Dentistry Unmasked: A Roundtable Podcast

Dentistry is no longer recession proof, despite the profession being an essential service. Young and seasoned dentists alike may face economic turmoil in the future. Check out this week's episode for an inside look with Pam, David and one of dentistry's greatest data driven pros and Dental Economics contributor, Dr. Rover Levin. He's here to teach you about how to avoid disaster and know what practices NOT to buy.   levingroup.com @roger.levi.9

If you're going to leave your success or failure to chance - listen in and only leave to Lisa Kane and Indai Chance. In this episode, Pam and David explore the best practices of the best practices - OSHA - HR & reimagining your hygiene protocols. Don't miss it!

This week, David and Pam welcome the dynamic Melissa Obrotka to dive into what really keeps patients healthy—and how hygienists can lead the charge. From motivational interviewing and oral biohacking to blending traditional and holistic approaches, this conversation is full of actionable insights you can apply today to elevate care and outcomes.

A controversial new law now allows dental assistants to perform the clinical duties of dental hygienists—but what does this mean for the future of dentistry? Join David and Pam this week as they sit down with Dr. Mia Geisinger and Katrina Sanders to dig into this hot-button issue. Is this a smart solution to the dental staffing shortage, or the beginning of a decline in the quality of care? Tune in for a lively, no-holds-barred conversation on one of the most polarizing topics in dentistry today.

Dental therapy: groundbreaking solution or dangerous shortcut? In this episode, David and Pam explored the pro-therapy side by sitting down with Dr. Rick Huot, a dentist who says "no way" to dental therapy and brings bold alternatives to the table. Think you've heard it all? Think again. Tune in to hear a fiery take on one of dentistry's most divisive debates.

Is owning a practice all it's cracked up to be—or has the dream turned into a daily grind? This week, David and Pam sit down with Scott Manning to tackle the disconnect between expectations and reality in dental practice ownership. With reimbursements shrinking and overhead climbing, many dentists feel like they're chasing an unattainable version of success. So why does it look so easy for others? Scott shares strategies to boost case acceptance, elevate the patient experience, and bring purpose (and profit) back to practice. If you've ever wondered whether true satisfaction and stability in ownership are still possible, you'll want to hear this conversation.

We spend years training to become dentists, only to find that many of us later dream of leaving the operatory behind. But why? Is stepping away from clinical dentistry a sign of burnout—or could it be a bold move toward something more fulfilling? This week, Dr. Sonya Reddy joins David and Pam to explore the motivations behind this growing trend. They dig into why some dentists trade handpieces for coaching, consulting, or entirely new ventures, and Dr. Reddy opens up about her own path from practice owner to passionate entrepreneur. It's an honest, insightful conversation you won't want to miss.

Here today, gone tomorrow—that's exactly how it felt when Dental Products Report (DPR) suddenly shut its doors. If you've been wondering what happened, this week's episode is for you. David and Pam catch up with Dr. John Flucke to unpack the story behind DPR's unexpected closure and hear what he's been up to since. They dive into the tech worth your attention—what's essential, what's just for fun—and even take a lighthearted turn into spirit animal territory. Any guesses which ones they picked? Tune in for a thoughtful, insightful, and surprisingly fun conversation.

Exciting breakthroughs in preventive dentistry are happening right now, and you won't want to miss them! Join David and Pam as they sit down with Dr. Brian Novy to explore 10 innovations that are transforming patient care. From salivary diagnostics and CBD to taste-modifying technology and even the coziest scrubs, this episode is packed with insights that could elevate your practice and knowledge. Tune in for a fun and informative conversation that will keep you ahead of the curve!

Reconstructing occlusion is no easy feat—but doing it for patients with TMD symptoms? That's next-level dentistry. This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. John Nosti, a master in functional and esthetic rehabilitation. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Nosti shares the critical education, materials, and strategies that have led to his long-term success in treating complex cases. Don't miss this episode if you want to elevate your expertise in occlusion and TMD treatment! **In Partnership with Ivoclar

Some not-so-fun facts: one in four Americans have a criminal record, and most dentists will experience embezzlement at some point in their careers. This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with embezzlement experts David Harris and Brittany Coiro to uncover the shocking ways practices are stolen from—and how to stop it. They share eye-opening stories and simple yet effective strategies to protect your practice and detect red flags early. Don't let trust or lack of vigilance cost you millions—tune in and safeguard your business!

