Best Viva Learning LLC Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 695 - The Tech-Savvy Hygienist: How Technology is Redefining the Dental Hygiene Role 22:00

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2d ago22:00

22:00

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the transformative role technology plays in elevating the patient experience—helping create more meaningful interactions, better outcomes, and stronger trust in the care being delivered. When dental hygienists actively engage with cutting-edge technology and the clinical tools that come with it, they not only imp…

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Ep. 694 - The Rise of Fractional Dental Executives: A Conversation with Melissa Turner, RDH 23:00

6d ago23:00

23:00

Melissa Turner has been a practicing dental hygiene for 20 years and she is of the mindset that nothing is out of reach when it comes to opportunities for dentists and dental hygienists. She attributes many of these opportunities to the rapid advancements in technology as well as our inner desire to expand our own horizons beyond clinical dentistry…

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Ep. 693 - The Semi-Direct Composite Crown: Artistic, Conservative, and Chairside in 30 Minutes 21:00

9d ago21:00

21:00

According to our guest, Dr. Mauricio Watanabe, a world-respected speaker and clinician, by using a highly filled nano-composite to fabricate the crown, the same material we use for our deep margin elevation and filling in our undercuts, a semi-direct full coverage restoration will provide long-term predictable success. And Dr. Watanabe has years of…

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Ep. 692 - Code & Collect: Unveiling the Secrets of Medical Billing Benefits 31:00

13d ago31:00

31:00

As a dentist you are a medical specialist. That means it is totally appropriate and acceptable to tap into a patient's medical insurance for procedures that fall within the realm of medical necessity. And there are plenty of procedures performed in our operatories that do fall within the range of medical necessity. So why would we want to start bil…

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Ep. 691 - Targeted Prevention: The Power of Thorough Risk Assessment 29:00

17d ago29:00

29:00

In today’s episode, we’re spotlighting the dental hygienist as more than just a provider of cleanings—but as a true prevention specialist. That means shifting from a reactive mindset to a proactive one: taking the time to perform comprehensive risk assessments on almost every patient. Why? Because identifying risk factors early is the key to buildi…

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Ep. 690 - Beyond the Chair: Why Teledentistry is So Important to Your Practice 30:00

20d ago30:00

30:00

Perhaps we look at teledentistry as something that would be good for practices in remote areas but not particularly useful for urban practices, where patients can easily get to dentists. But there's actually a lot more below the surface when it comes to teledentistry. Especially today, where we continue to see increasing demands for convenient heal…

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Ep. 689 - How to Avoid Clear Aligner Attachment Disorder 30:00

24d ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode, we’re focusing on one of the most critical — and often overlooked — elements of clear aligner therapy: clear aligner attachments. If you’ve ever dealt with aligners that don’t seat, patients who fall behind in treatment, or cases that just aren’t progressing as planned, we’ve got some troubleshooting tips you won’t want to miss.…

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Ep. 688 - From Files to Photons: How Lasers Improve Cleaning & Success Rates 31:00

27d ago31:00

31:00

Today we'll talk with Dr. Scott Benjamin about how he streamlined his root canal cases and boosted his confidence and success rate by incorporating dental laser technology into his endodontic workflow. He sees lateral canals filled with sealer on post-op x-rays like never before! Dr. Benjamin has been in private practice in rural upstate NY for ove…

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Ep. 687 - The Dentist and The Lab in 2025: Real-World Insight from Famous Lab Technician Luke Kahng 37:00

1M ago37:00

37:00

Luke Kahng, famous lab technician and lab owner, shares candid and valuable insight into one of the most critical links in dentistry today—the relationship between the dental practice and the lab. This episode is entertaining and informative! For more info on Luke and his lab visit https://www.lsk121.com…

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Ep. 686 - Patient Owes You Money and Wants Their Dental Records: HIPAA Rules! 25:00

1M ago25:00

25:00

While you're working hard in your operatory preparing an MOD on #15 something is about to happen at the reception desk that will haunt you and your practice for months and months to come. It will also cost you thousands of dollars. And this can happen to any dental office, especially those that don't train their employees on the nuances of HIPAA co…

