Brain Trust: Nothing Wrong with "Dental School Dentistry"
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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Very Clinical: Practice or Business?
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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AME: Another Recommendation Engine
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental: How to Not Have a Heart Attack with Dr. David Clark
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Clinical: The Healthy Patient Paradox
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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AME: Digital Design for Dummies
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental: The Dentist's Dilemma: Doctor or Entrepreneur? with Dr. Mark Costes
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Clinical: A Tip or Two with Dr. McGue
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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AME: Matt's Marketing Minute(s)
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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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Very Dental: Have We Reached Peak Dental Podcasting with Dr. Mark Costes
The Very Dental Podcast Network
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_outlineKevin 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 they consider the differences between simply owning a practice, running a dental business, and being a true entrepreneur. The conversation highlights the wide spectrum of career paths available in dentistry today, from being a salaried associate to building a multi-office empire.
In this episode of the podcast, hosts Kevin and Zach, along with guest Alan, dive into 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 Mark Costas. 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 they consider the differences between simply owning a practice, running a dental business, and being a true entrepreneur. The conversation highlights the wide spectrum of career paths available in dentistry today, from being a salaried associate to building a multi-office empire.
Key Takeaways
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Entrepreneurship is a Spectrum: Owning a dental office doesn't automatically make you an entrepreneur. The podcast outlines a spectrum from simply owning a job (a practice that only runs with you there) to having a true business that can function independently, to being a full-on entrepreneur who innovates and scales.
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The Changing Landscape of Dentistry: The hosts acknowledge that their generation of dentists came into the profession during a "golden age" with less debt and more opportunities for practice ownership. Today, with higher student loans and the rise of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), younger dentists often need to be more business-savvy to succeed as owners.
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Technology and Business: The discussion touches on how technology, like digital dentistry and clear aligners, can be a business decision to add new services and level up a practice. This is presented as a way to evolve from a "drill, fill, bill" mindset into a more diverse and profitable business model.
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Dentistry as a Vehicle: The podcast concludes that dentistry can be a great field for entrepreneurs because it provides a high income that can be used to fund other business ventures, whether within dentistry (like teaching or consulting) or in completely different industries.
Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!"
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