The Very Dental Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

AME: On Mountain Biking and Being Influenced Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Alan shares a personal milestone (achieving a fitness age of 50!) and dives into his love for mountain biking – an exercise that feels like playing. He uses his experience to draw a powerful analogy between the often extreme portrayal of mountain biking on social media and the curated "highlight reel" often seen in the dental world online. Alan discusses how comparing ourselves to these curated images can lead to feeling "less than," whether it's watching downhill racers pull off impossible stunts or seeing dentists showcase only their most complex cases. The core message? It's okay to find joy and fulfillment in your version of biking or dentistry, even if it isn't "Instagram-epic." You are enough, and your "bread and butter" work is valuable.

Key Points:

Alan's journey from reluctant runner to avid mountain biker (including surviving being hit by a truck!).
The joy of finding exercise that feels like play.
The danger of comparing your "insides" to others' curated "outsides."
Finding contentment and value in your current practice style or skill level is valid and important.
While pursuing new skills is great if you want to, don't feel pressured by online comparisons.
You are enough, just as you are.

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!

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Very Dental: A Recipe for Implant Dentistry Success with Dr. Tim Kosinski Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

Recorded live from the CDS Midwinter Meeting Podcast Lounge, Alan had a great conversation with veteran implant dentist and educator, Dr. Tim Kosinski! With nearly four decades and over 20,000 implants placed, Dr. Kosinski shares his "recipe for success," emphasizing critical thinking, foundational knowledge, and the importance of mentorship in the evolving world of implant dentistry.

Key Takeaways:

Master the Recipe: Success in implants requires a step-by-step foundational approach. Don't skip steps in planning and execution.
Think Critically: Placing the implant isn't the hardest part; treatment planning, patient communication, understanding anatomy, and managing potential complications are key. Visualize the end result before you start.
Show Up: In-person learning, networking, and mentorship are irreplaceable for developing complex skills. You can't master implants solely via YouTube or Zoom.
Tech is a Tool, Not the Master: Embrace CBCT, digital scanning, and other tech for diagnostics and planning, but remember your role as the clinician treating a person.
Bone is Gold: Prioritize atraumatic extractions (e.g., using Physics Forceps) and routine socket preservation (grafting) to maintain options for patients, whether for implants or conventional restorations. Dr. Kozinski recommends the OsteoGen Plug for predictable socket grafting without a membrane in many cases.
Ethics First: Provide options, communicate clearly, save teeth when viable, and avoid overtreating or cookie-cutter approaches (especially regarding full-arch cases).
Know Your Limits: Start with straightforward cases (like single posterior implants), build confidence and skill, and don't hesitate to refer complex cases – even high-volume clinicians collaborate with specialists.
Keep Learning: Dentistry constantly evolves. Commit to lifelong continuing education!

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: Planting Seeds and Placing Implants with Dr. Adam Frounfelter Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this throwback episode of Very Clinical Kevin and Zach are joined by Dr. Adam Frounfelter! Adam and Kevin teach hands on implants together at 3D Dentists!

Key takeaways:

Overview of the 3D Dentist Implant Continuum
Key Aspects of Implant Planning and Placement (Crown-Down Approach)
Extraction and Grafting Considerations
Utilizing PRF and Sticky Bone in Grafting
Guided Implant Surgery Benefits
Same-Day Scanning for Implant Restorations
Post-Implant Placement and Uncovering
Surgical Skillset for Implant Training

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

AME: From Curing Lights to Killer Reads (a Recommendation Engine) Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Fresh off a spring break road trip Alan has some dental and non-dental recommendations!

Some links from the show:

Loop Curing Light from Garrison Dental Solutions
- If you're buying Garrison stuff use code SO1124MEAD for 10% off any non-curing light product and $100 credit off a future purchase if you buy a curing light!
"The Era of Smart Curing Lights is Here with Kevin Walburg"
Lethal Prey by John Sandford
The Electric State on Netflix
Mr. Thirsty One Step by Zirc

Very Dental: A Conversation with The Badass Hygienist (aka: Melissa Obrotka) Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

Alan was joined by the incomparable Melissa Obrotka, also known as "The Badass Hygienist!" They recorded this conversation live at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting. The episode dives deep into Melissa's journey in dental hygiene, her passion for progressive care, and her insights on the current state and future of the profession.

Melissa shares the story behind her "Badass Hygienist" nickname, stemming from her proactive approach to improving patient care and her willingness to advocate for better technology and techniques. She recounts her experience transitioning to a periodontal prosthetics practice and the steep learning curve involved in maintaining complex implant cases as well as how she discovered "Guided Biofilm Therapy" (or GBT) a techniqu that she now teaches and uses clinically.

