The Special Lists

Special List #19: The Airway Step Most Cosmetic Cases Are Missing with Dr. Tracey Nguyen

AACD taught Dr. Tracey Nguyen to be good with her hands. The mouth–body connection taught her how to keep that work intact for years. Tracey is a restorative dentist, scientific advisor at the Kois Center, AACD Accredited Member, and co-founder of ASAP Pathway — the first comprehensive online education platform for pediatric airway and sleep dentistry. She joins Cameron, Dr. Seda, and Dr. Souyias to talk about why a beautiful smile won't hold up if you aren't also looking at how the person breathes — and what it takes to shift a profession that's been told for decades that "if you want to be a doctor, go to med school." Tracey shares how she reads ENT and pulmonology journals to inform her restorative work, why she calls the airway conversation "a movement" even though her sleep-physician colleagues think it should be obvious, and what the cosmetic-to-airway pipeline looks like in real practice — from skeletal expansion in adults to airway-driven smile design. AI as a clinical tool gets its own thread: Cameron's Google Scholar Alerts trick for tracking new published research, Dr. Seda using ChatGPT to prep for an orthopedic surgery consult, the patient who used ChatGPT to take a dentist to the board over a denied scaling and root planing claim, and the parent who showed up with an AI-drafted medical-necessity letter Tracey said was so good she'd be using it as a template. Plus the ASAP Pathway origin story: launching in January 2020 with no product, selling 70 seats at $8,000 each, and scrambling to record forty hours of curriculum during lockdown. And LEAD — a women's mastermind in dentistry — and why "men battle to bond, women bond before they battle." Guest Dr. Tracey Nguyen runs a private restorative practice in Lansdowne, Virginia, 30 minutes outside Washington, DC. She is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry — one of only five accredited dentists in the state — a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. In 2016, Dental Products Magazine named her one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry, the same year she completed her training at the Kois Center, where she now serves as Scientific Advisor. She co-founded ASAP Pathway in 2020 — the first comprehensive online education platform for pediatric airway and sleep dentistry — and serves as visiting faculty at Spear Education, mentoring the Airway Workshop alongside Dr. Jeff Rouse. Learn more about ASAP Pathway: asappathway.com [https://asappathway.com/]. Follow Tracey on Instagram @drtraceynguyen [https://www.instagram.com/drtraceynguyen/] Set up Google Scholar Alerts at scholar.google.com  [http://scholar.google.com/] Questions answered by this episode: 1. Why doesn't cosmetic dentistry last as long as it should? 2. What is airway dentistry and why does it matter for restorative cases? 3. How is sleep apnea connected to dental wear and bruxism? 4. How can a dentist start reading medical literature outside of dentistry? 5. What is ASAP Pathway and who is it for? 6. Can AI help me with patient education and case research? 7. Should I be using ChatGPT or Open Evidence for clinical literature review? 8. What is skeletal expansion in adults and when is it indicated? 9. How do I collaborate with sleep physicians and ENTs as a dentist? 10. How do dentists start a continuing education company? About The Special Lists The Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists. Running a dental practice isn't easy, and if you're in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you're on an island. That's why finding your people—those who've been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game. Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It's about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter. This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today. Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com [http://speciallists.com/] (with two L's) Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io [http://referrallab.io/] Hosts Cameron Full Co-Founder of Referral Lab Cameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries. Connect with Cameron [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronfull/] on LinkedIn Jason Souyias, DDS Periodontist and Co-Founder of Referral Lab Dr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists. More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist [https://www.phperio.com/] Dr. Jason Souyias Michael Seda, DMD, MS Periodontist and Co-Developer of Referral Lab A clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Seda's education spans several disciplines, including a degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Doctorate degree from Harvard University (DMD), and a Master's degree in Periodontics and Oral Medicine from Columbia University. More about Bay Area periodontist [https://www.sedaperio.com/] Dr. Michael Seda Follow Dr. Seda on Instagram @sedaperio [https://www.instagram.com/sedaperio/] Co-hosts: Cameron Full, Jason Souyias, DDS & Michael Seda, DDS Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producer: Mary Ellen Clarkson Engineering: Cameron Laird Theme music: Papa Funk, spring gang Cover Art: Dan Childs The Special Lists is a production of The Axis. [https://theaxis.io/]

Special List #18: Why the Biggest Stress in Dentistry Isn’t the Dentistry with Geri Gottlieb

