The ODONTOJAM Podcast

#41 HEIDI HEALTH with Dr. Ben Condon

In this episode, Dr. Jesse Liang sits down with Ben Condon, Clinical Director of Heidi, to explore how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape the daily workflow of clinicians. Across healthcare—including dentistry, medicine, and allied health—administrative tasks continue to grow. Documentation, compliance, patient communication, and clinical record keeping often consume a significant portion of a clinician’s day. In many cases, this administrative burden pulls practitioners away from the core of their profession: caring for patients. Heidi was created to address exactly this challenge. During the conversation, Ben shares the philosophy behind Heidi and how the platform was designed specifically for clinicians who want to reclaim time in their day while maintaining accurate and high-quality documentation. Dr. Jesse and Ben discuss how this administrative load contributes to clinician fatigue, workflow inefficiency, and reduced time for meaningful patient interaction. AI solutions like Heidi aim to reverse that trend by automating parts of the clinical workflow that are repetitive and time-consuming. Heidi EVIDENCE: Supporting Clinical Decision-Making Another major topic discussed in the episode is Heidi Evidence, a tool designed to support clinicians with real-time access to clinical knowledge. Rather than searching through multiple sources or navigating guideline databases, Heidi Evidence connects clinical documentation and decision-making in one integrated workflow. As Ben explains during the episode: “From documentation to decision-making, Heidi Evidence connects it all in real time, with zero ads and no commercial influence.” The goal is to provide clinicians with quick, reliable access to evidence-based information while maintaining independence from commercial bias. https://www.heidihealth.com/en-au/evidence [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.heidihealth.com_en-2Dau_evidence&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sfJFQWZT47TgBNQhyOoKPiuKSsvhgAQFLXUVE2P4-kA&m=JpNo__WZVldN4WktRNh0rJxkHa3ti1rQ-s1BWfbvEUMYLUS7g1RR-bK2si608mXU&s=gN27p-Kcd8XVTYiRanP01SPlDKBDdpxMJdbrxlI-p30&e=]  Heidi Unlocked is your chance to see Heidi and healthcare AI in action like never before. The event will include hands-on demonstrations, expert insights, and practical workflows showing how AI can be implemented immediately in clinical practice. 📍 Heidi Unlocked — 19 March, Melbourne For clinicians interested in the future of AI in healthcare, this event offers an opportunity to explore the technology in a practical and interactive setting. Registration is available here: https://www.heidihealth.com/en-au/events/heidi-unlocked-live-in-melbourne-2026 [https://www.heidihealth.com/en-au/events/heidi-unlocked-live-in-melbourne-2026] Key Takeaways from the Episode * Administrative burden remains one of the biggest challenges in modern clinical practice. * Heidi’s AI scribe helps reduce time spent on documentation by automatically generating consultation notes. * Heidi Evidence provides real-time access to evidence-based clinical guidance with no ads or commercial influence. * AI tools in healthcare are increasingly focused on supporting clinicians rather than replacing them. * Events like Heidi Unlocked provide clinicians an opportunity to explore healthcare AI in a hands-on environment.

#40 DIGITAL DENTISTRY and AI with Dr. Sonny and Rob

In this conversation Sonny and Rob discuss the transformative impact of digital tools and AI in dentistry. They explore the top digital tools every dentist should be using, the efficiency gains from AI, and the importance of data safety. The discussion also highlights the common pitfalls dentists face when integrating these technologies and the need for a supportive community to navigate the evolving landscape of digital dentistry. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Digital Dentistry and AI Tools 05:27 Top Digital Tools for Dentists 12:06 Enhancing Efficiency with AI in Practice 14:02 The Impact of Digital Tools on Patient Experience 21:13 Common Pitfalls in Digital Dentistry and AI Usage 25:01 Understanding AI Limitations and Responsibilities 27:51 Navigating AI Tools for Clinical Use 31:09 Customizing AI for Patient Communication 35:03 The Birth of Digital Dentistry Study Clubs 40:01 Building Community in Digital Dentistry 45:03 Upcoming Events and Future Directions To learn more about Sonny's upcoming courses be sure to visit the ADDA website https://digitaldentistryacademy.com.au/  GUEST BIOS Dr Sonny Lee, BDSc (UWA), PgCert Adv Aesth & Rest Dent (Portsmouth), Fellow ofPierre Fauchard Academy (FPFA) is a restorative dentist and founder of the Australian Digital Dentistry Academy in Perth, Australia. He runs a fully digital clinic, lab, charity clinic , with almost 20 years of experience in CAD/CAM, exocad and 3D printing. In his courses he shares practical, real-world workflows for exocad design and Sprintray 3D printing that can be applied immediately in daily practice. Dr. Rob brings over 20 years of dental experience to Ashburton Family Dental. After graduating from the University of Otago in 2004, he began his career as a house surgeon at Auckland Hospital, where he developed strong foundations in complex and emergency dental care. Inspired by his keen interest in implant dentistry, Dr. Rob completed a Graduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry at the University of Melbourne in 2021. He is also one of a handful of Digital Smile Design (DSD) Masters in Australia and has recently started up the ADDA Vic Chatper (see links below). https://www.digitaldentistryacademyvic.com.au/ [https://www.digitaldentistryacademyvic.com.au/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa0h5RGN6Y1g4Q0RqeTB2b3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6duQDKS8MBSVbgnjwhViahTsJGW0H2lIhF6QAr6-Iesrap3RdBFyEZlouoTg_aem_qFE6L9Vt3N4Qg2-gh__xBA]

