The Dental Hacks Podcast

Alan is joined by "Queen Christmas" herself, Dr. Jen Kirwan for a spectacular discussion of holiday parties in the dental office! Jen and Al talk about the different types of holiday celebrations in their past and Al comes to realize that Jen *really* knows how to do it right! A few suggestions from the queen: DON'T tie it to a bonus DON'T be predictable DON'T include spouses DON'T make your team watch "White Christmas" on the clock! Holiday parties can be a really great team building activity and they don't have to be excruciating! If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! Why should you care about single patient use burs? I can think of a lot of reasons, but the one your patients are thinking about is this one. What’s that sound? That’s the sound of a rotary instrument that’s never been used on another patient. That’s the sound of no cross contamination. That’s the sound of yo

Identity is a weird concept. "Dentist" is technically a job description (what you do) but for many of us, including Al, it becomes our identity. Or at least a huge part of it. Al takes a little time to riff on his experience on his history of disengaging from dentistry and how evaluating how you see your identity is a healthy thing to do. If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! Why should you care about single patient use burs? I can think of a lot of reasons, but the one your patients are thinking about is this one. What’s that sound? That’s the sound of a rotary instrument that’s never been used on another patient. That’s the sound of no cross contamination. That’s the sound of your patient knowing that you are looking out for them. Sure you get a super sharp, never been used bur each and every time you open a Microcopy bur, but mostly your patients know that you take cross co

Kevin and Zach are joined by the Totally Oral guys, Dr. Russell Schafer and Dr. Clint Timmerman! Best Christmas gifts EVER! Zach, Kevin, Clint and Russell each lay out their "year end wrap up" at their offices If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! Why should you care about single patient use burs? I can think of a lot of reasons, but the one your patients are thinking about is this one. What’s that sound? That’s the sound of a rotary instrument that’s never been used on another patient. That’s the sound of no cross contamination. That’s the sound of your patient knowing that you are looking out for them. Sure you get a super sharp, never been used bur each and every time you open a Microcopy bur, but mostly your patients know that you take cross contamination seriously. Go check out the wide variety of single patient use products at verydentalpodcast.com/microcopy. A new (an

Alan is joined by Michael Anderson and Laura Maly of the Wonderist Agency! Wonderist helps dentists market their practice by helping dentists and teams create a message and tell their story in a compelling way! We talk marketing and storytelling in an interesting and wide ranging conversation! How did Wonderist come about? Wonderist's favorite conference: The Voices of Dentistry! It's time to buy your tickets for VoD!  People are obsessed with reviews Marketing channels (website, Google Adwords, direct mail, SEO, reviews)! Which ones are right for you? That's the wrong question! Wonderist can help clarify your message! The Wonderist process and 5 buckets (what makes you different and memorable) Let people say "no" to your best options! Dental offices that create content...what are the best ways to create content for their office Michael has a bone to pick with dentists! (spoiler: take photos of your work!) Coming soon...Wonderist's own podcast! Some links from the show: The Wonderist Agency Otter.ai If yo

Alan was joined by some friends from CAD-Ray! Jon Acker, Damien Bonner and Rich LaFergola work at CAD-Ray, a full service distributor of technology products focusing on CAD-CAM, CT's and 3D printing! Alan has been using the Medit i500 that he purchased from CAD-Ray back in 2018! But there is SO MUCH MORE that they have to offer! The conversation is wide ranging about technology and how CAD-Ray is making it more accessible to dentists! Who you buy from is important for training and support CAD Ray has a bunch of online videos for training but also does a lot of in person training in Vegas and all over the country. Medit's software is constantly updated with a LOT of tools that many don't even use with no fees ever! "Patient excitement applications" Ortho simulator (included in Medit software) Smile design (included in Medit software) Whitening app (included in Medit software) CAD-Ray private user group Medit user group Model builder (included in Medit software) Clinux software (browser based) by CAD-Ray! Medi

