The Dental Hacks Podcast

Alan is joined by Dr. Dawn Kulongowski, Dr. Lance Timmerman, Dr. Jason Lipscomb and Dr. Frank Clayton to grapple with weird and difficult hypothetical situations in a rousing game of "What would you do?" If you were an associate and your owner dentist's hands are starting to shake, what do you do? What would you tell yourself if you had a time machine that took you to your graduation day from dental school? This and many other dilemmas are hilariously discussed by a panel of all star Brain Trusters! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  After the course I took at Cosmedent back in May, I realized that polishing restorations, especially composite restorations is an afterthought for most dentists. Getting a beautiful shine with lasting luster is just too much work, so why bother? But what if you could make your patients happier and make your composite restoration

In this riveting throwback episode, each of the Very Clinical guys discusses their tissue retraction methods for crown and bridge impressions/scans. Highlights today include: There are a lot of different ways to retract tissue, how do we do it if we're impressing?   How about scanning? Medicaments?  How many chemicals can Zach put in the mouth simultaneously just to dry things up? Compression caps, an inexpensive way to get some pressure hemostasis. Products talked about in the episode: Zach Siltrax Plus Premier Retraction Caps Quick-Stat FS (generic of Astringedent) Quick-Stat Free (generic of Viscostat Clear) Alan Traxodent Aquasil Ultra Cordless Knit-Pak+ Cord Astringedent X Kevin Gingi-Aid Z-Twist Viscostat Clear Lidocaine with Epi 1:50,000 If you want to interact with us, head over to the Very Clinical Facebook Group! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our spo

In this classic episode Dr. Bart Schultz joins Al to talk about medicine. Specifically some of the medical stuff that we've experienced in the last year and why they don't talk about money in medicine. We didn't figure out why. All we know is that dentistry could never get away with what they do in medicine. What we really wonder: can a patient give their informed consent without complete financial consent? Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  After the course I took at Cosmedent back in May, I realized that polishing restorations, especially composite restorations is an afterthought for most dentists. Getting a beautiful shine with lasting luster is just too much work, so why bother? But what if you could make your patients happier and make your composite restorations last longer? You need to try Enamelize, the aluminum oxide polishing paste from Cosmedent th

Dr. Nazariy Mykhaylyuk is a phenomenon. He's a visionary microscope user, an amazing restorative dentist and he's changing how dentists learn restorative dentistry. In this classic episode Alan and Jason were able to see his exquisite presentation at the Spear Summit and soon sat down with him to talk. Nazariy is from Ukraine and he has a really great story. We had a chance to discuss: How he started using microscopes (spoiler: HE'S NEVER USED LOUPES!) Working in a truly family business Why microscopes are a necessity in his practice His transition from analog dentistry to fully digital His incredible, all-inclusive teaching center Documentation, both photography and video How important is the rubber dam for Nazariy? A really novel way to present treatment Nazariy's social media journey The team he uses to create amazing documentation and videos Digital veneer workflow 3 day turnaround for digital veneer cases! Some links from the episode: Nazariy's upcoming course in October 2022 in Las Vegas!  Canon 5D

This summer we're featuring "clinical basics" from the Zach and Kevin (and others) that will benefit new dentists and grizzled veterans alike! Today's episode features their take on class III composites! Highlights today include: We all walk through doing a #7 MBL restoration,  how different can 3 people do it? Everyday we're beveling.   Alan likes big bevels, and he cannot lie. Is Mylar dead?   We all learned Mylar in school, but do any of the hacks still use it? Alan describes the most expensive way possible to do a Class 3,  Zach 1/10th X's that, Kevin is our middle. Products talked about in the episode today include: Alan: Bioclear Anterior UltraEtch Snow Plow Technique (squirt flowable, plow it in with paste... hot!) Magic Mix Minnow Polisher Hi-Gloss   Kevin: Triodent Matrices Sof-Lex Discs Enhance Pogo Polisher   Zach: 330 Bur from DentalRee Garrison Blue View Varistrip 12 Fluted Polishing Bur from DentalRee One Step Composite Polisher   If you want to interact with us, head over to the Very Cl

