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AI is in the headlines, but what does that mean for dentistry and for how you practice? We discuss the risks and opportunities every dentist needs to know about using AI responsibly and effectively. Featured Guests: Dr. Alex Lee For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  Everybody's talking about AI, but between the hype and the headlines, how do we know what's actually safe, legal and worth using? Today we're diving into these issues and learning more about the risks and rewards of how AI can be used in dental practices.   Our guest today is Dr. Alex Lee, a general dentist, Professor, and Assistant Dean for Dental Informatics at Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (CDM) in Pomona, California. He is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and thought leader whose work focuses on artificial intelligence, dental informatics, and technology implementation in oral health care. Since October 2022, Dr. Lee has delivered more than 60 presentations on AI in dentistry, published multiple peer-reviewed articles on the subject, consulted on multiple AI policies, and serves in leadership roles at CDM, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the American Dental Association (ADA), and other organizations advancing innovation in dental education and practice.  To help our listeners understand the AI landscape, Dr. Lee outlines six major categories of AI in dentistry: diagnostics, treatment planning, automation, extended reality, data analytics, and administrative support. He also notes that while many dentists are familiar with AI-powered imaging and medical record tools, dentistry has been at the forefront of adopting generative AI in healthcare.  Dr. Lee recommends that when evaluating any new AI tool, we should start with three simple questions: Can I use it? Should I use it? And how do I use it? He explains that this framework applies not only to AI, but to any technology being introduced into a dental practice, helping clinicians make thoughtful, practical decisions before adoption.  Dentists need to understand the legal framework surrounding the use of AI, says Dr. Lee, as he explains that while there are currently no federal laws specifically regulating AI in healthcare, existing privacy and compliance laws still apply.  Dr. Lee emphasizes that ethical AI use begins with asking not just "Can I use it?" but "Should I use it?" He explains that the ADA Principles of Ethics provide a valuable framework for evaluating AI, reminding dentists that patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and truthfulness should guide every technology decision.  While AI is proving valuable in the operatory for repetitive tasks such as imaging analysis, administrative workflows, and identifying patterns across large volumes of data, Dr. Lee cautions against treating AI like a "genie lamp," warning that it could lead users to trust results they don't fully understand or verify.  The group examines how patients' reactions to AI in the dental practice can vary but agree that trust often comes down to the clinician, not the technology. Drawing on his experiences as both a healthcare provider and patient, Dr. Lee explains that AI can build confidence when it serves as a support tool, but concerns arise when dentists rely on technology they don't fully understand or allow it to drive decisions instead of exercising their own clinical judgment.  Dr. Lee cautions that one of the biggest mistakes dentists can make is overlooking legal and compliance requirements when adopting AI. Before implementing any tool, he recommends dental practices confirm that vendors have appropriate agreements in place, conduct security risk assessments, establish clear protocols and training, regularly audit technology, and verify that products are cleared for their intended use.  Looking ahead, Dr. Lee believes dentistry's AI future could closely mirror the path already taken by medicine. He notes that many of the technologies, workflows, and efficiencies becoming commonplace in medicine today are likely to make their way into dental practice over the next several years.  Resources  What are the standards for AI use in dentistry? ADA offers guidance on responsible use of technology.   Test your understanding of Generative AI concepts, applications, and best practices with the GLAT - Generative AI Literacy Assessment Test.  The HHS Cyber Gateway provides resources tailored to meet the unique cybersecurity needs of healthcare organizations by leveraging the collective expertise of federal agencies and collaborating with industry stakeholders. Learn more on their site.    The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), in collaboration with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR), developed a downloadable Security Risk Assessment (SRA) Tool. Check it out here.   Learn more about the ADA Code of Ethics.   Read about how how 3D printer emissions may affect health.  Listen to other Dental Sound Bites episodes on Embracing AI for Patient Care, and The AI Revolution in Dentistry.      Looking for CE on this topic? We recommend these courses:  "Leveraging AI and Digital Dentistry for Enhanced Patient Care"  AI Panel Discussion   "Artificial Intelligence: Overview and Legal Considerations"  "Artificial Intelligence's Revolutionary Impact on Dentistry"

