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In this episode of The Alan Mead Experience, Alan dives into the fast-moving, subscription-heavy world of artificial intelligence and its rapid convergence in everyday dental practice . From wrestling with multiple monthly fees to testing dedicated AI recording hardware like the Plaud NotePin, HiDock P1, and the upcoming Flowtica, he explores how quickly general LLMs like Gemini and tools like Riverside are making older transcription apps obsolete . The conversation turns clinical as Alan examines how frictionless tech—whether it's high-magnification operatory microscopes or ambient scribes like Heidi Health—transforms diagnostic acceptance and note-taking, alongside a preview of direct-to-charting solutions like Pearl AI . Some links from the show: Heidi Health: heidihealth.com – Ambient AI medical and dental scribing tool for automated clinical documentation . Pearl AI: hellopearl.com – AI dental solutions spanning chairside radiograph pathology detection (Second Opinion) and integrated voice charting . Plaud AI: plaud.ai – Wearable hardware AI voice recorders and transcription devices (NotePin & Note) . HiDock: hidock.com – Audio recording and AI-powered meeting transcription hardware . Flowtica: flowtica.ai E-ink magnetic AI note-taking hardware device . Zumax OMS 2050: goenova.com Al's preferred dental operatory microscope Alltion microscopes: xmedical.com An up and comer in the American microscope market We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! The Very Dental Podcast Network is supported by Garrison Dental Solutions! Garrison isn't just about the gold standard in sectional composite matrix systems—they've got solutions that elevate your entire restorative workflow. From the innovative Loop Curing Light to their incredible lineup of LM instruments, Garrison makes chairside dentistry faster, easier, and a lot more predictable. Go check out everything they have to offer and support the show at garrisondental.com! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Recorded live at the Bioclear Summit in Scottsdale, Alan sits down with pediatric dentist Dr. Josh Solomon for a wide-ranging, candid conversation on treating disease rather than just teeth . The two dive into the eye-opening power of high magnification and microscopes in daily practice, transitioning from surgical interventions to chemotherapeutic protocols, and practical strategies for getting both parents and kids genuinely engaged in home care . From air polishing and caries control with glass ionomer to chairside communication hacks like asynchronous video treatment plans, this episode offers general and pediatric dentists alike actionable pearls for low-stress, high-impact clinical care . Some links from the show: Bioclear Bioclear Learning Center Loom We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! The Very Dental Podcast Network is supported by Garrison Dental Solutions! Garrison isn't just about the gold standard in sectional composite matrix systems—they've got solutions that elevate your entire restorative workflow. From the innovative Loop Curing Light to their incredible lineup of LM instruments, Garrison makes chairside dentistry faster, easier, and a lot more predictable. Go check out everything they have to offer and support the show at garrisondental.com! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

"Biology remains undefeated." Alan reflects on the stark contrast between social media's flawless clinical highlight reels and the sobering reality of burnout and mental health struggles in the profession . Borrowing from the philosophy of absurdism and the myth of Sisyphus, he argues that because restorative work enters an aggressive biological environment destined for entropy, biology remains undefeated . Rather than viewing inevitable breakdowns as personal failures, dentists can free themselves by recognizing their true role: not performing permanent miracles, but buying dignified time for their patients while finding genuine joy in the daily struggle of the craft . Some links from the show: David Sedaris Official Website / Tour Schedule The Legend of Vox Machina (Prime Video) We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! The Very Dental Podcast Network is supported by Garrison Dental Solutions! Garrison isn't just about the gold standard in sectional composite matrix systems—they've got solutions that elevate your entire restorative workflow. From the innovative Loop Curing Light to their incredible lineup of LM instruments, Garrison makes chairside dentistry faster, easier, and a lot more predictable. Go check out everything they have to offer and support the show at garrisondental.com! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Live from the Bioclear Summit Alan sits down with Dr. Taras Konanec, Director of Operative Dentistry at McGill University . The two discuss the realities of modern dental education and the struggle to get clinic instructors on the same page . Taras details how McGill successfully integrated the Bioclear method and heated composites into its curriculum . They explore the clinical mindset shift toward minimally invasive care, avoiding aggressive crown preparations whenever possible . The conversation wraps up with a deep dive into selective caries removal and why a solid peripheral enamel seal matters far more than digging near the pulp . Some links from the show: Bioclear McGill University Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences Bioclear Learning Center Consortium of Operative Dentistry Educators (CODE) Journal of Minimally Invasive Dentistry & Caries Research Resources We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! The Very Dental Podcast Network is supported by Garrison Dental Solutions! Garrison isn't just about the gold standard in sectional composite matrix systems—they've got solutions that elevate your entire restorative workflow. From the innovative Loop Curing Light to their incredible lineup of LM instruments, Garrison makes chairside dentistry faster, easier, and a lot more predictable. Go check out everything they have to offer and support the show at garrisondental.com! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Kevin and Zach welcome back Alan to dive into the art of "getting ahead of it" in everyday operative dentistry to prevent patient complaints before they start . From anticipating shade discrepancies caused by tooth dehydration during anterior composite restorations to managing lingual thickness and opposing occlusal contacts, the conversation breaks down real-world restorative hurdles . The team discusses the critical value of clinical photography for documenting chipped incisal edges, strategies for placing rubber dams and anatomical wedges (or "separators") without startling patients, managing postoperative sensitivity, and catching notorious habit red flags—like nail biting—before restorations fail . Some links from the show: Bioclear Matrix Systems – Minimally invasive restorative matrices, diamond wedges, and anterior composite methods discussed by the hosts . Lester Dine Dental Photography – Clinical photography solutions and point-and-shoot camera kits referenced during the discussion . Join the Very Clinical Facebook group!  Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Alan is joined by Dr. Marco Maiolino live from the 2026 Bioclear Summit to challenge the profession's obsession with superficial aesthetics and make the definitive case for longevity dentistry. Drawing on over two decades of clinical experience in Sicily, Marco breaks down the psychological nuances of real informed consent and how clinicians must take clinical responsibility to remove doubt. He outlines his pragmatic, stepped protocol for treating worn dentition using Smile Cloud, aesthetic mock-ups, and reversible snap-on PMMA "rebalances" to open vertical dimension without irreversible prep work. From the biological imperative of additive injection molding over aggressive crown preps or reflex all-on-x extractions to aligning practice economics with heroic tooth preservation, this conversation is an essential masterclass in practicing sustainable, minimally invasive healthcare. Some links from the show: The Injection Show 2027 in Bologna, Italy! Dr. Marco Maiolino on Facebook Dr. Marco Maiolino on Instagram Bioclear Learning Center Bioclear Matrix Upcoming Book: The Bioclear Method: The Art of Longevity by Dr. David Clark and Dr. Marco Maiolino Smilecloud  We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! The Very Dental Podcast Network is supported by Garrison Dental Solutions! Garrison isn't just about the gold standard in sectional composite matrix systems—they've got solutions that elevate your entire restorative workflow. From the innovative Loop Curing Light to their incredible lineup of LM instruments, Garrison makes chairside dentistry faster, easier, and a lot more predictable. Go check out everything they have to offer and support the show at garrisondental.com! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

In this episode of the "Getting Ahead of It" series, Zach, Kevin, and guest Dr. Alan Mead break down practical communication strategies to preempt patient complaints and callbacks before they happen. Starting with local anesthesia, the trio covers common chairside dilemmas: setting realistic expectations between upper and lower numbness, handling palatal pressure, navigating anatomical misses, managing epinephrine-induced jitters, and managing the dreaded numb-eyelid sensation. The discussion shifts to post-op occlusion, exploring why asking numb patients "how does your bite feel?" often backfires and sharing proven workarounds—from evaluating the non-numb side and relying on shimstock to preemptively scheduling safety-net bite checks. Some links from the show: RIP Mr. Belding Shimstock Join the Very Clinical Facebook group!  Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Fresh from the 2026 Bioclear Alumni Summit, Alan reflects on the power of tooth preservation, the lost art of "herodontics," and why the default move to implant therapy might be selling patients short . Addressing recent listener feedback about network reruns and solo monologues, Alan dives into standout presentations from Dr. Rafael Bustamante and Dr. Marco Maiolino that challenged conventional treatment planning and reexamined the true meaning of radical informed consent . Rather than viewing heroic restorative efforts as subpar dentistry, this episode explores how well-engineered, minimally invasive composite techniques can give compromised natural teeth a predictable second life while meeting patients where they are . Some links from the show: Bioclear Bioclear Learning Center We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! The Very Dental Podcast Network is supported by Garrison Dental Solutions! Garrison isn't just about the gold standard in sectional composite matrix systems—they've got solutions that elevate your entire restorative workflow. From the innovative Loop Curing Light to their incredible lineup of LM instruments, Garrison makes chairside dentistry faster, easier, and a lot more predictable. Go check out everything they have to offer and support the show at garrisondental.com! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Alan welcomes Kyle Lim, the dynamic owner of Power Dental Group, to discuss how a second-generation family sharpening and retipping business evolved into a disruptive direct-to-dentist brand. Kyle pulls back the curtain on taking over his father's blue-collar manufacturing roots, shifting away from declining trade shows, and leveraging engaging social media marketing to stand out in a historically sterile industry. Along the way, the two dive into practical problem-solving in the operator including patented innovations like the Power Crown Remover for tackling stubborn zirconia, the root-retrieving Twist elevator, hands-free flap retractors, and why clinical hand instruments deserve to be both high-performing and dead sexy. Some links from the show: Power Dental Group Website: powerdentalgroup.com – Explore their full catalog, retipping and servicing programs, and startup outfitting. Power Dental Group on Instagram: Follow @powerdentalgroup to see their clinical videos, product demonstrations, and entertaining content in action. Power Crown Remover: Check out Power Dental's flagship crown removal system engineered to pop zirconia, PFM, and gold restorations without endless sectioning burs. The Twist Elevator: View their patented corkscrew-style instrument designed to engage and elevate deep subcrestal root tips. Hands-Free Flap Retractor: Browse their innovative retractor solutions designed for single-site surgeries and implant access. We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! The Very Dental Podcast Network is supported by Garrison Dental Solutions! Garrison isn't just about the gold standard in sectional composite matrix systems—they've got solutions that elevate your entire restorative workflow. From the innovative Loop Curing Light to their incredible lineup of LM instruments, Garrison makes chairside dentistry faster, easier, and a lot more predictable. Go check out everything they have to offer and support the show at garrisondental.com! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

In this throwback episode Dr. Justin Moody joins Alan to chronicle the remarkable evolution of Implant Pathway—from early hotel seminars to establishing a massive, purpose-built 32-operatory clinical training and nonprofit center in Scottsdale . Together, they break down the philosophy of the Fast Track program, emphasizing actionable clinical judgment, live-patient mentorship, and the importance of immediate chairside implementation . The conversation also covers the regulatory landscape of Arizona's Good Samaritan temporary dental licenses, Dr. Moody's newest venture into winemaking with Titanium Winery in Napa Valley! Some links from the show: Implant Pathway : Hands-on and didactic dental implant education, surgical mentorship, and Fast Track programs . Aadland-Moody Winery: Dr. Justin Moody's boutique vineyard venture in the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley . Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners : State licensing board details regarding Arizona Good Samaritan / temporary volunteer healthcare permits . We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! The Very Dental Podcast Network is supported by Garrison Dental Solutions! Garrison isn't just about the gold standard in sectional composite matrix systems—they've got solutions that elevate your entire restorative workflow. From the innovative Loop Curing Light to their incredible lineup of LM instruments, Garrison makes chairside dentistry faster, easier, and a lot more predictable. Go check out everything they have to offer and support the show at garrisondental.com! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Alan reflects on the stark contrast between social media reach and traditional audio podcast listenership after short Instagram clips featuring guest Dr. Brady Smith quickly garnered tens of thousands of views while overall podcast downloads remained steady . Looking back on the evolution of dental media since co-founding The Dental Hacks in 2014, he examines the rise of short-form video, shifts in podcast download metrics, the role of algorithmic distribution compared to RSS feeds, and whether traditional audio shows can still effectively connect with dental professionals . We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! The Very Dental Podcast Network is supported by Garrison Dental Solutions! Garrison isn't just about the gold standard in sectional composite matrix systems—they've got solutions that elevate your entire restorative workflow. From the innovative Loop Curing Light to their incredible lineup of LM instruments, Garrison makes chairside dentistry faster, easier, and a lot more predictable. Go check out everything they have to offer and support the show at garrisondental.com! Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

