The Dental Hacks Podcast

Kevin and Zach are once again joined by Very Dental Student Mo and Very Dental's Al to answer student questions! Topics: Managing Difficult Crown Preparations  Managing Team Conflicts Referring vs. Attempting Extractions Recommended CE Courses for New Dentists Tricks for Achieving Perfect Posterior Composite Contacts Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization. The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence.  Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA  Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call  Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc’s solutions today: zirc.com  

Mohamed is back with Kevin, Zach and Al to pose dental student questions to these grizzled veterans.  The guys start out with a raucous discussion of NCAA brackets and what's wrong with basketball but then move to answering questions from curious dental students! Some key topics of discussion: Post-Op Sensitivity: What are your protocols for managing post-op sensitivity for fillings or crowns? Challenging Patients: How do you handle patients who challenge your clinical recommendations or demand unnecessary treatment? Soft Tissue Management: What are your best practices for managing soft tissue during restorative or surgical procedures? Referral Management: How do you manage patient referrals to a specialist while maintaining continuity of care? Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "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

Alan recently sat down with Teresa Duncan at the Chicago Midwinter Dental meeting! Teresa is an expert in dental insurance and dental office management. The conversation dives into the often-overlooked but critical aspects of dental practice, including insurance compliance, the evolving role of AI in administrative tasks, financial discussions with patients, hygiene practice management, and the potential future of dental practices within the broader healthcare landscape. The episode offers practical advice and insights for dentists and their teams on navigating the complexities of modern dental administration and compliance. Key Discussion Points: The Challenge of "Unsexy" Topics: Dentists often prioritize clinical topics (like implants) over administrative and compliance issues. Theresa's ability to make complex, less appealing topics engaging. Compliance Concerns: Importance of compliance in areas like insurance contracts. The burden of compliance and its lack of intuitiveness. Medicare Advantage Pla

Could this be the most relatable episode we've ever recorded?  Zach, Kevin, and Alan unleash their pent-up frustrations with common patient behaviors that drive them absolutely bonkers. From anatomical annoyances to baffling patient logic, no pet peeve is spared. Get ready to laugh and nod in agreement as they share their most outrageous clinical experiences. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization. The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence.  Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA  Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call  Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc’s solutions today: zirc.com  

Alan shares a personal and frustrating experience involving his son, Jacob, and an unexpected medical finding. He reflects on the complexities of the medical system, the challenges of incidental findings, and his concerns about the current state of healthcare. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "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 verydentalpodcast.com/crazy 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 s

Alan is joined at the Chicago Midwinter meeting by Steven Haaksma of BQE or "Back Quality Ergonomics." Alan has used a bunch of their stools over the years and is a big fan of the ergonomic products that Steven's company has created.  Key Takeaways: BQE = Back Quality Ergonomics: The meaning behind the company name. Dutch Roots, American Story: Steven's background and how BQE started in the US. PT-Founded: BQE's origins with Steven's father, a physical therapist focused on back pain. Dental Professionals' Back Pain: The high prevalence of back issues in dentistry inspired BQE's focus. Challenging Traditional Stools: The problems with round and flat dental chairs. Ergonomic Design Principles: Getting closer to the patient and preventing slouching. The Original ErgoDynamic: The unique chair where the backrest automatically adjusts to the user. Convex Backrest: BQE's signature design for optimal lumbar support, available in different sizes. Beyond Dentistry: BQE also serves veterinary and optometry markets. Ala

"I want this to run like a real business, and if that's what it takes to run it, I know that I'll get the revenue back." -- Kevin on investing in CareStack. Today, the Very Clinical guys dive into the world of dental practice management software. Kevin, Zach and Al discuss their first experiences with computers, their current software choices, and Kevin's recent switch to CareStack. The conversation highlights the evolution of practice management from early home-grown solutions to modern, cloud-based platforms. Some links from the show: CareStack cloud based practice management software TigerView imaging software Overjet AI Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization. The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinica

Alan reflects on the importance of "doing something" when it comes to emotional health, contrasting it with his earlier philosophy of "don't just do something, sit there" in the context of dental diagnosis. He shares a personal story about his son's music competition and how his own emotional reaction led him to realize the power of action in managing feelings. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "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 verydentalpodcast.com/crazy 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