The conversation continues after the show! In this bonus episode of the Dental Sound Bites podcast, learn how new dentists can find a mentor and build meaningful professional relationships. Featured Guests:  Dr. Kayla Klingensmith  For more information visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We're sharing the career-building moves every dental professional should know, plus the five good habits that can help you build long-term success.  Featured Guests:  Dr. Kayla Klingensmith  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, we're sharing the career-building moves every dental professional should know, plus habits that can help you build long-term success.  Our guest is Dr. Karla Klingensmith. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Roanoke College, went to dental school at the University of Pittsburgh where she also got her Master's in Public Health. Did her GRP at Lehigh Valley Hospital where she is an attending and is now the owner of Evergrow Dental in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she is passionate about helping patients achieve lasting oral health by uncovering the root causes of dental disease. Dr. Klingensmith is the chair of the American Dental Association's New Dentist Committee. Dr. Klingensmith's family includes her husband and her two standard poodles. She enjoys reading, crafting, and gardening.  Many dentists are surprised by how different practice is from dental school. Dr. Klingensmith discusses the challenges, expectations, and lessons that often catch new dentists off guard during their first job, including sharing her own first job experience.  When evaluating that first job search, should new dentists prioritize compensation or focus on finding the best learning environment? Dr. Klingensmith explains why the right experience early in your career can shape long-term growth, confidence, and success, and how to best evaluate what matters most to you.  Dr. Klingensmith shares the questions every dentist should ask before accepting a job offer, including how to evaluate mentorship opportunities, spot red flags during the interview process, connect with dentists already in the practice, and understand important contract provisions, such as restrictive covenants.  The group discusses that confidence takes time to build and reminds new dentists to give themselves grace as they develop their skills. The conversation explores how to approach unfamiliar procedures, embrace continuous learning, knowing your worth, and recognizing that competence is earned through experience, not expected on day one.  Landing the job is just the beginning. Dr. Klingensmith shares what professional development looks like during the early years of practice, including the skills that matter most, how to create a personal growth plan for yourself, and how dentists can make the most of even a few hours each month dedicated to learning and career development.  Knowing when to stay and when to move on from a job can be one of the biggest career decisions a dentist makes. Dr. Klingensmith discusses when she knew it was time to move on, and the signs that it may be time for a change.   Dr. Klingensmith says that the important financial decisions new dentists should be thinking about from the start include managing debt, evaluating compensation, and building healthy financial habits.   What are the five things every new dentist should do during the first five years after dental school? Dr. Klingensmith shares the five good habits that helped her stay on track, from committing to continuing education and mentorship to building strong financial and professional foundations.    Resources  Get the news you need to help you thrive in your career and life – focused on the challenges you face early in your career.  Explore the early career dentist success hub – what early career dentists rely on in their career, practice and financial future.  Map out your career goals, evaluate options and make confident career moves with this career planning resources.   Learn how to evaluate your employment contract and protect your interests with this "What to Know before Signing" E-book.   Questions about the associate-to-ownership path? See what you need to know before buying a practice.  Learn more about the New Dentist Committee at the ADA and get involved!  ADA members get discounts! Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started.  Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Have a brilliant idea for a new CDT code? Learn how you can participate in the CDT code development process, submit proposals, and contribute ideas that may influence the future of dental coding. Featured Guest:  Dr. Shelley Barker Olson For more information visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We're answering your most frequently asked CDT Code questions and covering the key changes coming in 2027 to help you navigate CDT codes with confidence. For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Featured Guest:  Dr. Shelley Barker Olson Show Notes  In this episode, we're answering your most frequently asked CDT Code questions, and covering the key changes coming in 2027 to help you navigate CDT codes with confidence.  Our guest for this episode is Dr. Shelley Olson. Dr. Olson received her DDS degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. While at UNC she was President of the American Association of Women Dentists. Since receiving her degree, Dr. Olson has been in private practice, active in her community, and served in elected offices of local, district, state and national dental societies. Additionally, she is actively working with the North Carolina Dental Society as President and the American Dental Association as Chair of the Council on Dental Benefits Programming.  Coding plays a critical role in every dental practice. The conversation begins with a CDT code primer, exploring what CDT codes are, why they matter, and some key concepts every dental professional should understand.   