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Ep. 685 - Winning Over the Pediatric Patient: Tips from a Board-Certified Expert 30:00

1M ago30:00

30:00

In this episode we'll share tips and tricks to win over the pediatric patient. We'll be joined by an expert in the field—Dr. Julia Richman, a board-certified pediatric dentist with years of clinical experience and a passion for helping both kids and clinicians feel more confident in the operatory.By Viva Learning LLC

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Ep. 684 - Dental Career Longevity: A Little Fitness Each Day Goes a Very Long Way 27:00

1M ago27:00

27:00

So what are some of the things we do that require no extra time and still have a significant impact on maintaining our ergonomic equilibrium with the goal of preventing workplace injuries. To tell us all about and share some really amazing tips that focus on fitness and career longevity is our guest Dr. Ankur Gupta. Dr. Gupta graduated from the Uni…

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Ep. 683 - Deep Preps, No Worries: Pulp Protection Techniques That Deliver 29:00

1M ago29:00

29:00

In this episode, we’ll explore evidence-based strategies for pulp protection, discuss when and how to use liners, and break down adhesive dentistry protocols that can significantly reduce the risk of post-op sensitivity. Joining us is Dr. Scott Coleman, a general dentist who has practiced in Houston, Texas, for over 40 years. A graduate of the Univ…

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Ep. 682 - Airway Sleep Dentistry in the Pediatric Population 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

Expanding into sleep dentistry can bring a new level of fulfillment to your career and positively impact your patients’ lives. Our guest today is Dr. Jacqueline Patterson, a general dentist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist with over 15 years of experience. She believes that early assessment and intervention in children suffering from airway is…

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Ep. 681 - To Crown or Not to Crown: Exploring the Direct Composite Advantage 25:00

2M ago25:00

25:00

Today we’ll explore why direct composite procedures are quickly becoming a preferred alternative to traditional indirect restorations—and how you can use hybrid techniques like deep margin elevation and model-based composite crowns to deliver exceptional results without prepping away valuable tooth structure or sending cases to the lab. Joining us …

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Ep. 680 - The Nuts and Bolts of Root Resorption and How to Treat It 23:00

2M ago23:00

23:00

What’s interesting about root resorption is that it utilizes our own soft tissue cells to work against us, initiates its attack against the tooth from the inside out and from the outside in. In this podcast, presented by Endodontist Dr. Phil Klein, we’ll learn about this insidious process and hopefully we’ll get a better understanding of the fundam…

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Ep. 679 - How 3D Printing Is Revolutionizing Dental Practices: Models, Guards, and Provisionals 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Dr. Susan McMahon to talk about a piece of technology that’s truly changed the way she practices dentistry—the 3D printer. From printing precise dental models to fabricating occlusal guards with ease, we’ll dive into how this powerful tool is streamlining everyday tasks and bringing new levels of efficien…

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Ep. 678 - Teledentistry: Integrating Virtual Care into Your Practice 23:00

2M ago23:00

23:00

So we've heard a lot about teledentistry. We've heard that it benefits not only the patient, but also the dental practice. Is all this just hype, or should we start thinking seriously about implementing teledentistry into our workflow? To help us answer some of these questions is our guest, Dr. Maria Kunstadter, a seasoned dentist with a wealth of …

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Ep. 677 - Beyond the Black Stain: Arresting Caries and Re-mineralizing Dentin 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

In this episode we'll explore the clinical applications of SDF, including single and multi-visit protocols, and how to determine the most effective treatment approach based on the patient's age, cooperation level, and caries risk. We’ll talk about what kind of materials we should be using to restore teeth following SDF treatment and how to manage t…

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Ep. 676 - The Hidden Dangers of Leukoplakia: What Every Dentist Should Know 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

The white patch looks like the typical leukoplakia. The patient has no history of heavy smoking or drinking so the question is, what should you do as this patient's general dentist. What risk does the patient face by not referring the patient to an oral surgeon or periodontist for a second opinion and/or a biopsy? Should you just do the biopsy your…