Alan is joined by Dr. Charlotte Drumi for an "in person" recording from the recent Chicago Midwinter Meeting! She's a young dentist with an old soul and Alan learned a lot from this conversation! They discuss Charlotte's journey from documenting her dental school experience on Instagram to becoming a recognized content creator in the dental field. They delve into the challenges of social media, the importance of authenticity, the pressures faced by new dentists, and the impact of her international background on her perspective. Key Talking Points: Social Media and Authenticity: The importance of sharing both professional and personal aspects of life. Balancing curated content with genuine, "raw" experiences. Building connections through interactions and storytelling. The change from highly curated content, to more authentic content. Navigating Social Media Platforms: Focus on Instagram, with considerations for expanding to TikTok. Managing the time and effort required for multiple platforms. Adapting to

In this throwback episode Kevin and Zach are once again joined by Dr. Kevin Donlan to discuss the controversial topic of amalgam in modern dentistry. Is this classic restorative material still relevant in 2025? They delve into the pros and cons, share personal experiences, and debate whether amalgam still has a place in everyday dental practice. Key Takeaways: Amalgam still has a place in dentistry, particularly in situations with challenging isolation. Patient education and clear communication are crucial for material selection. Dental education and practice philosophies have evolved significantly over the years.   Four handed dentistry is ideal, and when not possible, isolation devices can increase the dentists ability to perform good dentistry. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization. The Very C

Alan shares his recent guest appearance on "Just a Couple of Dentists," a podcast hosted by millennial dentists Alex and Eric. They discuss the evolving landscape of dentistry, the rise of side hustles, and the challenges faced by younger dentists. Alan, Alex, and Eric delve into the reasons behind the shift from traditional clinical focus to entrepreneurial ventures, the impact of social media, and the realities of practice ownership. They also play a fun "Kiss, Marry, Kill" game with potential dental side gigs. Some links from the show: Just a Couple of Dentists podcast Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "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!

AI is rapidly transforming the dental industry, offering numerous opportunities for efficiency and improved patient care. Alan talked with Preet Sandhu at the recent Chicago Midwinter Dental meeting about some used of AI in dentistry that you may not have thought of.  Preet is the CEO of ViralKraft (an honest marketing company) as well as StafGo Health, which focuses on the revenue cycle in the dental office. Preet has extensive background in finance and marketing, including 18 years in corporate finance and experience with healthcare finance. The conversation is a deep dive into how AI is revolutionizing dental practices, from marketing and revenue cycle management to patient care and diagnosis.  Key Takeaways: The Integration of Marketing and Revenue Cycle Management: How these two aspects of a dental practice are interconnected. The benefits of separating them into distinct companies. Marketing in Modern Dentistry: The shift from traditional family practices to more specialized dental services. The im

This throwback episode features Kevin and Zach talking to Dr. Kevin Donlin about winter sports, clinical failures, "last case bias" and how social media can affect a clinician's treatment plans. Key Takeaways: Last Case Bias: The guys discuss how last case bias can influence treatment decisions, particularly when it comes to new materials and techniques. They emphasize the importance of being honest with oneself about the causes of failures and avoiding making changes based solely on anecdotal evidence. Social Media's Influence on Dentistry: The fellas discuss the potential dangers of relying on social media for dental information, particularly for young dentists and dental students. They highlight the lack of long-term follow-up on many social media platforms and the importance of critical thinking when evaluating information online. They also discuss the impact of social media on trends in dentistry, such as the shift towards more conservative or aggressive treatment approaches. Join the Very Dental

Alan reflects a bit on a technique he calls "Pushing the Button." He originally wrote about it in a post on the Dental Hacks website and still finds it an effective way to help create interpersonal connections.  Key Themes: Patient communication and relationship building The importance of human connection in dentistry Managing challenging patient interactions Personal growth and self-awareness The benefit of being personable. Some links from the show: Push the Button Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "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 verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code “VERYDENTAL10” you’ll get another 10%

