Join us as we talk to dentists from all over the US about how the dental landscape is changing and how proper technology utilization drives business.
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CareStack Podcasts
The Very Dental Podcast network brings you entertaining and relevant conversations with visionaries, clinicians and your friends in the dental space.
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The Doers Podcast | Episode 4 | Penelope Chang, DDS | Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, Tenafly, NJ
24:12
24:12
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24:12Get ready to meet Dr. Penelope Chang, owner of a leading cosmetic and family dental practice in Tenafly, NJ, where dentistry meets pure artistry. A pioneer in CAD/CAM dentistry, Dr. Chang fabricates custom porcelain crowns and fillings in just one visit using cutting-edge CEREC technology. From extractions to full-blown smile glow-ups, Dr. Chang’s …
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Very Clinical: The Healthy Patient Paradox
34:28
34:28
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34:28Zach 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,…
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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…
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Very Dental: The Dentist's Dilemma: Doctor or Entrepreneur? with Dr. Mark Costes
38:20
38:20
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38:20Is the entrepreneurial drive something you're born with, or can it be learned? Alan had the chance to sit down with his friend and colleague, Dr. Mark Costes, at the recent Voices of Dentistry Pop Up for a deep dive into the mindset of a business owner. Drawing from his own family history, Dr. Costes argues that an entrepreneurial spirit is often a…
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Very Clinical: A Tip or Two with Dr. McGue
11:28
11:28
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11:28In this throwback episode from Voices of Dentistry 2023 in Scottsdale, Zach and Kevin are joined by guest Dr. Brian McGue for the inaugural "Myths and Tips" episode. Dr. McGue, the inspiration for this format, kicks things off by myth-busting the posterior palatal seal, questioning its origin and clinical necessity for upper dentures. For his pro t…
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Recorded live at our recent pop up VoD 2025, Alan is joined by the one and only Dr. Matt Standridge! Matt shares two innovative marketing strategies he uses in his practice. First, he details his process for creating personalized virtual case presentations using Google Slides. He records custom videos for potential patients, walking them through th…
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Very Dental: Have We Reached Peak Dental Podcasting with Dr. Mark Costes
42:03
42:03
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42:03In this throwback episode Alan is joined by his good friend and co-founder of Voices of Dentistry, Dr. Mark Costes. They catch up after the VOD 2022 event, sharing personal stories about their kids, past injuries, and the humbling (and sometimes embarrassing) experience of getting older. The conversation wraps up with a behind-the-scenes look at th…
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Very Clinical: The Ortho Champion with Maryann McFarland
32:01
32:01
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32:01Kevin and Zach are joined by star hygienist Maryann McFarland. They kick things off with a competitive discussion about their favorite games, from Maryann's professional-level Scrabble skills to Zach's past as a ranked online poker player. The conversation then shifts to the clinical topic of the day: how Maryann champions the Invisalign workflow i…
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Alan uses his familiar daily commute as an analogy for the routine procedures in dentistry that become second nature. He reflects on how tasks that are "unconscious" and automatic for a seasoned dentist, such as a tooth extraction, are a highly conscious and often frightening experience for a patient. Drawing on a recent interaction with an anxious…
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Very Dental: Frankly, Dental School Sucked
49:27
49:27
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49:27This throwback episode features Alan and his longtime friend and fellow Dentaltown veteran, Dr. Frank Clayton, for a hilarious and nostalgic conversation. They reminisce about the early days of online forums, the inception of the podcast idea, and Frank’s surprising pre-dental career selling Velveeta cheese. The discussion quickly turns to the shar…
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Very Clinical: More Than a Cleaning with Maryann McFarland
29:39
29:39