Remember a couple years ago when EVERYONE needed high quality masks and none were to be found? This throwback episode of the Shorts podcast features Dr. Craig Harder and the masks he made for health care providers back in the beginning of the pandemic!  Original show notes: Alan talks with Dr. Craig Harder about his recent news exposure! Craig has been printing reusable masks for health care professionals in his town in Washington and has had several great news stories written about his efforts! Craig tells us how he’s printing them and how he’s customizing them for nurses and doctors in his area! We talk about how to print a 3D mask as well as whether our existing universal precautions were enough. Infection control in dentistry has always been a huge deal and we wonder if people are going to criticize what we’ve been doing! Some links from the show:  Moses Lake Dentist uses time, materials to help other medical professionals Moses Lake Dentist 3D Printing Reusable Masks for Healthcare Workers Bellus3D Bel

Zirconia is widely used. Many love it, some hate it. But there aren’t many people that know more about it than the one and only Dr. Mike DiTolla! In this classic episode, Mike joins Jason and Alan to answer questions about all things zirconia! Some topics we cover: Mike’s shoulder surgery experience and why you shouldn’t feel too bad about missing a block again. How Mike invented zirconia (Al’s word, not his) Is zirconia too strong? Can you bond zirconia? And how does that work? How does the lab approach zirconia (e.g.–die space, etc.) 30 micron margins! Crown margins = really narrow class V restoration Best ways to adjust zirconia (water on, very fine diamond)  Mike and Josh Austin’s AMAZING performances at VoD 2020! What is zirconia’s Kryptonite and why do we have to clean zirconia before cementing/bonding? Best way to open an access/drill a hold into a zirconia crown and how to repair Blended zirconia materials Will zirconia eventually take over? Cementing vs. bonding The Lipscomb Scale of how much it suc

This episode begins a summer series featuring the amazing back catalog of Very Clinical episodes! July is the beginning of the careers of many new dentists. We're featuring "clinical basics" from the Zach and Kevin (and others) that will benefit new dentists and grizzled veterans alike! We begin with their take on local anesthesia! Some highlights of the episode are: What kind of syringes, needles do we use? What brands of anesthetic do we carry? Topical? How do we numb maxillary teeth?   How does it change for operative vs. endo vs. surgery? How do we numb mandibular teeth?  Differences between anterior and posterior? How do we troubleshoot a difficult to numb tooth? Septocaine for blocks, do we do it? Buffering?  Is it needed? Why does Zach suck so much with anesthetic and what can he do about it? If you want to interact with us, head over to the Very Clinical Facebook Group! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dent

Years before COVID and the whole "Very Dental" thing, the Dental Hacks would show up at the Chicago Midwinter and record at a booth! This was a sound check from some years ago that I think is one of the funnier things we ever did! I hope you enjoy! The original show notes: I promised Jason that I wouldn’t put this one out. Promise broken. Jason and Alan decided to do an impromptu sound check podcast at the Premier Booth at the Chicago Midwinter and the result was hilarious. If we have any Russian listeners please let me apologize in advance for our horrible accent. We discuss the stuff we were excited to check out at the Midwinter, the McCormick Center security team, Jason’s discomfort with women and endodontics and Alan’s inability to fit into black lab coats. Some links from the show: Premier Dental Cosmedent Bioclear Dentsply Sirona Primescan Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should

A little over two years ago our profession was faced with something we'd never experienced. The pandemic closed most of us down in March of 2020. We had a LOT of time on our hands and not many answers. Jason and I turned to Dr. Gary DeWood to help us make sense of things. If you remember correctly, there were a LOT of things being stated as fact (negative pressure operatories, anyone?) that seem kind of silly in retrospect. So I thought I would present this podcast a couple years down the road to see how we fared.  Let me know what you think!  --Original show notes from the March 27, 2020 release: Jason and Alan had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Gary DeWood from Spear Education about what we can expect during the Coronavirus crisis. Gary's message is one that we all could use right now and we're grateful for him giving us some time. Some of the things we discussed: What do you do when you find yourself at the edge of the cliff and you don't know what to do? This is a "government mandated" economic downt

