The Technology Evangelist Podcast Hosted By Dr. John Flucke

Episode 42: Dr. Adam Hodges on Composite Veneer Technology and Digital Dentistry

Composite veneer technology has transformed what general dentists can deliver for patients — and few clinicians know that story better than Dr. Adam Hodges. On this episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, host Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Hodges, a Solventum KOL, Dental Advisor clinical ambassador, and 24-year veteran of a family dental practice in Asheville, North Carolina, to talk about how digital workflows are making composite veneers more predictable, more profitable, and more accessible than ever. This conversation is brought to you by Medidenta Digital Solutions [https://medidentadigital.com/], whose support makes this podcast possible. Dr. Adam Hodges brings a rare combination of clinical depth, industry involvement, and genuine enthusiasm for the future of dentistry to every conversation. Whether you are a new graduate trying to figure out where composite veneer technology fits in your practice, or an experienced dentist looking to revisit a procedure you have been avoiding, his insights offer a practical and encouraging roadmap. To explore the independent clinical research and product evaluations that inform his decision-making, visit Dental Advisor [https://www.dentaladvisor.com/].

Episode 41: Namrata Upadhyay on Dental Career Expansion and MedTech Innovation

Dental career expansion is no longer a distant dream for clinicians feeling stuck, burned out, or underutilized — and Dr. Namrata Upadhyay is building the infrastructure to make it a reality. On this episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, host Dr. John Flucke sits down with the dental surgeon turned MedTech executive to explore how clinicians can bridge the gap between clinical practice and the medical device industry. Brought to you by Medidenta Digital Solutions [https://medidentadigital.com/], this conversation covers Dr. Upadhyay’s remarkable global journey, the founding of FreeDen®, and her AGD PACE-recognized training program designed to empower dentists and hygienists to thrive beyond the operatory.

Episode 40: Howard Farran on Leadership, AI, and Modern Dentistry

The conversation also expands into broader topics including leadership, staffing issues in dental practices, corporate dentistry, education, entrepreneurship, and the future of the profession. Farran repeatedly stresses that successful dentists are not necessarily the most technically advanced, but the ones who build trust, communicate well, and create strong office cultures. He encourages dentists to adapt to technological change instead of fearing it, comparing AI’s rise to previous transformative inventions that initially caused panic but ultimately expanded industries and opportunities. Key Takeaways * AI is expected to automate mundane dental tasks, not replace dentists entirely. * Human connection and patient communication will become more important as technology advances. * Radiology and diagnostics already show how AI can increase efficiency while creating more opportunities for specialists. * Strong staff culture and low employee turnover are more important than constantly buying expensive technology. * Dentistry is fundamentally a relationship business built on trust. * Dentists who embrace change and adapt early will likely benefit most from AI advancements. * Corporate dentistry and DSOs were discussed as a response to operational and staffing challenges. * Farran emphasizes entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication skills as critical for long-term success. * Technology should support better patient care, not remove the human aspect of dentistry. * Fear surrounding AI mirrors historical fears around previous technological revolutions that ultimately improved productivity and growth.

Episode 39: Dr. Alan Stern on Dentist Coaching, Clarity, and Prosperity

Dentist coaching is changing lives inside and outside the operatory — and Dr. Alan Stern is living proof. In Episode 39 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions [https://medidentadigital.com/], Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Alan Stern, practicing dentist, ACE Certified Health Coach and Behavior Change Specialist, and founder of Better, Richer, Stronger, LLC. After 30 years of struggling in his own practice, Dr. Stern found a path to genuine prosperity by rebuilding everything around his core values — and now he dedicates his work to helping other dentists find that same clarity, purpose, and happiness in a profession he believes is truly terrific.

Episode 38: Dr. Brett Kessler on Organized Dentistry, Wellness, and the Future of Oral Health

Organized dentistry is working harder for the profession than most dentists realize — and nobody makes that case more compellingly than someone who has lived it from the inside. In Episode 38 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions [https://medidentadigital.com/], Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Brett Kessler, Past President of the American Dental Association, practicing dentist since 1995, and one of the most candid and courageous voices in modern dentistry. From a deeply personal story of recovery to landmark advocacy work on dental benefits reform, dentist wellness, and the future of oral health, this conversation covers ground that few in the profession have been willing to explore publicly.