The Very Dental Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

AME: The Specialist's Advantage Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Alan reflects on the value of specialization in dentistry after attending a meeting where he saw a presentation by Dr. Joe Massad, a renowned specialist in removable prosthodontics. Alan discusses how Dr. Massad's focused expertise allows for a streamlined, efficient practice and attracts a specific type of patient, leading to greater predictability and success in treatment. Alan contrasts this with the challenges of being a general dentist who performs a wide range of procedures, highlighting how a lack of specialization can make it difficult to gain mastery and efficiency in specific areas. A dentist, who hones in on a specific niche can gain significant advantages through focused expertise, efficient systems, and the ability to attract patients who are already committed to a particular type of treatment.

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Very Dental Student: Mohamed Abo-Basha and the D4 Grind Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Host Mohamed Abo-Basha provides a solo update on his fourth year of dental school. He discusses his busy schedule, which includes studying for the new Integrated National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). He also shares his experiences with classes, including a senior seminar paper and presentation on Guided Biofilm Therapy, and a practice management course. He mentions his progress in clinical requirements, particularly in endo and removable prosthodontics, and a goal of completing four more quads of SRP. Finally, he looks ahead to upcoming challenges, including the ADEX clinical exam, externships, and his search for an associateship position.

Some links from the show:

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Very Dental: How to Fix Burnout with Dr. Dawn Grimes Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Alan welcomes back Dr. Dawn Grimes to talk about burnout. Lately it seems like social media can't stop talking about it and they both have some things to say about it!

They define burnout as emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress, arguing it's not unique to dentistry. Dawn asserts that a poor relationship with stress, a lack of resilience, and unrealistic expectations—often fueled by social media—are the real causes. They suggest that instead of quitting or hiring a coach, dentists should reframe their perspective, manage expectations, and take practical steps to improve their lives both in and out of the office.

Key Takeaways

Burnout is real, but it's not unique to dentistry. It's the result of prolonged, unmanaged stress from any demanding part of life or work.
Social media can worsen burnout. The algorithm feeds you more of what you look at, so lingering on videos about burnout can make you feel worse. The constant comparison to a curated, glamorous online presence creates unrealistic expectations for your own life and career.
A "coach" may not be the answer. The hosts question the credibility of coaches who no longer practice clinical dentistry, suggesting that their advice may be disconnected from the day-to-day realities of the job.
The only thing you can change is yourself. Rather than trying to change your job or circumstances, you should focus on changing your reactions to problems. This is a core part of developing resilience, which allows you to let go of negative experiences and start over.
Rumination makes things worse. Dwelling on past mistakes or bad days (internal rumination) or consuming content about burnout (external rumination) reinforces negativity and prevents you from moving forward
Meditation is a powerful tool. It helps you train your brain to let go of unhelpful thoughts and focus on the present moment, which is the key to building resilience and managing stress.
Maintain perspective. Remember that dentistry is a well-paying profession and many other jobs are physically and emotionally harder. Accepting that life and work are often challenging is the first step toward finding peace.
You have control. You can manage your social media algorithm by engaging with positive content like dog videos, mountain bike content or clips of cooking very tiny food! Like and highlight the things that are joyful and light on social media and the algorithm will do the rest.

Some links from the show:

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!"

The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us!

Very Clinical: The Bad CE Stand-Up Tour with Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Tim Anderson Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

This throwback episode of the Very Clinical podcast features hosts Zach and Kevin discussing the value of continuing education (CE) with special guests Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Tim Anderson! They share amusing anecdotes about their worst CE experiences, including a condescending lecturer and courses that didn't deliver on their promises. The conversation then shifts to a more positive outlook, focusing on modern dental practices. Dr. Elliott, a sleep apnea expert, and Dr. Anderson, a 3D printing specialist, highlight the importance of team-driven growth and how live, interactive courses are essential for successful implementation and patient care. They also touch on the growing public awareness of sleep issues and the political challenges dentists face in treating sleep apnea. The episode wraps up with a nod to their upcoming courses and the importance of professional development and collaboration.

Some links from the show:

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AME: Let Them Say No Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Alan reflects on his 27 years in dentistry, revealing how his past struggles with addiction and a conservative approach to treatment planning have impacted his practice. He admits he often defaults to a "watch-and-wait" approach in gray-area cases, feeling a need to save patients money or fearing they will say no to treatment. He worries this may lead to more complex and expensive procedures down the road, benefiting neither the patient nor his business. Alan challenges himself to be more assertive in presenting a full range of treatment options, allowing patients to make their own decisions. He believes this shift is crucial for both his professional growth and the long-term well-being of his patients.

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!"

The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us!

Very Dental: What is an Expert with Dr. Matt Standridge Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Alan is once again joined by Dr. Matt Standridge. The episode was recorded live at a Voices of Dentistry event following Matt's presentation on "Simplified Smile Design."

Matt and Alan explore how a person becomes an expert, from their beginnings on forums like Dentaltown to Matt's current role as an industry educator. They discuss the difference between genuine experience and the illusion of expertise created by social media, and how both can impact the way dentists learn. Matt shares valuable lessons learned from his own journey, including the importance of setting boundaries and the value of detaching from the stress of a clinical practice. He also opens up about his recent decision to sell his practice and what it's like to transition from an owner to an associate.