What happens when you combine an aggressive 16-hour clinical shift, 18 frivolous state dental board investigations, and a completely fabricated, highly inappropriate anesthesia technique? You get Dr. Brady Smith's return to the Very Dental Podcast. Alan sits down with Brady to unpack his transition from a dentist who merely likes attention to a full-blown social media juggernaut. Brady explains why he'd gladly accept a shout-out from anyone with a pulse, confesses to "bone smashing" exclusively during lower molar extractions, and recounts how an absurd viral bit called the "fireman's cradle" earned him a very serious visit from a state investigator who probably just wanted a laugh. Between dissecting why sleeping conference attendees are happier when left alone and explaining how he games the dental convention circuit to sell out adjacent comedy clubs, Brady shares the dark reality of internet fame: spending years crafting jokes only to have 40 million people recognize you solely as the dentist who claims to satisfy four firemen at once. Some links from the show:  Dr. Brady Smith's Socials & Tour Dates: Dr. Brady Smith Linktree / Official Website (Find tour dates, stand-up tickets, and comedic skits) Instagram: @drbradysmith TikTok: @drbradysmith The "Home Alone" / Marv Sketch: Link directly to Brady's Instagram or TikTok reel recounting his past as a "reformed burglar" The Potty Mouth Chicks: @thepottymouthchicks (Lori & Suzanne on Instagram / TikTok) Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey & David Spade: Fly on the Wall Podcast (Mentioned during the backstage convention comedy discussion) Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Tiffany, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, Frank or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

In this throwback episode, the Dental Hacks (Alan and Jason) kick things off by breaking down the realities of practice build-outs, avoiding the dreaded "construction valley," and weathering economic downturns before revisiting a milestone live recording from northern Michigan . Recorded on location at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Francis B. Vedder Society, Alan passes the microphone to longtime members, prosthodontic mentors, and dental technicians to reflect on six decades of clinical excellence . From legendary clinician encounters—including early lectures from Dr. Frank Spear and monkey-teeth abrasion demonstrations—to the timeless mentorship and community forged in Shanty Creek, this episode celebrates how high-caliber, prosthodontic-driven study clubs shape generations of dentists . Some links from the show: Francis B. Vedder Society We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Fresh off his annual trip north for the Francis B. Vedder Society meeting, Alan dives into the notorious dental slump known as "Sucktember" and unpacks the clinical disconnect many general practitioners feel during high-end continuing education . While watching master-level prosthodontists and technicians showcase complex, full-arch All-on-X cases is inspiring, Alan argues that comparing everyday general dentistry to full-mouth reconstruction is like comparing hockey to the long jump—they are simply entirely different sports . From mountain biking through Glacial Hills to reflecting on the unheralded superpower of having a great local dental lab, this episode is a candid reminder that mastering everyday restorative dentistry, quadrant care, and prevention is just as vital and fulfilling as the boutique procedures filling up your social media feed . Some links from the show: The Francis B. Vedder Society of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics Glacial Hills Patriot Dental Lab Precision Dental Lab We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Alan is joined by longtime friend and meditation teacher Dr. Dawn Grimes for a candid, reflective conversation on navigating change, managing career stress, and breaking the cycles of mental exhaustion. Moving from updates on moving houses, farm animals, and September financial anxiety into deep discussions on mindfulness, Alan and Dawn explore the teachings of renowned meditation instructor Sharon Salzberg and the core Buddhist concepts of impermanence, clinging, and suffering. Dawn breaks down why "regretful rumination" is the human brain's default setting, the reality of balance as a relationship to our circumstances rather than a rigid scale, and practical ways to disarm middle-of-the-night anxiety—whether through simple counting or "inviting your demons in for tea." Full of humor, honest perspective on mid-to-late career fatigue, and approachable mindfulness advice, this episode serves as a grounded reminder that whenever you lose your focus, you can always choose to let go and begin again. Some links from the show:  Sharon Salzberg's website Sharon Salzberg's Instagram Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Tiffany, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, Frank or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!