The Very Dental Podcast Network
The Very Dental Podcast network brings you entertaining and relevant conversations with visionaries, clinicians and your friends in the dental space.
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A Very Clinical Christmas with Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Gary Holtzclaw
12/23/2025
A Very Clinical Christmas with Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Gary Holtzclaw
Join hosts Zach and Kevin for the annual Very Clinical holiday wrap-up! This week, they welcome back the recurring year-end duo, Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Gary Holtzclaw. It is officially a tradition as Erin and Gary join the guys to break down how they are spending the holidays and what has changed in their lives over the last twelve months. In this festive episode, the group shares their unique Christmas traditions, ranging from Icelandic rice pudding games to seafood feasts and tongue-in-cheek "virgin sacrifices." Beyond the holiday cheer, they dive into significant life updates. Kevin discusses the transition of selling his practice to become an associate and his growing obsession with pickleball. Erin shares the joys of empty nesting and her quest to visit every NFL stadium. Gary reveals why he deleted his social media accounts to reclaim his attention span and his commitment to taking real vacations, while Zach opens up about the realities of taking over full ownership of his family practice. It is a candid look at the personal and professional evolution of four dentists at different stages of their careers. Join the using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I’m a big fan of the ! I think you should give it a try and I’ve got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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AME: Getting Your Head Straight for the Holidays
12/22/2025
AME: Getting Your Head Straight for the Holidays
In this holiday edition, Alan starts off feeling the weight of the Winter Solstice and a bit of "podcasting burnout," questioning whether an audio veteran needs to pivot to video to stay relevant. However, he refuses to stay in a funk. Alan shares his real-time strategy for getting his head straight for the holidays, including a change of recording venue, hacking his own social media algorithms to remove toxicity, and finally getting back to the gym. He also shares updates on his practice’s workflow, his renewed passion for Bioclear, and why you need to be in Arizona this January. Some links from the show: Go check out from courses to gear to matrices, you can get 15% off your order with code: VeryDental8TON : Get free shipping with code: VeryDentalShip Net32: Check out great pricing at : Mention "Very Dental" to get your setup fee waived. Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast Network is and will remain free; please support the people who support us! Crazy Dental has everything you need—from cotton rolls to equipment—at the best prices! Get an free shipping on your order by visiting and using coupon code VERYSHIP. Save money and support the show. The Wonderist Agency is your one-stop shop for marketing your dental practice and brand. They cover everything from logo redesign to a full-service marketing plan. Check them out at Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes. They also distribute loupe-mounted cameras and Zumax microscopes! Boost your magnification/headlight game and support the podcast at . CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills, and their own browser-based design software, Clinux. See the brand new scanner from Shining 3D, the Elf! Get the best service on all things digital dentistry at !
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Very Dental Classics: It's the Airway, Stupid with Dr. Jeff Rouse
12/19/2025
Very Dental Classics: It's the Airway, Stupid with Dr. Jeff Rouse
This throwback Dental Hacks episode features one of Alan and Jason's classic airway discussions with Dr. Jeff Rouse. This was recorded at the 2018 DS World held in Orlando. Dr. Rouse elaborated on the Seattle Protocol and the essential approach to airway management in dentistry. Jeff broke down the differences between airway issues and sleep apnea, emphasizing the importance of nasal breathing and the role of night guards. He also addresses screening techniques using high-resolution pulse oximetry and cardiopulmonary coupling and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration involving ENT specialists and orthodontists. Some links from the show: Jeff's links: Links from the show: Al's article in the November issue of Dental Economics: Go Hack Yourself: Jason: Alan: Join the using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I’m a big fan of the ! I think you should give it a try and I’ve got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Clinical: Keep CADCAMing with Dr. Dhaval Patel
12/16/2025
Very Clinical: Keep CADCAMing with Dr. Dhaval Patel