Ever wondered how top dental educators and world-renowned lecturers got their start? Or are you looking for career opportunities beyond chairside dentistry? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam chat with Dr. Parag Kachalia—practicing dentist, international lecturer, and tech expert. Parag shares his journey, from his passion for technology to becoming an AI expert, and reveals which innovations are worth your attention (and investment). Whether you're exploring new career paths or curious about the future of dental tech, this episode is a must-listen! Parag's IG: @techdds

@BloodyToothGuy isn't just an Instagram sensation—he's a powerhouse oral surgeon, multi-practice owner, philanthropist, and educator. This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Jason Auerbach to talk about it all! He shares the secrets behind his wildly successful social media presence and offers surprising advice for those looking to grow their online brand. Whether you're a social media skeptic or ready to level up your digital game, you won't want to miss this one!   IG: @bloodytoothguy

A cyber attack can be one of the most devastating events for a dental practice—leading to costly penalties, lost data, and damaged patient trust. In this week's Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Lorne Lavine, a cybersecurity expert who has spent decades protecting dental practices from evolving threats. You won't believe how quickly hackers adapt and the crucial steps you need to take to stay ahead. Don't wait until it's too late—tune in to learn how to safeguard your practice before disaster strikes!

Are you truly educating your patients about the powerful connection between oral health and overall wellness? With nearly 60 systemic illnesses linked to oral inflammation, ignoring this issue can have serious consequences for your patients. This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and David are joined by Kelly Overton, RDH and they dive into the importance of effective patient communication and whether your team is delivering the message. Prioritizing this conversation not only benefits your patients but also enhances professional satisfaction and practice growth. Tune in for expert tips and tools to help you combat oral inflammation and elevate patient care! **In Partnership with Perio Protect

Curious about the latest dental technology and what's actually worth the investment? This week, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Marty Jablow for a practical and insightful discussion on cutting-edge advancements in dentistry. Marty breaks down what to consider before buying new tech, explores game-changing innovations on the horizon, and shares details about an exciting new tech event featuring top industry influencers—plus a thrilling dental Shark Tank experience! Don't miss this episode packed with expert insights and a sneak peek into the future of dentistry! www.dentalvipsummit.com  

Why learn the hard way when you can avoid costly mistakes from the start? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and David sit down with Jonathan Miller to uncover the most common—and expensive—mistakes new practice owners make. Despite seasoned professionals sharing their hard-earned lessons, many new owners still fall into the same traps. Tune in to discover these pitfalls and, more importantly, how to steer clear of them. Start your practice off right and set yourself on the path to long-term success!

Is your dental office's social media page blending into the background? Don't settle for generic, unengaging content! This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Jaclyn Nona to reveal how you can tap into the talent within your own team to create a social media presence that truly stands out. Learn how to identify and train the right team member to build an engaging, authentic page that actually connects with patients—and brings real results. Tune in and discover the marketing strategy that might finally pay off for your practice! *In partnership with Clever Dental Co

Hygienists are pissed that foreign trained docs and dental students can now do hygiene. Dentists feel like hostages in their own practices. It's been 5 long years since it all imploded ... but if we're honest ... it doesn't have to be that way. Let's be better! Join Erika Flateau, Pam and David for a very solutions oriented episode that'll move the needle in your practice today!

Upwards of 90% of adults with obstructive sleep apnea are undiagnosed. A significant majority of dental practices do not treat sleep disorders. Some have clinical success issues—listen in to Dr. Pam's personal story! Many who try fail to master attracting patients and successfully billing patients, unless they have an expert in their corner who has mastered the process from start to finish and who knows every key player in the game. Join Pam, David, and founder of SleepBetterNYC, Teresa Power, and learn to sleep your way to success. Instagram @sleepbetternyc