More than just a billing tool, CDT codes serve as a standardized language that helps dentists, dental benefit plans, and other professionals communicate consistently about procedures and services.   Dr. Olson explains why CDT codes change from year to year, and how the Code Maintenance Committee reviews new code requests. The conversation covers the criteria used to determine whether proposals are added, and the role dental professionals can play in the submission process.   The group discusses CDT Code updates for 2027 that are expected to have the greatest impact on everyday clinical practice. The conversation highlights updates to implant-related codes, the addition of new pain management codes, and efforts to address gaps to better reflect current procedures and patient care.  Dr. Olson shared practical advice for navigating some of the most common CDT coding challenges faced by dentists. Some of these include frequent coding errors, including those involving nightguards and extractions, and she offers insights to help improve coding accuracy, documentation and claim submissions.  Dentists are told "code for what you do", but what if your claim still gets denied? Dr. Olson explains how to navigate claim denials, and shares what you should do when this happens.  Even for practices that are not participating with dental insurance plans, accurate CDT coding is essential, Dr. Olson says, because codes are a standardized record of care, they support clear documentation and help ensure clear continuity of care if patients transfer between providers.   The conversation addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about CDT coding, including documentation requirements for scaling and planing. The discussion also explores what dentists can do when they identify a gap in the CDT codes.  One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that dentists can play an active role in the evolution of the CDT Code guides.  Dr. Olson explains how dental professionals can participate in the code maintenance process, learn more about the ADA Code Maintenance Committee, and contribute ideas that help ensure CDT codes continue to reflect the needs of today's dental practices.      Resources  Get answers to some of the most frequently asked CDT questions.  Need CDT support? ADA can help!  Free coding assistance is available to all ADA members, plus any non-member who has purchased the current manual. Please contact ADA at 800.621.8099 or [email protected].  Did you know 67 changes are coming to the CDT Code in 2027? Order your new CDT 2027 and Coding Companion Kit.  Learn more about the ADA's Code Maintenance Committee.  Need to request a CDT Code addition, revision, or deletion? Find out how here.  See how the ADA is pursuing insurance and benefits reforms that improve how dental care is financed and administered for all.  Explore ADA Continuing Education courses to ensure your dental team understands CDT codes and how to use them correctly.  ADA members get discounts! Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started.  Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

The conversation continues. In this bonus episode, Dr. Arnell Wright and Dr. Effie Ioanidou reflect on their journey into dentistry, and share their favorite moments from Season 7. For more information visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

It's the money roadmap you need now to help you build long-term financial security. We're sharing five money moves you can make today, what you need to know before switching career paths, and the one student loan deadline that you can't afford to miss.  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Featured Guests:   Joseph McGrath  Dani Buschick  Dr. Michael Jerkins  Show Notes  In this episode, we explore practical ways to take control of your finances and plan for long-term financial security. We're talking about student loans, what to know when switching careers, and the five money moves you can make right now.   To help explain what everyone needs to know about student loans, we asked our friend Joseph McGrath from KeyBank to walk us through new details, dates, and updates.  Mr. McGrath shares that big student loan changes are coming, and that July 1, 2026, is the key date to know. He explains that some programs are being phased out, and that federal repayment options may narrow significantly.  Big changes are underway for income-driven repayment as well, impacting both dentists and residents. With new federal loan caps and fewer repayment options, Mr. McGrath underscores the importance of borrowers understanding their loan structure, exploring available options, and seeking professional guidance to navigate the changes.  Dani Buschick, financial wellness coach, and host of the podcast Life. Money. You. joins us to break down the five numbers every dentist should know to take control of their financial well-being.   Ms. Buschick offers actionable tips and an easy-to-follow framework for creating spending plans, automating savings, and building lasting financial stability.  Small actions can create big impact. Ms. Buschick emphasizes the importance of understanding your debt, building an emergency fund, protecting your credit, automating savings, and using available resources available, like free financial coaching, to create sustainable habits and personalized financial plans.  Our next guest, Dr. Michael Jerkins, joins us to talk about how to navigate career transitions. Dr. Jerkins is the President and Co-founder of Panacea Financial and is also a practicing physician in Little Rock, AR.  Dr. Jerkins explores the transition between employee and practice owner roles and highlights the financial and personal considerations involved in these career shifts.  