Kevin and Alan are joined again by Dr. Dhaval Patel to discuss the significant shifts occurring in digital dentistry, moving beyond the traditional CEREC workflow. Dhaval explains that his highly popular online group, "Keep CERECing," was recently renamed "Keep CAD/CAMing" after he consulted with Dentsply Sirona's legal team regarding trademark usage, which prompted him to broaden the group's scope. This change has led to a natural expansion in technology focus, now encompassing the wider CAD/CAM landscape including 3D printing and 5-axis milling. Dhaval details how he uses 3D printing for models, surgical guides, and night guards, and leverages a 5-axis mill for larger, multi-unit cases and zirconia restorations, highlighting the cost efficiency and ability to run large jobs overnight. The conversation also explores the rise of dedicated, outsourced digital designers and the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to handle design in the near future. Some links from the show: Join the using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I’m a big fan of the ! I think you should give it a try and I’ve got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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AME: 363 Days
12/15/2025
AME: 363 Days
Alan explores the state of prevention in dentistry, inspired by his constant sense of smelling periodontitis everywhere. He argues that while the profession talks a good game about prevention, its core focus remains surgical intervention. Alan stresses that the success of dental health hinges on the 363 days of patient home care outside the office, yet dentists often fail to properly educate patients on effective techniques beyond generic instructions to "brush and floss." Drawing on insights from hygiene experts, he calls for a radical shift to front-load prevention—moving past a reliance on periodic exams to actively equipping patients with the customized tools and knowledge needed for effective, daily self-care. Some links from the show: Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast Network is and will remain free; please support the people who support us! Crazy Dental has everything you need—from cotton rolls to equipment—at the best prices! Get an free shipping on your order by visiting and using coupon code VERYSHIP. Save money and support the show. The Wonderist Agency is your one-stop shop for marketing your dental practice and brand. They cover everything from logo redesign to a full-service marketing plan. Check them out at Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes. They also distribute loupe-mounted cameras and Zumax microscopes! Boost your magnification/headlight game and support the podcast at . CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills, and their own browser-based design software, Clinux. See the brand new scanner from Shining 3D, the Elf! Get the best service on all things digital dentistry at !
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Very Dental: AI Skepticism with Dr. Gary Holtzclaw
12/12/2025
Very Dental: AI Skepticism with Dr. Gary Holtzclaw
AI is in the conversation all the time these days. Most people are convinced that the productivity gains that AI promises are all to the good, but is that really true? Alan is joined again by Dr. Gary Holtzclaw for a conversation that needs to be had. The conversation includes the role of AI in dentistry, skepticism towards new technologies, the evolution of social media, and the impact of sports betting on the integrity of sports. They explore the benefits and potential threats of AI, the changing landscape of social media interactions, and the implications of gambling in sports. The conversation highlights the need for critical thinking in the face of overwhelming information and the importance of maintaining integrity in both technology and sports. Join the using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I’m a big fan of the ! I think you should give it a try and I’ve got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Clinical: You Won't Know if You Don't Ask with Dr. Dhaval Patel
12/09/2025
Very Clinical: You Won't Know if You Don't Ask with Dr. Dhaval Patel
On the Very Clinical podcast we're suckers for a good story, and our guest, Dr. Dhaval Patel tells one of the best ones we've ever heard! Kevin and Alan (sorry, no Zach this episode, he's busy mourning the record of his Kansas City Chiefs) welcome Dr. Dhaval Patel to the show. Our plan was to talk about his journey into CAD-CAM dentistry and don't worry, we get there. But he tells the story of how he became a dentist in the US after his training in India and the story is AMAZING. Let's just say that Dhaval has taught us that you need to ask for the things that you want. Following this amazing story, Dr. Patel recounts his unexpected introduction to CEREC technology in 2006, starting with a dust-collecting Red Cam unit at his Pacific Dental Services office. Despite initial skepticism from colleagues about "shitty crowns," a half-day training session with Dr. Bob Conrad ignited his passion for the technology, leading him to fully embrace it, become an owner-doctor, an early adopter of the Omnicam, a renowned speaker, and the founder of the popular Keep CERECing Facebook group in 2016. He concludes by announcing the upcoming Third Annual Keep CAD Camming meeting in Austin, October 15th-17th, 2026, which will expand beyond CEREC to cover a wider range of CAD/CAM and digital dentistry topics. Some links from the show: Join the using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I’m a big fan of the ! I think you should give it a try and I’ve got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Dental Student: Mo on Boards and Externships!
12/08/2025
Very Dental Student: Mo on Boards and Externships!
