Innovating Smiles: Dr. Drew Ferris Shares Orthodontic Wisdom and Insight
Release Date: 03/25/2024
How to Do a Beautiful Class Four in the Same Time as a Regular Filling with Dr. Susan McMahon
Dental Slang
What if you could do a beautiful class four in the same 30 minutes you’d spend on a regular filling? In this episode, Dr. Reza Ardalan sits down with Dr. Susan McMahon, an AACD-accredited restorative dentist out of Pittsburgh and one of the most recognized clinicians in the country. Susan is the founder of Smiles in the City, a fee-for-service restorative practice she built from the ground up after starting her career in a drill-fill-and-bill amalgam office. The conversation takes a personal turn early when Susan tells the story of the $100,000 laser whitening system she signed up for...
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Whole-Body Health with Dr. Hugh Coyne
Dental Slang
In this conversation, Dr. Reza Ardalan sits down with Dr. Hugh Coyne, a London-based family medicine practitioner and the son of a pediatric dentist, who built Coyne Medical with his wife and clinical partner Dr. Lucy Coyne specifically to practice the kind of preventive medicine the NHS 10-minute appointment window does not allow. His training at Imperial College London and postgraduate work in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric health, and sports medicine give him a panoramic view of the screening opportunities most dentists are sitting on without realizing it. Dr. Coyne walks through the...
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Pain-Free Dentistry, On Purpose: Dr. Mark Skimming on the 80% of Dentistry That Isn't Clinical
Dental Slang
In this episode, Dr. Reza Ardalan sits down with Dr. Mark Skimming, the Glasgow-based founder of Pain-Free Dentistry Group and the name that comes up more than any other when other guests on the show are asked about mentoring, coaching, or the business side of dentistry. Dr. Skimming has built a 14-practice independent group across Scotland, fully self-funded, with no bank loans and no private equity, on the back of a systems-first philosophy he learned the hard way. Most conversations about practice growth focus on the clinical or the financial. This one focuses on the operational glue that...
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When Dentistry Becomes Diagnosis with Dr. Ratna Indah on Systems, Science, and the Bigger Health Picture
Dental Slang
In this episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. Ratna Indah shares how her background in journalism and a deeply personal family health journey shaped her approach to wellness dentistry. She explores the growing body of science behind the mouth–body connection and explains how oral health can reveal early signs of systemic disease, inflammation, and long‑term health risk. Dr. Indah also discusses what it truly takes to build a wellness‑focused dental practice—from salivary diagnostics and laser therapy to patient education, systems, and team protocols. She breaks down the realities of...
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Know Your Numbers with Wyatt Ferber: Bottom Line Business Planning
Dental Slang
In this episode of the Dental Slang podcast, Wyatt Ferber breaks down the financial framework behind a profitable, efficient dental practice. He explains the key metrics every practice owner must understand including gross profit, associate costs, lab expenses, contribution and net profit. With a clear view of the numbers, dentists can make smarter decisions, reduce waste and protect cash flow while maintaining high clinical standards. Wyatt also explores the strategic side of practice growth. From evaluating when to bring on an associate to aligning business decisions with personal...
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Performance Dentistry: Airway, Sleep, and the NFL with Dr. Chad Kasperowski
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In this episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. Reza Ardalan sits down with Dr. Chad Kasperowski, a clinician whose career spans surgery, implants, airway, wellness dentistry, and digital workflows. He also serves as the team dentist for the Washington Commanders. Dr. Kasperowski shares how his early experiences shaped a philosophy rooted in whole‑body wellness, advanced diagnostics, and truly listening to patients. He breaks down why airway issues are hiding in plain sight, how oral inflammation affects systemic health and athletic recovery, and what he’s learned from treating some of...
