Dr. Mike Melkers on How We Get Better (DHP105)
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Release Date: 07/19/2016
Very Clinical: Same Day Anterior Restorations with Dr. Kris Aadland
The Very Dental Podcast Network
This throwback episode features Dr. Kris Aadland joining Kevin and Zach from the Voices of Dentistry 2023 event in Scottsdale, Arizona! They discuss the myth that in-house CAD/CAM crowns are inferior to lab crowns, with Kris sharing insights from her extensive experience. The conversation covers various aspects of dental technology, including the efficiency of using multiple milling machines, digital designs, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for running a smooth dental practice. Additionally Kris offers practical tips on using dental tools like dry shields and isolites to enhance...
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AME: The Bar is Set So Low
The Very Dental Podcast Network
The patient experience in medicine sucks. Alan, having recently endured a couple of medical horror stories himself, passionately advocates for a different approach in dentistry. He urges dentists to focus on enhancing the patient experience through empathy and clear communication, noting that even simple texts can make a significant difference. Furthermore, Alan emphasizes the importance of transparent financial discussions, believing these efforts can make dental practices shine and foster genuine patient trust. Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy"...
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Very Dental: Buffer Like a Pro with Dr. Jason Goodchild
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Recorded live at the Chicago Midwinter meeting in February 2025, this episode features Alan in conversation with Dr. Jason Goodchild from Premier Dental. Jason provides an in-depth look at three innovative new products designed to enhance everyday restorative dentistry. They discuss Veneer Now, an injectable matrix system for creating predictable and aesthetic anterior composite restorations like veneers and Class IVs with minimal finishing. Next, the conversation shifts to the new TSZ Tech ZX burs, engineered with super coarse diamonds, enhanced bonding, and leveling technology for...
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Very Clinical: Anterior Guidance and Other Occlusion Myths with Dr. Brian Baliwas
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Today's throwback episode features an in person interview with Dr. Brian Baliwas...the one and only @sfdentalnerd! Zach and Kevin were asking about dental myths and Brian delivered! The discussion navigated through occlusion myths and explores contemporary approaches to occlusion. Brian shares insights from his education at the Kois Center, advocating for an 'outside in' approach to checking occlusion. The conversation further delves into the importance of orthodontics in setting up a stable bite for long-term restorative success. Brian also touches upon practical tips to avoid issues...
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Brain Trust: Hygiene Beyond the Prophy Cup with Dr. Sam Low and Michael Kaelberer
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this episode of The Brain Trust, Alan has a great conversation with Dr. Sam Low and Michael Kaelberer of Vakker Dental to discuss advanced dental hygiene technologies and their integration into contemporary dental practices. Dr. Low, a seasoned veteran in dental education, sheds light on the transition from traditional methods to innovative techniques like air polishing and piezoelectric scaling, initially popularized in Europe and now making headway in the U.S. Michael Kaelberer introduces Vakker Dental's collaboration with Woodpecker, a company known for offering high-quality yet...
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Very Dental: Splitting the Wedge with Dr. Matt Burton
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan had a chance to sit down with Dr. Matt Burton for a fascinating discussion about his journey from a practicing dentist to a dental inventor. Dr. Burton shares the "aha!" moment that led to the creation of his split wedge concept (now part of Garrison's Quad Matrix system), the challenges of starting his own company, and the eventual partnership with Garrison Dental Solutions. He offers insights into the mindset of an inventor, the realities of bringing a product to market, and advice for other dentists with innovative ideas. The conversation also touches on Dr. Burton's farming...
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Very Clinical: Dental Photography for Fun and Profit with Dr. Melissa Zettler
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this throwback episode, Dr. Melissa Zettler talks about photography and how it has affected her clinical dentistry and marketing. This interview happened a few years before she received her AACD Fellowship (just last month!) and give you a peek into what it takes to photograph AACD cases! Melissa and the guys explore different types of dental cameras, techniques for capturing high-quality images, and the use of photography for patient communication and marketing. Melissa also provides detailed information on the type of equipment she uses and shares valuable tips for capturing the...