Dr. Ash Mark of "All Things Dentistry" joins Kevin and Zach again for an international podcast about endodontic retreats! Once you've decided to retreat an existing root canal...what do you do? Links from the show: All Things Endo course! Check out the Very Clinical Facebook group! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  One of the unsung heroes of my practice is Cosmecore! Cosmedent’s dual cured core buildup material is amazingly versatile! It comes in three colors (A2, opaque white and blue!) and it comes in an 8 gram syringe or a 50 gram mixing gun. And speaking of the big cartridge…you can save $50 off of one using coupon code “CORE50” on the website! Go check out the best core material in all of dentistry at verydentalpodcast.com/cosmecore! -- Our friends at Spear Education want Very Dental people to know about a special event they’re having this summer!

Happy Independence Day 2022! This is a classic Dental Hacks episode that I think you're really going to enjoy! Jason and Alan discuss the best things to do when you have a last minute cancellation that leaves a hole in your schedule. Are you the one who has a to do list that’s ready to go? Or are you more likely to grab a cup of coffee and jump online to argue about occlusion philosophies? The Dental Hacks Nation weighs in and it’s pretty darn funny! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  One of the unsung heroes of my practice is Cosmecore! Cosmedent’s dual cured core buildup material is amazingly versatile! It comes in three colors (A2, opaque white and blue!) and it comes in an 8 gram syringe or a 50 gram mixing gun. And speaking of the big cartridge…you can save $50 off of one using coupon code “CORE50” on the website! Go check out the best core material in

What if your patients always showed up and always accepted treatment? What if you could work with specialists of all kinds on whatever cases came your way? What if you had tons of like minded colleagues workin gin the same place trying to all get the job done? Dr. Mike Mansell describes his experience in "the biggest group practice in the world!" Mike has practiced in the military since dental school and tells a very compelling story about what the military has to offer a dentist in all phases of their career! Some links from the show: Big Country Beef Jerky Catch the Composite Wave and Surf its Potential with Dr. Buddy Mopper and Dr. Dennis Hartlieb Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  One of the unsung heroes of my practice is Cosmecore! Cosmedent’s dual cured core buildup material is amazingly versatile! It comes in three colors (A2, opaque white and blue

Dr. Ash Mark of "All Things Dentistry" joins Kevin and Zach for an international podcast about endodontic retreats! When do you choose a retreat and when do you bail? Links from the show: All Things Endo course! Check out the Very Clinical Facebook group! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  2 days. A bunch of the Spear Education all stars! Literally a Whitman's Sampler of all the greats! (Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. Gary DeWood, Dr. Gregg Kinzer, Dr. Jeff Rouse, Dr. Ricardo Mitrani and Dr. Darin Dichter! Also Adam McWethy! You've heard all of these guys on the podcast and this is a great way to see them all in one huge event! June 16-17 at Spear Education in Scottsdale! August 12-13 in Boston, MA! 14 hours of AMAZING CE! And if you tell them that you heard about it from Very Dental and you'll get $500 off! Go check it out! -- Zirc Dental Products’ Color

In late June, 71° is the coolest part of the day in central Michigan. In February or March, 71° is an amazing respite from winter! It's all about context. Al talks a bit about how this concept can be applied in dentistry and how the same patient on the schedule can wreck your day or be something you look forward to...all depending on context! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  2 days. A bunch of the Spear Education all stars! Literally a Whitman's Sampler of all the greats! (Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. Gary DeWood, Dr. Gregg Kinzer, Dr. Jeff Rouse, Dr. Ricardo Mitrani and Dr. Darin Dichter! Also Adam McWethy! You've heard all of these guys on the podcast and this is a great way to see them all in one huge event! June 16-17 at Spear Education in Scottsdale! August 12-13 in Boston, MA! 14 hours of AMAZING CE! And if you tell them that you heard about it f

