The Very Dental Podcast Network

AME Redux: Joint Ventures and the Prophylaxis Problem

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this throwback episode from 2023 Alan revisits a long-standing "chip on his shoulder": the persistent and often unscientific demand for antibiotic ...

AME: Caries Anonymous

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan recovers from a Mother's Day brunch—feeling a bit like a boa constrictor that swallowed a goat—to discuss a profound connection between the w...

Very Dental: "I Hate Dentists"

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this special compilation episode of the Very Dental Podcast, Alan explores one of the most universal and uniquely blunt experiences in the professi...

VC: The Changing of Very Clinical Minds

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This throwback episode from May 2024 brings together Zach, Kevin and Al for a candid look at how their clinical philosophies have evolved over decades...

AME: The Evolution of Online Reviews

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan explores the shifting landscape of digital reputation, from the "gold rush" era of 2018 to the current state of consumer skepticism and review fa...

Group Function: Reflecting on Efficiency with Kate and Brian from Zirc

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting,Alan is joined by Kate Reinert and Brian Shoberg from Zirc Dental Products to the podcast lounge. The t...

AME Redux: Mental Hygiene and the Outrage Machine with Dr. Dawn Grimes

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this throwback episode Alan and Dr. Dawn Grimes explore the unexpected parallels between physical and mental decluttering. Starting with the simple...

AME: Polypharmacy, Comfort Food and Bisphosphonates

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan gets candid about the "aging practice" and the sobering clinical hurdles of geriatric dentistry. As both he and his long-term patients cross majo...

Very Dental: Mastering the Microscope with Dr. Michael Wenzel

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan sits down with Dr. Michael Wenzel (known to his YouTube fans as "Michael the Dentist") to discuss the transformative power of the dental microsc...

Kevin and Zach on Dental School Reunions

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Very Clinical podcast, Zach and Kevin take a nostalgic trip through the evolution of technology and the social dynamics of the ...

AME: The Nostalgia Playlist

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan explores why musical tastes often freeze in middle school and why a 54-year-old dentist still feels like he's in his twenties—until he sees the...

Very Dental: The Explicit Truth with Teresa Duncan

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan catches up with dental administration expert Teresa Duncan at the "posh" Chicago Midwinter Meeting press center to discuss the shifting landscap...

Very Dental: Dentistry in 2050 with Dr. Alex Kantor and Dr. Eric Applesies

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This special episode of the Very Dental Podcast flips the script, featuring Dr. Alan Mead as a guest on the Just a Couple of Dentists podcast with hos...

AME: Outrunning the Discounts with Dr. Bart Schultz

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan catches up with his longtime friend and dental school classmate, Dr. Bart Schultz. The duo takes a nostalgic and candid look back at Al's "super ...

Very Dental: Why Dentistry is Still a "Safe Bet" for Lenders with Kirk Dewart

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan sits down with Kirk Dewart of US Bank to pull back the curtain on the world of dental practice finance. With 15 years of experience in the health...

Very Clinical: The Skeptical Patient

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Zach and Kevin are joined by Alan to navigate the murky waters of patient skepticism. The trio explores the frustration of the "impasse"—when clinic...

AME: It's Only Rock and Roll

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan returns from a 1,000-mile Spring Break 2026 road trip to share reflections on family, travel, and a "brain-breaking" visit to the Rock and Roll H...

Very Dental: Sound Check with Papa Randy (aka: Dr. Randy Houska)

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this "impromptu soundcheck" turned full-length conversation, Alan sits down with the legendary Dr. Randy Houska (affectionately known as Papa Randy...

Very Clinical: Experience Isn't Everything

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin and Zach are joined by Alan once again, this time to dive into a candid discussion about the humbling realities of long-term dental practice. T...

AME: Confessions of a Dentist Doing Hygiene

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan reflects on a recent shift in his clinical routine: stepping back into the role of a dental hygienist due to staffing transitions and vacations. ...