To prepare for these career transitions, Dr. Jerkins emphasizes the importance of building a trusted advisory team, assessing your financial readiness, and developing a clear plan.      Resources  Read an ADA News story about how the One Big Beautiful Bill impacts student loans. Learn more about ADA Member Advantage partner KeyBank. ADA Credit Union is tailored for ADA member dentists, their teams and everyone's extended families — offering exclusive financial products and personalized coaching that support your goals through every life stage. Visit ADACU.org to learn more. Banking Built for Dentists. Not Shareholders. At ADA Credit Union, your money works for you—because you own it. If you're part of the dental profession, your financial institution should be too. Join ADA Credit Union. Member‑owned. Dentist‑focused. Built for your future. At the Credit Union, financial well-being comes first. Life. Money. You.® (LMY) is ADA Credit Union's holistic financial well-being program, designed to help you achieve financial success through digital tools, one-on-one coaching, and practical resources. Check out the latest episode of the Life. Money. You. Podcast. Read more about Panacea Financial and the savings for ADA members. Keep learning! Watch another episode on smart finances for dentists. Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started. Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Disclosures  This podcast is produced for information purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation of any product. KeyBank and its affiliates are not providing any financial, economic, legal, accounting or tax advice or recommendations in this podcast. The information contained in this recording may not be current, and KeyBank has no obligation to provide any updates or changes. Neither KeyBank nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, of any kind, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this podcast and expressly disclaims any and all liabilities around such. Key.com/ADA  IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please note that if you refinance qualifying federal student loans, you will no longer be eligible for certain federal benefits or programs and waive your right to future benefits or programs offered on those loans, which may include, but are not limited to, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment plans, forbearance, or certain forgiveness options granted to Parent Plus borrowers. Please carefully consider your options when refinancing federal student loans and consult http://www.studentaid.gov for the most current information.

An honest conversation about the challenges surrounding substance addiction and misuse, and the available pathways people can turn to for support, healing, and long‑term wellbeing. Featured Guest: Dr. Bill Claytor For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, an honest conversation about the challenges surrounding burnout, substance addiction and misuse, and the available pathways people can turn to for support, healing, and long-term wellbeing.  Our special guest is Dr. J. William "Bill" Claytor, Jr., a nationally recognized dental professional from Shelby, NC, with expertise in general dentistry, substance use disorders, mental health, and burnout prevention. Since 2022, he has served as Executive Director of North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals.   Dr. Claytor shares the moment he realized he needed help managing burnout and the pressures of dentistry, and what he did to seek out help. Plus. He shares the life lesson he learned from this experience.    What began as volunteering with North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals turned into something much bigger, ultimately leading Dr. Claytor to step into the role of executive director and continue to help shape the organization's future.  The discussion dives into the most common mental health issues facing dentists right now, along with realistic steps they can take when they find themselves in these situations.  The stigma associated with substance misuse or asking for help often comes up as a major challenge, along with other difficult hurdles.  For anyone quietly struggling with substance misuse, addiction, burnout, or mental health challenges, Dr. Claytor highlights some of the available resources, and outlines the first steps toward getting support.  Dr. Claytor also introduces a simple but powerful framework for wellness using the acronym C.A.S.E., focusing on being collegial, improving access to care, breaking down stigma, and finding ways to engage and empower one another.  This episode also tackles a tough but important question: how to recognize when someone needs help and how to approach them with care. Drawing from his own experiences, Dr, Claytor offers guidance, tools, and resources to help listeners support colleagues who may be struggling.  Resources  Find peer support and wellness resources for dentists across the U.S. through the Well-Being Directory.  The ADA offers many programs and resources to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. You can find a complete list at ADA.org/wellness.  Reach out to your local and state societies to see what resources are available near you.  The Well-Being Index, an anonymous validated assessment, resource and measurement tool developed by the Mayo Clinic to address clinician distress and well-being, is newly available at no cost for every ADA member.  Listen to Dental Sound Bites episodes on perfectionism and mental wellness and mental health.  Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started.  Have a story or show idea you want to share? Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok .

After‑hours calls, patient autonomy, nervous patients… how do you handle the ethical curveballs that show up in everyday practice? We've got advice to help you confidently navigate some sticky situations.  Featured Guest: Dr. Kelly Roth  Special Guests: Dr. Craig McKenzie, Dr. Maryann Lehmann, and Dr. Lance Attiq  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, we are talking about sticky situations. From after‑hours calls to patient autonomy, and nervous patients… how do you handle the ethical curveballs that show up in everyday practice? We've got advice to help you confidently navigate the tough issues.   Our guest for this episode is Dr. Kelly Roth, a general dentist in Canton, OH. She is the speaker of the House of Delegates of the Ohio Dental Association. She also previously served as the ODA's vice speaker of the House of Delegates and is the past chair of the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs, past chair of the ODA Credentials, Rules and Order Committee, past chair of the ODA Ethics Subcommittee, past member of the ODA Council on Membership Services, and past president of the Stark County Dental Society. She is a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, Academy of General Dentistry, National Association of Parliamentarians, American Institute of Parliamentarians, and International College of Dentists.   Dr. Roth breaks down the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, explaining what it is, why it matters, and the critical role it plays in modern dentistry.  In this episode, dentists openly share their stickiest real-world scenarios. First up, we're joined by Dr. Craig McKenzie, an assistant professor of dental anesthesiology and the director of the Center for Patients with Special Needs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He is a past national president of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) and was a founding member of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure. He currently serves as a member of the ADA Council on Membership, CODA site visitor for dental anesthesiology, as well as the Pennsylvania Dental Association's (PDA) Membership Committee and New Dentist Committee. He was recognized for his contributions with the ADA's 10 Under 10 award in 2025.  Dr. McKenzie shares his real-world case involving an adult patient with special healthcare needs who understood the risks and benefits of a specific procedure but was too anxious to consent, highlighting how he navigated consent, patient autonomy, anxiety management, and family involvement.  Our next guest is Dr. Maryann Lehmann, who has been in private practice for over 35 years in Darien, CT. She has been a dental researcher as part of the PBRN PEARL Network, and an inventor holding numerous patents in dental technology.  Her philanthropic efforts include being a volunteer adjunct professor of General Dentistry at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, making service trips with students, and working at the CT Mission of Mercy.  Dr. Lehmann feels her greatest intention in being a dentist is to improve the quality of dental care for the greater good.  Dr. Lehmann shares how the overwhelm of all-hour messaging, and non-urgent demands have blurred patient boundaries after hours and raises questions about charging for emergency call-backs. The conversation turns to defining dental emergencies, boundaries, delegating in these situations, and how to protect dentists' mental health while still fulfilling ethical obligations.  Dr. Roth shares a story of an incident that helped her define boundaries for herself.  After prescribing medications to someone she believed to be a patient of her practice, she reflected on the lessons learned and the importance of establishing safeguards for emergency care.  Our last sticky situation comes from Dr. Lance Attiq, a general dentist practicing at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Arizona. With involvement in dentistry since a young age, his experience includes roles as a dental assistant, free clinic manager, clinical dentistry IT coordinator, and active participant in organized dentistry. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Attiq serves as Adjunct Faculty at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, where he educates students and colleagues on leveraging technology to improve patient care.  Dr. Attiq recounts treating an extremely nervous patient who was vomiting before and after an extraction, despite stable vitals and repeated confirmation to proceed. This prompted a thoughtful discussion on managing severe dental anxiety, practicing the principle of doing no harm, and knowing when to pause treatment.  Resources  Download the 2026 ADA Principles and Code of Professional Conduct.  Learn more about the Council on Ethics Bylaws and Judicial Affairs (CEBJA).  You can read the Ethical Moment section in current and back issues of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).  Listen to the ADA's CEBJA podcast, Dental Dilemmas.  Dr. McKenzie was recognized for his contributions with the ADA's 10 Under 10 award in 2025.  Have a story or show idea you want to share with us? Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.

