Very Clinical: Is Academic Dentistry Better Than Private Practice?

Very Clinical: Is Academic Dentistry Better Than Private Practice?

This throwback episode from 2023 features Dr. Meylinda Meredith. Zach and Kevin sit down with Meylinda, a fellow UMKC dental school alumnus and current clinical faculty member teaching operative dentistry. They dive into a fascinating discussion comparing private practice associateships with a career in dental education, exploring everything from the perks of academic vacation time to the unique traits of Gen Z dental students and how "just-in-time" learning changes the way they absorb material. The trio also discusses the modern integration of digital scanning versus traditional PVS impressions in a dental school setting, before wrapping up with a fun round of UMKC dental trivia. Some links from the show: * UMKC School of Dentistry Alumni Page [https://dentistry.umkc.edu/alumni/] * Stevenson Dental Solutions YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@StevensonDentalSolutions] 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: No More Joint Premedication?

Alan dives into the long-awaited alignment between dentists and orthopedic surgeons regarding antibiotic premedication for joint replacement patients. Reflecting on a wildly sarcastic blog post he wrote back in 2012 [https://thebloggingdentist.com/?p=211], Alan breaks down the history of joint prophylaxis confusion—from the shotgun antibiotic approach of the 1990s to the frustratingly vague "case-by-case" guidelines of 2012 and 2017. He highlights the game-changing late-2024 AAOS/ADA update, which officially confirms that routine systemic antibiotics do not reduce the risk of periprosthetic joint infections. Alan shares his exact, blunt office protocol letter designed to push back against old-school surgeons who refuse to follow modern data, explains why patient safety and antibiotic stewardship must override legal fears Some links from the show: * "Meet the New Guidelines, Same as the Old Guidelines" [https://thebloggingdentist.com/?p=211] * Latest AAOS recommendation [https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/quality-and-practice-resources/dental/dental-2024/prevention-of-total-hip-and-knee-arthroplasty-pji-in-patients-undergoing-dental-procedures-cpg.pdf] * AAOS evidence base [https://www.orthoguidelines.org/topic?id=1050&tab=all_guidelines] * Alan's letter [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c5cLe4i751-BB9pU1u3YbbVaq2u5howCCOLPDK-8TxM/edit?usp=sharing] 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]!

Very Dental: "Super Flowables," Color Stability and the Bioclear Method with Dr. David Clark

Alan once again sits down with Dr. David Clark for a deep dive into a massive paradigm shift shaking up the Bioclear Method! Dave discusses the clinical realities driving the development of the new Tooth and Surface Specific (TSS) matrix system and drops a bombshell announcement: the wholesale transition away from legacy composites toward color-stable materials. They explore why whole-tooth restorations face severe color shifts over time, how new Japanese filler particle technologies from Kuraray and GC prevent these failures, and how the introduction of "super flowables" allows clinicians to completely skip paste composites for faster, stronger restorations. From specialized "Hershey's Kiss" Calla Lily burs to the physical mechanics of achieving a tight interproximal contact without packable materials, this episode is packed with game-changing clinical insights you cannot afford to miss. Some links from the show: * Bioclear Matrices [https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/] * Bioclear Summit (October 2026) [https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/summit-2026/] * Clearfil Majesty ES flowable [https://kuraraydental.com/product/clearfil-majesty-es-flow/] (anteriors) * GC G-ænial Bulk Injectable [https://www.gc.dental/america/products/operatory/composite-restoratives/g-aenial-bulk-injectable] (posteriors) 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: Very Rock and Roll, part 4

Zach, Kevin and Al have been tiptoeing around it for three episodes, but today we do a deep dive on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! The guys break down the highly secretive, two-step nomination process—debunking the illusion of the "fan vote"—and call out the historical genre biases that left iconic stadium rock, heavy metal, and progressive bands frozen out for decades. From debating the definition of "innovation" versus "commercial success" to throwing down over legendary snubs like The J. Geils Band, Weird Al, and INXS, this episode is a passionate, witty look at the politics, snobbery, and enduring legacy of the music that shapes our culture. Some links from the show: * The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [https://www.rockhall.com/] * How induction works [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/induction-process/] * The fake "fan vote" [https://www.futurerocklegends.com/] 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 Disney Experience

In this episode, Alan returns from a high-stakes, five-day marathon chaperoning a high-school band trip to Orlando. Behind the magic of Disney venues, full-on recording sessions, and a 48-hour round-trip bus ride, he finds a fascinating study of human behavior under pressure. From Disney's multi-million-dollar mastery of the queue to a universal lack of spatial awareness on the park paths, Alan breaks down the massive operational scale of a resort employing 80,000 people. True to form, he bridges these observations directly back to the clinical environment—comparing the luxury of "zero-wait" scheduling to Disney's paid Lightning Lanes, and exploring what happens to a clinician's empathy and patience when running on a low "body battery" and physical pain. It is an honest, humorous look at what a frantic trip to the Happiest Place on Earth can teach us about running a smooth practice and protecting our own resilience. 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]!