Very Dental: Selling Your Dental Practice in 2026 with Jack Minahan

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan is joined by Jack Minahan from Henry Schein Practice Transitions for a deep dive into the modern landscape of dental practice sales, recorded liv...

Very Dental Classics: The Art of the Believable Tooth with Dr. Jason Smithson

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of this weekend's Spear Summit, this episode of Very Dental Classics features a conversation with the legendary Dr. Jason Smithson on a Frid...

AME: Trusting Your Gut

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan reflects on the fine line between clinical intuition and cognitive bias. Sparked by a failed trivia question about SpongeBob SquarePants, Alan d...

Very Dental: The 33% Solution with Dr. Deren Flesher

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You're missing 33% of incoming calls at your office. That's a huge deal. But what if there was a simple way to make sure you miss NONE of them? In th...

Very Dental Classics: Check Your Ego at the Operatory Door with Dr. Gregg Kinzer

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this "Classics" episode, Alan sits down with Dr. Gregg Kinzer at the 2022 Spear Summit to discuss the long-awaited return of in-person dental educa...

AME: New Toys

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan dives into the rejuvenating power of a tech refresh in the dental operatory. After a brief detour discussing the bittersweet postseason fate of t...

Very Dental: Dr. Matt Burton on the Renewable (Profit) Resource of Dentistry

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan sat down with Dr. Matt Burton to talk shop in a "swanky" new Chicago Dental Society podcast lounge that's a far cry from the usual exhibit hall ...

Very Dental Classics: A Conversation with Dr. Frank Spear

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"If people don't value dental health, I don't care if it's free. They're not doing it." — Dr. Frank Spear In this "Very Dental Classics" throwbac...

AME: Bad Influencer

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan reflects on the grogginess of "springing forward" and why he's perfectly content being a "bad influencer" in an era of highly curated dental cont...

Very Dental: Two Years to Life with Dr. Tiana Hall

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Very Dental Podcast, Alan sits down with Dr. Tiana Hall at the 2026 Voices of Dentistry meeting in Gilbert, Arizona, to explore...

Very Clinical: Ask Us Anything, Again!

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today's Very Clinical Throwback episode brings us back to November 2023 with Kevin and Zach at their very best answering scenarios with a voluminous "...

AME: The Withering Gaze and the Obituaries

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan balances the local charm of a family trip to the Henry Ford Museum with the heavy, often unspoken emotional realities of a "mom-and-pop" dental p...

Very Dental: Relatability is the New Flossing with Whitney DiFoggio

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this high-energy episode recorded live at the 2026 Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, Alan once again sits down with Whitney DiFoggio, better known ...

Very Clinical: "Crushing It" with Zach and Al

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This throwback episode is actually an older episode of Very Dental featuring one of the amazing co-hosts of Very Clinical! In this wide-ranging "shop ...

AME: The Price of Dabbling

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"I'm excited for this disruption. I'm excited for the 'price of dabbling' to come down... I'm okay with high-quality products that are less expensive ...

Group Function: Bread and Butter Reality with Dr. Mitch Hopkins, Dr. Russell Schafer and Dr. Matt Standridge

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"Instagram is dentistry and Facebook is where friends and family are... Instagram is like meth, I can't get off it." — Alan Mead Alan sits down with...

Very Clinical: The Olds

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin and Zack welcome back Dr. Alan Mead for a discussion of modern geriatric dentistry. It's not as much a recipe book for treating older patients...

AME: 8 Essential Truths About High-Magnification Dentistry

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan dives deep into his decades-long journey with high magnification dentistry. In this episode, Alan breaks down why high-powered magnification isn'...

Very Dental Extra: Chicago Midwinter Preview with Dr. Phil Schefke, President of the Chicago Dental Society

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This special Saturday episode of the Very Dental Podcast is all about the upcoming Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting! Alan Mead sits down with Dr. Phi...