We're taking a look into ADA advocacy: the wins, the hurdles, and the real behind‑the‑scenes work that is shaping oral health now.  Featured Guest: Dr. Laurie Rosato  Special Guest: Dr. Sara Stuefen  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, Dr. Laurie Rosato joins us to explain how advocacy shapes daily dental practice, why it's essential for protecting patient care, and how the American Dental Association is advocating for the profession.  Dr. Laurie Rosato is a practicing dentist in Concord, New Hampshire. A long-standing member of the American Dental Association, and an active member of her state and local society. Her passion has always been to be involved with shaping the profession, and she advocates every year at the NH Statehouse on current issues. She has served her state level Government Affairs team as Chair for over 10 years and currently serves on the Council for Government Affairs at the ADA. Dr. Rosato currently is also President Elect of the New Hampshire Dental Society. She is passionate about teaching and brings students every semester into her practice to learn about dentistry; several have gone on to become dentists; many have become assistants and hygienists.  Dr. Rosato shares her journey from becoming interested in advocacy, to testifying at the New Hampshire statehouse, and serving on the ADA Council on Government Affairs, highlighting how grassroots action informs national strategy.  Some of the biggest misconceptions around advocacy, Dr. Rosato explains, are about seemingly "slow" progress, with Dr. Rosato detailing the complex process of bill sponsorship, education, and persistence on Capitol Hill.  The conversation spotlights some recent wins for dental advocacy, including the Massachusetts MLR bill as a case study in patient‑powered advocacy and how it sparked nationwide reform efforts.  Dr. Rosato shares examples of the work ADA advocacy is doing now, and that they've been able to introduce or support 26 bills in Congress over the past two years.   Dr. Sara Stuefen, a general dentist in Iowa, a Tenth District Trustee of the American Dental Association, and Vice Chair of the Iowa Dental Political Action Committee, joins us to explain the latest developments in dental insurance reform, ERISA, and how the ADA is pushing Congress on this issue.  The conversation closes with a call to action and an explanation on why dentist voices matter at every level- local, state, and national.       Resources  Learn more about ERISA Plans.  Find out how the latest Insurance Reform Bill Upholds State Regulations.  Read about Legislation introduced to apply state dental insurance laws to self-funded plans.   Take a look at the 2025 ADA Advocacy Highlights.  Listen to this Dental Sound Bites episode to learn more about dental insurance. Or, watch the video on our YouTube channel.  Get involved in ADA Advocacy!   Learn how to take action.  Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.

Discover how evolving evidence is reshaping oral cancer guidelines and informing patient care. What all dentists need to know now about new oral cancer recommendations and the ADA's innovative approach to clinical practice guidelines.  Special Guest: Dr. Alessandro Villa  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, we dive into the new ADA Living Guideline Program, the first in oral health, and learn all about this new initiative and its first set of recommendations on oral cancer.   Our special guest is Dr. Alessandro Villa, DDS, PhD, MPH, Chief of oral medicine, oral oncology and dentistry at Miami Cancer Institute, where he also serves as program director of the Oral Oncology Fellowship. He is a Professor at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. Dr. Villa specializes in oral mucosal and salivary gland diseases, oral precancers and oral complications related to cancer treatment.  Before joining Miami Cancer Institute in 2022, he was Chief of Oral Medicine and Oral Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF); he also directed the oral medicine residency programs at UCSF and Harvard University. His research focuses on oral leukoplakia, cancer therapy-related complications, and the prevention of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers. Dr. Villa is actively involved in several investigator-initiated and sponsored clinical trials and has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed publications.  Dr. Villa provides an in-depth overview of the ADA's Living Guideline Program, explaining its purpose, how it works, and the key ways it differs from  traditional guidelines.   Living Guidelines are developed with the same level of rigor as traditional guidelines, but they use a distinct infrastructure design for continuous updates to emerging evidence, Dr. Villa shares.  The development of these Living Guidelines is driven by a multidisciplinary panel that typically includes general dentists, dental hygienists, oral medicine and oral pathology specialists, oral surgeons, and other relevant experts. These panels also incorporate patients and additional stakeholders.   Dr. Villa shares that they use the great evidence-to-decision framework to help dentists efficiently move from data to recommendations in a timely manner. All of this is built inside a digital platform.  When evidence is conflicting or limited, Dr. Villa explains, the transparent process for Living Guidelines ensures clarity and integrity.  The first set of recommendations from the ADA's Living Guideline program is on the evaluation of potentially malignant disorders in the oral cavity. Dr. Villa gives us more details about these recommendations, and the findings to date.  Dr. Villa explains how the results of the Living Guidelines recommendations affect how clinicians should implement these guidelines.   Resources  Learn more about the ADA's Living Guideline program.  Take a look at the updated oral cancer guideline in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). These updated recommendations guide the use of cytology adjuncts for early oral cancer detection in an interactive format.  Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.

