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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. 736 - Doing More with Less: Restoring the ‘Hopeless’ Tooth with Composite Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

What do you do when a patient walks in with a bombed-out molar, no budget for a crown, and no tolerance for extraction? If your answer is "refer out or extract," this episode will make you rethink that instinct entirely.

Dr. John Gammichia is a 1995 graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has been in private practice in Orlando, Florida for over 30 years. A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Gammichia's clinical philosophy was shaped significantly by the five continuums and a special studies course at the L.D. Pankey Institute. Beyond clinical practice, he has published in Dental Economics, Dental Practice Reports, Mentor Magazine, Dental Entrepreneur, New Dentist Magazine, and the Pankeygram, and has lectured nationally — including at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting and the AGD Annual Meeting. He served on the AGD Communication Council from 2004 to 2008 and became the organization's official blogger, with The Daily Grind reaching over 1,000 readers per week and earning recognition as one of the top dental blogs in the profession.

In this episode, Dr. Gammichia joins Dr. Phil Klein to make the case for direct composite as the overlooked third option between extraction and full-coverage crowns. With over 25 years of hands-on experience restoring teeth that most clinicians would consider non-restorable, Dr. Gammichia walks through his clinical decision-making process, pulp protection protocol, material selection, and the anatomical freehand technique that allows him to complete even the most complex direct restorations in under 30 minutes. His fee-for-service practice grows almost entirely through word of mouth and Google reviews, and he receives referrals from dentists and specialists as far as two and a half hours away — all built on the reputation of doing beautifully conservative composite work that other offices won't attempt.

Episode Highlights:

The clinical and financial case for direct composite over crown preparation — including a per-hour production comparison that challenges the assumption that crowns are more profitable than large direct restorations
Pulp protection protocol for deep lesions approaching the pulp: incomplete caries removal, calcium silicate liner (TheraCal by Bisco), and a layered composite technique that preserves vitality without sacrificing structural integrity
How to manage a small vital pulp exposure — when to attempt hemostasis and proceed with glass ionomer and adhesive, when to temporize and refer, and what the current research says about full pulpotomy as a definitive restoration
The anatomy-building technique that makes large direct restorations fast and repeatable — including how consistent practice on typodont and denture teeth translates directly to chair-side efficiency on multi-cusp buildups
How a conservative direct restorative philosophy becomes a genuine practice differentiator — generating referrals from general dentists and specialists who specifically seek out a clinician willing to save teeth others won't touch

Perfect for: General dentists looking to expand their direct restorative skill set and case acceptance range, early-career clinicians building confidence with large posterior composites, and any practitioner interested in how a conservative, fee-for-service philosophy can drive practice growth through reputation and referral.

If you've ever handed a patient a crown estimate and watched them choose extraction instead, Dr. Gammichia's approach offers a clinically sound, financially viable, and deeply satisfying alternative worth adding to your practice.

Keywords: direct composite restoration, large posterior composite, conservative dentistry, tooth-colored filling, composite buildup, pulp protection, TheraCal liner, calcium silicate cement, incomplete caries removal, adhesive dentistry, composite bonding, fee-for-service dentistry, dental practice growth, Dr. John Gammichia, Dr. Phil Klein, dental podcast, dental education, composite anatomy technique, hopeless tooth restoration, crown alternative, direct restorative dentistry, Bisco Quantium, pulp exposure management, minimally invasive dentistry, general dentistry

Ep. 735 - Treating the Avulsed Permanent Incisor with Partially Formed Root Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

When an eight-year-old arrives at your practice with an avulsed permanent incisor and incomplete root development, every minute counts—but the protocol differs significantly from treating mature teeth. How do you maximize the chances of revascularization while preparing for alternative outcomes?

