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The Dr. Phil Klein Dental Podcast — Science
The Dr. Phil Klein Dental Podcast

The Dr. Phil Klein Dental Podcast is the #1 clinical dental podcast for evidence-based dentistry. Hosted by endodontist Dr. Phil Klein, DMD – trusted by 250,000+ dental professionals with 750+ episodes since 2018.

The fastest-growing dental podcast worldwide, The Dr. Phil Klein Dental Podcast delivers cutting-edge clinical dentistry, state-of-the-art dental education, and actionable practice management strategies to more than 250,000 dental professionals globally. Two new episodes every Monday and Thursday featuring world-renowned clinicians, dental school faculty, academic researchers, specialty leaders, and practice management experts discussing the latest advances in evidence-based dentistry and modern practice growth you can apply immediately in practice.

Episodes span every major dental specialty – from implant dentistry, endodontics, and restorative dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, digital workflows, sleep dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics, infection control, and pediatric dentistry – giving dental professionals a single trusted source for cutting-edge clinical education across the full scope of modern dentistry.

Guests include leading clinicians from Harvard School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, University of Florida College of Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Endodontists, and top dental institutions across the United States and internationally. Every episode is focused on clinical excellence and state-of-the-art dental techniques — evidence-based dentistry at its highest level.

Perfect for:

General dentists seeking cutting-edge clinical techniques and evidence-based protocols

Dental specialists staying current across adjacent specialties

Dental hygienists and assistants accessing clinical education beyond typical CE options

Dental students and new graduates building a strong clinical foundation

Practice owners integrating state-of-the-art digital workflows, modern dental materials, and proven practice management strategies

Full episode library and clinical show notes: philkleindentalpodcast.com

Copyright: ℗ & © 2024 Viva Learning LLC

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 756 - Finding Fulfillment in Modern Dentistry: A Discussion with Dr. Sheila Samaddar Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Is dentistry still a rewarding career path despite rising stress, student debt, and corporate pressures? This conversation explores how modern dentistry continues to offer profound personal and professional fulfillment while addressing the real challenges facing today's dental professionals.

Dr. Sheila Sammadar brings a unique perspective to this discussion as a third-generation doctor and nationally recognized clear aligner specialist practicing in the Washington, D.C. area. Internationally recognized and published by Invisalign for top case results annually, she holds a top 10 case recognition with the American Academy of Clear Aligners, making her the most decorated clear aligner GP provider in the D.C. metro area. She serves numerous volunteer roles locally, regionally, and nationally with the Academy of General Dentistry, including as a national spokesperson.

This episode examines the evolving landscape of dental practice, from DSO opportunities to insurance independence, while emphasizing the critical role of continuing education in modern practice success. Dr. Sammadar shares insights on managing the profession's physical and emotional demands while maintaining long-term career satisfaction. The discussion highlights how strategic equipment choices and professional support systems can significantly impact both clinical outcomes and practitioner wellbeing.

Episode Highlights:

DSO employment patterns show most general dentists transition out within 2-3 years, with success depending heavily on choosing doctor-owned organizations that prioritize clinical decision-making over production metrics. New graduates should research DSO cultures carefully to ensure alignment with their professional values and treatment philosophies.
Continuing education has evolved from a licensing requirement to a practice survival necessity, with successful practitioners taking 30+ hours monthly through study clubs, weekend courses, and specialized training programs. Focus areas should be limited to 2-4 specialties to develop true expertise rather than attempting to master every dental discipline.
Clear aligner therapy success requires systematic case selection and ongoing education, with new virtual orthodontic collaboration platforms providing GP dentists with specialist guidance throughout treatment planning and case management. These platforms offer real-time consultation and case approval systems before treatment initiation.
Physical injury prevention centers on ergonomic equipment selection, particularly electric handpieces that reduce hand and forearm stress through decreased vibration and increased cutting efficiency. Modern electric handpieces now rival air-driven units in size and weight while providing superior torque and precision for challenging procedures.
Burnout prevention requires building professional support networks that include both dental colleagues for clinical discussions and trusted confidants for emotional processing. Practitioners should establish multiple professional relationships to avoid over-relying on single support persons while maintaining work-life boundaries with family members.