This week we feature a classic episode with Kevin flying solo interviewing Dr. Craig Harder from Moses Lake, WA. This week’s topic is efficient crown prepping. Highlights include: - Craig writes for Dental Economics This week’s podcast includes a gameshow segment! Omar Reed’s famous video Begin with the end in mind Craig uses Kavo electric handpicks Kevin is a rubber dam enthusiast Optragates are cool Depth cuts are cool Prep counterclockwise Komet deep purple tapered rounded shoulder bur Have a lab wax up and suck down A call back to a previous Dental Hacks episode Kevin’s favorite disposable diamond Enameloplasty rules! Mac Jones word count:  0 Zach Meiners word count :0 If you want to interact with us, head over to the closed Very Clinical Facebook group! We want to produce episodes about the questions you have, it’s a great place to post a clinical topic, you don’t even have to post a photo! If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us cr

I spent a couple days with my friends at Enova Illumination at the Greater New York Dental meeting! So...are dental meetings dead? Did I buy anything? What did I look at that was really cool? All of these questions and more will be answered in today's episode! Some links from the show: Clinician's Choice PowerMix Dentazon C-Warmer EMS/Hu-friedy Airflow One Bioclear Evolve Enova Illumination/Zumax 3200 Pro If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! Why should you care about single patient use burs? I can think of a lot of reasons, but the one your patients are thinking about is this one. What’s that sound? That’s the sound of a rotary instrument that’s never been used on another patient. That’s the sound of no cross contamination. That’s the sound of your patient knowing that you are looking out for them. Sure you get a super sharp, never been used bur each and every time you op

Dr. David Rice joined Alan for a rousing conversation that took place above the exhibit floor at the recent Greater New York Dental Meeting! David is the creator/founder of IgniteDDS and was recently placed as the editor in chief of DentistryIQ! Their conversation went all over the place and here are some of the highlights: Where did IgniteDDS come from? Dental school and student debt: then vs. now What are new dentists doing after dental school nowadays? What options does a dental degree give you? (spoiler: it's not just private practice!) Dentists as writers Dental speaking isn't as glamorous as you might think Connecting with an audience is the best and worst part about speaking Presenting "naked" and perfectionism Becoming an owner in 2021 Practice transitions: work with the people who know how! Do startups take a special kind of person? (spoiler: yes) Buy or startup? How do you find out what you like to do/you're good at? DON'T COWBOY UP! aka: know your limitations Some links from the show: IgniteDDS

Laser Bob is back!   Dr. Bob Convissar tells us what to do with a laser if we invest in one this week.   We open up with a cinematic laser draft.  Who picked the best laser team? Topics touched on: Crown lengthening Biopsy Apthous Ulcer treatment Infant tongue ties De-pigment gingiva Pulpotomies Airway Treatment You can contact Bob at laserbobdds@gmail.com Buy his book on Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry on Amazon! Here is a link to Laser Bob’s seminar schedule  Thanks for listening and check out the Very Clinical Facebook group if you haven already. If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! I’ve found that using a digital workflow for posterior zirconia is very predictable. So much so that when I’ve evaluated margins, contour and interproximal contacts...I’m ready to cement. Why so cocky? Typically the digital workflow usually nails the occlusion. But more importantly

It's not every day that you get a phone call from a legend in cosmetic dentistry! Alan tells a story about getting a call from Dr. Buddy Mopper of Cosmedent to get some tips on using their new Renamel Bulkfill! Some links from the show: The Voices of Dentistry (use code VeryDental) The Very Dental Facebook group Renamel Bulkfill (coupon: VDP21) Renamel Nano Plus Pocketcasts If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! I’ve found that using a digital workflow for posterior zirconia is very predictable. So much so that when I’ve evaluated margins, contour and interproximal contacts...I’m ready to cement. Why so cocky? Typically the digital workflow usually nails the occlusion. But more importantly, Microcopy Dental has a posterior adjustment system for zirconia (and lithium disilicate) that is so simple and SO GOOD. First, I use Bite-Chek articulating paper for accurate and easy to