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29:39In this episode, Kevin and Zach return from a hiatus and catch up on their summer adventures before introducing a special guest: Kevin's hygienist, Maryann McFarland. Maryann shares her journey through a 32-year career in hygiene, from a frustrating first job in a "prophy mill" to finding her work home in Kevin's practice. She discusses how embraci…
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AME: The Internet Before the Internet with Richard Heend
53:15
53:15
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53:15In this nostalgic throwback episode, Alan reconnects with his childhood friend, Richard Heend, to reminisce about the internet before the internet. They journey back to the early 1980s, discussing their first encounters with computers like the Atari 400, the magic of bulletin board systems (BBS), and the thrill of playing games like Jumpman Jr. Fro…
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Very Dental: Al and the Amazing Pants with Angus Pryor
49:20
49:20
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49:20Alan is joined by Australian marketing expert and fellow podcaster, Angus Pryor! The episode was recorded live from the Chicago Midwinter Meeting. Their chat begins with the surprising discovery that they both live on large rural farms, complete with forests, horses, and messy ducks. This shared experience launches them into a wide-ranging conversa…
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Very Clinical: Is Posterior Composite Anatomy Important or Pretentious? with Dr. Dan Smith
12:59
12:59
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12:59In this throwback episode recorded at VoD 2023, hosts Kevin and Zach are joined by Dr. Dan Smith from Tennessee to tackle dental myths and share clinical tips. Dan debunks the idea that the highly aesthetic and intricately detailed posterior composite restorations often seen on social media are inherently superior in longevity or patient benefit to…
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What do you get when Al is listening to Harry Potter books, has a 7am cancellation and is in a really weird head space? You get the Cancellation Menagerie! Recorded in the style of Harry Potter, you'll hear about all kinds of odd creatures in the dental world. The ones that wreck your schedule and some that you're glad don't come! Join the Very Den…
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Very Dental: Wrapping Up Patient Anxiety with Steph Tang of Wallaby
24:30
24:30
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24:30Alan sits down with Steph Tang, the co-founder of Wallaby, a company that has developed a therapeutic weighted blanket specifically for dental and healthcare settings. Steph shares her personal experience as a dental patient which sparked the idea for the Wallaby. She explains the science behind deep pressure stimulation and how the Wallaby helps t…
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Very Clinical: Are You There, AI? It's me...JLips
23:52
23:52
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23:52In this throwback episode Dr. Jason Lipscomb joins the Very Clinical guys live from VOD 23 to challenge the dental industry's conventional wisdom! He debunks the myth that you can be taught to "love" dentistry, especially by those out of touch with the modern-day pressures of practice ownership, staffing shortages, and waning employee loyalty. The …
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Alan reflects on the importance of maintenance, both in car care and dental practices. He discusses the parallels between regular car maintenance and consistent dental care, emphasizing the benefits of methodical upkeep to avoid surprises and extend longevity. Dr. Mead proposes using AI to create comprehensive dental maintenance reports for patient…
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Very Dental: Building a Practice That Runs Without You with Dr. Paul Etchison
34:34
34:34
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34:34Alan welcomes back friend, dentist, and coach Dr. Paul Etchison to talk about his unique career journey. Paul shares how he went from working in a high-volume clinic to building a startup practice that grew so quickly he was forced to bring on associates. He details the specific strategies he used, like prioritizing new patients and intentionally c…
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The Doers Podcast | Episode 3 | Michael McCarthy | Healthcare Strategy & AI Consultant
29:04
29:04
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29:04CareStack presents The Doers Podcast. In this series of candid interviews with successful entrepreneurs and changemakers in U.S. dentistry, we dive deep into their journeys, what drives them, and the insights they've gained along the way. Hosted by Dan Hall, VP of Sales at CareStack, this episode features Mike McCarthy, a 25-year industry veteran, …
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Very Clinical: Profitable Practice Without Placing Implants?