Foreign-trained dentists and dental students practicing as dental hygienists: a solution to the hygiene shortage or a risk to public safety and the dental hygiene profession? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam dive into this hot debate with Dr. Abe Abdul, president of the Massachusetts Dental Society, who played a key role in passing both the Foreign-Trained Dentist Bill (H4842) and the Dental Diversion Bill (H300) in Massachusetts. These landmark bills may be paving the way for similar changes in your state. Tune in to explore the implications of these legislative moves and what they could mean for the future of dentistry! https://www.dentistryiq.com/practice-management/insurance/video/14196126/boost-your-dentistryiq-what-the-competitive-health-insurance-act-means-for-dentistspage=1&filters=%7B%22text%22%3A%22abe%20abdul%22%2C%22page%22%3A1%2C%22status%22%3A%5B%221%22%5D%2C%22impliedSchedules%22%3Atrue%7D&sort=published https://nashp.org/dental-medical-loss-ratios-understanding-the-landscape-in-massachusetts-and-beyond/ https://www.massdental.org/Advocacy/Legislative-Action Dr. Abe Adbul email: drabdul@luxdental.com

Dental therapists are making waves in the dental world, now licensed in 14 states and capable of performing specific procedures after just three years of education beyond high school. Initially aimed at improving access to care in underserved areas, dental therapists are now finding roles in private practice, raising questions about profitability, quality, and the future of dentistry. This week, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Frank Catalanotto to explore the hot-button issue: Are dental therapists a threat to dentists or a solution to the access-to-care crisis? Tune in to hear the debate and decide where you stand! Resources: https://www.floridiansfordentalaccess.org/who-we-are/ https://www.ncdhe.org/ https://www.dentaltherapy.org/  

New Year, same problem... there is nobody great to hire. Or are they out there, but just don't want to work for you? This week, David and Pam sit down with Amy Morgan of Spear Education to unpack the hiring crisis and she breaks down why some practices are overstaffed, while others struggle to attract quality candidates, and what you can do to stand out. There are strategies you can implement to take control of your hiring strategy so you can curate your dream team. Before you start another year of staffing headaches, you will want to hear Amy's advice! Links: https://speareducation.outgrow.us/unmasked https://spear.education/3VICEBT

As 2024 comes to a close, join David and Pam for a heartfelt episode where they reflect on their biggest wins, the year's losses, lessons learned, and their exciting plans for 2025. Plus, they sharing some major love for you, their incredible audience, with the details of a huge giveaway to kick off the New Year! Don't miss out on the celebration—tune in this week to reflect, recharge, and discover how to enter the giveaway. Let's wrap up the year together in style!

If we had a dollar for every doctor or team member who brought a bah humbug attitude to the holiday bonus table ... we'd have plenty of money for parties, presents and paying more. Join this very special collaboration between Dentistry Unmasked and A Tale Of Two Hygienists. We get real on all things holiday bonuses!!

All on X ... Cosmetic cases for everyone ... new grads with no experience. We've lost our way in dentistry. Join Dr. Gordon Chrisensen - learn the data on what you're being told works long-term vs reality. From implants, to Zirconia, to the most highly marketed CE courses ... you're going to be shocked!

WARNING - tough questions to follow! How much money do spend monthly to grow? Is it delivering 5X ROI consistently? Some know. Some don't. Some burn through marketing companies hoping for a win - some already have the right company and miss it internally on the phones. But if you don't measure it - you're just guessing - and you can't improve it. Join Pamela, David and Nick Jasacomb of CallRail & get a free trial to find out if what you're doing - or want to do is or can deliver. The episode is published in partnership with CallRail!

Traditionally our "clients" have always been our patients. But is that true in today's world? Or are our clients our team members, including associates?! In this episode, Dr. Tarun Agarwal explains how we are competing with each other to get the highest quality team. Do you have the tech new grad associates are wanting? Do your DA and RDH teams know what services you are providing in your office from your chair? Is everyone on the same page? You might not be doing the things necessary to be successful in this new business model of dentistry but Tarun is here to help!

The ADA, ADHA, ADEA, and ASDA think dental compacts are dentistry's ticket to mobility and portability of licensure. That's a great thing if it's done right! The question is ... with the variations in delivered education from dental school to dental school, is this solution the right one? And can we trust organizations that are supposed to be looking out for our best interests? In today's episode, Pam and David are joined by Sheli Cobler and Matt Shafer to discuss the pros and cons of dental compacts. Where do you land on the issue?

If you could increase your new patients, increase your case acceptance, increase your bottom line and decrease your cancellations and no shows with one tool ... would you do it? Join Pam, David and Max Zanan in this week's Dentistry Unmasked as they patently solve 3 of dentistry's largest challenges in one fell swoop. PS - listen in and get your free copy of The Dental Warranty Revolution. This read alone will transform your practice!! Max@dentalprotectiongroup.com

Young Dentists: Build It? Buy It? Or Stay An Associate? With a half million in debt ... or more ... DSO's ... and so many Facebook dentists complaining about their dental life ... what's the best path to success and happiness? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and David spend some QT with Dr. Scott Leune and unpack exactly how one's fastest path to dental, financial and general freedom in life is NOT building anyone's dream but your own!