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Ep. 675 - Revolutionizing Case Acceptance with CBCT and Motivational Interviewing 27:00

2M ago27:00

27:00

Combine powerful imaging like CBCT with motivational interviewing—a patient-centered communication approach—and you’ve got a formula that significantly boosts case acceptance. When patients see their issues clearly and feel heard in the process, trust grows—and so does the likelihood they’ll say yes to care. To tell us all about it is our guest Dr.…

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Ep. 674 - Forging Frontiers: Seizing Dental Opportunities in a New Locale 25:00

3M ago25:00

25:00

If you're thinking of moving to a new area and perhaps starting a brand new dental practice, there is certainly a lot to think about. To help us sort through some of the pros and cons, we'll be talking to a super interesting dentist who actually experienced this having moved from So Cal to Las Vegas Nevada. Our guest Dr. Todd Snyder. He is a popula…

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Ep. 673 - Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Aligner Attachment Placement 32:00

3M ago32:00

32:00

In this episode, we’ll cover the step-by-step process, from handling the aligner template and trying it in, to etching the tooth, applying the bonding agent with precision, and ensuring proper composite loading. We’ll also discuss the curing process, the careful removal of the template, and the all-important step of detecting and removing flash for…

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Ep. 672 - Profitable Care: Financial Benefits of Medical Management of Caries 29:00

3M ago29:00

29:00

The use of medical management of caries is, for the most part, not taught in dental schools and it's not used nearly enough among practicing dentists. Removing the infected dentin with a microbrush and then treating the affected dentin with SDF followed by the placement GI can result in an incredibly high success rate. So the question is, why aren'…

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Ep. 671 - Implant Success Starts Here: Picking the Right Motor and Handpiece 24:00

3M ago24:00

24:00

Today, we'll be addressing an important decision for any dentist placing implants: choosing the right implant motor and handpiece. So, what should you be looking for when making this investment? What specifications matter most for efficiency, precision, and long-term reliability? And are there any game-changing features worth considering? Our exper…

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Ep. 670 - Dental Hygiene: Top 5 Things No One Told Me in School 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

Today we'll be talking about five significant things that dental hygiene school does not tell you while you are a hygiene student. We'll talk about why it's so important to know these things in order to survive, grow and thrive in the real world of dentistry. Our guest today is Emily Boge, She is one of the most knowledgeable educators you'll ever …

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Ep. 669 - Reaching the Unreachable: Killing Microbes in Lateral and Accessory Canals 30:00

3M ago30:00

30:00

What if there were a simple way to deliver an electronic charge into difficult-to-reach spaces, cauterizing soft tissue and making it easier to flush out? By doing so, we could effectively eliminate microbes hiding in constricted lateral and accessory canals. The good news is that with the introduction of a new technology we can do just that. This …

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Ep. 668 - Ergonomic Excellence: Positioning Strategies for Dentists and Patients 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

What we do for a living is a physically demanding profession. We're performing extremely detailed tasks that require high precision and clear visibility. And doing this over and over again, throughout the course of the day, can be traumatic to our bodies. So it's imperative that we are aware of our body position and the patient's position in the ch…

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Ep. 667 - The Oral Cancer Exam and Biopsy: Clinical Tips from an Expert 27:00

3M ago27:00

27:00

Joining us today is Dr. Robert Convissar, a general dentist who has performed thousands of oral cancer exams and hundreds of biopsies. He will share his approach to screening, his clinical insights, and some valuable tips that can dramatically improve our ability to detect oral cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Dr. Convissar has author…

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Ep. 666 - Protect Against Peri-Implantitis: Kill the Bugs in the Implant Channel 17:00

3M ago17:00

17:00

In this episode we'll learn about peri-implantitis and how a simple procedure using a silver impregnated plug can effectively prevent it from progressing into an implant failure. Our guest is Larry Clark, a well-respected dental researcher who has been involved in the dental industry for over 25 years. Thanks to our episode sponsor: NSK America - h…

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Ep. 665 - How to Strengthen Your Team, Streamline Systems & Boost Production: A Discussion with Dr. David Rice 31:00