Alan welcomes Dr. David Clark back to the show. David is the inventor of the Bioclear system and one of the people that really turned Alan on to microscope dentistry.  Key Takeaways: Dr. Clark discusses his "Cracked Tooth Lecture" and the controversy surrounding its title. The importance of microscopes in dentistry and how they can help diagnose and treat cracked teeth. The evolution of bioclear and the latest advancements in injection molding composite dentistry. The importance of the gingival third and achieving a perfect margin. Dr. Clark's recent heart attack and the lessons he learned from it. The importance of getting a cardiologist and taking care of your health. The delicate art of not giving a rip and setting your BS meter to zero. Social media and its impact on mental health. Some links from the show: Bioclear Bioclear Learning Center The Bioclear Black Triangle kit The Bioclear Alumni Summit Marco Maiolino's Instagram page Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Ho

This week, Kevin and Zach are joined again by Alan and "Dr." Mo, host of the Very Dental Student podcast, to answer more listener questions. They cover a range of topics, including: Mastering Occlusion: Tips and tools for achieving optimal occlusion in restorative procedures, with a focus on fillings and crowns. Managing Patients with a Strong Gag Reflex: Practical strategies for minimizing gagging during procedures, including the use of acupuncture, rubber dams, and patient communication techniques. Diagnosing and Treating Crack Tooth Syndrome: Identifying and addressing cracked teeth, with insights on the use of transilluminators, tooth sleuths, and provisional crowns. Staying Current with Dental Technology: Balancing the desire to keep up with the latest advancements without overspending, with a discussion on return on investment and the importance of contentment. It's important to remember that Al is obviously a Gryffindor and Kevin is most likely a Hufflepuff. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using

Alan is back from the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting and shares his experiences and highlights from the exhibition floor. He discusses new products and technologies, including a new buffering system for anesthetics, AI tools for chart notes, updates from Bioclear, and a "new" microscope from Enova Illumination. He also talks about his experience podcasting at the meeting and his plans for future episodes. Some links from the show: BufferPro from Premier/Septodont Bioclear BT Matrices Shining 3D Aoralscan Elite Woodpecker PT-B Enova Illumination/Zumax OMS 2050 Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "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 h

Alan catches up with Dr. Justin Moody, his friend and business partner. They reminisce about their experiences in dental school and how dentistry has changed over the years. They discuss the importance of hands-on training, especially for new dentists, and the need for critical thinking and humility in implant dentistry. They also touch on the challenges of treating patients with full arch implant cases and the importance of ethical considerations. Key Takeaways: The importance of hands-on training in dentistry, especially for new dentists. The need for critical thinking and humility in implant dentistry. The challenges of treating patients with full arch implant cases. The importance of ethical considerations in implant dentistry. Some links from the show: Implant Pathway Extraction and Grafting at Implant Pathway Fast Track Implants! Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain

Zach and Kevin are joined by the "Very Dental Student" podcast's host, Mohamed and Al to answer some questions that Mo put together from dental students! Managing Cancellations: The hosts debate the best strategies for dealing with frequent cancellations, from strict rescheduling policies to prepayment systems. Restorability vs. Extraction: A nuanced discussion on the factors that influence decisions about saving or extracting teeth, including patient preferences, practitioner skills, and the availability of implant options. Emergency Protocols: Tips for effectively managing dental emergencies, emphasizing the importance of pain control and efficient procedures like extractions and pulpectomies. Burnout Prevention: The hosts offer candid advice on combating burnout, highlighting the importance of self-care, outside interests, supportive communities, and maintaining perspective. Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!" Very Clini

Alan delves into a thought-provoking ethical dilemma presented in the Very Clinical Facebook group regarding pain management for a patient in recovery. Pain Management Dilemma: A detailed discussion of a Facebook post in "Very Clinical" about a patient in recovery on methadone who initially refused narcotics but later requested stronger pain medication after a procedure. Alan's Perspective on Recovery and Pain: Alan shares personal anecdotes about his own recovery journey and experiences with pain management, including his thoughts on harm reduction and the importance of personal responsibility in recovery. Ethical Considerations: The complexities of prescribing narcotics to a patient in recovery, the importance of open communication, and the value of consulting with other healthcare professionals (like the patient's pain management MD in this case). Alternative Pain Management: Discussion of alternative pain management strategies, such as injectable or oral steroids (dexamethasone). Join the Very Dental Fa