The Very Dental Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

AME: Sealants, Schmealants Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Alan argues that dental sealants should be treated more like restorations rather than simple preventive measures. He critiques the common practice of placing sealants without preparing the tooth, which he believes can lead to failure and hidden decay. Instead, he details his own protocol, which involves using a bur to open up and clean out the deep grooves of the tooth, often discovering stain, decalcification or even decay. He then fills these prepped grooves with a glass ionomer material. Alan asserts that this more involved approach results in a highly durable, decay-resistant solution that he feels far more confident in than traditional sealants.

Some links from the show:

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!

Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYDENTAL10" you'll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time!

The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist!

Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products!

CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Very Dental: Adam on AI with Adam McWethy Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Alan welcomes his friend Adam McWethy back to the Very Dental podcast! Recorded in person at the 2025 Voices of Dentistry pop up event in Arizona, Adam drops in to talk about his new company, The Leadership Thread. The Leadership Thread works with specialist practices to achieve growth and life balance by taking control of their careers.

Adam and Al explored how AI is poised to change the way dentists handle a variety of tasks, from documenting treatment to managing patient relationships. Adam discussed several ways that AI can dramatically reduce the time specialists spend writing referral letters and charting. He mentioned a new AI-powered platform that automates these tasks, giving providers hours of their week back. Alan discussed his experience that even with minimal training, AI can generate detailed, persuasive narratives to help justify treatment to insurance companies, a common pain point for general dentists.

The conversation highlighted that AI in dentistry is quickly moving from a novel concept to a standard tool. Just as features like anti-lock brakes were once a luxury add-on in cars and are now standard, AI-driven solutions are becoming a core part of dental practice management, improving efficiency and communication across all dental specialties.

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: Invisalign Hype vs. Reality with Dr. Craig Harder Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

In this "throwback" episode recorded live at Voices of Dentistry 2023, hosts Kevin and Zach are joined by guest Dr. Craig Harder to debate and discuss dental myths and tips. The main topic of conversation is the dental myth that Invisalign is a great value for dentists.

Craig argues that Invisalign is not a good value because it eats up a significant portion of the fee, especially for dentists who don't do a high volume of cases and therefore don't qualify for discounts. Kevin, a high-volume provider, counters that the value of Invisalign is not just in the cost per case but in its powerful marketing engine. He explains that Invisalign's massive ad campaigns drive patients directly to dentists' offices, a level of promotion that individual practices could never achieve. The conversation also touches on the user experience of other clear aligner companies versus Invisalign, with Kevin stating he finds the Invisalign user interface to be far superior.

Craig's tip: Always use Vivera retainers after aligner therapy!

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: Some of My Favorite Words Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Alan shares his favorite verbal phrases that have improved his patient interactions over his 28-year career. He emphasizes the importance of building rapport and setting patient expectations to create a smoother, more enjoyable practice. Alan discusses how these simple word choices help him diagnose problems, manage treatment compromises, and handle post-op concerns, all while fostering trust and a human connection with his patients.

Some of Al's Favorite Words:

"Can you say more about that?" This phrase encourages patients to elaborate on their symptoms, often unlocking a more accurate diagnosis. It prompts them to think more deeply about their sensations, which is especially useful when a problem isn't visually apparent.
"Are you going to be mad at me if...?" Used when a patient is considering a compromised or less-than-ideal treatment, this phrase invites them to contemplate a potential negative outcome. It shifts the responsibility for informed consent from a formal, authoritative one to a human, conversational one.
"Julie is going to explain this to you in English." Dr. Mead uses this line when handing off a patient to a dental assistant or hygienist. It humorously acknowledges that dentists often use technical jargon and signals to the patient that a clearer, more accessible explanation is coming from the other team member.
"We're here if you need us." This phrase is used for patients who have perfect checkups or don't require extensive treatment. It reassures them that they are still valued and that the practice is available for any future concerns, fostering a sense of long-term care and trust.
"This is going to be sensitive for a couple days." When delivering a new crown or performing other procedures, setting the expectation of post-operative discomfort helps patients mentally prepare. It reduces the number of post-op calls and gives patients "grace" to experience normal sensitivity without alarm.
"Are you okay if we wait to see what happens?" Used after cementing a crown while a patient is still numb, this asks for their consent to check the bite again once the anesthesia has worn off. It acknowledges that they can't accurately feel the bite while numb and gives them control over their final comfort.
"You're going to be numb for a couple of hours." Dr. Mead uses this to manage a patient's expectations about how long the numbness will last. By saying "a couple of hours," he gives them a realistic timeframe, and if it lasts longer, they are less likely to be surprised or concerned.