This episode features Dr. Phil Klein, DMD and endodontic specialist, who brings over 40 years of clinical experience from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Klein earned his DMD from Penn Dental, completed an internship at Graduate Hospital, and received his post-doctorate specialty degree in Endodontics from Penn Dental in 1985. He practiced as an endodontic specialist for 14 years before founding multiple dental companies including Dental Logics Inc. and Viva Learning LLC, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Board.

This comprehensive discussion covers the critical emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth with incomplete root formation in pediatric patients. Dr. Klein walks through the systematic approach to handling these time-sensitive cases, from initial trauma assessment to long-term follow-up protocols. The conversation emphasizes the unique considerations for immature teeth, where the goal shifts from simple replantation to achieving revascularization and continued root development over 12-18 months.

Episode Highlights:

Emergency assessment protocol requires ruling out neurological injuries, alveolar fractures, and root fractures in adjacent teeth before focusing on the avulsed tooth. Initial vitality testing of traumatized adjacent teeth establishes baseline values for future comparison and helps identify additional complications from the trauma.
Storage medium and dry time determine treatment approach—teeth with under 20 minutes extra-oral dry time in physiologic solutions like Hank's balanced salt solution or milk should be soaked in 0.005% doxycycline solution for 5 minutes to preserve PDL cells. Extended dry times over 60 minutes require complete PDL removal through soft pumice prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, or 3% citric acid treatment for 3 minutes.
Replantation technique involves gentle socket preparation with sterile saline irrigation, avoiding air syringe use near open sockets, and positioning the tooth with light digital pressure rather than forcing placement. Semi-rigid splinting for 7-10 days allows physiologic movement while preventing excessive mobility that could compromise healing.
Post-replantation antibiotic therapy includes doxycycline 100mg daily for 7 days (or 2mg per kilogram for children) to prevent infection and reduce external root resorption risk. Alternative amoxicillin dosing is 500mg three times daily for adults or 50mg per kilogram daily divided into three doses for pediatric patients.
Long-term monitoring involves 4-week follow-up appointments with pulp testing and radiographs for 12-18 months, watching for signs of revascularization and apexogenesis. Failed revascularization cases require apexification using MTA or calcium hydroxide slurry to create an apical barrier before conventional root canal therapy can be completed.

Perfect for: General dentists, pediatric dentists, endodontists, and dental residents who handle trauma cases and need updated protocols for managing avulsed immature permanent teeth.

Master the critical decision-making process that can mean the difference between successful revascularization and immediate endodontic intervention.

Ep. 734 - The Glass Ionomer Comeback with Dr. Brian Nový Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

Is your composite-only approach leaving high-risk caries patients vulnerable to endless cycles of recurrent decay, retreatment, and crown failure?

Dr. Brian Novy brings decades of expertise as Director of Practice Improvement at the DentaQuest Institute, adjunct associate professor of restorative dentistry, former ADA Council of Scientific Affairs member, and chairman of the CAMBRA coalition. The California Dental Association Foundation honored him with the Dugoni Award for outstanding contributions to dental education, and the ADA named his practice "Adult Preventive Care Practice of the Year" in 2009.

This comprehensive discussion explores why direct restorative material selection can dramatically alter your patients' long-term oral health trajectory. Dr. Novy explains the fundamental differences between mechanical bonding systems and true chemical fusion, demonstrating how glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer materials create permanent ionic bonds with tooth structure while providing ongoing fluoride release and remineralization benefits.

Episode Highlights:

Glass ionomer materials achieve true chemical fusion to tooth structure through ionic bonding between carboxyl groups and calcium ions in hydroxyapatite, creating a permanent restoration-tooth interface that cannot be achieved with composite resin systems. This chemical bond provides superior marginal seal and long-term stability in high-caries-risk environments.
Strategic material breakdown in acidic oral environments should be viewed as therapeutic success rather than clinical failure, as glass ionomer sacrifices itself to protect underlying tooth structure while remaining easily repairable without anesthesia or extensive tooth preparation. This prevents the progression to recurrent decay that requires endodontic treatment and crown placement.
Resin-modified glass ionomer provides optimal longevity for Class V restorations according to systematic reviews, combining the chemical bonding and anticarious properties of conventional glass ionomer with enhanced wear resistance and superior aesthetics. The material requires slightly drier tooth surfaces during placement compared to conventional glass ionomer to optimize the resin component bonding.
Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique combines silver diamine fluoride application with glass ionomer placement to arrest carious lesions while providing definitive restoration in a single visit. This approach eliminates the need for complete caries excavation while maintaining long-term clinical success through antimicrobial action and remineralization.
Contemporary caries management protocols emphasize preserving affected dentin when margins are sound and using glass ionomer materials as both therapeutic agents and definitive restorations. Surface sealing with unfilled resin provides additional protection while maintaining the underlying material's fluoride release and remineralization capabilities.

Perfect for: General dentists seeking evidence-based alternatives to composite-only protocols, specialists managing high-caries-risk patients, and clinicians interested in minimally invasive restorative techniques that prioritize long-term tooth preservation over short-term aesthetics.

Transform your approach to direct restorative dentistry and discover how chemical bonding can revolutionize patient outcomes.

Ep. 733 - The Clear Advantage: Injection Molding for Composite Veneers Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

Are your patients asking for beautiful veneers but hesitant about tooth reduction and high costs? What if you could deliver stunning aesthetic results in a single visit with minimal or no anesthesia?

Dr. Stephen Shaw, a 2003 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, has developed a comprehensive approach to patient-centered dentistry that emphasizes comfort and cutting-edge technology. With over 20 years of experience in general practice, Dr. Shaw specializes in conservative cosmetic dentistry and has been involved in clinical trials for innovative restorative techniques since 2017.

This episode explores injection-molded composite veneers using digital workflow technology that's revolutionizing conservative cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Shaw discusses how this technique makes beautiful veneer results accessible to patients who might not otherwise afford ceramic alternatives, while preserving natural tooth structure. The conversation covers the complete digital workflow from initial scan to final restoration, demonstrating how efficiency and artistry can be combined for exceptional patient outcomes.

Episode Highlights:

Digital workflow efficiency allows hygienists to perform intraoral scans during routine appointments, uploading data to the Clarity Portal where digital wax-ups and 3D previews are created within 48 hours. Patients receive video simulations at home, leading to exceptional case acceptance rates with the common response being "when can we start."
Injection molding technique utilizes 3D-printed templates that clip onto teeth, creating precise separation between adjacent restorations through built-in fins while allowing composite injection through pre-designed doors. The process achieves 85-90% of final contouring automatically, with templates handling complex elements like line angles, incisal edge placement, and contact tightness.
Conservative approach preserves natural tooth structure in most cases, eliminating the need for anesthesia in the majority of treatments since minimal to no tooth preparation is required. This addresses growing patient concerns about irreversible tooth reduction while maintaining excellent aesthetic outcomes.
Simplified material systems like three-shade composite systems reduce inventory requirements while maintaining premium aesthetics through advanced chemistry that allows shade blending and masking. Universal composite compatibility gives practitioners flexibility to use preferred materials with the matrix system.
Clinical workflow involves standard bonding protocols followed by sequential composite injection, starting with one tooth to lock the matrix in position before filling remaining restorations. Total treatment time averages 60-90 minutes for six-unit cases, with profitability reaching $3,600 for 90 minutes of clinical time using a $595 per tooth fee structure.

Perfect for: General dentists seeking to expand conservative cosmetic services, practitioners interested in digital workflow integration, and clinicians looking for profitable single-visit veneer alternatives for cost-conscious patients.

Discover how digital templates are making beautiful composite veneers achievable for every practitioner while delivering the conservative care today's patients demand.