In this episode of the Very Dental Student Podcast, host Mohamed Abo-Basha and Dr. Alan Mead discuss his journey through the fall semester of his D4 year. We discuss Mo's recent experiences with dental boards and externships as he approaches graduation. Mo shares that the dental boards have recently changed, moving away from live patient exams to mannequin-based clinical testing (Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics already completed, Operative to follow) and computer-based written boards. He expresses that this change is a positive step ethically. Clinically, Mo is nearing completion of his requirements, only needing a few more Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) cases. He also details his externships, which provided valuable experience in high-volume operative and extraction procedures at a low-fee clinic and a mobile unit, significantly boosting his speed and confidence in procedures like administering anesthesia and performing quick, effective patient exams. Looking ahead, his final semester will primarily involve a Surgical Implantology class and serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for first-year operative students, which he anticipates will be a rewarding experience. Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast Network is and will remain free; please support the people who support us! Crazy Dental has everything you need—from cotton rolls to equipment—at the best prices! Get an free shipping on your order by visiting and using coupon code VERYSHIP. Save money and support the show. The Wonderist Agency is your one-stop shop for marketing your dental practice and brand. They cover everything from logo redesign to a full-service marketing plan. Check them out at Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes. They also distribute loupe-mounted cameras and Zumax microscopes! Boost your magnification/headlight game and support the podcast at . CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills, and their own browser-based design software, Clinux. See the brand new scanner from Shining 3D, the Elf! Get the best service on all things digital dentistry at !
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Very Dental: One Move Makes All the Difference with Dr. Martin Mendelson
12/05/2025
Very Dental: One Move Makes All the Difference with Dr. Martin Mendelson
Alan is joined once again by Dr. Martin Mendelson to talk about about his new book, 'One Move Makes All the Difference.' They discuss the journey of writing the book, the importance of taking actionable steps, and how to overcome overwhelm in both personal and professional life. Martin shares insights on marketing strategies, the future of dental practice ownership, and the role of coaching in personal development. The conversation also touches on the innovative use of AI in audiobook production and the significance of personal stories in inspiring others. Some links from the show: Join the using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I’m a big fan of the ! I think you should give it a try and I’ve got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Clinical: Dr. Nate Lawson in 3D!
12/02/2025
Very Clinical: Dr. Nate Lawson in 3D!
In this throwback episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin are joined by Dr. Nate Lawson to dive into the evolving world of 3D printing in dentistry. They touch on a variety of topics including the current state of 3D printed crowns, bonding protocols, practical applications in night guards and dentures, and market trends. They also discuss the economic and technological benefits and challenges of integrating 3D printing in a dental practice. Some links from the show: on Instagram Join the using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I’m a big fan of the ! I think you should give it a try and I’ve got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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AME: The Beginner's Mindset
12/01/2025
AME: The Beginner's Mindset
Alan opens the episode by discussing his experiences teaching his two sons, particularly his youngest, Jacob, how to drive. This experience, which he finds unnerving and anxiety-producing, has highlighted how much of his own driving is now automatic "muscle memory" that he struggles to verbalize. He notes the beginner's mindset—or lack thereof, particularly in confident teenage boys—and how new drivers often don't realize what they don't know, struggling with basic things like staying in the lane. Alan draws a parallel between his son's learner's permit and a new dental license, reflecting on his own lack of clinical experience after graduating dental school in 1997 with a minimal number of completed procedures. He suggests that a new dentist's license is essentially a "learner's permit," and advises both new practitioners and experienced dentists approaching new techniques (like his recent Bioclear review) to embrace humility and the beginner's mindset to learn effectively without existing biases. Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast Network is and will remain free; please support the people who support us! Crazy Dental has everything you need—from cotton rolls to equipment—at the best prices! Get an free shipping on your order by visiting and using coupon code VERYSHIP. Save money and support the show. The Wonderist Agency is your one-stop shop for marketing your dental practice and brand. They cover everything from logo redesign to a full-service marketing plan. Check them out at Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes. They also distribute loupe-mounted cameras and Zumax microscopes! Boost your magnification/headlight game and support the podcast at . CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills, and their own browser-based design software, Clinux. See the brand new scanner from Shining 3D, the Elf! Get the best service on all things digital dentistry at !