Perfect for: General dentists at all career stages, particularly those considering clear aligner therapy, evaluating DSO opportunities, or seeking strategies for long-term practice sustainability and personal wellbeing.

Discover why experienced practitioners believe dentistry remains one of the most rewarding healthcare professions despite its evolving challenges.

Ep. 755 - Concerned Team Member Triggers OSHA Nitrous Oxide Inspection Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

When a pregnant team member asked about nitrous oxide safety testing and didn't get satisfactory answers, she contacted OSHA directly. The result? An unannounced inspection that revealed nitrous levels nearly 10 times higher than permissible limits and serious compliance violations.

Dr. Karson Carpenter brings over 25 years of experience as an OSHA-approved trainer and President of Compliance Training Partners. A practicing dentist himself, Dr. Carpenter has guided numerous practices across the United States through OSHA and HIPAA inspections, specializing in infection control, regulatory compliance, and the critical post-inspection process. His expertise in governmental regulations affecting dental practices makes him uniquely qualified to break down this complex case.

This episode dissects a real OSHA inspection triggered by employee concerns over nitrous oxide exposure in a dental practice. Dr. Carpenter walks through the inspector's methodology, the documentation they demanded, and the shocking test results that revealed levels reaching 1,000 parts per million in some operatories. The discussion explores how outdated delivery systems, improper scavenging, and inadequate maintenance can create dangerous working conditions that violate federal safety standards.

Episode Highlights:

NIOSH guidelines establish permissible exposure limits of 50 parts per million over eight hours and 75 parts per million for 15-minute exposures, with quarterly testing recommended by both EPA and NIOSH. OSHA can cite practices under the general duty clause when these national guidelines aren't followed, even without specific regulations mandating testing.
The inspection revealed nitrous levels of nearly 1,000 parts per million during short-term exposure tests and almost 500 parts per million for eight-hour exposure limits, indicating severe equipment failures. Contributing factors included older manifold systems, ill-fitting masks, improperly vented scavenger systems, and potential recirculation through HVAC systems.
Testing protocols involve exposing badge-style monitors in each operatory for eight-hour periods quarterly, with results extrapolated for shorter exposure times. Approved laboratories analyze samples and provide documentation that practices must maintain for at least five years as proof of compliance.
Older wet vacuum scavenger systems can actually circulate waste anesthetic gas back through the office via heating and cooling systems, while modern dry vacuum systems with external air sources and proper ventilation eliminate this recirculation risk. Disposable mask circuits with improved sealing also reduce exposure while addressing infection control concerns.
Beyond financial penalties typically ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, OSHA violations create public record documentation, staff disruption, patient scheduling interruptions, and ongoing reinspection requirements. The reputational damage and potential staff turnover often exceed the actual fine costs, making proactive testing a valuable practice management strategy.

Perfect for: General dentists and specialists using nitrous oxide, practice owners concerned about regulatory compliance, office managers responsible for staff safety protocols, and dental teams working in environments with anesthetic gas exposure.

Don't let a simple safety question from your team turn into a compliance nightmare that could have been easily prevented.

Ep. 754 - Clear Aligner Success in GP Hands: The Case for Orthodontic Collaboration Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

How do you know when a clear aligner case is beyond your comfort zone, and what happens when treatment doesn't track as expected?

Dr. Stout is a board-certified orthodontist from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine who completed his orthodontic residency and Master of Science in Dentistry at the University of Washington. He achieved board certification with the American Board of Orthodontics in 2016 and is a published author in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. After practicing in Seattle and New York City for 9 years, Dr. Stout founded besmyle, a cloud-based software platform that provides a full orthodontic vertical and interdisciplinary ecosystem for modern dentistry.

This episode explores the critical gap between opportunity and overreach in clear aligner therapy for general dentists. The conversation reveals why case selection expertise and volume experience create fundamental differences between specialist and general practice outcomes, and how virtual orthodontic collaboration can bridge this knowledge gap while keeping GPs in their clinical comfort zone.

