different coupons on the product you’re using most! Head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy to see the monthly deals they have in store for you!