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Very Dental: The $10,000 Bioclear Tooth and Other Tales with Dr. David Clark
11/28/2025
Very Dental: The $10,000 Bioclear Tooth and Other Tales with Dr. David Clark
This episode features host Alan welcoming back guest Dr. David Clark, the founder of the Bioclear Method, for an insightful and entertaining discussion. The main focus is the launch of the new Tooth and Surface Specific (TSS) matrix system, which David describes as a "game-changer" that significantly simplifies complex composite restorations, particularly for teeth with normal papillae. They also cover the rising value of Bioclear procedures, with David sharing a story of a patient who expected to pay $10,000 per tooth for comprehensive treatment. Finally, they dive into a "King of the Nerds" conversation about the use of operating microscopes in dentistry, drawing parallels to the early resistance faced by a pioneering neurosurgeon, and discussing the challenge of using high magnification on an unstable patient—like a scene from the movie Twister. Some links from the show: Join the using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast Network is and will remain free; please support the people who support us! I’m a big fan of the ! I think you should give it a try and I’ve got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need—from cotton rolls to equipment—at the best prices! Get an free shipping on your order by visiting and using coupon code VERYSHIP. Save money and support the show. The Wonderist Agency is your one-stop shop for marketing your dental practice and brand. They cover everything from logo redesign to a full-service marketing plan. Check them out at Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes. They also distribute loupe-mounted cameras and Zumax microscopes! Boost your magnification/headlight game and support the podcast at . CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills, and their own browser-based design software, Clinux. See the brand new scanner from Shining 3D, the Elf! Get the best service on all things digital dentistry at !
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Very Clinical: Three Parts of a Dental Career with Dr. Frank Clayton
11/25/2025
Very Clinical: Three Parts of a Dental Career with Dr. Frank Clayton
In this episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin welcome back special guest Dr. Frank Clayton for a deep-dive conversation sharing essential advice on navigating a dental career from its beginning stages to retirement. The discussion kicks off with lighthearted banter about alternative dream careers—Zach as a baseball play-by-play announcer, Kevin as a morning radio host, and Frank as a game show host. For the early career dentist (Years 1–7), Frank advises working for a couple of years, then investing heavily in CE to establish a clinical niche (like his focus on form, function, and aesthetics), and, most critically, living well below one's means while investing consistently with a dental-specific financial planner—advice that Kevin reinforces by telling listeners to "gamble on yourself." During the middle-game grind (Years 10–25), Frank recommends shedding unhappy or unprofitable procedures to embrace the "boring" but profitable, repetitive work, while utilizing advanced tax-sheltering strategies like Cash Balance Plans; Kevin shares that he reinvigorated his middle career by learning implants, which provided financial and time freedom. Finally, addressing the last third of a career (Years 25+), Frank stresses the importance of viewing the practice as a valuable asset and advises starting the exit planning process five years out, focusing on selling at the top—by knowing the office's maximum production capacity (the Law of Diminishing Returns)—rather than limping to the finish line. In retirement, Frank finds liberation in being "just Frank," free from the burden of daily high-stakes decisions, and encourages other dentists to find a new focus rather than fearing the loss of the "doctor" identity. Join the using the password "Timmerman," "Bioclear," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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AME: The Average Dentist
11/24/2025
AME: The Average Dentist
Alan reflects on his self-described "average" skill level as a dentist and explores how adopting prescriptive, systematic approaches can help practitioners in the middle of the bell curve achieve consistently excellent patient outcomes. Inspired by his recent experience at a Bioclear course, he argues that a systemized methodology, like the one taught by Bioclear, is often more reliable than relying on individual "superhero" hand skills or talents. Dr. Mead shares how the course's emphasis on a specific, step-by-step process—from using warmed composite and specific matrices to post-operative polishing—resulted in universally great outcomes for all attendees, regardless of baseline skill. He strongly recommends that fellow dentists, particularly those who struggle with consistency or implementation after CE, consider adopting systems and maximizing magnification (like using a microscope or high-power loops) to elevate their practice. Finally, he encourages listeners to try a piece of the system, specifically the Twin Ring Universal for posterior composites, and offers a 15% off code (VERYDENTAL8TON) for Bioclear products. Some links from the show: Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb! The Very Dental Podcast Network is and will remain free; please support the people who support us! Crazy Dental has everything you need—from cotton rolls to equipment—at the best prices! Get an free shipping on your order by visiting and using coupon code VERYSHIP. Save money and support the show. The Wonderist Agency is your one-stop shop for marketing your dental practice and brand. They cover everything from logo redesign to a full-service marketing plan. Check them out at Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes. They also distribute loupe-mounted cameras and Zumax microscopes! Boost your magnification/headlight game and support the podcast at . CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills, and their own browser-based design software, Clinux. See the brand new scanner from Shining 3D, the Elf! Get the best service on all things digital dentistry at !