Ep. 732 - Sterilization Breakdown: A Dentist's Shocking Discovery and its Aftermath Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a dentist returns from vacation to discover open sterilization pouches with red indicators in the trash - meaning potentially unsterilized instruments were used on over 100 patients? This nightmare scenario became reality for one pediatric practice, creating a crisis that could have destroyed the practice and the doctor's career.

Dr. Karson Carpenter brings over 25 years of experience as an OSHA-approved trainer and president of Compliance Training Partners. He specializes in designing educational programs for dental, medical, and veterinary facilities to achieve compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control regulations. Dr. Carpenter has guided numerous clients across the United States through OSHA and HIPAA inspections and the critical post-inspection process, making him uniquely qualified to address this crisis situation.

This episode dissects a real-world infection control disaster that occurred when proper protocols broke down during the owner's absence. Dr. Carpenter walks through the immediate steps required for damage control, legal reporting requirements, and system failures that allowed this catastrophe to unfold. The discussion reveals how easily prevention protocols can collapse without proper delegation, training, and accountability measures in place.

Episode Highlights:

The practice discovered multiple sterilization pouches with red indicators (indicating failed sterilization) after the owner returned from a two-week vacation, suggesting over 100 patients may have been treated with questionably sterilized instruments. The associate in charge had allowed staff to overstuff autoclaves, preventing proper steam circulation and compromising the sterilization process.
Proper crisis response requires immediate reporting to the State Department of Public Health first, followed by patient notification and malpractice insurance carrier contact. Documentation of all events and corrective measures taken becomes critical for protecting the practice legally and professionally.
Patient follow-up protocols typically involve baseline bloodborne pathogen testing (hepatitis B, C, and HIV) immediately after notification, with repeat testing at six months post-exposure. The six-month monitoring period represents the standard timeframe for determining if transmission occurred from the office versus other sources.
System failures included lack of designated infection control coordinator with authority to override clinical staff, absence of written protocols accessible during owner absence, and inadequate training that created a culture where staff couldn't challenge improper procedures. Prevention requires empowering specific staff members to maintain infection control standards regardless of who is present.
Legal and professional ramifications may include patient loss, potential lawsuits, and disciplinary action from licensing boards, making proper documentation of corrective measures essential. Employment law consultation becomes necessary when determining appropriate disciplinary action for responsible parties.

Perfect for: Practice owners, office managers, infection control coordinators, and any dental professional responsible for sterilization protocols who wants to understand crisis management and prevention strategies for infection control failures.

Don't let this nightmare scenario happen in your practice - learn the essential systems and accountability measures that could save your career.

Ep. 731 - The Power of Isolation: A Game Changer for Dental Teams Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Are you truly maximizing your dental assistant's potential, or are they stuck juggling suction, retraction, and instrument passing while your restorative outcomes hang in the balance?

Today's guest is Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA, a nationally and internationally recognized dental assistant educator with over 25 years of clinical experience. Shannon has trained over 60,000 dental assistants across her career, teaching at prestigious institutions including the Nash Institute, Dawson Academy, and Spear Education. She has authored over 300 clinical articles, maintains a regular column in Dental Product Reports, and created the Academy of Chairside Assisting online platform. Shannon serves on the AACD Board of Directors as the first auxiliary member, has been named one of Dentistry Today's Top 100 Clinicians for 10 consecutive years, and received the Dental Products Report 25 Most Influential Women in Dentistry recognition.

This episode explores how hands-free isolation systems can revolutionize restorative dentistry workflow, particularly in today's challenging staffing environment. Shannon demonstrates how proper isolation technology directly impacts adhesive dentistry success rates, reduces chair time, and transforms the assistant's role from passive suction holder to active team member. The discussion reveals why traditional cotton roll isolation may be limiting practice efficiency and how modern isolation devices address the critical shortage of experienced dental assistants.