What's the sentence that makes you roll your eyes every time? A personal favorite of ours: "That might work in your practice, but it won't work in mine." In this episode, we dive into the top sayings that occur in dentistry that we are so over with our friend, Rich Madow!

Free money? It sounds too good to be true, but it's not! This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and David sit down with credit card rewards specialist and travel expert, Howie Rappaport, to uncover the secrets of turning your everyday purchases into incredible rewards. Whether it's free travel or cold, hard cash, Howie shows how strategic spending can lead to major perks. If you want to learn how to maximize the money you're already spending and make your life a little richer, this is an episode you can't afford to miss!

Did you get a prenup? Should you have? And if you didn't, is it too late to protect yourself? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with attorneys Spencer Welch and Alexander Erwig to tackle a topic more important than many realize. With half of us likely to wish we'd made this move, you'll learn why a prenup could be essential for dentists and, more importantly, how to bring up this delicate conversation in a tactful and effective way. Don't miss these expert insights that could safeguard your financial future!

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam dive into the challenges of pediatric dentistry. How confident are you in managing children in your practice? Does your dental school pedo rotation really cover all the skills you need for today's pediatric patients? More importantly, are the behavioral management techniques you learned still up to date with modern standards? To answer these questions, Pam and David are joined by Dr. Anand Patel, a pediatric psychiatrist, who shares invaluable insights on how to better manage young patients. Whether you're looking to update your skills or learn what's currently acceptable (and what's not), this episode is packed with practical advice you won't want to miss!  

Many dentists operate under fear—fear of losing patients if they drop insurance plans, fear of unhappy patients or team members. But this week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Rob Ritter, who challenges dentists to break free from these fears. Dr. Ritter shares powerful strategies for growing as a professional, becoming the best dentist you can be, and being compensated fairly. It's time to stop undervaluing yourself and your work. Tune in to gain the skills and confidence to build a truly rewarding career! https://www.theprotocollive.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Code-Greatness-Born-Grown/dp/055380684X  

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam continue their conversation with Sam Alawie. While last week focused on life and the power of hard work, this episode dives deep into implants, dental materials, and the invaluable things your lab tech wishes you knew. Tune in to discover key principles of dental materials that can help you create stronger, more beautiful, and long-lasting restorations. You won't want to miss these expert tips that can elevate your clinical outcomes! https://www.beverlyhillsdentallab.com/ https://magneeducation.com/  

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam share the inspiring journey of Sam Alawie, a dedicated laboratory technician who immigrated to the United States and now runs one of the most prestigious dental labs in Beverly Hills. Sam's story is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, offering valuable life lessons and professional insights. Tune in to hear how his experiences have shaped his approach to creating exceptional tooth and implant-supported restorations and discover the strategies you can implement to elevate your own practice. Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration and practical wisdom for fulfilling your professional aspirations and practicing top-tier dentistry. https://www.beverlyhillsdentallab.com/ https://magneeducation.com/  

This week, David and Pam chat with Dr. Erik-Jan Muts, the world authority on resin infiltration, to break down the critical steps for this minimally invasive, yet maximally impactful restorative solution. Whether you've tried resin infiltration with mixed results or you're curious about its reliability, Dr. Muts offers invaluable tips on case selection, accurate diagnosis, and clinical protocols that ensure success. This conversation is packed with practical insights that will boost your confidence and help you achieve exceptional outcomes with resin infiltration. Don't miss this chance to elevate your practice with expert advice from a true leader in the field!

In this week's episode of Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam explore practice transitions with expert Dave Miller. Contrary to popular belief, private transitions are still very much alive, and Dave reveals how dentists can achieve comparable cash-outs through private transactions just as they would with a DSO sale. This episode is a must-listen for young dentists dreaming of practice ownership and for those who prefer to avoid "going corporate" as they plan their exit strategy. Tune in to discover the hear the lesser heard truths when contemplating a private practice transition.