Episode Highlights:

Case selection mastery stems from volume experience, with orthodontists typically evaluating 10 new cases daily compared to what GPs might see in an entire year. This experience gap directly impacts the ability to anticipate treatment challenges, set appropriate patient expectations, and select the correct treatment modality for optimal outcomes.
The number one mistake in clear aligner therapy is over-trusting initial treatment designs from aligner companies. These first designs typically come from algorithms, AI systems, and trained technicians rather than clinical specialists, making it essential for GPs to edit and question every aspect of the proposed treatment plan before acceptance.
Posterior open bite occurs as the most common complication due to the intrusive forces created by aligner occlusal coverage combined with normal biting forces. Prevention involves adding quarter-millimeter extrusion movements to posterior teeth in the initial treatment design, along with strategic aligner trimming and bite ramp placement when necessary.
Appropriate GP cases include Class I malocclusions with 20-40% overbite and mild crowding requiring minor interproximal reduction on lower incisors. Cases requiring referral include moderate to severe crowding exceeding 6mm arch length discrepancy, any skeletal discrepancies in the transverse, vertical, or anteroposterior dimensions, and complex movements requiring extractions or significant expansion.
Virtual orthodontic collaboration platforms provide case-by-case screening, treatment planning by board-certified orthodontists, custom educational videos, unlimited refinements, and 24/7 specialist support. This model allows GPs to "refer in expertise" rather than refer patients out, maintaining the doctor-patient relationship while ensuring specialist-level treatment quality.

Perfect for: General dentists considering clear aligner therapy, practitioners currently offering aligners who want to improve outcomes, and dental team members seeking to understand appropriate case selection and specialist collaboration models.

Discover how virtual orthodontic collaboration can transform your clear aligner success rate while keeping complex cases within your practice.

Ep. 753 - The Rise of DIY Dentistry on Social Media: Why it Matters Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Are your patients filing their teeth with nail files or mixing homemade toothpaste after watching viral social media videos? The rise of do-it-yourself dentistry fueled by uncredentialed influencers is creating serious oral health risks that dental professionals are encountering daily in their operatories.

Cheryl Calmis is a registered dental hygienist with over 30 years of clinical experience specializing in periodontics and diode laser therapy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene from the University of California, San Francisco, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from San Jose State University, and a Master of Education in Instructional Design from Western Governors University, graduating with highest honors. As a professional educator for Water Pik, Inc., and researcher for Biolase, Inc., she has authored numerous dental articles and delivers continuing education lectures on contemporary topics including social media's impact on dental health.

This episode explores the dangerous intersection of social media misinformation and oral health care. The discussion covers how viral DIY dental trends are influencing patients to attempt dangerous procedures at home, the regulatory gaps in oral care products, and practical strategies for dental professionals to identify and address these issues. This conversation provides essential insights into a growing challenge that's affecting practices nationwide as patients increasingly turn to influencers instead of licensed professionals for dental advice.

Episode Highlights:

DIY tooth recontouring using nail files can remove excessive enamel and potentially expose the pulp chamber, leading to sensitivity issues and requiring endodontic therapy. These procedures are being performed by individuals with no understanding of dental anatomy or the irreversible nature of enamel loss.
At-home whitening methods promoted by influencers include repeated lemon juice application and direct placement of 3% hydrogen peroxide on cotton pads against teeth. These acidic treatments can cause severe enamel demineralization and tissue damage, with some viral videos accumulating over one million views despite providing no safety instructions or contact time guidelines.
Consumer-grade ultrasonic scalers powered by USB ports are being sold for approximately $30 and used by untrained individuals for calculus removal. These instruments can superheat teeth, burnish calculus deposits, and cause soft tissue trauma when used without proper training or understanding of dental anatomy.
Homemade toothpaste recipes containing bentonite clay, lemon juice, and essential oils are being shared widely online. These formulations can be highly abrasive to enamel and soft tissues while potentially containing heavy metal contaminants, and they may promote bacterial overgrowth due to improper storage and application methods.
Cosmetic oral care products sold through social media platforms operate without FDA oversight when they make only aesthetic claims rather than therapeutic ones. This regulatory gap allows manufacturers to include undisclosed ingredient concentrations and avoid sharing formulation rationale with dental professionals who may be asked about these products by patients.

Perfect for: General dentists, dental hygienists, practice managers, and dental team members who need to recognize signs of DIY dental procedures and effectively counsel patients about social media misinformation.

Don't let your patients fall victim to dangerous social media dental trends – learn how to identify the warning signs and protect your patients' oral health.

