The Dental Hacks Podcast

We've talked about dental school and being a new dentist a bunch of times. We've offered advice about what we might do differently as a student and new dentist. Now...we hear from some dental students and new dentists! This episode features two senior dental students, Caitlynn Haas of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and David Jacobs of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. They talk about what brought them to dentistry, their education and their debt in the first installment of this interview. This week's Brain Trust features six "new dentists" that have graduated within the last three years. You'll hear from DentalHacks listeners and new dentists Dr. Scott Kollen, Dr. Josh Carpenter, Dr. David Scardella, Dr. Will Parrell, Dr. Dennis Frazee and Dr. Rich Weber. In our first installment of this "new dentist extravaganza" each of these dentists shares a bit about the journey they've taken since finishing dental school and how things are looking for a new dentist. So join us for

Dr. Mike Melkers returns in today's episode to talk about an eclectic variety of topics! First, we finish our discussion of innovations in materials science and how the more things change, the more things stay the same. Then we move into a discussion about "soft skills." Mike teaches a lot of patient communication techniques that are second to none! He boils down a topic that seems complex into some very simple and useable tips. Finally, he discusses some clinical research on different isolation techniques (aka: the Isolite vs. rubber dam smackdown). The Brain Trust continues it's discussion of continuing education. Dr. Tarun Agarwal describes using shorter courses (for instance, at state dental meetings) as CE speed dating. They discuss treatment planning, endo, surgery, online resources as well as inexpensive CE options. Finally, they discuss DentalTown as the ultimate search engine for continuing education as well as a source of solid and inexpensive CE. If you want to hear about CE...this is your episod

It's the holiday season and the DentalHacks are in a giving mood! Feast your ears on this terrific DentalHacks extra! Could you use a way to help patients make excellent treatment more affordable? Would you like another easy way to create cash flow in your office while doing the dentistry that you've trained to do? Dr. Tarun Agarwal has a great suggestion for your office! T-bone has been using this in-house system for 3 years. He's offering interest free financing to his patients with little to no risk of default by patients. He describes the system he's using IN DETAIL in this podcast! There's no sales pitch, just helpful and tasty knowledge! So make yourself a leftover turkey and cranberry relish sandwich, sit back and enjoy this holiday gift from the DentalHacks!

In today's episode, we begin a discussion of continuing education. We bring together all kinds of CE junkies and talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of dental continuing education. In our interview segment, we talk to Dr. Mike Melkers. Dr. Melkers is a published researcher, teacher and admitted CE junkie. He's not ready to stop learning, but he assures us he can stop any time he wants. We discuss how new dentists (and experienced dentists who want to send their career in a new direction) should start their CE journey. What do you want to become? Where do you want to end up? What is the appropriate CE provider for you? In the Brain Trust segment, we bring together Dr. Lance Timmerman, Dr. Melissa Zettler and Dr. Tarun Agarwal to talk about their experiences for CE. How do you choose what you need to know? What's the best bang for your buck? GPR/AEGD? Or is T-bone's suggestion of a "PPR" (private practice residency) the best way to go. This conversation is really funny and really informative. If you're

Alcoholism. Addiction. Chemical dependence. Whatever you call it, we don't talk about it much. Even though upwards of 15% of dentists are directly affected, it's something we don't talk about. Until now, that is. Today's episode of the DentalHacks podcast is a bit of a departure from our typical format. In this episode we present a conversation between two friends (Alan and Dr. Brett Kessler) who have direct experience with addiction. Both of us have multiple years of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and you probably have never heard two dentists speak so openly and candidly about what we've been through and what we've seen. If you have any questions about the conversation I hope you'll email us at info@dentalhacks.com.

Last episode, Dr. Rob Ritter explained what it's like to be a speaker on the dental CE circuit. This episode we get down to business. We discuss his DIY website for his speaking business and how almost anyone can have an amazing web presence for next to no money. Take digital photos and show the world what you're doing for almost next to free. Then we talk about who dentistry has transitioned into an almost completely digital experience. He discusses digital impression scanners in depth (he's tried all of them) and gives his recommendation as well as what we should be looking for in the near future. Rob is a font of knowledge on materials and techniques and we've only just scratched the surface! Look for him to be a guest again! Then we pick up where we left off with the Brain Trust's marketing round table. What are the keys to having a successful direct mail campaign? Can Facebook marketing work for dentists? How about TV and radio? Magazines? The Brain Trust weighs in on all of this. Join previous DentalH

This week, the DentalHacks podcast features Dr. Rob Ritter. Rob is a dentist in Jupiter, FL that focuses primarily on cosmetic dentistry. He's got a lot to share on both clinical and practice management issues, but today's episode went off on an interesting tangent. Rob has been speaking to dental groups for quite some time and at one time was doing 40 or more presentations per year! So we talked to him about how get got started being a featured CE speaker, what he loves about it and what he doesn't love so much about it. Anyone who's ever thought they'd like to get into speaking to dentists will find this interview very enlightening! Also in episode 21 the Brain Trust turns their incredible intellect and experience toward dental marketing. We welcome back our first two interviewees, Dr. Lance Timmerman and Dr. Ryan McCall as well as Brain Trust regulars Dr. Matt Standridge, Dr. Matt Garrison and Dr. Melissa Zettler! Have you ever wondered what marketing works the best? How important is your location and si