We're talking about the fascinating link between the mouth and the heart, and how tiny microbes play a big role. Tune to find out what oral health can tell us about overall health.  Special Guest: Dr. Jessica Mark Welch  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, we're connecting the dots between the oral microbiome and overall health and talking about the fascinating link between the mouth and the heart, and how tiny microbes play a big role.   Our guest for this episode is Dr. Jessica Mark Welch, a Senior Scientist and Full Professor at the ADA Forsyth Institute in Somerville, MA.  Dr. Mark Welch and her team use both imaging and DNA sequencing approaches to investigate the structure and organization of the oral microbiome. She is co-developer of the Combinatorial Labeling and Spectral Imaging-Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (CLASI-FISH) strategy for imaging the spatial organization of microbial communities, with which she and her colleagues have discovered highly organized, complex structures in human dental plaque and on the human tongue. Her group uses DNA sequence data to construct pangenomes of oral microbes and examines metagenomic data to investigate why different bacteria live where they do, and how we can encourage the growth of health-promoting bacteria in the mouth. Dr. Mark Welch curates the Human Oral Microbiome Database to provide the research community with high-quality, curated information about oral bacteria, their genomes, and their distribution throughout the mouth.  Dr. Mark Welch explains her work with oral microbiome, and the connection between heart health and oral health. She shares that the mouth contains hundreds of bacterial species that form distinct communities on teeth (dental plaque) and on the tongue (tongue biofilm). A balanced oral microbiome supports normal metabolism and contributes to blood pressure regulation.  Researchers are investigating why so many different bacterial species coexist in the mouth and how these interdependent microbial communities share metabolic functions to support each other.  Dr. Mark Welch says her research explores how differences in people's mouth bacteria might explain varied responses.  The conversation shifts to the implications of microbiome research for oral health and how a deeper understanding of bacterial communities could eventually influence approaches to patient care.   Resources  Learn more about the research from the ADA Forsyth Science Institute.  See what makes ADA Forsyth® dentech™ the top conference for oral health innovation — find out more.  Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.

A clinical conversation about the updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in dentistry.  Special Guest: Dr. Erika Benavides  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast   Show Notes In this episode, we are having a clinical conversation about the updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in dentistry.   We explore the major changes from previous guidelines, the rationale behind discontinuing patient shielding, the importance of patient‑centered imaging, and practical implications for dentists and academics.   Our guest is Dr. Erika Benavides, a Clinical Professor and Associate Chair of the Division of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Radiology, and the Director of the CBCT Service at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry. She is a Diplomate and Past President of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (ABOMR). She also served as Councilor for Communications of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Chair of the Research and Technology Committee. Dr. Benavides is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and has published multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts in the multidisciplinary aspects of diagnostic imaging. She has been a co-investigator in NIH funded grants for the past 10 years and recently served as the Chair of the expert panel to update the 2012 ADA/FDA recommendations for dental radiography. Her clinical practice is dedicated to interpretation of 2D and 3D dentomaxillofacial imaging.    The two-part recommendations were updated by an expert panel which included radiologists, general and pediatric dentists, a public health specialist, and consultants from nearly every dental specialty.  Dr. Benavides shares some of the main takeaways and new updates is that that lead aprons and radiation collars are no longer recommended. This recommendation includes all dental maxillofacial imaging procedures and applies to most patients.  Also, a recommendation to avoid routine or convenience imaging, and focus instead of patient-centered imaging, based on the patients' specific needs. And, when possible, previous radiographs should be obtained.   Dr. Benavides shares that imaging must be patient‑specific, not protocol-driven, and encourages dentists to ask the following questions before dental imaging: "Do we need this additional information? Is this additional information going to change my diagnosis, or it's going to contribute to the diagnosis and treatment planning?"   The group discusses some of the possible challenges, and opportunities, to implement these new recommendations.    Resources:    This episode is brought to you by Dr. Jen Oral Care. Learn more about Dr. Jen.  Read the full clinical recommendations American Dental Association and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology patient selection for dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography  Find more ADA resources on X-Rays and Radiographs.  Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.