Ep. 752 - The Missing Data in Digital Dentistry: Jaw Motion Tracking Explained Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

How many times have you delivered a crown that required extensive occlusal adjustment, leaving you wondering if there's a better way to predict how patients will actually function with their restorations?

Dr. Mark Kleive, DDS, brings over 25 years of restorative expertise to this conversation. A distinguished graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and Fellow of the American College of Dentists, Dr. Kleive serves as visiting faculty at the renowned Pankey Institute, where he teaches advanced concepts in comprehensive dental care and has become a leading voice in digital dentistry integration.

This episode explores how jaw motion tracking technology is revolutionizing restorative dentistry by capturing real patient movement patterns and translating them into precise virtual articulators. Dr. Kleive demonstrates how this technology goes far beyond traditional face bow transfers and semi-adjustable articulators, which rely on straight-path condylar guidance and arbitrary measurements. Instead, jaw motion tracking records every boundary movement a patient can make, creating dynamic motion files that inform restoration design at the laboratory level.

The discussion covers the clinical workflow from data acquisition using facial scanners with motion tracking capabilities to software integration with design platforms. Dr. Kleive explains when jaw motion tracking provides the greatest clinical value, emphasizing its importance for high-risk patients with TMD history, excessive wear patterns, or complex multi-unit restorations, while acknowledging that low-risk single crown cases may not require this level of sophistication.

Key technical concepts include the difference between static occlusal checking with articulating paper versus dynamic functional analysis, how motion data files integrate with laboratory design software, and the critical relationship between restoration morphology and patient chewing efficiency. The episode also addresses the technology adoption curve in dentistry and return on investment considerations for practice integration.

Perfect for: General dentists considering advanced restorative workflows, specialists managing complex cases, dental team members involved in digital dentistry coordination, and clinicians seeking to differentiate their practices through enhanced patient experiences.

If you've ever had a patient say 'I like my new teeth, but I don't chew as well with them,' this episode provides the clinical roadmap for ensuring form truly follows function in your restorative cases.

Ep. 751 - Bridging the Dentist-Hygienist Gap: Comprehensive Care Starts in the Hygiene Chair Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

What if your hygiene department is the most underutilized clinical asset in your practice — and no one has noticed yet?

Katrina Klein is a registered dental hygienist with 17 years of clinical experience, a national speaker, author, certified personal trainer, certified ergonomic assessment specialist, and functional range conditioning mobility specialist. She is the founder of ErgoFitLife, a platform dedicated to helping dental professionals prevent, reduce, or eliminate occupational pain through the integration of ergonomics and fitness. Her additional certifications in sleep apnea screening and laser therapy give her a uniquely multidimensional perspective on what the modern dental hygienist can and should be doing in the operatory.

In this conversation, Dr. Phil Klein and Katrina Klein explore the substantial gap between how most hygiene departments operate and what they are genuinely capable of delivering — both clinically and financially. The discussion challenges the reductive ""scale and move on"" model, making a compelling case for comprehensive hygiene practice that positions the hygienist as the investigative engine of the dental office. Covering airway screening, co-diagnosis, periodontal documentation, laser therapy, and strategic continuing education, this episode is a frank, clinically grounded blueprint for reinventing the hygiene model. The conversation also confronts the practice alignment question directly: how hygienists can evaluate a potential employer before accepting a position, and how dentists can structure an environment where high-functioning hygiene actually thrives.

Episode Highlights:

The ""bloody prophy"" problem — why performing subgingival instrumentation during a prophylaxis appointment without patient disclosure or appropriate coding fails the patient clinically, obscures periodontal diagnosis, and ultimately undermines both the provider's integrity and the practice's financial health.
Airway screening in the hygiene operatory, including pharyngometer use, OSA risk factor identification, and the systemic connection between untreated sleep-disordered breathing, chronic dry mouth, recurrent decay, and progressive periodontal destruction.
Using digital periodontal charting — including probing depths, recession measurements, and bleeding-on-probing indicators — as a real-time patient education tool that turns data visualization into a driver of treatment acceptance, home care compliance, and long-term patient loyalty.
Low-barrier strategies for building a comprehensive hygiene model without significant capital investment, including intraoral camera adoption, disclosing solution, silver diamine therapy, oral probiotics, pharmacological medicaments, and laser therapy — all capable of generating billable revenue independent of insurance fee schedules.
The ""first date"" approach to practice alignment: specific interview-stage conversations hygienists should initiate with prospective employers about airway protocols, laser scope of practice, adult orthodontic philosophy, local anesthetic authorization, and five-year practice vision before committing to any position.