This week's show picks up with the second half of our interview with Kevin Henry. Kevin is the Group Content and Editorial Director at Advanstar Communications. Kevin spends some time talking about dental publishing, its history and its future. For instance, he thinks that there will always be a place for print (magazines) as most people won't take their iPad in the bathtub. We talk a little bit about how selling to dentists has changed and also how an aspiring dental writer could have their writing published. Finally, Kevin weighs in on who's up and coming in the dental education world. Another DentalHacks interview not to be missed! In today's Brain Trust segment we continue talking about the question: "if you could only do one procedure for the rest or your career, what would it be?" They talk about new patients and delivering bad news along with the near universal love of immediate dentures. Then the Brain Trust moves in a different direction. If you could choose a procedure to NEVER do again, what woul

This week's interview features Kevin Henry. Kevin is the Group Content and Editorial Director at Advanstar Communications. What that means is he's involved (and has been involved) with the production of online content as well as dental magazine publishing. Have you heard of "Dental Products Report?" Yeah...that's him! In today's episode Kevin shares what he's learned about dental teams. And it's a lot! We talk about dental office managers and what they can do for your practice as well as finding the best training for dental teams! In today's Brain Trust segment we're asked the question: "if you could only do one procedure for the rest or your career, what would it be?" The answers from our Brain Trust are enlightening and hilarious! We get down to the nuts and bolts of extractions and direct composite restorations. This is "can't miss" content for anyone who takes teeth out or places composites! We introduce a new member, Dr. Matt Garrison, in today's episode as well. Matt joins veterans Dr. Dawn Kulongowsk

In the second half of our interview with Dr. Armen Mirzayan we dig a little deeper into 3D imaging. Does it have value in evaluating past endodontic treatment? Does it replace all radiographs in the dental office? Also we talk about Armen's 10+ year stint as the official dentist of the LA Dodgers! In episode 18 of the DentalHacks podcast the Brain Trust continues their discussion of patient "red flags." There were many true and hilarious suggestions on Facebook that we covered live during the recording! Jason and Alan joined Dr. Frank Clayton and newcomer to the Brain Trust Dr. Melissa Zettler in this enlightening discussion!

Do you need to have a 3D scan to place implants? Dr. Armen Mirzayan says, "yes!" Armen feels so strongly about this that he started CAD-Ray to help make it really easy for dentists and their patients to take advantage of 3D scanning and guided implant surgeries. This interview is so full of information, you'll probably want to listen to it twice! In this episode of the DentalHacks podcast the Brain Trust discusses "red flags." You know those signals that patients give you that let you know there might be trouble with them in the future. This topic got a REALLY passionate response on Facebook and it turned out hilarious and insightful! Jason and Alan joined Dr. Frank Clayton and newcomer to the Brain Trust Dr. Melissa Zettler in this enlightening discussion! Thanks again to our listeners! If you like the show we'd appreciate it if you tell a friend and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

What's the deal with bulk filled composite materials? Are they ready for prime time? Dr. Robert Lowe is a fan and has used and evaluated them all! How do they work? Why can you bulk fill with them? Dr. Lowe makes sense of this up and coming material type and helps you choose which ones work. The DentalHacks Brain Trust continue their discussion about the worst and best purchases that they've bought over the years. This episode spends a little more time talking about what they're glad they bought! Check out this week's Brain Trust panel: Dr. Thom Caspers of Seattle, WA, Dr. Tiffany Lee of Torrance, CA, Dr. Dawn Kulongowski of Holly, MI, Dr. Matthew Standridge (aka: Bear Cream) of Eureka, KS and Dr. Tammy Bailey of Wausau, WI.

How often to we see deep decay that's completely asymptomatic? That's just one of the things that host Dr. Alan Mead talks to Dr. Robert Lowe about in today's interview. Dr. Lowe is a general dentist who practices in Charlotte, NC. On top of that, he teaches all over the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Lowe talks about new techniques in caries removal as well as using several new products to treat deep cavities without going right to root canal therapy. The DentalHacks Brain Trust discussion for episode 15 begins a discussion on the worst and best purchases that they've made in dentistry. This episode of the Brain Trust features Dr. Thom Caspers of Seattle, WA, Dr. Tiffany Lee of Torrance, CA, Dr. Dawn Kulongowski of Holly, MI, Dr. Matthew Standridge of Eureka, KS and Dr. Tammy Bailey of Wausau, WI.