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Very Dental: The Long Run with Andrew Johnston
11/21/2025
Very Dental: The Long Run with Andrew Johnston
This episode is a special interview where Alan is the guest! He's interviewed by his long-time friend and podcasting colleague, Andrew Johnston, the host of A Tale of Two Hygienists, as Andrew wraps up his run on that show. The conversation is a blend of dentistry, business, and the endurance of creative work. Dr. Mead shares his experience attending a Bioclear course and the challenge of changing established habits in dental practice. The core of the discussion centers on the evolution and future of dental podcasting, including the shift from audio-only to video/social content, and the role of AI in show production. They also dive into deeper topics about the future of the dental profession, the pressures of student debt on new dentists, the importance of longevity and permanence in practice, and the struggle to find social fulfillment outside of one's career. Dr. Mead offers sage advice for new podcasters, stressing the importance of engagement over download numbers, genuine conversation, and making the show about the listener. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," "Bioclear," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! And now you can take a look at the brand new scanner from Shining 3D...the Elf! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Clinical: Stepping Away with Dr. Frank Clayton
11/18/2025
Very Clinical: Stepping Away with Dr. Frank Clayton
This episode features hosts Zach and Kevin, who welcome returning guest Dr. Frank Clayton to discuss the psychology and process of retiring from dentistry. Dr. Frank Clayton, who sold his practice and fully exited clinical work in July 2023, shares his insightful journey and the various phases of retirement he's experienced, including the "honeymoon phase." Kevin, who recently sold his practice in August and is now navigating the associate phase, offers his perspective on the initial mental shifts of stepping away from ownership. The hosts and Frank delve into the factors that drive the decision to sell—a combination of financial goals, mental fatigue, and a desire to "go out on top." They discuss the emotional weight of a "two-year breakup" with patients and staff, the challenges of detaching from the owner's mindset, and the importance of a well-structured ramp-down, which for Frank, included cutting back income and clinical work months before his final day. Join the using the password "Timmerman," "Bioclear," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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AME: Entropy and Reading Directions
11/17/2025
AME: Entropy and Reading Directions
Alan reflects on his recent return to the Bioclear Learning Center, an experience that served as a powerful system reset for his restorative dentistry. He connects the challenge of maintaining new techniques in the dental office to the physics concept of entropy—the natural tendency of a system toward disorder. Alan explains that his initial failure to fully implement the prescriptive Bioclear system (including key steps like "bioblasting") was due to the energy required to fight against this entropy, often manifesting as personal laziness or team resistance to change. He stresses that consistent energy input—through regular audits, training, written protocols, and making the correct materials easily accessible—is necessary to maintain a low-entropy, high-functioning system that ensures excellent, predictable clinical outcomes. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," "Bioclear," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYSHIP” you’ll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Dental: An Evening with Dr. Lance Timmerman
11/14/2025
Very Dental: An Evening with Dr. Lance Timmerman
This episode features host Dr. Alan Mead sitting down with his friend, Dr. Lance Timmerman, in the artsy Hotel Murano lobby in Tacoma, Washington, while Dr. Mead is attending a four-day Bioclear core certification course. The conversation flows between the excellence of the Bioclear hands-on CE curriculum and the company's continuous innovation in dental matrices (like the redesigned twin ring). Dr. Mead and Dr. Timmerman also share humorous and insightful anecdotes from their dental school days, discussing the crushing weight of modern student debt, the challenges of implementing new CE concepts, and their personal preferences regarding in-person versus remote hands-on learning. Dr. Timmerman touches on the importance of having a CBCT and reflects on the extreme surgical procedure of zygoma implants as something he actively avoids. The episode closes with reflections on the transformative journey from dental school anxiety to current professional life, highlighting the value of connecting with peers outside of formal lectures. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," "Bioclear," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Clinical: Tissue Issues: Grafting and Recession
11/11/2025
Very Clinical: Tissue Issues: Grafting and Recession