Very Dental: The $500,000 Question with Dr. Paul Etchison

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"I think we're reaching a breaking point where people are starting to reflect and say, 'Man, I don't know if the juice is worth the squeeze anymore.'...

Very Clinical: The "Resurrected" Patient...Sometimes They Come Back

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Zach and Kevin welcome Alan back to the show by commiserating over those moments where you look at your schedule and wonder why you (or your past self...

AME: Injection Molding with TSS and Scanning with Elves

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Alan discusses his "whirlwind" travel plans for the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, reviews the new Bioclear TSS Matrix system, and shares his first impre...

Group Function: The "Regular Ass" Dentist's Guide to Selling Your Practice with Dr. Alex Kantor and Dr. Eric Applesies

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Group Function podcast, host Alan Mead sits down with Dr. Alex Kantor and Dr. Eric Applesies from the Just a Couple of Dentist...

Very Dental: Turf Battles and Surgery on Awake People with Dr. Abe Hoellrich

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Alan sits down with Dr. Abe Hoellrich in Scottsdale, Arizona, during the Voices of Dentistry conference! Abe's practice focuses on sed...

Very Clinical: OG Dental Social Media

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Very Clinical podcast, Zach and Kevin explore the evolution of social media within the dental profession, tracing the landscape...

Very Dental: The Crazy Way to Lower Your Overhead with Jay Glazer

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live from VoD 2026 in Gilbert, Arizona Alan is joined by Jay Glazer from Crazy Dental to tackle the rising costs of running a dental practice...

Very Dental Classics: Live from VoD...The Dental Hacks Reunion!

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This throwback episode was originally recorded live from the main stage at Voices of Dentistry 2022 where the original Dental Hacks—Dr. Alan Mead an...

Very Dental Classics: Is Zirconia Too Strong? Protocols for Posterior Restorations with Dr. Mike DiTolla

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this classic episode Dr. Mike DiTolla returns to the show to break down the clinical realities of working with zirconia. After sharing a humorous a...

Very Dental Classics: Sugar, Science and Dr. Rella Christensen

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This classic Dental Hacks episode features a long-form interview with Dr. Rella Christensen of TRAC Research (formerly CRA). The discussion covers the...

Very Clinical: New Year, New Gear with Dr. Gary Holtzclaw and Dr. Erin Elliott

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's New Year's Eve Eve! Zach and Kevin return to close out the year with returning guests Dr. Gary Holtzclaw and Dr. Erin Elliott. In this final epis...

AME: Hitting Pause and Rewind in 2026

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this candid episode, Alan announces he is taking a hiatus from recording new content for the Very Dental Podcast Network. Feeling momentarily "tapp...

Very Dental: Facially Generated Success, a conversation with Dr. Frank Spear and Dr. Gregg Kinzer

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this throwback Dental Hacks episode, I am joined by Dr. Jason Lipscomb to welcome two absolute legends in dental education: Dr. Frank Spear and Dr....

A Very Clinical Christmas with Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Gary Holtzclaw

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join hosts Zach and Kevin for the annual Very Clinical holiday wrap-up! This week, they welcome back the recurring year-end duo, Dr. Erin Elliott and ...

AME: Getting Your Head Straight for the Holidays

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this holiday edition, Alan starts off feeling the weight of the Winter Solstice and a bit of "podcasting burnout," questioning whether an audio vet...

Very Dental Classics: It's the Airway, Stupid with Dr. Jeff Rouse

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This throwback Dental Hacks episode features one of Alan and Jason's classic airway discussions with Dr. Jeff Rouse. This was recorded at the 2018 DS ...

Very Clinical: Keep CADCAMing with Dr. Dhaval Patel

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin and Alan are joined again by Dr. Dhaval Patel to discuss the significant shifts occurring in digital dentistry, moving beyond the traditional CE...