In today's episode, we continue our interview with Dr. Mike DiTolla. Mike shares some secrets with us about how cases are distributed at Glidewell Labs, how to removed (aka: cut off) zirconia crowns and he uses the word yttria correctly in a sentence several times. It turns out that the funniest guy in dental CE is also pretty darn smart. Who knew? The DentalHacks Brain Trust discussion for episode 13 focuses on mistakes we made early on in our dental careers. Listen carefully to their suggestions about hiring! Pure gold. We introduce a new member of the Brain Trust in episode 13: Dr. Thom Caspers of Seattle, WA. Returning members of the Brain Trust are Dr. Frank Clayton of Suwanne, GA, Dr. Brent Young of Shelby, NC and Dr. Tiffany Lee of Torrance, CA.

Inspired by recent events, the first "DentalHacks Extra" episode has the Hacks taking on burnout. Every dentist from student to "soon to retire" experiences burn out. If you've ever got discouraged or tired of the profession, you should probably listen to this! Brain Trust members Dr. Frank Clayton and Dr. Brent Young discuss their own experiences with burn out and what some helpful solutions might be. 

In today's episode, Dr. Mike DiTolla sits down with the DentalHacks to talk about impressions, materials and being an average dentist. Dr. DiTolla practices within Glidewell Laboratories, the largest dental lab in the United States. He is the Director of Clinical Research and Education at Glidewell and this gives him a unique perspective. Mike is one of the most entertaining presenters in dentistry, and in part one of his interview with the DentalHacks, he doesn't disappoint! The DentalHacks Brain Trust discussion for episode 13 focuses on what mistakes we made in dental school and what we may have done differently. If you know a dental student or a prospective dental student...they need to listen to episode 13!  We introduce a new member of the Brain Trust in episode 13: Dr. Thom Caspers of Seattle, WA. Returning members of the Brain Trust are Dr. Frank Clayton of Suwanne, GA, Dr. Brent Young of Shelby, NC and Dr. Tiffany Lee of Torrance, CA.

Dr. Tarun Agarwal is back in round two of his first (but probably not last) DentalHacks interview! First, we discuss dental implants and his teaching center, 3D Dentists in Raleigh, NC. Then he fills us in on how he attempts to balance teaching, clinical dentistry, being a father and managing his weight. If you liked the first half of Tarun's interview, you're going to love episode 12! The DentalHacks Brain Trust discussion for episode 12 is a continuation of our answer to a  listener's question. We all have our typical daily routines, but since we live in our own little bubble, the listener wondered what everyone else was doing. Today you'll hear about Dr. Frank Clayton's shopping habit, Dr. Dawn Kulongowski's childbirth experience and Dr. Tammy Bailey's $8 nap!  

Dr. Tarun Agarwal isn't your typical dentist. In episode 11 of the DentalHacks podcast, you're going to hear why. The creator of  the 3D Dentists learning center, in Raleigh, North Carolina, tells the story of his beginnings and how he became a leading dental educator. Tarun is funny and easy to listen to as he tells some amazing stories of how he got to be the clinician and teacher that he is today. The DentalHacks Brain Trust discussion for episode 11 was inspired by a listener's question. We all have our typical daily routines, but since we live in our own little bubble, the listener wondered what everyone else was doing. This premise sparked the best BrainTrust discussion so far! You'll hear Jason and Alan hilariously delve into the topic with Brain Trust regulars Dr. Tammy Bailey, Dr. Dawn Kulongowski and Dr. Frank Clayton. Do not miss this!

Has your office suffered from poor online reviews? The internet has allowed everyone to have their say about any business. Great reviews let the world know that your office is the one they should choose, but what about the bad ones? Many sites allow the reviewer to be anonymous, so what is a dentist to do? Dr. Doug Wolff returns in part two of the DentalHacks interview to discuss exactly this. What are the legal ramifications of poor reviews? Can you do anything about them? Dr. Frank Clayton sits in with Jason and Alan for an interesting talk. Then, you can join the DentalHacks Brain Trust to discuss what they do when a patient won't let you lean the chair back, informed consents for all kinds of procedures (even dentures!) and how to help patients when they've had recent dental work done that's not very good.

In episode 9 of the DentalHacks podcast we lawyer up! We begin an interview with Dr. Doug Wolff who is a dentist in Minnesota's Twin Cities as well as an attorney! Doug shares a little bit about his educational and business journey and answers some frequently asked questions about dentistry and its legal implications. How well does that consent for you use hold up? What are the most common malpractice lawsuits? Doug answers these questions and more in an interesting interview. This week's Brain Trust segment features Dr. Tammy Bailey of Wausau, WI, Dr. Dawn Kulongowski of Holly, MI and Dr. Matt Standridge of Eureka, KS. The Brain Trust tackles the tricky subject of how to handle a new patient's dental work that appears to have been done poorly. The Brain Trust sorts through how to help your patient as well as the pitfalls of "dental tourism" and taking the patient at their word. This is a Brain Trust panel not to be missed!