Alan features a throwback interview with Dr. Frank Spear on this Black Friday episode! Back in 2019, mere months before the pandemic, we had a chance to talk with Frank Spear about some interesting research he was doing. It seems that what dentists thought about the profession isn't exactly what the data suggested about the profession. Some topics that we covered: Why do insurance companies cover thing so differently from state to state? The beauty of practicing in groups. But not necessarily a DSO. Could someone become Frank Spear in the way that Frank did considering student debt as it is now? How did beautiful temporaries make a difference in Frank's career? Why does Frank feel responsible to help the narrative that dentists tell each other? What's the data the Frank would really like to see? Why is it so impossible to compare dental businesses and income across the country? How can you compare apples to apples? Take home message: things are better than dentists are telling themselves! What is dental scho

Dr. Bob “Laser Bob” Convissar “ DDS is a dentist who lectures and practices laser assisted dentistry in Manhattan.  His practice is over 100 years old! It’s an amazing story. We talk about Black Friday. Then we talk about the ABC’s of laser dentistry.  Both Zach and Kevin get laser shamed. We get the low down on histology. The CO2 laser is the best for soft tissue dentistry.  We discuss the economics of lasers. We discuss air abrasion.  And PBM lasers. You can contact Bob at laserbobdds@gmail.com Buy his book on Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry on Amazon! Here is a link to Laser Bob’s seminar schedule  Thanks for listening and check out the Very Clinical Facebook group if you haven already. If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! I’ve found that using a digital workflow for posterior zirconia is very predictable. So much so that when I’ve evaluated margins, contour

Herodontics.  For normal, mortal human dentists, sometimes we do it. Even when we know we shouldn't. But can our patients really understand it? In today's episode Alan finds an analogy that helps based on the college basketball game he recently attended! Some links from the show: The Voices of Dentistry (use code VeryDental) The Very Dental Facebook group If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! I’ve found that using a digital workflow for posterior zirconia is very predictable. So much so that when I’ve evaluated margins, contour and interproximal contacts...I’m ready to cement. Why so cocky? Typically the digital workflow usually nails the occlusion. But more importantly, Microcopy Dental has a posterior adjustment system for zirconia (and lithium disilicate) that is so simple and SO GOOD. First, I use Bite-Chek articulating paper for accurate and easy to read occlusal cont

Alan welcomes two of the most accomplished and entertaining presenters in dentistry to the Group Function podcast. Dr. Mike DiTolla and Dr. Josh Austin are known as dental educators that can connect with an audience better than anyone and they prove it again in today's episode. Both of them have been working out new and never before seen material for the Voices of Dentistry meeting coming soon in January 2021! Some of the topics they covered: The very first Voices of Dentistry! (Holidome anyone?) Josh and Mike have taken VoD "under their wing." It's their favorite meeting to present at. And we love it! Previews for VoD Why is social media is so bad for us? How do Mike and Josh prepare/write their stuff? "Start with the 3 most embarrassing moments of your life..." Some links from the show: The Voices of Dentistry (use code VeryDental) The Very Dental Facebook group Porn for Your Practice (social media article by Josh) Inside by Bo Burnham Matthew Posa Youtube channel If you would you like support the Ve

Nate Lawson, DDS is a dental researcher who is the mastermind behind the @dentaltube Instagram page which has been voted one of the top educational dental accounts on the internet.  With 76K followers and growing, you’ll see why with their excellent images. We start off talking about funny Thanksgiving stories. We pivot into discussing cracks and fiber usage. We lament the lack of cracked tooth education in dental school. We talk about transilluminators. We talk about using fibers as reinforcement.  We talk about fiber reinforced composite. It’s always a good time when N8 the Gr8 joins us! Thanks for listening and check out the Very Clinical Facebook group if you haven’t already. If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! The Very Dental podcast is brought to you by our friends at Microcopy Dental. Neodiamonds from Microcopy Dental are very fine. I mean, all of them are awesome, bu