AME: 363 Days

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan explores the state of prevention in dentistry, inspired by his constant sense of smelling periodontitis everywhere. He argues that while the prof...

Very Dental: AI Skepticism with Dr. Gary Holtzclaw

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI is in the conversation all the time these days. Most people are convinced that the productivity gains that AI promises are all to the good, but is ...

Very Clinical: You Won't Know if You Don't Ask with Dr. Dhaval Patel

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the Very Clinical podcast we're suckers for a good story, and our guest, Dr. Dhaval Patel tells one of the best ones we've ever heard!  Kevin and...

Very Dental Student: Mo on Boards and Externships!

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Very Dental Student Podcast, host Mohamed Abo-Basha and Dr. Alan Mead discuss his journey through the fall semester of his D4 y...

Very Dental: One Move Makes All the Difference with Dr. Martin Mendelson

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan is joined once again by Dr. Martin Mendelson to talk about about his new book, 'One Move Makes All the Difference.' They discuss the journey of w...

Very Clinical: Dr. Nate Lawson in 3D!

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this throwback episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin are joined by Dr. Nate Lawson to dive into the evolving world of 3D print...

AME: The Beginner's Mindset

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan opens the episode by discussing his experiences teaching his two sons, particularly his youngest, Jacob, how to drive. This experience, which he ...

Very Dental: The $10,000 Bioclear Tooth and Other Tales with Dr. David Clark

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features host Alan welcoming back guest Dr. David Clark, the founder of the Bioclear Method, for an insightful and entertaining discussio...

Very Clinical: Three Parts of a Dental Career with Dr. Frank Clayton

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin welcome back special guest Dr. Frank Clayton for a deep-dive conversation sharing e...

AME: The Average Dentist

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan reflects on his self-described "average" skill level as a dentist and explores how adopting prescriptive, systematic approaches can help practit...

Very Dental: The Long Run with Andrew Johnston

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special interview where Alan is the guest! He's interviewed by his long-time friend and podcasting colleague, Andrew Johnston, the ...

Very Clinical: Stepping Away with Dr. Frank Clayton

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features hosts Zach and Kevin, who welcome returning guest Dr. Frank Clayton to discuss the psychology and process of retiring from denti...

AME: Entropy and Reading Directions

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan reflects on his recent return to the Bioclear Learning Center, an experience that served as a powerful system reset for his restorative dentistry...

Very Dental: An Evening with Dr. Lance Timmerman

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features host Dr. Alan Mead sitting down with his friend, Dr. Lance Timmerman, in the artsy Hotel Murano lobby in Tacoma, Washington, whi...

Very Clinical: Tissue Issues: Grafting and Recession

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts Zach and Kevin put the sports talk (mostly) aside to dive deep into a critical area of everyday dentistry: various scenarios involving soft and ...

AME: Recommendation Engine--Tacoma Edition

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan records from his hotel in Tacoma, Washington, after finishing day three of a four-day Bioclear anterior and posterior certification course. Desp...

Very Dental: Dr. Tim Anderson has the Midas Touch

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan sits down once more with Dr. Tim Anderson to dive deep into the rapidly evolving landscape of digital dentistry. The episode begins with a hilari...

Very Clinical: Pickleball and Perio

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Zach and Kevin kick off this episode by catching up and discussing a shared, recent hobby: pickleball. They share their experiences, the learning curv...

AME: Intentional Culture

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan gets candid about the concept of intentional culture, reflecting on his own experience taking over a dental practice where the culture was largel...

Very Dental: Confessions of a CE Junkie with Dr. Lance Timmerman

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan welcomes his first-ever podcast guest, Dr. Lance Timmerman, back to the show for a candid look at the life of a "CE Junkie." Lance shares his ext...

Very Clinical: More Value, Less Grind with Dr. Sully Sullivan

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This throwback episode of the Very Clinical Podcast features hosts Kevin and Zach welcoming back Dr. Sully Sullivan to discuss his involvement with 3D...