Some links from the show:

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!"

The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us!

Very Clinical: How to Make a Trial Smile with Dr. Allie Frounfelter Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin chat with guest Dr. Allie Frounfelter about digital dentistry and the process of creating "trial smiles." Allie, a self-proclaimed "trial smile queen," details the steps of designing, 3D printing, and fitting a temporary smile for patients so they can preview their results before committing to treatment.

She explains the benefits of this modern approach, including improved patient confidence and better-fitting temporary restorations, which leads to healthier gums. Allie also discusses the shift in dentistry toward more fulfilling, life-changing procedures and shares that even if she won the lottery, she would continue doing this kind of work.

The conversation concludes with a discussion about the essential tools needed to implement this process, emphasizing that a 3D printer is the most crucial piece of equipment for a dentist to own.

Some links from the show:

Roe Dental Lab: For dentists looking to outsource the design and printing of Trial Smiles.
3D Dentists: To learn more about Dr. Frounfelter's Trial Smile class and other dental continuing education courses.
Dr. Allie Frounfelter's Instagram: A great resource to see examples of her dentistry and patient reactions to their Trial Smiles.

Join the Very Clinical Facebook group!

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!"

The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us!

AME: The Customer Service Curve Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Alan shares his frustrating experience with AT&T's poor customer service after his office's phones went down. The ordeal leads him to develop a theory about the inverse relationship between demand for a service and the need for excellent customer service.

He explains that businesses like AT&T, which provide essential services with high demand and low-elasticity, can get away with poor service because it's difficult for customers to switch. On the other hand, professions like dentistry, which operate in a more competitive market, must provide great service to retain patients. Al's negative experience with AT&T highlighted the importance of treating his patients well, especially since they have other options. He emphasizes that providing excellent customer service isn't just a business strategy; it's the right thing to do.

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook," "Gary," "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!"

The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us!

Brain Trust: Yes Tacos, No Hygiene? Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Alan brings together Dr. Lance Timmerman and Dr. Brady Smith for a lunch conversation at VoD Lite 2025. The trio discuss the unique, small-scale nature of the event, which was planned just three weeks beforehand and features a food truck instead of a hotel's expensive catering. Lance and Brady talk about their professional lives, including their pride in their respective hometowns' (Seattle and Portland) high poop-on-the-streets-per-capita and their mutual surprise at the high cost of a hard-boiled egg at hotels. They also delve into their unconventional dental practice models, with Lance discussing his use of the EMS Guided Biofilm machine and Brady explaining his two-day, 32-hour work week and his decision not to hire a hygienist. Their conversation also touches on Brady's side career as a stand-up comedian and the challenges he faces, from dealing with angry hygienists who file board complaints against him to navigating the complex and expensive world of venue rentals.

Some links from the show:

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Gary," "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!"

The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us!

Very Clinical: Dr. Allie Frounfelter is the Queen of Trial Smiles Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Zach and Kevin welcome Dr. Allie Frounfelter to discuss her innovative approach to cosmetic dentistry using Trial Smiles. Dr. Frounfelter shares her journey from a high-volume "bread and butter" dental practice to a more balanced and fulfilling one, emphasizing the importance of slowing down to speed up. The episode details the step-by-step process of creating and using a 3D-printed resin shell, or Trial Smile, to help patients visualize their potential new smile. Dr. Frounfelter also highlights the importance of incorporating the entire dental team in the process and discusses how this patient-centered approach, along with the right technology and systems, has transformed her practice.

Key Takeaways

Invest in Digital Technology: Dr. Frounfelter and her husband significantly transformed their practice by investing in digital tools, including a CBCT, intraoral scanner, and 3D printer. They initially sought a CBCT but came back from a conference with a full suite of digital tools.
The Trial Smile Process: A Trial Smile is a thin, 3D-printed resin shell that fits over a patient's natural teeth, allowing them to try on a new smile. This is a crucial step in cosmetic dentistry consultations as it offers a tangible "try before you buy" experience.
Difference from Traditional Wax-ups: Unlike a traditional bis-acryl wax-up, a Trial Smile is easily placed and removed, making it repeatable and mess-free. This allows patients to get a clear and instant before-and-after comparison.
Team Involvement is Crucial: Allie stresses the importance of training and involving the entire team in the new workflow. Her clinical director, Brandon, handles the initial patient conversation, photos, and records, while a dental assistant, Emma, designs the smiles using specialized software like Exocad.
Slowing Down to Speed Up: By implementing new systems and focusing on comprehensive cases, Allie and Adam were able to move away from a high-volume model that led to burnout. They now see fewer patients but generate more revenue from cosmetic and full-mouth cases.
Outsourcing Options: If a practice lacks the necessary design software or a 3D printer, they can partner with a dental lab like Roe Dental Lab, which offers a cosmetic design service to create and even print the Trial Smile for them.

Some links from the show:

Roe Dental Lab: For dentists looking to outsource the design and printing of Trial Smiles.
3D Dentists: To learn more about Dr. Frounfelter's Trial Smile class and other dental continuing education courses.
Dr. Allie Frounfelter's Instagram: A great resource to see examples of her dentistry and patient reactions to their Trial Smiles.

Join the Very Clinical Facebook group!

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!"

The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us!

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