The Very Dental Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

Very Dental: Buffer Like a Pro with Dr. Jason Goodchild May 30, 2025

Show notes

Recorded live at the Chicago Midwinter meeting in February 2025, this episode features Alan in conversation with Dr. Jason Goodchild from Premier Dental. Jason provides an in-depth look at three innovative new products designed to enhance everyday restorative dentistry. They discuss Veneer Now, an injectable matrix system for creating predictable and aesthetic anterior composite restorations like veneers and Class IVs with minimal finishing. Next, the conversation shifts to the new TSZ Tech ZX burs, engineered with super coarse diamonds, enhanced bonding, and leveling technology for significantly faster and more efficient zirconia crown removal and adjustment. Finally, Jason introduces Buffer Pro, a groundbreaking single-use, carpule-by-carpule local anesthetic buffering device, designed to make injections work faster, be less painful, and offer impressive shelf stability, addressing common frustrations with previous buffering systems

Some links from the show:

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "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!

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 Clinical: Anterior Guidance and Other Occlusion Myths with Dr. Brian Baliwas May 27, 2025

Show notes

Today's throwback episode features an in person interview with Dr. Brian Baliwas...the one and only @sfdentalnerd! Zach and Kevin were asking about dental myths and Brian delivered! The discussion navigated through occlusion myths and explores contemporary approaches to occlusion. Brian shares insights from his education at the Kois Center, advocating for an 'outside in' approach to checking occlusion. The conversation further delves into the importance of orthodontics in setting up a stable bite for long-term restorative success. Brian also touches upon practical tips to avoid issues with veneers and crowns, emphasizing the significance of clearing the pathway for a more functional bite.

Some links from the show:

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

Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization.

The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence.

Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc's solutions today: zirc.com

Brain Trust: Hygiene Beyond the Prophy Cup with Dr. Sam Low and Michael Kaelberer May 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Brain Trust, Alan has a great conversation with Dr. Sam Low and Michael Kaelberer of Vakker Dental to discuss advanced dental hygiene technologies and their integration into contemporary dental practices. Dr. Low, a seasoned veteran in dental education, sheds light on the transition from traditional methods to innovative techniques like air polishing and piezoelectric scaling, initially popularized in Europe and now making headway in the U.S. Michael Kaelberer introduces Vakker Dental's collaboration with Woodpecker, a company known for offering high-quality yet affordable dental equipment. The conversation addresses the impact of these technologies on efficiency, patient care, and operational costs, especially amid the ongoing shortage of dental hygienists.

Some links from the show:

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "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!

Crazy Dental has the lowest price for dental supplies anywhere! You can always use coupon: VERYSHIP on Crazy Dental for free shipping on your orders! Remember...Crazy Dental supports the Very Dental Podcast Network every time you order with these coupons! The Very Dental Podcast network is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization.

The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence.

Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc's solutions today: zirc.com

Very Dental: Splitting the Wedge with Dr. Matt Burton May 23, 2025

Show notes

Alan had a chance to sit down with Dr. Matt Burton for a fascinating discussion about his journey from a practicing dentist to a dental inventor. Dr. Burton shares the "aha!" moment that led to the creation of his split wedge concept (now part of Garrison's Quad Matrix system), the challenges of starting his own company, and the eventual partnership with Garrison Dental Solutions. He offers insights into the mindset of an inventor, the realities of bringing a product to market, and advice for other dentists with innovative ideas. The conversation also touches on Dr. Burton's farming background, his passion for composite restorations, and includes a spontaneous guest appearance by Dr. August de Oliveira!

Some links from the show:

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "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: Dental Photography for Fun and Profit with Dr. Melissa Zettler May 20, 2025

Show notes

In this throwback episode, Dr. Melissa Zettler talks about photography and how it has affected her clinical dentistry and marketing. This interview happened a few years before she received her AACD Fellowship (just last month!) and give you a peek into what it takes to photograph AACD cases!