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A Biological Approach to Endodontics with Dr. Vi Ho
Dental Slang
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Vi Ho, a certified biological endodontist, to explore a completely different approach to patient care—one that connects oral health to overall wellness. From advanced laser techniques to biocompatible materials, Dr. Ho is redefining what it means to be an endodontist in today’s wellness-focused practice. Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen: Discover the Mouth-Body Connection: Dr. Ho explains how oral health impacts overall wellness and why she integrates functional nutrition into her endodontic practice. Inside What it Means to be a...
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Growing with Heart: How Dr. JP Bastien Built a Thriving Dental Practice
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In this episode, Dr. Richard (JP) Bastien shares how he grew his practice from early-stage ownership into a thriving multi-doctor model by leading with empathy, recruiting intentionally and embracing technology without losing sight of core values. He reflects on the realities of hiring, leadership development, operational efficiency and the role of AI in modern dentistry, offering practical insights for dentists navigating growth while protecting culture and quality of care. Key Takeaways Recruitment and culture: Learn how to attract and retain clinicians who fit your practice values and...
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From One Office to Twelve: Scaling Your Dental Practice with Dr. Pete McClellan
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Get an inside look at how Dr. Pete McClellan built a thriving multi-location practice without losing sight of relationships, communication and clinical clarity. In this episode, he shares the systems, lessons and leadership principles that helped him scale sustainably, support mid-career dentists, and create practices where doctors can thrive without burning out. In This Episode You Will Learn Strategies for identifying the right team members as you scale from one office to multiple locations. Common mistakes dentists make when expanding their practice and how to avoid them. How to delegate...
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Rethinking Perio Care: Innovation & Collaboration with Dr. John Bruce
Dental Slang
In this episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. John Bruce shares his approach to modern periodontal care, combining advanced diagnostics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship to elevate patient outcomes. From incorporating blood and bacterial testing to uncover hidden health connections, to collaborating with orthodontists, oral surgeons, and study club peers, Dr. Bruce offers a fresh perspective on comprehensive dental care. He also highlights the transformative impact of mentorship with nationally recognized periodontist Dr. David Mugford, detailing how learning from...
info_outlineIn this episode, we were honored to host Dr. Drew Ferris, a distinguished figure in the field of orthodontics. Dr. Ferris earned his DDS degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed his Certificate in Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dental Facial Orthopedics at Loma Linda University in Santa Barbara, California.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ferris has established himself as a leader in innovative orthodontic practices, excelling in both clear aligners and fixed appliances. He is highly regarded as a lecturer, covering various orthodontic topics such as diagnosis, treatment, and practice management, both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Ferris is renowned as one of the nation's top clear aligner providers, a published author, and an innovator who has developed products and techniques in his field. He currently serves as a faculty member in orthodontics at Loma Linda University and directs the Santa Barbara Dental Study Group, offering expertise in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment techniques.
During the podcast, Dr. Ferris shared valuable insights into his professional journey and offered expert advice on various aspects of orthodontic practice:
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Transition from Golf to Orthodontics: Dr. Ferris humorously recounted his transition from being a college golfer with aspirations of becoming the next Tiger Woods to pursuing a career in orthodontics, inspired by his uncle's success in the dental field.
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Role of Mentors: He emphasized the significance of mentors in his professional development, highlighting the guidance he received from various mentors throughout his journey, including his orthodontist in St. Louis, mentors during residency, and esteemed colleagues like Dr. David Sarver.
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Focus on Innovation: Dr. Ferris discussed his passion for innovation and the integration of advanced technologies such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence in orthodontic practice, foreseeing a promising future for the field.
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Importance of Continuous Learning: He underscored the importance of continuous learning and engagement in interdisciplinary care, advocating for participation in study clubs and educational courses to enhance clinical and business acumen.
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Balancing Work and Family: Dr. Ferris candidly shared insights into balancing his professional commitments with family life, acknowledging the challenges and rewards of being a dedicated orthodontist and a loving father.
Dr. Ferris's extensive experience, commitment to innovation, and dedication to mentorship serve as a testament to his leadership in the orthodontic community, inspiring practitioners worldwide to strive for excellence in patient care and practice management.