Hosts Zach and Kevin put the sports talk (mostly) aside to dive deep into a critical area of everyday dentistry: various scenarios involving soft and hard tissue grafting and the management of periodontal recession. They discuss how to handle common cases like recession in post-ortho teens (especially on the lower anterior teeth) and the different approaches for the challenging chewing tobacco patient. Zach and Kevin share their experience with generalized recession, debating when to refer for a graft—often noting that patient concern over esthetics or sensitivity drives the decision more than the presence of the recession itself. The conversation covers treatment techniques like free gingival grafts and the status of fads like the LANAP procedure and pinhole technique. They also explore other periodontal topics, including the management of gingival overgrowth (gummy smiles), peri-implantitis complications, and their skepticism regarding the widespread use of local antimicrobial delivery systems (like Arrestin) for routine scaling and root planing cases. Tune in for a candid discussion on what's working (and what's not) in the everyday management of periodontal health in a general practice. using the password "Timmerman," "Bioclear," "Hornbrook," McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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AME: Recommendation Engine--Tacoma Edition
11/10/2025
AME: Recommendation Engine--Tacoma Edition
Alan records from his hotel in Tacoma, Washington, after finishing day three of a four-day Bioclear anterior and posterior certification course. Despite the dark and rainy November weather in Tacoma, Alan shares his enthusiastically positive experience at the Bioclear Learning Center, highlighting the high quality of the instruction and hands-on training. He then offers a "recommendation engine" based on his trip, covering a specific Bioclear product, a movie he watched on the flight, an airport security service, a local restaurant, and a final endorsement of the learning center itself. Alan also announces the creation of a seventh password for the Very Dental Facebook page: Bioclear. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," "Bioclear," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Dental: Dr. Tim Anderson has the Midas Touch
11/07/2025
Very Dental: Dr. Tim Anderson has the Midas Touch
Alan sits down once more with Dr. Tim Anderson to dive deep into the rapidly evolving landscape of digital dentistry. The episode begins with a hilarious, relatable discussion about the terrors of crashing recording software and the potential (and pitfalls) of AI, touching on everything from homework help to its role in revolutionizing clinical notes and reading X-rays. The conversation quickly pivots to Dr. Anderson's journey from engineering and architecture interests to his passion for the dental lab and in-house manufacturing, fueled by his residency and the purchase of a CEREC system. He reveals why he moved past early zirconia and EMAX to embrace new technologies. Dr. Anderson then shares his excitement for SprintRay's Midas, explaining how its new "Digital Press Stereo Lithography" technology is a game-changer, not just an evolution of 3D printing. He believes this new class of manufacturing, especially combined with AI, is poised to unlock limitless potential in restorative dentistry, particularly for procedures like onlays and eventually even complex bioprinting applications. He concludes by emphasizing that while technology is crucial, the biggest hurdle for dentists is often the software and the willingness to integrate and innovate. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Clinical: Pickleball and Perio
11/04/2025
Very Clinical: Pickleball and Perio
Zach and Kevin kick off this episode by catching up and discussing a shared, recent hobby: pickleball. They share their experiences, the learning curve, and their thoughts on why the sport has become so popular, acknowledging its accessibility compared to tennis. The conversation then shifts to a dental topic: periodontal disease. They reflect on the emphasis of perio in dental school and discuss their personal criteria for treating scaling and root planning cases in-office versus when to refer to a periodontist. Key referral points include cases with sudden, isolated deep pockets, unresolvable widespread disease, and severe issues in patients under 40. The discussion briefly touches on molar extractions and when to sacrifice a tooth to protect an adjacent one, but they leave the topic of tissue grafting for the next episode. using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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AME: Intentional Culture
11/03/2025
AME: Intentional Culture
Alan gets candid about the concept of intentional culture, reflecting on his own experience taking over a dental practice where the culture was largely unintentional. He explains how he inherited a laid-back, reparative-dentistry-focused office, a product of the previous owner's lax style and the robust GM insurance benefits of the time. Alan admits that while his practice's culture has been adequate, making changes now is incredibly difficult because the unintentional status quo is deeply ingrained. He argues that new owners or startups have a massive advantage in establishing an intentional culture from day one, which is key to implementing new systems and driving change. He challenges listeners to join the Very Dental Facebook group (passwords include Timmerman, Hornbrook, Lipscomb, Papa Randy, Gary, or McWethy) to share their stories of intentional culture or the struggles of changing an unintentional one. Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Dental: Confessions of a CE Junkie with Dr. Lance Timmerman