Episode Highlights:

Studies demonstrate that hands-free isolation systems can reduce average restorative procedure time by 8-15 minutes per case, translating to significant daily time savings and improved practice productivity. The efficiency gains come primarily from uninterrupted instrument passing and elimination of constant suction requests from patients.
Hands-free isolation devices simultaneously provide continuous suction, soft tissue retraction, and LED illumination while freeing both assistant hands for instrument management. The systems include adjustable light settings with bonding-safe modes that prevent premature composite curing during adhesive procedures.
New dental assistants benefit dramatically from isolation systems because they eliminate the stress of managing multiple manual tasks simultaneously, allowing focus on instrument sequencing and procedural learning. This technology reduces the typical 6-month learning curve for new assistant-doctor teams.
Installation requires no professional service and takes approximately 7 minutes initially, with 2-3 minute room-to-room transfers using standard HVE connections and optional splitter hoses. The core isolation system costs around $1,000 with disposable bite blocks at approximately $100 per box.
Anterior isolation components now complement traditional posterior applications, enabling hands-free isolation for veneer cementation and aesthetic procedures without rubber dam placement. This advancement particularly benefits hygienists performing laser therapy and scaling procedures where visibility is compromised by bleeding.

Perfect for: General dentists seeking practice efficiency improvements, dental assistants managing expanded functions, practice owners addressing staffing challenges, and dental hygienists working independently.

Discover how hands-free isolation can transform your restorative workflow and address today's dental staffing realities.

Ep. 730 - Breaking the Stigma: Why Every Dentist Should Be Using Silver Diamine Fluoride Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Are you leveraging silver diamine fluoride to its full potential, or are you still viewing it as just a pediatric treatment option?

Dr. Timothy M. Bizga brings a unique perspective to dentistry, having worked as both a chairside assistant and dental lab technician before earning his DDS from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where he received the Francis B. Vedder award for excellence in prosthodontics. With nearly 20 years of clinical experience as a general dentist in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Bizga specializes in comprehensive care with particular expertise in implants, cosmetics, and facial aesthetics. He is an active member of the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry, a graduate of the Whitecap Institute for advanced implant training, and serves as a clinical consultant for The Dental Advisor and Catapult Group while regularly participating in dental missions worldwide.

This episode explores how silver diamine fluoride has evolved from a pediatric-focused treatment to a versatile tool for multi-generational practice management. Dr. Bizga demonstrates how SDF functions as medicine rather than just a temporary fix, explaining its role in bacterial load reduction, disease arrest, and tooth structure preservation. The discussion covers practical application techniques, patient communication strategies, and how SDF integrates seamlessly into aesthetic-focused practices without compromising treatment outcomes or practice profitability.

Episode Highlights:

Interproximal application technique using super floss with foam padding allows precise SDF delivery to incipient proximal lesions, with the clinician wicking the solution onto the foam section and flossing it up and down on the affected tooth surface for optimal penetration.
Post-application protocol involves air drying for 60 seconds without rinsing, followed by fluoride varnish application to seal the treatment, reduce metallic taste, and add an additional 22,600 parts per million fluoride to complement SDF's 44,800 parts per million concentration.
Disease control strategy focuses on treating the bacterial infection medically first by applying SDF across multiple affected surfaces simultaneously, reducing bacterial load significantly before systematic restorative treatment rather than attempting to restore teeth individually.
Tooth structure preservation approach involves leaving affected dentin in place and re-impregnating it with silver through the tubules, creating bacteria-free, hardened tooth structure that research shows can be as strong as or stronger than natural dentin.
Heat sensitivity protocol requires avoiding light-cured materials immediately after SDF application, instead using auto-set glass ionomer restorations to prevent premature silver precipitation at the surface that would limit deep tubule penetration and disease arrest effectiveness.

Perfect for: General dentists seeking to incorporate medical caries management into their restorative workflows, clinicians treating multi-generational patients, and practitioners looking to optimize disease control protocols before definitive restorative treatment.

Discover why Dr. Bizga calls SDF one of the most important tools in his daily practice arsenal.

