Very Dental: Planned Obsolescence & Subscription Hell with Dr. Brian Baliwas
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 12/20/2024
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_outlineAlan is joined by the one and only Dr. Brian Baliwas. You might know him better as @sfdentalnerd 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 of running a fee-for-service practice, the hidden costs of dental procedures, and the value of patient communication.
Key Takeaways:
- Dental insurance vs. pet insurance: Dr. Baliwas highlights the stark differences between the transparent and efficient claims process for his dog's insurance and the confusing world of human dental insurance. This raises questions about the role of employers, transparency, and the overall value of dental insurance plans.
- Planned obsolescence: The conversation explores the frustrating trend of planned obsolescence in dental equipment, with examples like air polishers and intraoral scanners. Dr. Baliwas shares his experience of repairing his own equipment due to a lack of available parts and discusses the push towards subscription models for dental technology.
- Fee-for-service dentistry: Brian discusses the benefits and challenges of running a fee-for-service practice, emphasizing the importance of accurate cost analysis and transparent patient communication.
- The value of hygiene: Brian and Alan discuss patient perceptions of dental hygiene and the importance of comprehensive exams in a preventive dental model. They also touch on the use of air polishers and guided biofilm therapy.
- The importance of company support: When choosing dental products and equipment Brian stresses the importance of excellent company support and customer service rather than simply focusing on the "best" brand names.
Some links from the show:
- @sfdentalnerd: Dr. Brian Baliwas's Instagram handle
- Healthy Paws: Pet insurance company
- EMS Airflow
- iTero Element: Intraoral scanner mentioned in the context of planned obsolescence
- Medit i700
- "Buy Now" Documentary
Episode Index:
- 01:26 The Role of Social Media in Dentistry
- 02:39 Emergency Dentistry and Zylo's Insurance
- 05:35 Transparency in Dental and Medical Insurance
- 19:18 In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Dental Practices
- 27:25 The Role of Hygiene in Dentistry
- 28:54 Patient Perception vs. Clinical Reality
- 29:48 Innovative Hygiene Tools and Techniques
- 31:52 The Cost and Maintenance of Dental Equipment
- 34:10 Subscription Models and Planned Obsolescence
- 37:47 The Value of Customer Support
- 42:08 Disposable vs. Durable Dental Tools
- 47:42 The Frustration of Warranties and Repairs
- 52:22 Leveraging Social Media for Dental Practice
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