Perfect for: dental hygienists committed to practicing at the full extent of their clinical license, general dentists looking to unlock the diagnostic and revenue potential of their hygiene department, and dental practice owners who want to build a team culture grounded in comprehensive, patient-centered care.

If you have ever felt that your hygiene chair is capable of more than your schedule allows, this episode will give you the language, the framework, and the confidence to change that.

Ep. 750 - The One-Composite Question: Can a Universal Material Really Do It All? Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

If you've ever wondered whether one composite can genuinely handle anterior aesthetics and posterior strength without compromise, this episode delivers a clinician's honest answer — with case results to back it up.

Dr. Susan McMahon is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and leads one of the largest cosmetic dental practices in Western Pennsylvania. She holds accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry — one of only 350 dentists worldwide to have achieved that distinction — and is a fellow in the International Academy of Dental-Facial Esthetics and Director of New Product Evaluation for Catapult Education. A seven-time Smile Gallery award winner through the AACD, including two gold medals, Dr. McMahon has been recognized five times as a Top Cosmetic Dentist and voted by her peers as a Top Dentist in Pittsburgh for multiple decades. She is a past clinical instructor in Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, a guest lecturer at West Virginia University School of Dentistry, and lectures across the United States and Europe on cosmetic dentistry and smile design. She was recently inducted into the American Society for Dental Aesthetics.

In this episode, Dr. McMahon joins Dr. Phil Klein to make the case for universal composites as a genuine all-in-one restorative solution — not as a marketing promise, but as a clinical reality she has validated across anterior and posterior cases in her own high-volume cosmetic practice. The conversation centers on Grandioso 4U by VOCO, a 91% filled universal composite with a chameleon optical effect, 4mm depth of cure, and a five-shade cluster system that covers the full Vita shade range. Dr. McMahon walks through her real-world experience with the material, including shade matching strategy, handling characteristics, polish retention at recall, and why she is increasingly choosing direct composite over lower anterior veneers in full-mouth cosmetic cases. The episode also expands into 3D printing workflows and digital collaboration with the lab — areas where Dr. McMahon's practice has become a model for efficiency and productivity.

Episode Highlights:

Why a 91% filler load does not mean a difficult-to-handle material — and how Grandioso 4U achieves creamy, sculptable consistency while delivering the chameleon optical effect in both anterior and posterior applications
The five-shade cluster system that covers the entire 14-shade Vita guide, reduces inventory waste, and eliminates the need for complex shade layering in the overwhelming majority of cases
The clinical rationale for choosing direct composite over lower anterior veneers — including concerns about emergence profile, incisal edge thickness, and unnecessary tooth structure removal on small lower incisors
How 3D printing has become indispensable in high-volume cosmetic practices, including same-day provisional fabrication for full-arch implant cases through a fully digital lab collaboration workflow
The five-minute finish protocol for direct composite and how this material's polishability rivals microfills — making beautiful anterior restorations achievable and repeatable for any clinician, not just those with advanced artistic training

Perfect for: Restorative and cosmetic dentists evaluating whether to consolidate their composite inventory around a universal material, general dentists looking to expand their direct restorative confidence in the anterior, and any clinician interested in how digital workflow and next-generation materials are intersecting in a high-production cosmetic practice.

If you have ever stocked a dozen composite shades and still ended up with drawers full of expired material, Dr. McMahon's approach to simplification — without sacrificing aesthetics — is exactly what this episode is built around.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to stay current with new episodes every week.

Ep. 749 - Why Every GP and Hygienist Should Be Using a Dental Laser Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Your practice already owns a laser — so why is it sitting in a closet collecting dust?

Dr. Robert Convissar is a pioneer in dental laser technology and one of the foremost authorities on clinical laser application worldwide. One of the first general dentists to incorporate lasers into everyday practice — beginning in 1989 — he brings over four decades of hands-on experience with CO2, diode, Nd:YAG, and erbium wavelengths. He serves as Director of Laser Dentistry at New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens, has authored four textbooks including the landmark Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry (now in its third edition, with a foreword by Gordon Christensen), and has published more than a dozen peer-reviewed papers translated into eight languages. His clinical work has been featured on NBC-TV News, CBS-TV News, and the WABC Radio Network.