Al is heading to NYC for the Greater New York Dental meeting in a couple of weeks wondering the whole time, "are dental meetings dead?" Some links from the show: The Voices of Dentistry (use code VeryDental) The Very Dental Facebook group Enova Illumination If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! The Very Dental podcast is brought to you by our friends at Microcopy Dental. Neodiamonds from Microcopy Dental are very fine. I mean, all of them are awesome, but some of them are actually “very fine.” Specifically I mean the yellow striped ones they call “finishing” diamonds. I use Microcopy finishing diamonds on just about any patient that I might be spinning a bur on. Very fine finishers do the heavy lifting on composites so polishing is simple and easy. I use them to finish crown preps. I’ve been known to adjust Emax and Zirconia with them. Once you try them you’re going to fin

Al is joined by his best friend from dental school, Dr. Bart Schultz. They had a wide ranging conversation about dental school, early dental practice and how much patients can really understand about their treatment. Also, the jobs they had in dental school and other stuff. Some links from the show: Miracle Mix Todd Johnson DDS, Paul Thomas DDS Very Dental Facebook group Voices of Dentistry (use coupon code: VeryDental) If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! The Very Dental podcast is brought to you by our friends at Microcopy Dental. Neodiamonds from Microcopy Dental are very fine. I mean, all of them are awesome, but some of them are actually “very fine.” Specifically I mean the yellow striped ones they call “finishing” diamonds. I use Microcopy finishing diamonds on just about any patient that I might be spinning a bur on. Very fine finishers do the heavy lifting on compos

Nate Lawson, DDS is a dental researcher who is the mastermind behind the @dentaltube instagram page which has been voted one of the top educational dental accounts on the internet.  With 76K followers and growing, you’ll see why with their excellent images. We start off by talking about Curb your Enthusiasm and our favorite episodes.   Spoiler alert, if you’re watching the most current season airing now, episode 11.2 has some great scenes of Larry at the dentist. We pivot into discussing the benefits of sandblasting in clinical and lab settings and white line formation in composites. It’s always a good time when N8 the Gr8 joins us! Thanks for listening and check out the Very Clinical Facebook page if you haven’t already. If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! The Very Dental podcast is brought to you by our friends at Microcopy Dental. Neodiamonds from Microcopy Dental are ver

Back when this podcast was called "The Dental Hacks" we used to include a segment in most shows that we called "Go Hack Yourself." It was a chance for us to talk about something we'd been using in our practice, listening to, reading, eating watching on Netflix or whatever caught our fancy at the time. I'm bring in this tradition back starting with today's episode! I'm going to drop some spicy recommendations for the Very Dental Nation to try. Or not try. Either way is cool with me. Recommendations in today's episode: Berman Instruments #3 and #4 Flexible-Thin Composite instruments "Land of the Giants: The Apple Revolution" from Recode and Vox Quad Lock phone cases/mounts Waterpik Sonic 2.0 flossing toothbrush Some links from the show: The Voices of Dentistry (use code VeryDental) The Very Dental Facebook group If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! The Very Dental pod

Dentistry is hard. We can only give so much of ourselves and we can only be compassionate to our patients for so long. Dr. Brian McGue teaches sedation with 3D Dentists and at Implant Pathway and is acutely interested in helping dentists avoid burnout from compassion fatigue. So, what is compassion fatigue? Brian and Alan dig in to a topic that many of us relate to but probably haven't put into words yet.  This is the first full episode of the "We Are All Broken" podcast series. I'd love to hear from you if you find it helpful and worthwhile and perhaps some other topics you might be interested in hearing discussed! Some links from the show: 3D Dentists Implant Pathway Brian's email If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! The Very Dental podcast is brought to you by our friends at Microcopy Dental. Neodiamonds from Microcopy Dental are very fine. I mean, all of them are aweso