Viva Learning Podcasts | DentalTalk™

As infection control regulations become more rigorous and patients grow more aware of clinical standards, it's essential for dental teams to stay ahead—and that's where technology and automation are making a real difference. We're joined by Amanda Hill, a nationally recognized expert in infection control, who shares the latest advancements in sterilization and compliance tools. From preventing waterline contamination to ensuring every sterilization cycle is accurately documented, Amanda explains how the right technology can help your team maintain high standards, avoid costly errors, and deliver safer care across the board.

Are typical mouthwash products effective and are they worth recommending to our patients? Are there any products out there that can actually make a significant difference in our fight against perio disease? Our guest, Dr. Steven Milman, will address these questions and more. Dr. Milman received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. He completed his Periodontal residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He was a researcher in periodontal microbiology and was a full time periodontist in his private practice in Round Rock and Austin, Texas for 36 years. Thanks to our episode sponsors: BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/ Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

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 improve patient education, case acceptance, and compliance, but also help streamline insurance claim approvals and enhance overall clinical efficiency. In doing so, many hygienists gain a renewed perspective on their profession—often leading to greater career fulfillment and satisfaction. Our guest is Alicia Murria, RDH, with a masters in dental hygiene. She can be reached at aliciamurria.com.

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. Join us for an informal discussion with Melissa addressing fractional executives in dentistry, the growth of multi-location group practices and how the role of dental hygienists will revolutionize the dental practice. Thanks to our episode sponsors: NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/ GC America - https://www.gc.dental/ GUM - https://www.sunstargum.com/us-en/

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 cases and research to support his opinion. The whole procedure can be done in 30 minutes when pouring your impression with a fast setting silicone material. So if you're looking to practice conservative dentistry and preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible and still deliver a full coverage crown, you might find the semi-direct restoration an excellent option for many of your large caries cases. Dr. Lauren Rainey, a well-respected clinician and KOL will also be joining us.

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 billing to medical insurance companies and how difficult is this to do? To answer these questions and more is our guest, Kandra Sellers. Kandra is a RDH with over 25 years in the dental industry. She is widely considered one of the most passionate and respected dental coaches. She is an educator in the field of oral systemic health, as well as founder and CEO of TIPS Medical Billing. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Shining 3D- https://www.shining3ddental.com/ VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/

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 building targeted, effective treatment plans that can help stop disease before it leads into much more serious and expensive problems. Our guest is Alicia Murria, a RDH with a masters degree in dental hygiene. She is a member of the Hygiene Faculty with Align Technology, Associate Hygiene Productivity Coach with Inspired Hygiene, and alumni at Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene.

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 healthcare solutions. In this environment, teledentistry emerges as a tool that holds immense potential for every dental practice. To tell us more about it is our guest Dr. Maria Kunstadter. Over the past decade, Dr. Kunstadter, a practicing dentist, has been at the forefront of this innovative approach to dental care, integrating it seamlessly into her practice while also dedicating herself to educating and assisting fellow dental professionals in maximizing the potential of teledentistry. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/ BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

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. Our guest is Dr. Foroud Hakim. He has maintained a private dental practice for over 30 years, is a sought after key opinion leader and speaker and is a highly respected consultant for new product evaluation and development.

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 over 40 years and is an internationally recognized authority on dental lasers and advanced dental technologies. Dr. Benjamin has faculty appointments at several universities, is the Chairman of the ADA Standards Committee Working Group on Dental Lasers and is a Past-President of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He currently serves on the editorial review board for several prestigious dental journals. Thanks to our episode sponsors: GC America - https://www.gc.dental/ NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/

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

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 compliance. It all started when a patient who owed the practice money requested their dental records. To tell us how this all played out and what it cost the practice owner is our guest Dr. Karson Carpenter. Dr. Carpenter is a dentist and expert in OSHA and Infection Control Compliance and is founder and president of Compliance Training Partners. Thanks to our episode sponsors: BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/ Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

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.

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 University of Michigan school of dentistry in 2004. He is private practice in North Ridgeville Ohio and has become a sought after speaker and lecturer on many aspects of how to build an extraordinary dental practice. Thanks to our episode sponsors: NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/ GC America - https://www.gc.dental/

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 University of Texas Dental School, Dr. Coleman is a respected key opinion leader, sought-after speaker, and past president of the Academy of General Dentistry.

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 issues can non-invasively improve both their dental and overall health, with benefits that will last a lifetime. Dr Patterson, thanks for joining us. Thanks to our episode sponsors: VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/ Centrix Dental - https://www.centrixdental.com/ GUM - https://www.sunstargum.com/us-en/

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 are two experienced clinicians, Dr Lauren Rainey and Dr Mauricio Watanabe. They will share how the use of highly filled nanocomposite materials in their techniques are transforming the way they restore teeth—and why patients are loving the results.

