Very Clinical: Getting Ahead of It, part 1: Anesthesia and Occlusion
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this episode of the "Getting Ahead of It" series, Zach, Kevin, and guest Dr. Alan Mead break down practical communication strategies to preempt patient complaints and callbacks before they happen. Starting with local anesthesia, the trio covers common chairside dilemmas: setting realistic expectations between upper and lower numbness, handling palatal pressure, navigating anatomical misses, managing epinephrine-induced jitters, and managing the dreaded numb-eyelid sensation. The discussion shifts to post-op occlusion, exploring why asking numb patients "how does your bite feel?" often...
info_outline
AME: Radical Consent and the Lost Art of Tooth Preservation
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Fresh from the 2026 Bioclear Alumni Summit, Alan reflects on the power of tooth preservation, the lost art of "herodontics," and why the default move to implant therapy might be selling patients short . Addressing recent listener feedback about network reruns and solo monologues, Alan dives into standout presentations from Dr. Rafael Bustamante and Dr. Marco Maiolino that challenged conventional treatment planning and reexamined the true meaning of radical informed consent . Rather than viewing heroic restorative efforts as subpar dentistry, this episode explores how well-engineered, minimally...
info_outline
Very Dental: A New Twist on Dental Instruments with Kyle Lim of Power Dental Group
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan welcomes Kyle Lim, the dynamic owner of Power Dental Group, to discuss how a second-generation family sharpening and retipping business evolved into a disruptive direct-to-dentist brand. Kyle pulls back the curtain on taking over his father’s blue-collar manufacturing roots, shifting away from declining trade shows, and leveraging engaging social media marketing to stand out in a historically sterile industry. Along the way, the two dive into practical problem-solving in the operator including patented innovations like the Power Crown Remover for tackling stubborn zirconia, the...
info_outline
Very Dental Classics: The Implant Pathway Story with Dr. Justin Moody
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this throwback episode Dr. Justin Moody joins Alan to chronicle the remarkable evolution of Implant Pathway—from early hotel seminars to establishing a massive, purpose-built 32-operatory clinical training and nonprofit center in Scottsdale . Together, they break down the philosophy of the Fast Track program, emphasizing actionable clinical judgment, live-patient mentorship, and the importance of immediate chairside implementation . The conversation also covers the regulatory landscape of Arizona’s Good Samaritan temporary dental licenses, Dr. Moody’s newest venture into winemaking...
info_outline
AME: Is Podcasting Dead?
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan reflects on the stark contrast between social media reach and traditional audio podcast listenership after short Instagram clips featuring guest Dr. Brady Smith quickly garnered tens of thousands of views while overall podcast downloads remained steady . Looking back on the evolution of dental media since co-founding The Dental Hacks in 2014, he examines the rise of short-form video, shifts in podcast download metrics, the role of algorithmic distribution compared to RSS feeds, and whether traditional audio shows can still effectively connect with dental professionals . We're proud to be...
info_outline
Very Dental: 18 Board Complaints and Selling Out Comedy Clubs with Dr. Brady Smith
The Very Dental Podcast Network
What happens when you combine an aggressive 16-hour clinical shift, 18 frivolous state dental board investigations, and a completely fabricated, highly inappropriate anesthesia technique? You get Dr. Brady Smith’s return to the Very Dental Podcast. Alan sits down with Brady to unpack his transition from a dentist who merely likes attention to a full-blown social media juggernaut. Brady explains why he’d gladly accept a shout-out from anyone with a pulse, confesses to "bone smashing" exclusively during lower molar extractions, and recounts how an absurd viral bit called the "fireman's...
info_outline
Very Dental Classics: The Legacy of the Vedder Society
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this throwback episode, the Dental Hacks (Alan and Jason) kick things off by breaking down the realities of practice build-outs, avoiding the dreaded “construction valley,” and weathering economic downturns before revisiting a milestone live recording from northern Michigan . Recorded on location at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Francis B. Vedder Society, Alan passes the microphone to longtime members, prosthodontic mentors, and dental technicians to reflect on six decades of clinical excellence . From legendary clinician encounters—including early lectures from Dr. Frank...
info_outline
AME: Different Sports
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Fresh off his annual trip north for the Francis B. Vedder Society meeting, Alan dives into the notorious dental slump known as “Sucktember” and unpacks the clinical disconnect many general practitioners feel during high-end continuing education . While watching master-level prosthodontists and technicians showcase complex, full-arch All-on-X cases is inspiring, Alan argues that comparing everyday general dentistry to full-mouth reconstruction is like comparing hockey to the long jump—they are simply entirely different sports . From mountain biking through Glacial Hills to reflecting on...
info_outline
Very Dental: Inviting Your Demons in for Tea with Dr. Dawn Grimes
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan is joined by longtime friend and meditation teacher Dr. Dawn Grimes for a candid, reflective conversation on navigating change, managing career stress, and breaking the cycles of mental exhaustion. Moving from updates on moving houses, farm animals, and September financial anxiety into deep discussions on mindfulness, Alan and Dawn explore the teachings of renowned meditation instructor Sharon Salzberg and the core Buddhist concepts of impermanence, clinging, and suffering. Dawn breaks down why “regretful rumination” is the human brain’s default setting, the reality of balance as a...
info_outline
Very Clinical: Extractions, Sticky Bone, and Guided Implants
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Zach and Kevin catch up on summer milestones before diving deep into hands-on surgical dentistry with guests and fellow course instructors Dr. Shane Wingler and Dr. Emily Wojtowicz. Ahead of their upcoming TRT course, the panel shares actionable, real-world clinical pearls across the three critical phases of implant therapy: atraumatic extractions, socket grafting, and guided implant placement. Listeners will learn why wide flap reflection and aggressive sectioning with a surgical handpiece eliminate extraction headaches, how sticky bone and PRF revolutionize graft handling and tissue healing,...
info_outlineKevin and Zach are joined by Alan Mead to do an "Ask Us Anything" segment! First, they talk about New Year's traditions (Twilight Zone anyone?) and then they answered listener questions!
- What are you looking forward to the most at VOD? Which speaker will leave you speechless?
- What is the best kind of CE to seek out as a new general dentist?
- Sometimes I feel as if I'm a less than adequate dentist because I don't use all the newest, greatest technology and I'm not on the cutting edge of new techniques. Can you talk a bit about the dentists that fly under the radar, the ones that just do "tried and true" dentistry? Is there shame in that? Is it important to be on the cutting edge? How does all the newest, latest, greatest make us feel, really? Excited, nervous, hungry?
- What was the best/most profitable new idea you implemented in your practice this year?
Some links from the show:
If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental!
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!