Ep. 729 - When the Attorney General Comes Knocking: IC Violations and Your Dental Practice Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

What would you do if your dental practice received a subpoena from the attorney general's office demanding detailed documentation of your infection control protocols? One practice owner faced exactly this nightmare scenario when a complaint escalated from their state board of dentistry to the AG's office.

Dr. Karson Carpenter joins the show to discuss this real-world case. Dr. Carpenter is a practicing dentist who serves as President of Compliance Training Partners and is an OSHA-approved trainer with over 25 years of experience designing educational programs for dental, medical, and veterinary facilities. He has guided numerous clients across the United States through OSHA and HIPAA inspections and specializes in bringing practices into compliance with governmental regulations in OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control.

This episode examines a case where a dental practice received a subpoena requesting comprehensive documentation including written infection control manuals, staff training records, autoclave spore testing results, waterline testing documentation, and waste management pickup schedules. Dr. Carpenter explains how CDC guidelines, while not directly enforced by the CDC, are being treated as enforceable standards by state attorney generals, boards of dentistry, and OSHA inspectors under the general duty clause.

Episode Highlights:

A dental practice received an attorney general subpoena requesting six specific categories of infection control documentation, including written protocols, staff training certificates, spore testing results for all sterilization equipment, waterline testing records, continuing education documentation, and waste management pickup schedules. The practice had none of these required documents, demonstrating how quickly informal compliance practices can become legal vulnerabilities.
State attorney generals and boards of dentistry are enforcing CDC guidelines as if they were federal law, with potential consequences including practice closure, license suspension, and fines ranging from $2,500 to $60,000. OSHA can enforce CDC guidelines under the general duty clause, making these standards legally binding regardless of their technical status as guidelines.
When responding to compliance investigations, cooperation and immediate corrective action typically yield better outcomes than legal confrontation. Practices should provide available documentation, honestly acknowledge deficiencies, and present a clear remediation timeline with specific completion dates to demonstrate good faith compliance efforts.
Essential compliance documentation includes written infection control manuals, third-party verified staff training certificates, weekly spore testing results for all autoclaves, quarterly waterline testing records, current continuing education certificates for all licensed staff, and documented waste management pickup schedules every 90 days. Missing any of these elements creates significant legal exposure during investigations.
Disgruntled employees and patients often weaponize infection control complaints as retaliation for billing disputes or workplace conflicts. Practices with comprehensive documentation can resolve complaints quickly without office visits, while poorly documented practices face extended investigations, potential closures, and substantial financial penalties that include both fines and lost revenue during downtime.

Perfect for: Practice owners, office managers, and compliance coordinators who need to understand the legal implications of CDC guideline enforcement and develop robust documentation systems to protect their practices from regulatory actions.

Don't let poor documentation turn a routine complaint into a practice-threatening investigation.

Ep. 728 - Inside the Digital Workflow: Dr. Miles Cone on 3D Printing Success Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

How can 3D printing transform your dental practice from just another piece of equipment into a powerful revenue generator? The technology is advancing rapidly, yet many practitioners remain hesitant to embrace its potential.

Dr. Miles R. Cone joins us to share his remarkable transformation from analog to digital dentistry. A graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine who completed a three-year prosthodontic residency while serving as a field grade officer in the United States Army, Dr. Cone is one of only two prosthodontists in New England with additional qualifications as a Certified Dental Technician. He owns Nuance Dental Specialists and serves as Editor in Chief for The Messenger, the quarterly publication of the American College of Prosthodontists.

This conversation reveals how integrating a 3D printer accelerated Dr. Cone's practice growth by 36% year-over-year, eliminated the inefficiencies of outsourced laboratory work, and opened new revenue streams he never anticipated. His journey from stone models to same-day delivery demonstrates that digital dentistry isn't just about efficiency—it's about expanding what's possible in patient care.