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 fundamentals behind the different types of root resorption. By doing so, we as clinicians, can sharpen our diagnostic skills and optimally manage these conditions on a case by case basis. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/ BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

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 efficiency and accuracy to the dental office.

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 experience in teledentistry. Over the past decade, Dr. Kunstadter has been at the forefront of this innovative approach to dental care, integrating it seamlessly into her practice while also dedicating herself to educating and assisting fellow dental professionals in maximizing the potential of teledentistry. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Septodont USA - https://www.septodontusa.com/ NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/ GUM - https://www.sunstargum.com/us-en/

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 the characteristic black staining that comes with its use. Our guest is Dr. Carla Cohn, a general dentist who is devoted solely to the practice of dentistry for children. She owns and operates Kids Sleep Dentistry Winnipeg, a private practice at Western Surgery Centre in Canada. Dr. Cohn is the founder of Lit Smile Academy, a CE company that organizes live, hands on programs that focus on practical clinical dentistry.

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 yourself? To tell us about leukoplakia and what we should be doing as GPs is our guest Dr. Ashley Clark. Dr. Clark is a dentist and Board-Certified Oral Pathologist currently serving as the Vice President of CAMP Laboratory. She is on the Professional Board for Oral Cancer Cause and Digital Dental Notes. Dr. Clark has won several teaching awards, has provided over 100 continuing education courses, and has authored more than 40 publications and book chapters. She can be reached at aclark@camplaboratory.com. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Shining 3D- https://www.shining3ddental.com/ VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/

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. Lori Trost.

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 popular speaker on Viva Learning.com, a cosmetic dentist, international author, lecturer and consultant to dental companies. You can reach Dr. Snyder at: www.Legion.Dentist. Thanks to our episode sponsors: BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/ Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

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 a seamless finish. Our guest is world-respected assistant and educator, Shannon Pace Brinker.

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't more dentists doing this in their practice. Dr. Frachella believes a good part of the reason is that most dentists don't look at this treatment as profitable. He disagrees. So let's find out more from our guest, Dr. John Frachella, who is not only knowledgeable but also quite entertaining. Dr Frachella is a pediatric dentist with 50 years experience in the delivery of dental services in public and private settings. He's worked in private practices across the country and for a decade was on staff at OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University) Dental School. He lectures at NYU Dental School for the largest dental residency program in the US. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Centrix Dental - https://www.centrixdental.com/ GC America - https://www.gc.dental/

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 expert guest, Dr. Krikor Derbabian, will tell us all about it and make his recommendations.

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 want to meet on the subject of dental assisting and dental hygiene. Emily blends her extensive experience in dental hygiene and dental assisting with a dual Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/ BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

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 innovative device seamlessly integrates with the Root ZX3 apex locator, requiring no additional time or space—yet offering a major breakthrough in root canal therapy. Joining us today to discuss this technology is Dr. Chafic Safi. Dr. Safi completed his postgraduate residency in Endodontics at the University of Pennsylvania in 2015, where he also earned a Master of Science in Oral Biology. He lives and practices in Montreal, Canada.

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 chair so that we minimize wear and tear on our musculoskeletal system. That means developing and maintaining good ergonomic habits. To tell us about this is our guest, Katrina Klein. Katrina is a registered dental hygienist for 16 years, national speaker, author, competitive bodybuilder and certified personal trainer. She's the founder of ErgoFitLife, where ergonomics and fitness are a lifestyle to prevent, reduce or eliminate pain. Thanks to our episode sponsors: VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/ Shining 3D- https://www.shining3ddental.com/ GUM - https://www.sunstargum.com/us-en/

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 authored over twenty peer-reviewed papers and 7 laser textbooks. He has delivered close to 400 continuing education programs worldwide.

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 - https://www.nskdental.com/

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 speaker and writer, editorial director of DentistryIQ and leads a team-centered restorative and implant practice in East Amherst, New York. To learn more about Dr. Rice visit ignitedds.com.

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, as a GP, are you prepared to handle this case in the best possible way? In this episode we'll review the basics on how to handle the avulsed permanent tooth with complete apex formation. In a future podcast, I'll talk about avulsion of permanent teeth that have incomplete apex formation. Thanks to our episode sponsors: BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/ Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

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 a wide range of treatments. If you've ever wondered whether CBCT is the missing piece in your practice, stay tuned—we've got the insights to help you make the right decision. Our guest is Dr. Steven Vorholt, a board certified dental implant specialist who practices in Santa Barbara, California. He has taught over 1,000 dentists place their first implants and thousands more through lectures, webinars, and podcasts. He is the host of The Full Arch Podcast.