Running a dental practice isn't taught in dental school, and most owners learn it the hard way. Practice coach and former periodontal practice co-owner Geri Gottlieb joins the show to share what 30+ years in dentistry — and a humbling jump into ownership herself — taught her about what actually makes a practice work. Geri unpacks why dentistry is a team sport, why culture is anything but soft, and why a culture is whatever you tolerate, not what you write on the wall. She breaks down the character traits of an ideal team player (humble, hungry, emotionally intelligent), why 85% of poor performance is the system and not the human, and why systems aren't restriction — they're the bumpers that free your team to be present with patients. Geri also shares the moment her own team told her she was holding them down, and what it took to finally build the team she'd been preaching about all along. GUEST Geri Gottlieb Founder & Lead Coach, GG Practice Coaching & Development Geri Gottlieb has spent more than three decades in the dental industry as a practice manager, co-owner of two large periodontal practices alongside her husband, and now founder and lead coach of GG Practice Coaching & Development. She helps dentists and specialists across the country build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more sustainable businesses. Geri is certified in the Five Behaviors of a Team and DiSC Behavioral Assessments, and previously spent four years as a lead coach with ACT Dental Practice Management. Her philosophy: build a team so strong you don't know who the boss is. Learn more about GG Practice Coaching & Development [https://ggpracticecoaching.com/] Connect with Geri on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/geri-gottlieb-aab555114/] The Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists. Running a dental practice isn't easy, and if you're in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you're on an island. That's why finding your people—those who've been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game. Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It's about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter. This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today. Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io [http://referrallab.io] Cameron Full Co-Founder of Referral Lab Cameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries. Connect with Cameron [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronfull/] on LinkedIn Jason Souyias, DDS Periodontist and Co-Founder of Referral Lab Dr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists. More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist [https://www.phperio.com/] Dr. Jason Souyias Michael Seda, DMD, MS Periodontist and Co-Developer of Referral Lab A clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Seda's interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability. Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience. He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key performance indicators that lead to practice growth and patient satisfaction. His education spans several disciplines, including a degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Doctorate degree from Harvard University (DMD), and a Master's degree in Periodontics and Oral Medicine from Columbia University. More about Bay Area periodontist [https://www.sedaperio.com/] Dr. Michael Seda Follow Dr. Seda on Instagram @sedaperio [https://www.instagram.com/sedaperio/] Co-hosts: Cameron Full, Jason Souyias, DDS & Michael Seda, DDS Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producer: Mary Ellen Clarkson Engineering: Cameron Laird Theme music: Papa Funk, spring gang Cover Art: Dan Childs The Special Lists is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io [https://www.theaxis.io/]

Special List #17: How Structure and Core Values Drive Better Hiring with Dr. Justin Zalewsky

Beyond clinical skill, running a successful dental practice requires clear vision, strong systems, and the right people. Periodontist and MAZ Management co-founder Dr. Justin Zalewsky shares the leadership principles that guide his approach, including organizing life into three buckets — work, thinking, and personal time — and using tools like impact filters to keep projects and teams aligned.  He explains how core values and structure shape hiring, promotions, and day-to-day decision-making. Justin also addresses the challenges of hiring associates, emphasizing mentorship, clear expectations, and structured onboarding.  GUEST Justin Zalewsky, DMD President & Co-founder, MAZ Management Justin is a board-certified periodontist who has practiced in the Washington, D.C. metro area for more than 15 years. Seven years ago, he co-founded MAZ and began expanding through strategic acquisitions, building a network that now includes three periodontal practices and four general dental offices. Today he leads an organization of more than 80 team members and 15 doctors, supported by a centralized management team that allows him to remain an active clinician while guiding the company’s growth. His leadership focuses on developing strong teams, placing people in roles where they can thrive, and building practices that deliver exceptional patient care. Learn more about MAZ Management [https://www.mazmanage.com/] Learn more about Alexandria periodontist [https://www.precisioninperio.com/] Dr. Justin Zalewsky Connect with Justin on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-zalewsky-b591b137] The Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists. Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game. Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter. This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today. Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com  Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io [http://referrallab.io]  Cameron Full Co-Founder of Referral Lab Cameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries. Connect with Cameron [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronfull/] on LinkedIn Jason Souyias, DDS Periodontist and Co-Founder of Referral Lab Dr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists. More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist [https://www.phperio.com/] Dr. Jason Souyias Michael Seda, DMD, MS Periodontist and Co-Developer of Referral Lab A clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability. Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience.  He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key performance indicators that lead to practice growth and patient satisfaction.  His education spans several disciplines, including a degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Doctorate degree from Harvard University (DMD), and a Master’s degree in Periodontics and Oral Medicine from Columbia University. More about Bay Area periodontist [https://www.sedaperio.com/] Dr. Michael Seda Follow Dr. Seda on Instagram @sedaperio [https://www.instagram.com/sedaperio/] Co-hosts: Cameron Full, Jason Souyias, DDS & Michael Seda, DDS Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Cameron Laird Theme music: Papa Funk, spring gang Cover Art: Dan Childs The Special Lists is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io [https://www.theaxis.io/]