Dr. Mead and Melissa also tackle some of the challenging issues facing dentistry today, including the hygiene shortage and potential solutions, the complexities of insurance-driven care, and the need for better communication and understanding between dentists and hygienists. Melissa offers her perspective on how hygienists can move beyond "polishing a paycheck" and embrace a more therapeutic and patient-centered approach.

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: Difficult Crown Preps (and other student questions) Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Kevin and Zach are once again joined by Very Dental Student Mo and Very Dental's Al to answer student questions!

Topics:

Managing Difficult Crown Preparations
Managing Team Conflicts
Referring vs. Attempting Extractions
Recommended CE Courses for New Dentists
Tricks for Achieving Perfect Posterior Composite Contacts

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

Very Dental Student: Managing Difficult Patients Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Mohamed is back with Kevin, Zach and Al to pose dental student questions to these grizzled veterans.

The guys start out with a raucous discussion of NCAA brackets and what's wrong with basketball but then move to answering questions from curious dental students!

Some key topics of discussion:

Post-Op Sensitivity: What are your protocols for managing post-op sensitivity for fillings or crowns?
Challenging Patients: How do you handle patients who challenge your clinical recommendations or demand unnecessary treatment?
Soft Tissue Management: What are your best practices for managing soft tissue during restorative or surgical procedures?
Referral Management: How do you manage patient referrals to a specialist while maintaining continuity of care?

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: Making Dental Insurance Sexy with Teresa Duncan Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Alan recently sat down with Teresa Duncan at the Chicago Midwinter Dental meeting! Teresa is an expert in dental insurance and dental office management. The conversation dives into the often-overlooked but critical aspects of dental practice, including insurance compliance, the evolving role of AI in administrative tasks, financial discussions with patients, hygiene practice management, and the potential future of dental practices within the broader healthcare landscape. The episode offers practical advice and insights for dentists and their teams on navigating the complexities of modern dental administration and compliance.

Key Discussion Points:

The Challenge of "Unsexy" Topics:
- Dentists often prioritize clinical topics (like implants) over administrative and compliance issues.
- Theresa's ability to make complex, less appealing topics engaging.
Compliance Concerns:
- Importance of compliance in areas like insurance contracts.
- The burden of compliance and its lack of intuitiveness.
Medicare Advantage Plans:
- Requirement for fraud, waste, and abuse training for anyone submitting claims, even out-of-network providers.
- Importance of compliance to avoid audits or being dropped from networks.
- CMS's role and the responsibility of insurance companies to ensure network compliance.
Improving Claims:
- The importance of good radiographs and documentation.
- Documenting patient statements and details in clinical notes.
- Insurance companies' preference for screenshots of clinical notes over narratives.
AI in Dentistry:
- Potential benefits of AI for note-taking and reducing administrative burden.
- Ambient listening technology for recording patient encounters.
- Concerns about privacy and the need for patient permission.
- AI's ability to assist with tasks like writing appeals and generating documents.
Phone Answering AI:
- AI's potential for handling phone calls and answering patient questions.
- Questions about patient acceptance and ethical considerations regarding disclosure.
Financial Discussions in Dentistry vs. Medicine:
- The difference in how financial matters are discussed with patients in dentistry and medicine.
- Challenges related to insurance reimbursements and patient responsibility.
Hygiene Practices:
- The impact of hygiene shortages on dental practices.
- Debate around pre-appointing hygiene and the value of hygiene services.
- Financial considerations for hygiene services and the need to ensure profitability.
Out-of-Network Considerations:
- Challenges and benefits of going out of network.
- The importance of excellent patient service and communication for out-of-network practices.
Revenue Cycle Management:
- The increasing specialization of roles in revenue cycle management.
- The trend toward outsourcing revenue cycle functions.
- The importance of understanding all aspects of the revenue cycle.
The Future of Dental Practices:
- Concerns about the influence of DSOs and potential consolidation with healthcare systems.
- The role of the ADA and the potential impact of Medicare expansion on dentistry.
- Challenges facing dentists, including student debt and employment trends.

Resources and Links (To be added to show notes):

Links to Medicare and Medicaid training resources (as mentioned in the podcast).
Information about Theresa Duncan's online courses and Dental Revenue Network.
Information about the American Association of Dental Office Management (A-ADOM).

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 Pet Peeves Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Could this be the most relatable episode we've ever recorded? Zach, Kevin, and Alan unleash their pent-up frustrations with common patient behaviors that drive them absolutely bonkers. From anatomical annoyances to baffling patient logic, no pet peeve is spared. Get ready to laugh and nod in agreement as they share their most outrageous clinical experiences.

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 Incidental Finding Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Alan shares a personal and frustrating experience involving his son, Jacob, and an unexpected medical finding. He reflects on the complexities of the medical system, the challenges of incidental findings, and his concerns about the current state of healthcare.

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!