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: Nothing Wrong with "Dental School Dentistry" Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Russell Schafer, Dr. Randy Houska, and Dr. Brian McGue join Alan for a pre-conference discussion at the Voices of Dentistry Lite event in Arizona. They explore the different options for dentists to expand their practices. Brian, a general dentist who also does (and teaches) sedation, believes that sedation is the best for return on investment, but implants are essential because of the learning curve and the way they expand a dentist's mindset. Randy, who added implants to his practice 25 years in, agrees and says he wished he had added them sooner. Russell explains that his patient base limits the amount of implants he can place and that doing general dentistry like fillings and crowns is still a very profitable business. The episode ends with the dentists discussing the value of taking online CE courses and starting with simple procedures before committing to expensive education or equipment.

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: Practice or Business? Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Kevin and Zach welcome Alan back to discuss the world of business and entrepreneurship within dentistry. They begin by reminiscing about their childhood "businesses," which leads to a discussion sparked by a conversation Alan had with dental entrepreneur Dr. Mark Costes. The group explores the idea that while dentists of their generation could often succeed with a simple practice, the current landscape of high student debt and large dental organizations demands a more business-minded approach. They debate whether an entrepreneurial spirit is something you're born with or can be developed, and they consider the differences between simply owning a practice, running a dental business, and being a true entrepreneur. The conversation highlights the wide spectrum of career paths available in dentistry today, from being a salaried associate to building a multi-office empire.

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Kevin and Zach, along with guest Alan, dive into the world of business and entrepreneurship within dentistry. They begin by reminiscing about their childhood "businesses," which leads to a discussion sparked by a conversation Alan had with dental entrepreneur Mark Costas. The group explores the idea that while dentists of their generation could often succeed with a simple practice, the current landscape of high student debt and large dental organizations demands a more business-minded approach. They debate whether an entrepreneurial spirit is something you're born with or can be developed, and they consider the differences between simply owning a practice, running a dental business, and being a true entrepreneur. The conversation highlights the wide spectrum of career paths available in dentistry today, from being a salaried associate to building a multi-office empire.

Key Takeaways

Entrepreneurship is a Spectrum: Owning a dental office doesn't automatically make you an entrepreneur. The podcast outlines a spectrum from simply owning a job (a practice that only runs with you there) to having a true business that can function independently, to being a full-on entrepreneur who innovates and scales.
The Changing Landscape of Dentistry: The hosts acknowledge that their generation of dentists came into the profession during a "golden age" with less debt and more opportunities for practice ownership. Today, with higher student loans and the rise of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), younger dentists often need to be more business-savvy to succeed as owners.
Technology and Business: The discussion touches on how technology, like digital dentistry and clear aligners, can be a business decision to add new services and level up a practice. This is presented as a way to evolve from a "drill, fill, bill" mindset into a more diverse and profitable business model.
Dentistry as a Vehicle: The podcast concludes that dentistry can be a great field for entrepreneurs because it provides a high income that can be used to fund other business ventures, whether within dentistry (like teaching or consulting) or in completely different industries.

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: Another Recommendation Engine Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Al shares another "recommendation engine" in this episode!

He starts with a dental recommendation, praising the Bioclear Evolve Matrix system and explaining why he's going back to get recertified. He then moves to personal interests, recommending the Harry Potter audiobooks narrated by Stephen Fry and the Hot Ones Instagram feed. He also suggests trying Fly By Jing's Sweet & Spicy Sichuan Chili Sauce and the sci-fi audiobook Automatic Noodle. Finally, he gushes about his new Stihl RZ 560 K lawnmower and encourages listeners to join the Very Dental Facebook group to share their own recommendations.