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 practice's efficiency, budget, and patient care quality. To help us make the right decision when it comes to our instrument maintenance is Emily Boge. Emily blends her extensive experience in dental hygiene and dental assisting with a dual Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership to provide education to entry level and licensed dental practitioners. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Septodont USA - https://www.septodontusa.com/ VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/ GUM - https://www.sunstargum.com/us-en/

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 our guest is Dr. Carla Cohn. She is a general dentist, devoted solely to the practice of dentistry for children. She owns and operates Kids Sleep Dentistry Winnipeg, a private practice at Western Surgery Centre in Canada. Dr. Cohn has recently founded Lit Smile Academy, a continuing dental education company. With extensive teaching experience and numerous publications, she is recognized internationally for her contributions to continuing dental education.

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 settings. He's worked in private practices across the country and for a decade was on staff at OHSU Dental School. He currently lectures at NYU Dental School for the largest dental residency program in the US. Thanks to our episode sponsors: NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/ Centrix Dental - https://www.centrixdental.com/

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 a person and a dentist. Whether you're a new dentist just starting or a seasoned professional looking for fresh inspiration, this episode will remind you why setting goals, staying engaged, and keeping an open mind to learning can make all the difference in your career.

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 tell us all about it is our guest, Dr. Carla Cohn. She owns and operates Kids Sleep Dentistry Winnipeg, a private practice at Western Surgery Centre in Canada. She is the founder of Lit Smile Academy, a CE company that focuses on pediatric dentistry for the GP. In fact, she has an upcoming hands-on program in Vancouver on June 7th, 2025. You can get all the details at litsmileacademy.com. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/ BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

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 hygienists to lead, take ownership of their role, and contribute beyond their clinical duties. Dr. Kelly Tanner is a reg dental hygienist who holds a Ph.D. in Business and Leadership. Her website is nextleveldentalhygiene.com.

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. In this episode we'll address simple things we can do to minimize the risk of injuries so that we can continue to work optimally and pain-free, thereby enjoying good health and fitness throughout our lives and professional career. Our guest is Katrina Klein, an expert in ergonomics. She is a dental hygienist, author, speaker, educator and competitive bodybuilder. Her company is Ergofitlife. Thanks to our episode sponsors: VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/ Shining 3D- https://www.shining3ddental.com/

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 us in on some key clinical techniques that he's learned over the past 30 years. Dr. Pescatore is a general dentist who has been a pioneer in digital dentistry since the early '90s, and has seen it all when it comes to creating aesthetic restorations. He maintains a full-time practice dedicated exclusively to aesthetic restorative dentistry in Danville, California. Thanks to our episode sponsors: BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/ Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

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 one. Joining us today is Dr. Karson Carpenter, a dentist and CEO and founder of Compliance Training Partners. Thanks to our episode sponsors: GC America - https://www.gc.dental/ NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/

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 all about it is our guest Dr. Ankur Gupta. Thanks to our episode sponsors: VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/ Centrix Dental - https://www.centrixdental.com/

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 have Dr. Patterson on the show to share her journey—a journey that shows how following your passion through continued learning can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic dental career. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/ BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

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 Dentistry, an internationally known clinician, educator and author He publishes a bi-monthly column in Dental Economics entitled “I Have It…You Need It!” where he shares his opinion and experiences on materials, products and techniques that will make your day easier, more productive and rewarding. He maintains a general practice in Fort Lee, NJ.

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 near his home in Kansas City. But when he learned about an opening for the position at Wichita State University, nearly 200 miles away from his home, he didn't let distance deter him. His decision to chase his dream has not only transformed his career but also given him a renewed sense of purpose. Yes, sacrifices may be required, but when the payoff is fulfillment and purpose, the journey is well worth it.

There's more to an IOS than just taking an impression. Our guest today, Dr. Chris Pescatore, believes that the dentist should use the scanner strategically in the first visit. As he explains, it builds trust and becomes the foundation for a successful dentist-patient relationship. Dr. Pescatore, is a general dentist with over 30 years of experience. He has been a pioneer in digital dentistry since the early '90s and has seen it all when it comes to creating aesthetic restorations. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/ BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

Our guest, Dr. Susan McMahon, has mastered how to leverage 3D printing technology in her practice. She'll share how 3D printing has made her provisionals exceptional and how it has transformed her indirect restorative workflow. Dr. McMahon has been honored as a Top U.S. Dentist more than 20 times and has been voted by her peers as a Top Pittsburgh Dentist every year for over two decades.

Part of the strategy of a successful practice, as our guest points out, is to get the patient to become part of the conversation. This of course helps with case acceptance and patient satisfaction. We'll be talking about the importance of cusp protection in our restorations and why it's so important to consider a crown versus composite restorative. We'll also discuss how the standardization of dental materials within a given practice helps improve efficiency and productivity. Dr. Derse is a mentor at the Kois Center in Seattle, WA and has lectured internationally on cosmetics, restorative dentistry, aligner therapy, and case presentation and acceptance.