10/31/2025
Very Dental: Confessions of a CE Junkie with Dr. Lance Timmerman
Alan welcomes his first-ever podcast guest, Dr. Lance Timmerman, back to the show for a candid look at the life of a "CE Junkie." Lance shares his extensive, and often scattershot, journey through continuing education—from early courses in sleep apnea and Botox to implants and orthodontics—and the key lesson learned: it's hard to dabble in specialty procedures. The discussion evolves into a broader reflection on how dentistry has changed, especially for new dentists facing massive student debt. Ultimately, Lance describes his successful transition to a semi-retired, three-day-a-week practice focused on implants and sleep apnea, proving that taking all that CE led to the perfect work-life balance for travel and life experiences. Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Clinical: More Value, Less Grind with Dr. Sully Sullivan
10/28/2025
Very Clinical: More Value, Less Grind with Dr. Sully Sullivan
This throwback episode of the Very Clinical Podcast features hosts Kevin and Zach welcoming back Dr. Sully Sullivan to discuss his involvement with 3D Dentists. Sully details the Mastermind program, which focuses on business strategy for successful dentists, advocating for a shift toward comprehensive diagnosis and "fewer, well-planned visits" through the foundational use of full DSLR photography. He then describes the Digital Implant Continuum, highlighting its unique, all-encompassing curriculum that teaches everything from extraction and grafting to guided implant placement and restoration on live patients, emphasizing immediate post-course implementation by having doctors plan and receive guides for their own cases. Some links from the show: using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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AME: Transparency and Your Overhead
10/27/2025
AME: Transparency and Your Overhead
Alan shares his recent findings on dental supply purchasing, questioning the long-standing industry model where dentists pay a premium for the convenience and supposed "best price" offered by a dedicated sales rep. He argues that this relationship-based purchasing lacks transparency and costs practices significant money, especially as overhead increases and reimbursements remain flat. Alan endorses his sponsor, Net 32, as a modern solution, highlighting its efficiency and transparency as an online network of suppliers that instantly offers the lowest available price. Through personal invoice comparisons, he demonstrates that switching to this system results in substantial, immediate savings on common materials, making it a powerful way for dentists to reduce overhead without sacrificing quality or convenience. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Brain Trust: Audio, Print and Influence with Julieanne O’Connor and Michael Keeter
10/24/2025
Brain Trust: Audio, Print and Influence with Julieanne O’Connor and Michael Keeter
Back in August Alan talked with guests Julianne O'Connor and Michael Keeter, the founders of Influential Dental. They discussed the company's efforts to elevate the dental space through its Influential Dental Podcast and the glossy lifestyle magazine, Influence Eleve. Julianne and Michael emphasize that their focus is on the authentic human element and the non-clinical stories of dentists—highlighting their journeys, mentors, and the challenges they’ve overcome—rather than the negative connotations of the "influencer" label. Alan discusses his history with audio and the evolution of the Dental Hacks podcast, contrasting his audio-first approach with the increasing trend of video content. They also touch on the challenges of print media in the digital age, the creative process behind their respective content, and the surprising utility of AI in podcast production. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Clinical Takeover: Al's Crown Prep Hacks
10/21/2025
Very Clinical Takeover: Al's Crown Prep Hacks
Dr. Alan Mead steps in for Zach and Kevin in this "Very Clinical Takeover" episode to share his efficient and refined workflow for single-tooth crown preparations. Alan emphasizes that his streamlined, digital-centric process makes single crowns a quick, straightforward, and profitable procedure in his general practice. The core of the episode is his detailed Crown Prep Workflow and Hacks, which prioritizes patient comfort and efficiency. Profound Anesthesia: Mead's first step is always to achieve profound anesthesia, utilizing inferior alveolar nerve blocks for lower molars and buccal infiltrations (usually with Septocaine) for other teeth. He heavily relies on the Septodont Paroject pdl syringe for supplemental tissue anesthesia around the entire tooth, often using it to avoid packing cord. Pre-Op Digital Scan: He scans the arch using his Medit i700 before prepping the tooth. This pre-op scan is used to register the final prep scan, ensuring a stable and accurate bite registration, which he praises as a massive efficiency improvement over traditional PVS impressions. Prep Sequence: His prep sequence is intentionally designed for efficiency: Break Interproximal Contacts First: He uses a for gross contact breaking, followed by a for careful separation at the gingival. Occlusal Reduction: He uses the which large, barrel-shaped coarse