Some links from the show:

Bioclear Evolve Matrix

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: How to Not Have a Heart Attack with Dr. David Clark Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Alan interviews Dr. David Clark about a near-fatal heart attack he suffered almost two years ago. Dave describes the dramatic details of the event, from initially mistaking his symptoms for heartburn to his wife heroically rushing him to the emergency room.

The episode delves into the importance of being your own health advocate, particularly for dentists and other seemingly healthy individuals who may be at risk without knowing it. Dave emphasizes that a heart attack is one of the few life-threatening events that can be largely preventable if people are armed with the right knowledge. He shares key tests and prevention strategies he learned from his brother, a metabolic cardiologist, and warns against common misconceptions and tests that offer a false sense of security. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical toll the event took on him and his family, ultimately leading him to a renewed perspective on life and his dental career.

Key takeaways:

Dr. Clark discussed several key prevention ideas and tests that he believes are crucial for all listeners to consider, especially those who appear healthy but may have underlying risks.

Be Your Own Health Advocate: Don't blindly trust a single doctor's diagnosis, especially if your symptoms don't align with what they say. Dr. Clark's initial symptoms were dismissed as heartburn by his concierge cardiologist, a diagnosis that could have been fatal.
The Troponin Blood Test: If you suspect you've had a cardiac event, no matter how minor, go to the emergency room and specifically ask for a blood test for troponin. Troponin is a protein released when heart muscle is damaged, and it can be detected in your bloodstream for up to 48 hours after an event. A positive result would have led to an immediate diagnosis and intervention for Dr. Clark, preventing the heart attack and damage.
Get a CAC (Coronary Artery Calcium) Score: This is a key test for "the healthy guy heart attack." A high CAC score indicates a genetic predisposition to having calcified plaque in your arteries. While a stress test only provides short-term security, a high CAC score is a significant warning sign that a rupture in the plaque could lead to a sudden, fatal heart attack.
Be Cautious of Misleading Tests: Dr. Clark and his brother identified several tests that can give a false sense of security or are simply not effective in predicting a heart attack, including the standard stress test and most whole-body scans.
Consider a GLP-1 Medication: Based on his brother's recommendation, Dr. Clark started taking a GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic or Wegovy) to reduce inflammation, which is a known contributor to cardiovascular problems. He notes that these medications are not just for weight loss but have significant, positive metabolic effects.

Some links from the show:

Slide show that Dave's brother, the metabolic cardiologist, put together...PLEASE OPEN THIS LINK!
Bioclear

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: The Healthy Patient Paradox Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Zach and Kevin are joined Alan to have an in-depth discussion on the business of dentistry. They explore the surprising contradiction many dentists face: the challenge of maintaining a profitable practice while also promoting preventive care and serving "healthy" patients who need minimal treatment. They discuss how a shift in the dental landscape, including stagnant insurance reimbursements and rising overhead costs, has made it less viable for some practices to rely heavily on a traditional recall model. The conversation touches on how different dental practice models, such as DSOs, may approach this issue and suggests that offering a wider range of services, like clear aligners, can help make healthy patients a more valuable part of a practice.

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: Digital Design for Dummies Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Alan shares his journey into the world of digital dentistry and digital design. He reflects on his past hesitations and the challenges of committing to expensive software like Exocad. A recent case involving a patient in need of a provisional partial, however, sparked his interest in finding a more accessible entry point. He recounts how his friend, Dr. Russell Schafer, introduced him to BlueSkyPlan, a powerful, free design software. BSP, along with Russell's affordable course, offers an excellent way for dentists to "dip their toe" into digital design without a huge financial or time commitment. He encourages listeners to check out the case Russell worked up for him, which is available in the show notes, and to consider the course as a practical way to learn the fundamentals of digital design.

Some links from the show:

Blue Sky Plan Software
Russell's Blue Sky Plan course (Maximizing BlueSkyPlan for Your Office)

Patriot Dental Lab
Precision Dental Lab (shares Al's building)
Get your tickets for VoD 2026! They're going to sell out!

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!