4M ago31:00

31:00

In today’s episode, we’ll explore the three key pillars of a successful dental practice: People, Processes, and Production. We’ll discuss why a strong team culture is the foundation of any thriving practice—one that values good character, accountability, and collaboration. Our guest is Dr. David Rice, the founder of igniteDDS. He is a popular speak…

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Ep. 664 - Treating the Avulsed Permanent Central with Fully Formed Root 17:00

4M ago17:00

17:00

So picture this: you're in your operatory in the middle of a restorative case on a Friday afternoon and your staff member comes in and says your 10 yo patient Johnnie, just fell off of his skateboard and knocked out his upper right central incisor. The Mother is pretty stressed out and she's waiting for you to come to the phone. So the question is,…

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Ep. 663 - CBCT, AI, and Implant Success: Insights from Dr. Steven Vorholt 42:00

4M ago42:00

42:00

In this episode, we’ll break down what to look for when purchasing a CBCT machine—and why the features a salesman highlights may not be the most important factors to consider. While we’ll focus primarily on how CBCT enhances implant procedures, the reality is that this technology benefits nearly every aspect of dentistry, improving outcomes across …

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Ep. 662 - The Worn-Down Currette: Retip, Sharpen, or Replace? 26:00

4M ago26:00

26:00

Our dental instruments, especially when it comes to our hygiene department, are the backbone of our practice, but when they start to lose their edge, the question arises: should you retip, sharpen, replace them, or even switch to sharpen-free instruments? Each option has its pros and cons, and making the right decision can significantly impact your…

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Ep. 661 - From Liner to Pulpectomy: Pulpal Therapy Options for Primary Teeth 29:00

4M ago29:00

29:00

From protective liners and indirect pulp caps that help shield the pulp from further damage, to direct pulp caps aimed at maintaining vitality, to pulpotomies and pulpectomies when deeper intervention is necessary—each approach plays a key role in managing pulpal health. So, how do we determine the best course of action? To tell us all about it is …

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Ep. 660 - Medical Management of Caries: Demystifying the Use of SDF and Glass Ionomer 32:00

4M ago32:00

32:00

In this episode you will hear first-hand what silver diamine fluoride can do and why every dentist should consider using it on posterior teeth that are infected with dental caries. Our guest is Dr. John Frachella, a pediatric dentist (now treating adults and children) with 50 years experience in the delivery of dental services in public and private…

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Ep. 659 - A Young Dentist’s Guide to Growth and Career Fulfillment 27:00

4M ago27:00

27:00

Our guest today, Dr. Sara Kuckhoff, is a general dentist from Michigan who has been out of dental school for six years. She has fully embraced the mindset of continuous growth. She’ll share her journey, how she pursues her passions, and why that pursuit has helped her not only enjoy her profession but also feel more confident and fulfilled as both …

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Ep. 658 - Full Coverage Crowns on Primary Teeth: Pros, Cons, and Best Practices 28:00

4M ago28:00

28:00

When faced with extensive decay or structural compromise in a primary tooth, full coverage restorations are often the go-to solution. But which material is best—traditional stainless steel or newer options like resin-based and zirconia? And what about those gray areas where we could opt for either full coverage or direct restorative techniques? To …

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Ep. 657 - Empowering Hygienists to Own Their Operatory 26:00

5M ago26:00

26:00

What does it mean for dental hygienists to take charge of the operatory? Traditionally seen as supporting roles, hygienists have focused on cleaning teeth and patient education. But our guest today believes they can do much more—enhancing case acceptance, improving clinical outcomes, and elevating overall patient care. Her mission is to empower hyg…

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Ep. 656 - Preparing Ourselves For an Injury-free Career in Dentistry 32:00

5M ago32:00

32:00

As dental professionals, we often focus on the well-being of our patients, but it's equally important to prioritize our own health. The demands of a dental career—long hours, awkward postures, and repetitive movements can take a toll on our bodies, leading to chronic pain and injuries that can significantly impact our ability to work effectively. I…