#39 MORE GOOD DAYS - Modern Approaches to Pain Management with Nel Fulia

Understanding Chronic Pain: Misconceptions and Effective Management Strategies Chronic pain affects millions of people, yet it’s still widely misunderstood. In this episode, we unpack what pain actually is, why chronic pain can persist even when scans appear “normal,” and why treating pain isn’t as simple as fixing damaged tissue. We explore pain as a protective alarm system—one designed to keep us safe—but discuss how, in chronic pain, that system can become overprotective. The conversation challenges the common belief that ongoing pain always equals ongoing injury, highlighting research showing that many people with structural changes on scans experience no pain at all. A key focus of the episode is the role of the nervous system and central sensitization, where pain signals become amplified over time. Using simple, relatable analogies, we explain how pain can be driven by sensitivity rather than damage—and why understanding this can be both empowering and relieving for patients. We also dive into the thinking behind More Good Days, an initiative created to bridge the gap between evidence-based pain science and what many patients are actually offered in clinical care. The discussion highlights the importance of education, movement, psychology, and human connection in helping people rebuild confidence in their bodies. Ultimately, this episode reinforces a critical message: effective chronic pain management requires a multidisciplinary approach that treats the whole person—not just the site of pain. Episode Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Understanding Chronic Pain What pain really is, why it exists as a protective mechanism, and how chronic pain differs from acute injury. 00:51 – Rethinking Pain and Damage Challenging the assumption that pain always equals physical damage, and why scans don’t always tell the full story. 04:49 – The Journey to More Good Days How the idea for More Good Days emerged and the gap it aims to close in chronic pain care. 10:29 – Explaining Pain to Patients Why education matters, how understanding pain reduces fear, and the role of language in recovery. 16:40 – Recognizing Central Sensitization How the nervous system can amplify pain signals and what this means for chronic pain sufferers. 22:09 – Engaging Patients in Their Recovery Movement, confidence-building, and tailoring approaches to individual patients. 24:50 – Clinicians as Patients: Common Patterns Shared behaviours clinicians fall into when experiencing pain themselves—and what we can learn from it.

#38 NATURAL INDIRECT AESTHETICS with Dr. Varun Garg (Specialist Prosthodontist)

Summary In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Varun Garg shares his expertise on indirect restorations, emphasizing the importance of communication with both patients and ceramists. He discusses the critical aspects of provisionalization, material selection, and cementation protocols, while also addressing the nuances of finishing lines and margins. Varun highlights the significance of teaching in refining one's own skills and announces upcoming courses aimed at enhancing practical knowledge in dentistry. Chapters 00:00 The Art of Indirect Restorations 07:03 Communication: The Key to Patient Satisfaction 10:53 Mastering Clinical Skills for Precision 12:53 The Importance of Provisionalization 18:26 Mixing Materials: A Balancing Act 22:42 Finalizing the Bonding Process 23:48 Mastering Aesthetic Restorations 26:56 The Importance of Etching and Bonding 28:55 Finishing Lines and Margins in Veneer Preparations 33:16 Insights from Teaching and Learning 38:22 Upcoming Courses and Educational Initiatives 43:09 ODONTO OUTRO FINAL.mp3

#37 CHASING CRACKS with Dr. Martin Gale (Endodontist)

This conversation delves into the complexities of tooth cracks, exploring their diagnosis, management, and the underlying engineering principles that inform dental practices. Dr. Martin Gale shares insights on the importance of understanding the mechanics of cracks, the role of material science in dental restorations, and effective patient communication strategies. The discussion emphasizes the need for a thorough pain history, the significance of infection management, and the impact of material choices on treatment outcomes. TIME STAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Cracks in Dentistry 02:08 Challenges in Diagnosing Tooth Cracks 04:32 Exploring the Pathology of Cracks 06:51 Management Strategies for Cracks 09:24 The Importance of Crack Localisation 11:59 The Role of Magnification in Crack Treatment 14:36 Patient Communication and Expectations 17:05 Material Science in Dentistry 19:58 Understanding Bacterial Load and Pulp Response 22:29 Layering Techniques in Composite Restoration 25:00 The Mechanics of Composite vs. Ceramic Overlays 27:40 Innovations in Core Build-Up Materials 30:07 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Thanks you Martin for joining us on the show!