In this conversation with Dr. Phil Klein, Dr. Convissar makes the case that the single greatest barrier to laser adoption is not cost — it is the near-universal absence of adequate training. Drawing on decades of lecturing worldwide and fielding daily follow-up questions from course alumni, he explains precisely why CO2 is the wavelength of choice for non-surgical laser periodontal therapy, what the ADA and AAP clinical practice guidelines actually say about wavelength selection, and why most dentists who shelve their lasers were set up to fail from the moment of purchase. The episode is a thorough, evidence-grounded walkthrough of how to integrate non-surgical laser periotherapy into a general practice workflow — clinically, financially, and operationally. Beyond periodontics, Dr. Convissar also covers the laser's role in gingival troughing, soft tissue biopsy, peri-implantitis, clear aligner adjunct procedures, and residual ridge management.

Episode Highlights:

Why the ADA and AAP clinical practice guidelines explicitly exclude diode, Nd:YAG, and erbium wavelengths from non-surgical periodontal pocket therapy — and why CO2's preferential absorption by sulcular epithelium makes it the evidence-supported standard of care for pocket decontamination after SRP.
The critical sequencing protocol: laser non-surgical periotherapy is always performed after a full course of quadrant scaling and root planing, followed by a two-week reevaluation period — never concurrent — and why deviating from this protocol predictably leads to treatment failure.
Patient selection criteria for laser periotherapy: why poorly controlled diabetics, heavy smokers, and immunocompromised patients require modified expectations rather than exclusion, and why six millimeters is the evidence-based pocket depth threshold beyond which surgical referral is indicated (per Rella Christensen's landmark study).
The revenue model for non-surgical laser periodontal therapy: because no ADA procedure code exists for this service, it is billed as a non-covered, out-of-pocket fee — with full-mouth treatment packages ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 in metro markets, substantially outpacing the reimbursement ceiling on D4341 quadrant SRP alone.
What a defensible laser training program must include: a minimum two-day format, exposure to at least two wavelengths from at least two manufacturers, hands-on completion of no fewer than a dozen procedures on pig mandibles (including frenetomy, gingivectomy, soft tissue crown lengthening, periocpocket decontamination, and biopsy), and a 75-question multiple choice examination — and why company-sponsored seminars do not meet this standard.

Perfect for: general dentists considering laser adoption or looking to move an underused device off the shelf, dental hygienists in laser-permitted states exploring non-surgical periotherapy, and any clinician interested in expanding their perio protocol with a revenue-generating, evidence-backed adjunct.

If you have been waiting for a clear, no-hype framework for integrating laser dentistry into your practice — from clinical rationale to patient conversation to ROI — this is the episode to bookmark.

Ep. 748 - The Digital Stack: How Scanning, Jaw Tracking, and 3D Printing Power Modern Practices Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

What does it actually mean to be a digital dentist — and is an intraoral scanner enough to get you there?

Dr. Isaac Tawil is a Diplomate of the International Academy of Dental Implantology and the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics, a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the Advanced Dental Implant Academy, a MINEC Ambassador, and a board member of the Digital Dental USA Society. He is recognized among Dentistry Today's top 225 leaders in continuing education, serves as a faculty member of the Osseodensification Academy, and is the recipient of both the Pierre Fauchard Award and the Presidential Service Award for outstanding achievements in dentistry. As Founder and Co-Director of Advanced Implant Education and Digital Director of Guided Smile, Dr. Tawil brings a rare combination of clinical depth, product development experience, and global teaching to every conversation.

In this episode, Dr. Phil Klein and Dr. Tawil take a comprehensive tour through the digital tools that are redefining treatment planning and restorative delivery — starting with where intraoral scanning technology actually stands today, and building toward a fully integrated virtual patient model. The conversation covers why multifocal, multi-camera scanner architecture matters for posterior capture and AI-assisted data processing, why analog impressions — despite their margins — cannot support the kind of multi-dataset merging that modern full-arch and implant cases demand, and how facial scanning combined with mandibular jaw tracking creates a dynamic, movement-based reconstruction that leaves the static face bow and articulator far behind. The episode closes with a focused look at where 3D printing is headed, specifically the return of DLP technology and what it means for same-day temporization and eventual permanent restorations.