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AME: The Outrage Machine with Dr. Dawn Grimes
The Very Dental Podcast Network
This throwback episode of the Alan Mead Experiences features a conversation with Dr. Dawn Grimes about the stuff that we let in to our brains. The discussion delves into Alan's recent transition to a three-day clinical week, the challenges of staffing, and the surprising mental toll of early mornings and long days. This leads to a deeper exploration of how the content consumed during commutes—particularly "outrage media"—can impact one's mindset, and Alan's experiment with silent, mindful morning drives. They touch upon managing anxiety, the power of being present, the significance of...
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Very Dental: Revolutionize Your Hygiene Department with Dr. Pam Maragliano-Muniz
The Very Dental Podcast Network
Alan is joined by the incomparable Dr. Pam Maragliano-Muniz for an in person conversation recorded at the Chicago Midwinter meeting! They discuss Pam's journey from being a dental hygienist to a prosthodontist, her insights on maintaining patient care continuity and navigating the challenges faced by dental professionals, including staffing issues and the impact of COVID-19. They delve into the importance of in-person meetings, the value of creating a mission for the practice, and how Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) has transformed her dental practice. Join them for an engaging and informative...
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Very Clinical: A Love/Hate Relationship with Night Guards
The Very Dental Podcast Network
In this throwback episode, Kevin and Zach are joined by their one time co-host Dr. Mac Jones to tackle the listener-requested topic of night guards and bite guards. The guys dive into their vastly different philosophies and approaches to fabricating and prescribing occlusal guards. Kevin represents the "pro" side, detailing his workflow involving sleep tests and NTI appliances. Mac takes a more skeptical stance, outlining his "Top 10" reasons why night guards are often problematic in his practice, leading him to make very few. Zach falls somewhere in the middle, making several types of guards...
info_outlineHow do you become better as a dentist? Is it as simple as taking a course? Or is there more to it. That's one of the topics we discuss with Dr. Mike Melkers in episode 105 of the Dental Hacks podcast. Mike is well versed in how we develop our understanding of new concepts. He's a teacher as well as a learner and he discusses the ups and downs of continuing to learn our craft. He also discusses the work he put in to become a master in the AGD this past weekend! Dr. Melkers returns to teaching this November in Waltham, MA teaching a course called "Occlusionists Now" with Dr. Lane Ochi! If you use the coupon code "HACKS" you'll receive a discount on your registration!
In the Brain Trust things get a little lighter when we open with the question: what's the craziest thing a patient has done in your dental chair. Alan is joined by Dr. Dawn Kulongowski, Dr. Andy Hayes, Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. David Scardella to tell stories that get very inappropriate very quickly.
Some links from the show:
The Dental Economics Principles of Practice Management Conference (Jason and Alan will be podcasting LIVE!)
Please go take our dental podcasting summit survey
Go Hack Yourself:
Jason: Inside Job
Alan: The Big Short (on Netflix!)
If you have any questions or comments for us please drop us an email at [email protected] or find us (and like us!) at www.facebook.com/dentalhacks. Or, if you prefer...give us a call at (866) 223-5257 and leave us a message. You might be played in the show! If you like us, why not leave us a review on iTunes? It helps us get found by like minded people and might even help us get into "What's Hot" in the iTunes store! Go to this link and let the world know about the DentalHacks! Finally, if you aren't an Apple person, consider reviewing us on Stitcher at: stitcher.com/podcast/the-dentalhacks-podcast!
If you would like to support the podcast you can check out our Patreon page! Although the show will always remain free to download, our Patreon supporters get access to special bonus content including (at least) one extra podcast episode every months! Also be sure to check out the Dental Hacks swag store where you can find t-shirts, stickers coffee mugs and all sorts of other things that let the world know you're a part of the Hacks Nation!