Today's Group Function is a "classic." This was recorded back in the days of the Dental Hacks podcast, long before we were dealing with COVID. Alan is joined by Dr. Rich Rosenblatt, Dr. Erin Elliott, Dr. Joshua Austin and Dr. Lance Timmerman to answer the quandries of the ever curious Dental Hacks Nation! What do you do when a patient you dismissed wants to talk with you? What do you do when your patient tells you a specialist you referred them to was acting inappropriately? This and a bunch of other great situations were proposed to the brilliant and hilarious Brain Trust and you won’t want to miss how they answered! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  2 days. A bunch of the Spear Education all stars! Literally a Whitman's Sampler of all the greats! (Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. Gary DeWood, Dr. Gregg Kinzer, Dr. Jeff Rouse, Dr. Ricardo Mitrani and Dr. Darin Dich

Something interesting is happening at Very Clinical this week! Zach goes against type and is trying a digital workflow for crown and bridge! Dr. Brad Mattison joins Zach and Kevin again to talk strategies about the best way to incorporate a digital workflow for someone who is new to it!  Check out the Very Clinical Facebook group! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  2 days. A bunch of the Spear Education all stars! Literally a Whitman's Sampler of all the greats! (Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. Gary DeWood, Dr. Gregg Kinzer, Dr. Jeff Rouse, Dr. Ricardo Mitrani and Dr. Darin Dichter! Also Adam McWethy! You've heard all of these guys on the podcast and this is a great way to see them all in one huge event! June 16-17 at Spear Education in Scottsdale! August 12-13 in Boston, MA! 14 hours of AMAZING CE! And if you tell them that you heard about it from Very Dent

Do you recognize the flow state? You know, when you're super engaged and not distracted and everything just start coming together?  Al talks about the flow state and wonders if you can find it in dentistry! Some links from the show: Headspace.com definition Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  2 days. A bunch of the Spear Education all stars! Literally a Whitman's Sampler of all the greats! (Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. Gary DeWood, Dr. Gregg Kinzer, Dr. Jeff Rouse, Dr. Ricardo Mitrani and Dr. Darin Dichter! Also Adam McWethy! You've heard all of these guys on the podcast and this is a great way to see them all in one huge event! June 16-17 at Spear Education in Scottsdale! August 12-13 in Boston, MA! 14 hours of AMAZING CE! And if you tell them that you heard about it from Very Dental and you'll get $500 off! Go check it out! -- Zirc Dental Products’ Col

So much of our continuing education time is spent learning to do "big case" dentistry. For most patients the problem with selling life changing dentistry is sticker shock. What's the solution? Dave Roehr is the CEO of Proceed Finance. He had a legendary career at Cabelas as CFO and president and when he decided to retire he found that it wasn't for him. So, he brought his experience in financing to dentistry! Dave explains how research has shown that most anyone in your practice will choose to finance life changing dentistry if you can make it feel like a car payment!  How is Proceed Finance different than other dental financing? $2500 minimum to $70k and up! How does Proceed Finance work? How can you use Proceed Finance to "get your reps." Some links from the show: Proceed Finance Cabelas Also, I'd like to thank Dave and Proceed Finance for his continued support of the Voices of Dentistry meeting! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like

Dr. Brad Mattison joins Zach and Kevin to talk about Zach's favorite material, Bulk EZ! It turns out that they are introducing a new and improved version of Bulk EZ that's called, unsurprisingly, Bulk EZ Plus!  Some links from the show: Bulk EZ Plus Try a tube for free! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy." If you'd like to support the Very Dental Podcast Network then you should support our sponsors!  2 days. A bunch of the Spear Education all stars! Literally a Whitman's Sampler of all the greats! (Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. Gary DeWood, Dr. Gregg Kinzer, Dr. Jeff Rouse, Dr. Ricardo Mitrani and Dr. Darin Dichter! Also Adam McWethy! You've heard all of these guys on the podcast and this is a great way to see them all in one huge event! June 16-17 at Spear Education in Scottsdale! August 12-13 in Boston, MA! 14 hours of AMAZING CE! And if you tell them that you heard about it from Very Dental and you'll get $500 off! Go check it out! -- Zirc Dental P