Episode Highlights:

Why multi-camera, multifocal intraoral scanners — such as the Shining 3D Elf with three cameras at approximately $12,000 — outperform single-camera devices for posterior margin capture, AI-driven gap-filling, and full-arch stitching accuracy, and why the ergonomics of scanner head size directly determines scan quality in the hands of most clinicians.
How merging STL intraoral scan data with DICOM CBCT and facial scan data inside a single software environment (demonstrated here with Shining 3D MediSmile MR) produces a reconstructed dental avatar that supports mandibular jaw tracking — capturing lateral excursive movements, protrusion, and open-close arcs to identify TMD risk, condylar displacement, and occlusal scheme in dynamic function rather than static intercuspation.
The clinical rationale for jaw tracking across restorative disciplines: how simulated mandibular movements rendered in Exocad, 3Shape, or Dental Wings allow the laboratory to evaluate group function versus canine guidance, assess full-arch wax-up occlusion in movement, and flag design conflicts before any material is milled or printed — without requiring the lab to perform any manual data matching.
Patient selection and treatment planning for full-arch implant cases: why prosthetically driven implant placement — using the merged facial scan, CBCT, and intraoral data to verify screw access angles, assess ridge anatomy, and target an FP1 Carl Misch classification outcome — reduces the risk of transition zone failures, ridge lip deformities, and post-surgical prosthetic complications in high smile-line patients.
The return of DLP 3D printing technology: how current DLP printers achieve full-arch provisional output in approximately 11 minutes with crisper margins and superior color stability compared to LCD alternatives, why nitrogen cure chambers extend provisional longevity to three months or more, and the near-term trajectory toward zirconia-infused printable materials capable of supporting permanent indirect restorations.

Perfect for: general dentists and specialists looking to build or expand a fully integrated digital workflow, clinicians planning full-arch or implant cases who want to move beyond static occlusal records, and any practice evaluating intraoral scanner upgrades, facial scanning systems, or in-office 3D printing.

If you have ever wondered what separates a practice with a scanner from a practice that is truly digital, Dr. Tawil answers that question in detail — and shows you exactly what the next step looks like.

Ep. 747 - Breaking Free: Escaping Corporate Dentistry and Creating a Practice You Love Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a successful pediatric dentist discovers that the corporate dental model doesn't align with his values, vision, or desire to truly connect with patients? How do you transition from being an employee to building a practice that reflects your professional ideals?

Dr. Mark Kogut brings over four decades of experience in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics to this conversation. After spending years in traditional practice settings, Dr. Kogut made the bold decision to break away from corporate structures to build his own fee-for-service practice. He taught orthodontics to pediatric residents and has recently authored a book sharing his insights on practice ownership. His extensive experience provides valuable perspective on the challenges and rewards of independent practice ownership.

In this episode, Dr. Kogut discusses his journey from associate to practice owner, exploring the systemic issues he encountered in corporate settings and the strategic planning process that enabled his successful transition. He shares insights from his new book "Breaking Free: How to Escape Corporate Dentistry and Build Your Dream Practice," addressing the emotional and practical barriers that prevent many dentists from pursuing ownership. The conversation covers the importance of mentorship, strategic planning, and developing clear practice values and systems.

Episode Highlights:

The key differences between residency training environments and real-world practice productivity pressures, including schedule management and patient relationship building
Strategic planning approaches for transitioning from associate to practice owner while maintaining professional relationships and ensuring mutual success
The critical role of team selection, practice vision, mission statements, and core values in building a sustainable fee-for-service practice
Overcoming common emotional barriers to practice ownership, including fear of clinical inadequacy, business management concerns, and leadership development
Practical considerations for practice acquisition versus de novo startup, including patient transition strategies, location selection, and relationship building with referral sources

Perfect for: General dentists and specialists feeling unfulfilled in corporate settings, recent graduates considering practice ownership, and experienced practitioners exploring transition strategies from employed positions to independent practice.

This episode offers a roadmap for dentists ready to align their professional practice with their personal values and create the dental career they envisioned.

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