This week, David and Pam have a captivating conversation with the one-of-a-kind Dr. Courtney Lavigne. She's an AACD-accredited dentist-turned-orthodontist whose unique blend of cosmetic expertise and deep understanding of tooth mechanics offers invaluable insights for general dentists performing aligner therapy. Dr. Lavigne's perspective will transform how you approach patient care, making you rethink every photo you take and every case you treat. If you want to elevate your aligner cases and view your patients through a more refined lens, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in before your next aligner case!

This week, David and Pam uncover one of the biggest missteps in the insurance credentialing process—accepting the initial fee schedule from insurance companies without negotiation. This costly mistake can lead to significant financial losses over the span of your career. But it doesn't have to be this way. Effective negotiations, both before you credential and as an ongoing practice, you can save millions in write-offs and secure better reimbursements from the plans you work with. Tune in to learn proven strategies that will empower you to work with, not be played by insurance companies.

In today's episode, David and Pam tackle one of dentistry's most pressing questions: Why do our priorities and approaches to perio treatment differ so vastly between dental and dental hygiene professionals? Joined by the insightful Dr. Mia Geisinger and renowned hygienist Katrina Sanders, RDH, they explore how we can bridge the gap and collaborate more effectively to ensure our patients' periodontal health. But that's not all—this discussion goes beyond clinical care to address a critical concern for many practices: profitability. Is it true that hygiene can't be profitable, or are we overlooking opportunities to boost revenue from hygiene operations? Tune in to discover actionable strategies that can transform both patient outcomes and your bottom line.

In short, you sure do. The question is—are they people you need to meet? Join Chip Fichtner and get the stone cold truth on what's working, what isn't, who actually gets 10x EBITDA, who doesn't, why, and what to do about it. With five billion in injected money since the turn of the year, have a conversation with Chip at LargePracticeSales.com or email at Chip@largepracticesales.com.

Wow! That's all we have to say after sitting down with this week's guest, Britt Glauz. From clinical excellence to patient advocate, Britt has become one of Incisal Edge's 32 most influential people in dentistry and a Global Award Winner, all in 3.5 years! Join us—not just to learn how she did it—but what it means for you and your success. For more awesomeness, check out @brushwithbritt on Instagram and the BrushwithBritt podcast on all your favorite podcast platforms!

Who's your favorite dental speaker? Author? Influencer? Ever wondered how they went from chairside clinician to global leader? Join us and learn what it takes from Amanda Hill who did it in under two years!   Want to learn even more for Amanda? Check her out on IG @amandahillrdh FB @AmandaColeHill Dear Patient - @dentistryiq.com

This week, we sat down with world-renowned prosthodontist Dr. Ken Malament for a deep dive into the world of all-ceramic restorations. Dr. Malament candidly shares his extensive research on the durability and performance of various materials, shedding light on which ones boast decades-long success rates and which are prone to chipping, fractures, and debonds. He also shares his tips for preparation design to create restorations that last! Before you prepare a tooth for another indirect restoration, tune in to discover invaluable knowledge that could level up outcomes.

Bad reviews. Literally—how do we handle them? What do we say? Join Flint Geier for this amazing WWFD to learn about how to provide the optimal response to poor reviews.

Accidentally creative? Not a chance. Want to learn how to jettison your success as a young dentist? This is your chance ... and you're going to be surprised. From her daily quality textbook time, to the CE, to her favorite apps, strategies and the dentistry she's excited about, this is a must listen episode with Dr. Melissa Seibert and Dentistry Unmasked at it's finest. Check it out and when you want Dr. Seibert, you can find her: @dental_digest_podcast and @dr.melissa_seibert

Welcome to another incredible episode of Dentistry Unmaksed! This week, Dentistry Unmasked equals a major unboxing with this episode's sponsor, Clinician's Choice, and we couldn't be more excited. Join us to hear about what we love and what we're excited to try. To learn more, head to www.clinicianschoice.com or reach out to your favorite Henry Schein Representative.

When anyone shares it's too late to reinvent yourself, you tell them to watch you do it. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with one of dentistry's finest, Dr. Paresh Shah who has reimagined, reignited and refueled his passion for delivering excellence. He's transformed his team and totally rebuilt his facility to drive the dentistry he loves delivering. This is a must listen for every new dentist and every dentist who feels stuck! Want more? Check out @drpareshshah on Instagram, Elevate Dentistry and Beyond the Single Tooth textbook Dr. Shah penned.