Melissa and the guys explore different types of dental cameras, techniques for capturing high-quality images, and the use of photography for patient communication and marketing. Melissa also provides detailed information on the type of equipment she uses and shares valuable tips for capturing the best shots. Kevin emphasizes the fundamental role of photography in dental practice, while the group discusses the challenges and best practices for photographing dental cases.

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

Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization.

The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence.

Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc's solutions today: zirc.com

AME: The Outrage Machine with Dr. Dawn Grimes May 19, 2025

Show notes

This throwback episode of the Alan Mead Experiences features a conversation with Dr. Dawn Grimes about the stuff that we let in to our brains. The discussion delves into Alan's recent transition to a three-day clinical week, the challenges of staffing, and the surprising mental toll of early mornings and long days. This leads to a deeper exploration of how the content consumed during commutes—particularly "outrage media"—can impact one's mindset, and Alan's experiment with silent, mindful morning drives. They touch upon managing anxiety, the power of being present, the significance of remembering names in personal and professional interactions, and the importance of consciously choosing one's reactions to life's daily irritants.

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "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 Dental: Revolutionize Your Hygiene Department with Dr. Pam Maragliano-Muniz May 16, 2025

Show notes

Alan is joined by the incomparable Dr. Pam Maragliano-Muniz for an in person conversation recorded at the Chicago Midwinter meeting! They discuss Pam's journey from being a dental hygienist to a prosthodontist, her insights on maintaining patient care continuity and navigating the challenges faced by dental professionals, including staffing issues and the impact of COVID-19. They delve into the importance of in-person meetings, the value of creating a mission for the practice, and how Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) has transformed her dental practice. Join them for an engaging and informative discussion filled with personal anecdotes and professional insights.

Some links from the show:

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "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: A Love/Hate Relationship with Night Guards May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this throwback episode, Kevin and Zach are joined by their one time co-host Dr. Mac Jones to tackle the listener-requested topic of night guards and bite guards. The guys dive into their vastly different philosophies and approaches to fabricating and prescribing occlusal guards. Kevin represents the "pro" side, detailing his workflow involving sleep tests and NTI appliances. Mac takes a more skeptical stance, outlining his "Top 10" reasons why night guards are often problematic in his practice, leading him to make very few. Zach falls somewhere in the middle, making several types of guards in-house but struggling with patient acceptance despite lower fees. They discuss different guard designs, lab vs. in-house fabrication, costs, patient communication challenges, managing acute TMJ pain, and when to refer.

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

Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization.

The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence.

Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc's solutions today: zirc.com

Brain Trust: You've Got to Pay Your Dues! May 12, 2025

Show notes

One of the best things about the Dental Hacks podcast was our Brain Trust segment! Several Very Dental people sitting around talking shop. And now...it's back! Alan is joined by OG Brain Trust members Dr. Dawn Grimes, Dr. Frank Clayton and Dr. Melissa Zettler to discuss the evolution of their careers in dentistry. They delve into their early experiences in dental school, transitioning to practice ownership, and the challenges of hiring and mentoring new dentists. The conversation touches on the impact of social media on the dental profession, the complexities of associate expectations, and the unique relationships built with long-term patients. Being a "seasoned" practitioner give you some insights that these younger dentists don't really understand. As much as you might not want to hear it...you've got to pay some dues!

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "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!

The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence.

Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc's solutions today: zirc.com

Very Dental: Dr. Richard Golden on Real-World Efficiency and Physics Forceps May 09, 2025

Show notes

In this in-person episode recorded at GoldenDent in Roseville, Michigan, Alan once again sits down with the visionary Dr. Richard Golden. Following up on their previous conversation about Dr. Golden's journey as a dentist and multiple practice owner, this discussion dives deep into his passion for training dentists to thrive in the real world.

Dr. Golden shares his perspective on the gaps in traditional dental school training, particularly concerning business acumen and clinical efficiency. He found that many new dentists, while clinically skilled, lacked the understanding of how to perform procedures in a time-effective manner that ensures practice profitability without sacrificing quality of care.

Some links from the show:

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "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!