bur in an electric handpiece for quick, proper occlusal reduction. Core Build-up: After removing any old restoration or decay, he prefers for build-ups, sometimes blocking out with . He utilizes an old-school metal matrix band with for isolation during the build-up. Margin Refinement and Tissue Management: He finishes margins under high magnification (microscope) and prefers a very fine diamond bur () instead of traditional polishing cups for a smooth finish. Mead emphasizes smoothing the adjacent teeth with a Sof-Lex disc to ensure the lab can create an ideal, broad interproximal contact. Retraction: Mead overwhelmingly prefers in the unit dose syringe tips for quick and clean tissue retraction, stating it generally works better for digital scanning than retraction cord. Temporization: While his assistant fabricates the temporary using a pre-made matrix, Mead remotes into his computer to mark the margins on the digital scan. He uses and temporary material from Cosmedent, which he quickly refines with a Sof-Lex disc. He cements the temp with provisional cement for its strong retention. Alan encourages listeners to critique his "bread and butter dentistry" workflow on the Very Clinical or Very Dental Facebook groups, as he believes an efficient crown prep is a key to a successful general practice. Some links from the show: See above :-) using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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AME: The Elastic Nature of Time
10/20/2025
AME: The Elastic Nature of Time
"You got to remember that you don't own time, it's time that owns you." --Stephen King, "My Pretty Pony" Alan dives into the elastic nature of time this week, a concept he got from a Stephen King short story. He argues that time is totally weird and feels different depending on a person's situation, age, and mood. The Bonus Day: The whole thing started when Alan woke up at 3:30 a.m., convinced it was a work day (Tuesday). Then it hit him: It's Monday. He doesn't work Mondays! It felt like he got an entire day given back to him—a huge, weird, little time-traveling gift. The "Freakout" Factor: He observes that things that are stressful right now—like when his office phones were down for three days—feel like they'll be a nightmare forever. He quickly realized, though, that those things are usually forgotten by next week, proving that "this too shall pass." Time's Sandpaper: He looks back at the big, scary things, like being terrified about becoming a dad or the stress of dental school, and notes that now those sharp edges are all smoothed out. Time has a funny way of making those tough memories almost fond. The "Old Person" Cliché: Now he's the one saying it: "just hold onto these moments." Seeing his oldest son's marching band career wrapping up hit him how fast it all goes. That "blink and you'll miss it" thing is totally real, he says. The Light at the End: On the financial side, time actually works out. Those massive commitments, like the mortgages on his house and office, that felt endless when they started? Mead is finally seeing the finish line. He finds it wild that they eventually just... end. He wraps up by encouraging listeners to think about their own perception of time and remember: whatever you're dealing with, it's going to work out and move on. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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Very Dental: Technology and a Human Touch with Dr. Tim Anderson
10/17/2025
Very Dental: Technology and a Human Touch with Dr. Tim Anderson
Alan welcomes back Dr. Tim Anderson to discuss the transformative impact of digital technology on modern dentistry. The episode kicks off with a brief mention of Dr. Anderson's recent "Midas tour" focused on partial coverage restorations, which serves as a springboard into a deeper discussion about the dramatic technological shift since their dental school days at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Anderson reflects on what he'd tell his younger self, highlighting the near-unbelievable advancements in: Intraoral scanning and the power of AI in design. 3D printing and same-day ceramic restorations. The doctors agree that while technology is crucial, the patient interaction and communication it enables are the real game-changers, using large monitors and engaging patients in the co-discovery process. They delve into the exciting evolution of 3D-printed materials, moving beyond simple resins to explore high-translucency ceramics and "digital press stereolithography" (Midas), which opens the door for layered, customized restorations that mimic natural tooth anatomy. The conversation touches on the enduring debate between full-coverage crowns and partial coverage (onlays), noting the current culture's tendency toward black-and-white treatment planning. Dr. Anderson expresses excitement for new workflows and materials that bridge the gap between traditional artistry (like gold inlays) and digital precision, ultimately focusing on how technology empowers better patient care and education. Some links from the show: Join the using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you’ll find anywhere! If you head over to and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at ! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you’ll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at !
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