The Very Dental Podcast Network

AME: Zen and the Art of Dental Hygiene

Alan discusses the unexpected clinical and relational insights discovered after a part-time hygienist's departure forced him to step back into the hygiene column. Challenging traditional dental consultant dogma that screams "dentists shouldn't do hygiene," Alan shares his four-month journey of slowing down to find the hidden, high-value ROI of performing his own preventive recalls. From capturing an unfiltered look at a patient's raw baseline before a single tooth is polished, to uncovering the ultimate comprehensive exam under the lens of a dental microscope, he reveals how a low-anxiety, "no-shot" environment drastically deepens patient connection and naturally drives case acceptance. Alan also breaks down how he pairs high magnification with modern technology—specifically using the Heidi Health AI scribing app to seamlessly handle hands-free charting—to deliver an unmatched preventive experience rooted in genuine TLC. Whether you're navigating the turbulent modern hygiene labor market or just looking to reconnect with the foundational health of your practice, this episode offers a mindful, paradigm-shifting look at finding peace, presence, and production in the second column. Some links from the show: * Heidi Health [https://www.heidihealth.com/en-us] * Al's email: simplebutnoteasy at gmail dot com [simplebutnoteasy@gmail.com] Join the Very Dental Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/752256272130042] using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, 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! https://www.net32.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=very-dental-fb I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method [https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/bioclear-learning-center/]! 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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay]!

Very Dental: The Rise of the Dental Marketplace with Susan Cahill

Alan welcomes Susan Cahill, the Chief Operating Officer of Net32, to break down how the online marketplace model is fundamentally reshaping how dental practices buy supplies. Moving away from the traditional, often opaque sales rep model, Susan explains how Net32 acts as a transparent intermediary where over a hundred vendors actively compete for your practice's business. They dive into the crucial differences between a niche professional marketplace and giant consumer platforms like Amazon, how macro shifts like inflation and post-COVID operational changes have accelerated digital adoption in dentistry, and how reclaiming just 30 minutes of inventory management a week can instantly impact your bottom line. Whether you are looking to slash overhead or simply eliminate the friction of supply lists and browser tabs, this conversation offers a refreshing look at the data-driven future of dental procurement. Some links from the show: * Net32 [https://www.net32.com/] Join the Very Dental Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/752256272130042] using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, 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! https://www.net32.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=very-dental-fb I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method [https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/bioclear-learning-center/]! 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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay]!

Very Clinical: Bevels, Bonds, and Sleep Apnea Red Flags

In this episode, the guys dive deep into the multifactorial nature of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Moving past outdated single-cause theories like pure toothbrush abrasion or simple nighttime grinding, the discussion shifts toward a comprehensive look at systemic triggers, specifically the massive role of airway issues and sleep apnea. The hosts debate the intersecting impact of clenching, acid erosion, and periodontal biotypes, sharing their practical clinical approaches to desensitizing protocols, the realities of enamel-bevel bonding, and knowing exactly when it's time to skip the composite and upgrade to a crown. Some links from the show: * 3D Dentists [https://www.3d-dentists.com/landing-pages/dental-implants-new?utm_source=adwords&utm_medium={adname}&utm_campaign={campaignname}&utm_content={adgroupname}&utm_keyword=3d%20dentists&utm_matchtype=e&campaign_id=23085641464&ad_group_id=181611867250&ad_id=777285711590&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23085641464&gbraid=0AAAABBm6b97y_fdN0c6UwfD_6faooEMxZ&gclid=CjwKCAjwuO_QBhAWEiwAIkVhU6ESA0Iqa1f9ppGfN0uZVtdJ7-luEtV2cIOkxKTdDmS4Bny_Q5zghRoCEZYQAvD_BwE] * Workaholics podcast episode about Invisalign [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-125-lifes-short-piss-hard/id1529931681?i=1000603131078] Join the Very Clinical Facebook group! [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1731846006905360] Join the Very Dental Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/752256272130042] 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! https://www.net32.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=very-dental-fb I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method [https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/bioclear-learning-center/]! 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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay]!

AME: The Shame Drawer

In this episode of the Alan Mead Experience, Alan faces down a long-hidden clinical shortcoming: his "shame drawer" of inadequate patient charting. Transitioning from a clunky paper-digital hybrid system, Alan discusses how AI-driven dictation and medical scribes are revolutionizing clinical documentation by delivering flawless, detailed notes in a fraction of the time. From discussing the legal and ethical obligations of patient privacy and Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) to confronting the psychological hurdles of the "avoidance loop" in dentistry, this episode is a candid look at overcoming the friction of change. Along the way, Alan shares updates on his upcoming high school band trip to Disney World, thoughts on creepy new AI video avatars, and a reminder of why we should probably all just use the rubber dam more often. Some links from the show: * Heidi Health (AI transcription and notes) [https://www.heidihealth.com/en-us?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21070232593&utm_content=165170505731&utm_term=heidi%20health&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21070232593&gbraid=0AAAAAqyGl8utWBz5J5o_KcKh5ZC02xJ-Z&gclid=CjwKCAjwuO_QBhAWEiwAIkVhU9eNubEjOxIsnzZ00mAbshV-6s3oUIRKY7lYa2N21_Fvgk4-lqmUExoCReIQAvD_BwE] * Plaud ai [https://www.plaud.ai/?srsltid=AfmBOorVNi6VBZUe_CtG5wOgFpNSnB3J-F4iyLc8gHRRIq5gzJ8feEif] * Freed.ai [https://www.getfreed.ai/] Join the Very Dental Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/752256272130042] using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, 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! https://www.net32.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=very-dental-fb I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method [https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/bioclear-learning-center/]! 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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay]!

Group Function: Negative Pressure, Positive Results: Engineering the Perfect HVE Isolation

In this episode of Group Function, Alan connects with fellow Michiganders Austin and Lindsay Ritter, the husband-and-wife team behind Ascentcare Dental Products. Austin shares his unique journey from an HR background to dental product innovation, inspired by casual, after-hours brainstorming sessions with a dentist neighbor. They dive deep into the engineering behind their flagship Vacu-Lux Isolation System, explaining how they designed it as a true high-volume evacuation (HVE) system to turn the oral cavity into a negative pressure environment. The discussion covers the critical role of user feedback in small-business R&D, material selection for patient comfort and optical clarity, and their ultra-lightweight Feather Flex Vacuum Line which helps prevent wrist fatigue for hygienists and dentists alike. Some links from the show: * Ascentcare website [https://www.ascentcaredental.com/] * Vacu-lux HVE Isolation Systems [https://www.ascentcaredental.com/isolation-system] * VacuVUE Evacuation Mirror [https://www.ascentcaredental.com/evacuation-mirror] * Featherflex HVE Vacuum Line [https://www.ascentcaredental.com/hve#anchors-lmkvtall] Join the Very Dental Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/752256272130042] using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, 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! https://www.net32.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=very-dental-fb I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method [https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/bioclear-learning-center/]! 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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.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 [http://www.verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay]!