Episode Highlights:

Same-day bleaching tray fabrication transforms in-office whitening visits from $600 appointments into $1,200 comprehensive treatments, with custom take-home trays completed in 37 minutes while patients complete their in-office procedure. This integration creates recurring revenue streams as patients return for whitening maintenance every 3-6 months.
Emergency dentistry capabilities expand dramatically when digital workflows enable treatment coordination while traveling, allowing scan-to-treatment protocols that compress traditional multi-week laboratory turnaround times into 24-hour solutions for visiting patients.
Open-source printer systems provide material flexibility beyond manufacturer limitations, enabling practices to source resins from multiple suppliers including specialized provisional materials and reducing per-unit costs to approximately $2-3 per night guard versus $35-40 outsourced laboratory fees.
Model fabrication efficiency eliminates alginate mess and postal delays while reducing costs from $40 per outsourced model plus rush fees to in-house production that supports multiple applications including night guards, bleaching trays, and provisional restorations.
Strategic printer selection criteria should prioritize build quality, accuracy for prosthodontic applications, minimal maintenance requirements, and comprehensive customer support including on-site training programs that ensure successful implementation and ongoing technical assistance.

Perfect for: General dentists considering digital workflow integration, prosthodontists exploring in-house fabrication options, practice owners evaluating ROI on 3D printing technology, and dental teams seeking to expand same-day service capabilities.

Discover how 3D printing can revolutionize your practice efficiency and unlock new revenue opportunities you never knew existed.

Ep. 727 - How Dental Partnership Groups Reshape Dental Practice Ownership Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Are you weighing your practice transition options but hesitant to give up clinical autonomy? The emergence of Dental Partnership Groups offers a compelling alternative to traditional DSO acquisitions.

Dr. Weston Spencer brings a unique perspective to this discussion as both a practicing general dentist in La Jolla, California, and Chief Dental Officer for SPP (Save Private Practice), a dental partnership group. Dr. Spencer graduated at the top of his class from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, earning the Dean Prince Award for leadership and the Top Clinical Dentist award. He maintains active membership in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Spear Faculty Club, California Dental Association, American Dental Academy, and Southwest Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

This episode explores the DPG model as a hybrid approach that allows dentists to sell minority equity while maintaining majority ownership and full autonomy. Unlike DSOs that require complete practice acquisition and W-2 employment, DPGs enable practitioners to participate in corporate growth while preserving their clinical decision-making authority and practice culture. Dr. Spencer details how this relatively new model addresses the needs of dentists who want to take money off the table but aren't ready to retire.

Episode Highlights:

DPGs typically acquire 40% minority stakes while dentists retain 60% majority ownership, preserving clinical autonomy and business decision-making authority. This structure allows practitioners to maintain their preferred treatment protocols and practice management style without external interference.
Revenue sharing operates on agreed percentages after covering practice expenses and guaranteed doctor compensation, ensuring financial stability while participating in group growth. The model protects dentist income while creating opportunities for increased profitability through group services and economies of scale.
Major equipment purchases like CBCT units or laser systems don't require DPG approval since the dentist maintains majority ownership. This autonomy extends to clinical technology decisions, allowing practitioners to invest in practice growth and advanced treatment capabilities without corporate oversight.
DPGs provide immediate access to group purchasing power for clinical supplies through major distributors like Henry Schein and Patterson, plus optional services like billing management at below-market rates. These cost savings often result in improved practice profitability from day one of the partnership.
Exit strategies include built-in buyout options where the DPG can purchase the remaining ownership stake, eliminating the stress of finding private buyers. This provides long-term security and a clear path to full practice sale when retirement becomes the goal.

Perfect for: General dentists and specialists considering practice transitions who want to maintain clinical autonomy while participating in corporate growth, particularly those with 5-10+ year practice runways.

Discover how DPGs might offer the perfect balance between private practice independence and corporate partnership benefits.

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