A look at the top trends and challenges for dentists in 2026. Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute, shares the industry predictions to help you prepare for the year ahead.  Special Guest: Dr. Marko Vujicic  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, we're looking at the top trends and challenges for dentists in 2026 with our guest Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA's Health Policy Institute.   The episode starts by looking back at the predicted dental trends for 2025, which were staffing shortages, insurance challenges, and rising overhead costs.  When speaking about economic confidence, Vujicic notes that at the end of 2024 dentists expressed a significant rise in economic optimism about the stability of the dental sector. But, by the end of 2025 confidence levels had dipped, and practice confidence dropped as well due to tariffs, economic uncertainty, and larger national concerns.  The ADA's Health Policy Institute (HPI) conducts quarterly surveys. Dentists are invited to enroll in the panel by emailing [email protected] to help share their experiences and strengthen national data.  Dentists were asked about their biggest expected challenges for 2026, and they reported that their core issues remain consistent with last year's, but with insurance leading the list, followed by staffing shortages and overhead cost increases. These issues remain steady across urban and rural practices, as well as with different practice modalities.  About 90% of dental practices report they are still struggling with hiring staff, even though there's a growing pipeline of dental hygienist graduates, and a rebound in patient volume. The conversation explores whether technology could help with this issue, but dentistry remains a hands-on profession with limits on how much can actually be automated.  Dentists shared with ADA's HPI that this year they intend to hire more staff, reevaluate their insurance networks, and invest in equipment, technology and software.   Some key findings from HPI's Practice Ownership Trends report shows that today's early-career experience is very different from past generations with a delayed path to practice ownership. Data shows that most dentists will eventually become owners, just later in their careers. The major change: ownership is delayed, not disappearing.   Another interesting theme that emerged from the data was the generational, cultural, and priority shifts happening in the profession. Also, HPI introduces fresh insights into gender pattens that show that even though women start with a lower rate of practice ownership than men, the ownership gender gap closes by mid- and late- career.  The conversation shifts to explore the challenges and opportunities from the broader national policy forces shaping dentistry in 2026, and the impact of the economic data influencing decisions in multiple states.   HPI continues their research and is focusing on tracking emerging dental policy issues, research on the impact of Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) regulations, and forthcoming analysis of oral trends within Medicare Advantage, to list a few.    Resources  Read ADA's Health Policy Institute's report Practice Ownership Trends in Dentistry: A New Look at Old Data.  Learn more about HPI's latest studies and publications, including those mentioned in this episode.  Share your experience with us! Dentists are invited to enroll in the HPI panel by emailing [email protected].   For more information on the ADA's Health Policy institute, visit their website ADA.org/HPI.  Connect with Dr. Marko Vujicic.  Subscribe to the ADA's HPI Newsletter.

A conversation on leadership and what the future of our profession could look like. We're talking with ADA President Dr. Rich Rosato.  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, listen to a conversation on leadership and the future of the dental profession with ADA President Dr. Richard Rosato.  Dr. Richard Rosato, a Concord, New Hampshire, oral surgeon is president of the American Dental Association. In addition to being a past president of the New Hampshire Dental Society, he's served on various ADA committees, councils, and task forces, later representing District One on the ADA Board of Trustees from 2019-2023. The married father of three is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.  Dr. Rosato reflects on transitioning into the role of ADA President, and shares his focus on unity, visibility, and action across the profession.  What are the key priorities of Dr. Rosato's leadership? He shares with our audience the philosophy and pillars of his ADA presidency, including the long‑term vision for shaping the future of dentistry through Oral Health 2050, a forward‑looking initiative designed to guide the profession. The effort includes the development of five expert panels focused on the topics that matter most to dentists and their patients.  The importance of dentists' voices at both the state and national levels is reinforced by Dr. Rosato, as he addresses declining membership numbers, while encouraging active engagement as a way for members to shape policy, direction, and the future of the profession.  The discussion reinforces the importance of dentist participation at both the state and national levels. Dr. Rosato encourages active engagement as a way for members to shape policy, direction, and the future of the profession.  Dr. Rosato underscores his trust in collective dialogue, diverse viewpoints, and allowing thoughtful processes to unfold by sharing his belief that the "smartest person in the room is always the room" itself.  How can effective leaders handle friction?  Dr. Rosato discusses one of his most significant leadership challenges and highlights the importance of leading with both short‑term realism and long‑term optimism. Rather than viewing limitations as setbacks, he explains how constraints challenge leaders to be more creative, innovative, and intentional in shaping meaningful solutions for members.    Resources  Read the statement on clinical autonomy referenced in this episode.  Learn more about advocacy and how you can join the ADA, America's leading oral health advocate, in fighting for what matters to you and your patients.  Connect with Dr. Rosato on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or email at [email protected].  Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.