Special List #16: Long-Game Strategies For Thriving Practices with Dr. David Lee Hill

What does it really take to build a dental practice that’s future-proof and not just profitable? Through relentless investment in safety, leadership, and education, oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. David Lee Hill shaped Chapel Hill Oral Surgery into what it is today.  From rebuilding his entire facility to meet AAAHC standards, to adopting a dual-provider anesthesia model, to embracing dynamic navigation technology, doing things the hard way early paid off later. Hear why delayed gratification beats shortcuts, how mentorship and continuing education shaped his career, and why having the right leadership team matters more than any single piece of technology.  Listen for his takes on anesthesia models, surgical planning, culture, and why perseverance—not perfection—is often the real differentiator between practices that stall and those that thrive. GUEST David Lee Hill, JR., DDS CEO, OMS Chapel Hill Oral Surgery Dr. Hill is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Academy of Osseointegration, the International Team for Implantology, North Carolina State Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, North Carolina State Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Dental Research. Dr. Hill is an active sportsman, a deep sea fisherman, a cyclist, and an enthusiastic UNC Tar Heel fan. He enjoys spending time with his family, his wife, Olivia, and his son Rémy Oliver (5y/o) and daughter Violette (1.5y/o). Learn more about Chapel Hill Oral Surgery [https://www.chapelhilloralsurgery.com/] Follow Dr. Hill’s practice on Instagram @chapelhilloralsurgery [https://www.instagram.com/chapelhilloralsurgery/] The Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists. Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game. Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter. This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today. Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com  Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io [http://referrallab.io]  Cameron Full Co-Founder of Referral Lab Cameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries. Connect with Cameron [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronfull/] on LinkedIn Jason Souyias, DDS Periodontist and Co-Founder of Referral Lab Dr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists. More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist [https://www.phperio.com/] Dr. Jason Souyias Michael Seda, DMD, MS Periodontist and Co-Developer of Referral Lab A clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability. Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience.  He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key performance indicators that lead to practice growth and patient satisfaction.  His education spans several disciplines, including a degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Doctorate degree from Harvard University (DMD), and a Master’s degree in Periodontics and Oral Medicine from Columbia University. More about Bay Area periodontist [https://www.sedaperio.com/] Dr. Michael Seda Follow Dr. Seda on Instagram @sedaperio [https://www.instagram.com/sedaperio/] Co-hosts: Cameron Full, Jason Souyias, DDS & Michael Seda, DDS Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Cameron Laird Theme music: Papa Funk, spring gang Cover Art: Dan Childs The Special Lists is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io [https://www.theaxis.io/]

Special List #15: Business Blind Spots Dentists Don’t Learn in School with Mike Gergen

Dentistry looks polished from the outside, but behind the scenes, it’s harder, messier, and more human than most people realize. Dental industry veteran Mike Gergen believes the key to success is lifelong education, culture that holds up under pressure, and leaders willing to admit that dentistry is both a clinical craft and a business.  Hear why “just go to the course” might be the best advice dentists get, how friction in patient experience is costing practices more than they think, and why refusing to evolve risks turning dentistry into a commodity.  Get candid insights on DSOs, leadership fatigue, patient engagement, and what it really takes to build a practice people want to be part of on both sides of the chair. GUEST Mike Gergen CEO of EviDent Alliance Mike Gergen is a seasoned dental industry executive and growth strategist known for driving transformation, culture, profitability, and strategic exits. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to know and work with some of the best dentists in the country. Connect with Mike Gergen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-gergen/] Learn more about EviDent Alliance [https://evidentalliance.com/] The Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists. Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game. Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter. This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today. Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com  Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io [http://referrallab.io]  Cameron Full Co-Founder of Referral Lab Cameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries. Connect with Cameron [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronfull/] on LinkedIn Jason Souyias, DDS Periodontist and Co-Founder of Referral Lab Dr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists. More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist [https://www.phperio.com/] Dr. Jason Souyias Michael Seda, DMD, MS Periodontist and Co-Developer of Referral Lab A clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability. Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience.  He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key performance indicators that lead to practice growth and patient satisfaction.  His education spans several disciplines, including a degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Doctorate degree from Harvard University (DMD), and a Master’s degree in Periodontics and Oral Medicine from Columbia University. More about Bay Area periodontist [https://www.sedaperio.com/] Dr. Michael Seda Follow Dr. Seda on Instagram @sedaperio [https://www.instagram.com/sedaperio/] Co-hosts: Cameron Full, Jason Souyias, DDS & Michael Seda, DDS Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah Burkhart Engineering: Cameron Laird Theme music: Papa Funk, spring gang Cover Art: Dan Childs The Special Lists is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io [https://www.theaxis.io/]