16:57
16:57
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16:57In this throwback episode of the Very Clinical podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin are joined by Voices of Dentistry 2023 co-founder, Dr. Alan Mead. Alan kicks off a "myths and tips" segment by challenging the idea that a dental practice must place implants to be profitable, specifically to reach the million-dollar mark. The discussion explores the signi…
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Alan Mead shares his personal journey into being a temporary "empty nester" as both of his sons attend the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for the first time. He reflects on their artistic pursuits—tuba and fine arts—and the humorous anxieties and newfound freedom that come with a quiet house. In the second half, Alan announces the exciting return of a be…
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Very Dental: Dr. August de Oliveira and the Dumb Radiologist Associate
48:45
48:45
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48:45Alan welcomes back long-time friend and fellow 1997 dental school graduate, Dr. August de Oliveira. They take a trip back in time, reminiscing about the early days of the online forum Dentaltown, where Dr. de Oliveira pioneered sharing cases for critique with his "CERECs du Jour" thread. The conversation then fast-forwards to the present, focusing …
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Very Clinical: Just the Bevel! A Class IV Revelation with Dr. Clinton Timmerman
20:18
20:18
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20:18In today's throwback episode Dr. Clinton Timmerman joins the Very Clinical Podcast live from Voices of Dentistry, and he's not afraid to bust some dental myths! Prepare to have your anesthetic assumptions challenged and maybe even find out why you shouldn't offer your dentist a side of steak for their services. Plus, Clint shares a surprisingly eff…
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Very Dental Student: The Harland Hustle: Surviving and Thriving in Your First Years of Dentistry
50:45
50:45
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50:45In this episode, Mohamed welcomes back Dr. Kevin Harland, a recent graduate from the OU College of Dentistry, for a candid conversation about the realities of life just two years out of dental school. Dr. Harland shares a powerful personal story about his daughter's health journey, which profoundly reshaped his perspective on his career and life. H…
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Very Dental: The Sharpest Take on Burs with Max Roland of Microcopy Dental
15:39
15:39
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15:39Alan sits down with Max Roland of Microcopy Dental in a live recording from the Chicago Midwinter dental meeting! They dive into the world of dental burs, exploring why a fresh bur is always the best bur. Max shares his journey since joining Microcopy four years ago and discusses their unique, sample-focused marketing that has kept their trade show…
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Very Clinical: Porcelain or Composite Veneers with Dr. Dennis Hartlieb
29:24
29:24
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29:24Once again Kevin and Zach are live from Scottsdale, Arizona in a throwback episode from the Voices of Dentistry 2023! They welcome guest Dr. Dennis Hartlieb from Chicago, who shares his journey through dentistry, including his education at the University of Michigan. Dennis delves into his platform, Dental Online Training (DOT), discussing the hand…
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Very Dental Student: Rounding Third (Year) and Heading Home with Mohamed Abo-Basha
44:12
44:12
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44:12Mohamed and Al have a conversation about the highlights of Mo's third year and what he's looking forward to in his D4 year at OU's School of Dentistry! The conversation provides a reflective look back at Mohamed's third year, covering his clinical experiences, the challenges he faced, and the adjustments in requirements. They delve into the nuances…
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Very Dental: Practical CE and Building a Practice You Love with Dr. Graham Forbes
50:33
50:33
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50:33Alan welcomes back Dr. Graham Forbes to the podcast for an engaging conversation! Graham discusses his journey from being an associate to owning a practice, and how this transition allowed him to implement advanced treatment planning and care practices. They delve into the importance of treatment planning, the effective use of dental microscopes, a…
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Very Clinical: Essential Tools for Extractions with Dr. Steven Dold
15:54
15:54
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15:54This throwback episode features Dr. Steven Dold joining Kevin and Zach from the Voices of Dentistry 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona! They discuss the common myth that a variety of specific instruments are required for dental extractions. Dr. Dold shares his streamlined approach, emphasizing the effectiveness of a minimalistic toolset. The conversation …
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In this episode of The Very Dental Brain Trust Alan is joined by Dr. Lance Timmerman, Dr. Gary Holtzclaw, and Dr. Randy Houska to tackle a series of challenging dental scenarios. From addressing patient complaints and negotiating treatment plans, to managing new technology implementation and handling tricky diagnoses, the group shares their wealth …
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The Doers Podcast | Episode 2 | Dr. Alex Otto and Tim Otto, Alcan Dental Cooperative
49:31
49:31
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49:31CareStack presents the The Doers Podcast. In this series of candid interviews with successful entrepreneurs in US dentistry, we will dive deep into their personalities, how thy got started, their success formulae and their life lessons. Hosted by Dan Hall, VP-Sales at CareStack, this episode of The Doers Podcast features Tim and Alex Otto, founders…
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Very Dental: From Poland to the Podium with Dr. Maggie Augustyn
47:06
47:06