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Ep. 655 - Fluoride Varnish: Applied Correctly, It Can Change a Patient's Life 37:00

5M ago37:00

37:00

According to Dr. Brian Novy, the application of fluoride varnish is, hands down, the most significant procedure we can do for our patients. But as with any procedure, there’s a right way—and a wrong way—to apply fluoride varnish. Dr. Novy will shed light on common mistakes that can undermine its effectiveness, a phenomenon he calls the "fluoride bo…

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Ep. 654 - Why Clinical Technique Is Key to Intraoral Scanner Accuracy 23:00

5M ago23:00

23:00

To fully harness the remarkable technology of the intraoral scanner, it’s important for us to understand the clinical best practices that are directly tied to capturing precise digital impressions. This includes scan technique, bur selection, prep design, tissue management and so forth. So today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Chris Pescatore to fill …

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Ep. 653 - The Future of Dentures: When to Print and When to Lab It 25:00

5M ago25:00

25:00

When should you print in-house dentures, and when is it best to send cases to the lab? We’ll break it all down, exploring the clinical decision-making process, material considerations, and workflow efficiencies. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion on the evolving role of 3D printing in denture fabrication! Our guest is Dr. Russel Schafer. a gen…

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Ep. 652 - From Complaints to Compliance: Mastering OSHA Inspections 30:00

5M ago30:00

30:00

Beyond keeping your patients safe, a solid infection control protocol is also a powerful tool for retaining your top employees. This is especially important in a time when we're all dealing with a shortage of hygienists and dental assistants. So we'll be talking about this as well what to expect from an OSHA inspection and how best to respond to on…

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Ep. 651 - The Comeback of Air-Driven Handpieces 26:00

5M ago26:00

26:00

As electric handpieces gain popularity for their torque and cutting efficiency, many dentists feel pressured to make the switch. However, before making that decision, it’s essential to explore the latest advancements that have taken air driven handpieces to a whole new level. In fact, according to our guest, one air-driven handpiece stands out for …

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Ep. 650 - Simple Ways to Redefine Your Dental Practice Through Superior Service 29:00

5M ago29:00

29:00

Practicing high-quality dentistry with premium materials is a cornerstone of building an extraordinary dental practice. But there's another crucial element—one so vital that without it, reaching the level of extraordinary is nearly impossible. This key component has been foundational for some of the greatest companies in existence today. To tell us…

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Ep. 649 - When Implants Aren’t an Option: The Case for Fiber-Reinforced Bridges 34:00

5M ago34:00

34:00

Whether due to insufficient bone, medical contraindications, financial constraints, or patient preferences, single-tooth implants aren’t the solution for every case. That’s where fiber-reinforced bridges come in. To tell us all about the wonders of fiber-reinforced bridges is our guest, Dr. Marvin Chacon. With over 15 years of clinical dentistry ex…

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Ep. 648 - Becoming an Airway-Centric Dentist 31:00

6M ago31:00

31:00

By pursuing specialized training in treating sleep disorders, Dr. Patterson has carved out a unique niche in her practice. Not only does she receive referrals from other general dentists, but she's also become a go-to resource for healthcare providers in the medical community that are dealing with patients with sleep disorders. We're excited to hav…

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Ep. 647 - 50 Years in Dentistry: Tools, Tips, and Techniques from a Seasoned Pro 32:00

6M ago32:00

32:00

Today we'll be talking to Dr. Howard Glazer. a knowledgeable, candid and entertaining dentist who has been practicing for 50 years! We'll touch on the high points of provisional materials, tissue retraction, lasers, handpieces, curing lights, and patient management tools. Dr. Howard Glazer is a Fellow and past president of the Academy of General De…

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Ep. 646 - From Kansas City to Wichita: A Dentist’s Journey to Fulfillment 22:00

6M ago22:00

22:00

Dr. Dean Elledge, a seasoned dentist based in Kansas City, found himself at a crossroads in his career. While many might have settled into routine, Dr. Elledge wanted something more—something that would reignite his excitement every morning. His dream? To become the director of a residency program. However, there was no such opportunity available n…