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47:06Alan had a chance to sit down with Dr. Maggie Augustyn live at the Chicago Midwinter meeting for a candid conversation that spans her journey from Poland to practicing in the Chicago suburbs, the unique perspectives of Eastern European immigrants, and the realities of speaking in the dental world. They delve into the emotional toll and vulnerabilit…
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Very Clinical: Same Day Anterior Restorations with Dr. Kris Aadland
16:37
16:37
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16:37This throwback episode features Dr. Kris Aadland joining Kevin and Zach from the Voices of Dentistry 2023 event in Scottsdale, Arizona! They discuss the myth that in-house CAD/CAM crowns are inferior to lab crowns, with Kris sharing insights from her extensive experience. The conversation covers various aspects of dental technology, including the e…
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The patient experience in medicine sucks. Alan, having recently endured a couple of medical horror stories himself, passionately advocates for a different approach in dentistry. He urges dentists to focus on enhancing the patient experience through empathy and clear communication, noting that even simple texts can make a significant difference. Fur…
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Very Dental: Buffer Like a Pro with Dr. Jason Goodchild
30:57
30:57
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30:57Recorded 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 a…
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Very Clinical: Anterior Guidance and Other Occlusion Myths with Dr. Brian Baliwas
16:01
16:01
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16:01Today'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, advocat…
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Brain Trust: Hygiene Beyond the Prophy Cup with Dr. Sam Low and Michael Kaelberer
43:58
43:58
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43:58In 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 tech…
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Very Dental: Splitting the Wedge with Dr. Matt Burton
31:13
31:13
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31:13Alan 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 partnershi…
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Very Clinical: Dental Photography for Fun and Profit with Dr. Melissa Zettler
31:49
31:49
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31:49In 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 ca…
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AME: The Outrage Machine with Dr. Dawn Grimes
38:33
38:33
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38:33This 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 exploratio…
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Very Dental: Revolutionize Your Hygiene Department with Dr. Pam Maragliano-Muniz
43:08
43:08
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43:08Alan 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 …
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Very Clinical: A Love/Hate Relationship with Night Guards
37:24
37:24
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37:24In 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 s…
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Brain Trust: You've Got to Pay Your Dues!
47:31
47:31
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47:31One 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 experi…
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Very Dental: Dr. Richard Golden on Real-World Efficiency and Physics Forceps
35:42
35:42
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35:42In 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. …
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Very Clinical: Glad We Medit! Scanners and Software with Scott Shrader
41:12
41:12
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41:12Kevin and Zach welcome back Scott Shrader to talk digital dentistry and specifically about Medit scanners and software. Both Zach and Al are current Medit users so the episode is a great one if you're new to scanning or want to incorporate digital dentistry into your workflow even more! 3D Dentist Approach: While courses often involve scanners, 3D …
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AME: Live Patient Hands On CE in the Motor City with Dr. Ara Nazarian
11:59
11:59
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11:59Alan is joined by Dr. Ara Nazarian an in person recording at GoldenDent in Roseville, MI! Ara teaches extraction and grafting techniques featuring the Physics Forceps that were developed by the one and only Dr. Richard Golden! Ara took a couple minutes away from teaching to fill me in on the experience you'll get taking their course. I can't wait u…
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The Doers Podcast | Episode 1 | Katie Post, Northwest Dental Group
44:27
44:27
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44:27CareStack presents the The Doers Podcast. In this series of candid interviews with successful entrepreneurs in US dentistry, we will dive deep into their personalities, how thy got started, their success formulae and their life lessons. Hosted by Dan Hall, VP-Sales at CareStack, this episode of The Doers Podcast features, Katie Post, CEO of Northwe…
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Very Dental: Advertising, Insurance and the Golden Age of Dentistry with Dr. Richard Golden
37:46
37:46
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37:46In this episode of the Very Dental Podcast Alan interviews Dr. Richard Golden of GoldenDent in Roseville, Michigan. Dr. Golden is known for developing the "Physics Forceps" and GoldenDent provides extensive hands-on training in extractions, grafting, and implant placement, utilizing local facilities like Wayne County Community College for live pati…
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Very Clinical: How to Integrate Technology with Scott Shrader
35:24
35:24
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35:24Kevin and Zach, along with Alan welcome Scott Shrader from 3D Dentists to the podcast! Scott shares his journey from general sales into dental implant and equipment sales. Now part of the 3D Dentist team, Scott focuses on partnerships and the technology division, guiding dentists through the complexities of selecting and implementing digital tools …
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