AME: Transparency and Your Overhead

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan shares his recent findings on dental supply purchasing, questioning the long-standing industry model where dentists pay a premium for the conveni...

Brain Trust: Audio, Print and Influence with Julieanne O'Connor and Michael Keeter

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Back in August Alan talked with guests Julianne O'Connor and Michael Keeter, the founders of Influential Dental. They discussed the company's effort...

Very Clinical Takeover: Al's Crown Prep Hacks

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Alan Mead steps in for Zach and Kevin in this "Very Clinical Takeover" episode to share his efficient and refined workflow for single-tooth crown ...

AME: The Elastic Nature of Time

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"You got to remember that you don't own time, it's time that owns you." --Stephen King, "My Pretty Pony" Alan dives into the elastic nature of time t...

Very Dental: Technology and a Human Touch with Dr. Tim Anderson

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan welcomes back Dr. Tim Anderson to discuss the transformative impact of digital technology on modern dentistry. The episode kicks off with a brie...

Very Clinical: Charlie Fryer on the AI in Dentistry Hype Machine

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this throwback episode of Very Clinical, Zach and Kevin welcome back Charlie Fryer to talk about AI in dentistry. Charlie recently finished a maste...

AME: Churn

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Patient churn—the natural cycle of patients choosing, staying, or leaving a dental practice—is a normal part of the business. Alan explores this ...

Very Dental: A Very Brady Episode with Dr. Brady Smith

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan is joined by the multi-talented Dr. Brady Smith, a dentist, standup comedian, and social media sensation. They dive into Dr. Smith's fascinating...

Very Clinical: AI in the Operatory with Charlie Fryer

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this throwback episode, Zach and Kevin are joined by Kevin's son and expert on AI in dentistry, Charlie Fryer! Charlie discusses his master's thesi...

AME: Harm Reduction

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan discusses the significant differences between his intensive, abstinence-based path to recovery in 2002 and the current standards of addiction tr...

Very Dental: The GI-normous Benefits of Glass Ionomer with Dr. Zach Meiners

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan welcomes Dr. Zach Meiners, co-host of the Very Clinical podcast and restorative dentist extraordinaire, back to the Very Dental podcast. They div...

Very Clinical: $18,000 Tips and Other Laser Myths with Dr. Bob Convissar

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this throwback episode Zach and Kevin feature Dr. Bob Convissar, a pioneer in laser dentistry with over 32 years of experience. He's a prolific aut...

Very Dental Student: Into the Deep End with Garrett Davis

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features host Mohammed Abo-Basha's conversation with his classmate, Garrett Davis. They talked about his experience on a senior year dent...

Very Dental: Entering the Neutral Zone with Dr. Joe Massad

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It isn't very often that I get to interview a legend, but this episode is one of those. I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Joe Massad who has been ...

AME: The Specialist's Advantage

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan reflects on the value of specialization in dentistry after attending a meeting where he saw a presentation by Dr. Joe Massad, a renowned special...

Very Dental Student: Mohamed Abo-Basha and the D4 Grind

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Host Mohamed Abo-Basha provides a solo update on his fourth year of dental school. He discusses his busy schedule, which includes studying for the new...

Very Dental: How to Fix Burnout with Dr. Dawn Grimes

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan welcomes back Dr. Dawn Grimes to talk about burnout. Lately it seems like social media can't stop talking about it and they both have some thing...

Very Clinical: The Bad CE Stand-Up Tour with Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Tim Anderson

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This throwback episode of the Very Clinical podcast features hosts Zach and Kevin discussing the value of continuing education (CE) with special gues...

AME: Let Them Say No

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan reflects on his 27 years in dentistry, revealing how his past struggles with addiction and a conservative approach to treatment planning have imp...

Very Dental: What is an Expert with Dr. Matt Standridge

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan is once again joined by Dr. Matt Standridge. The episode was recorded live at a Voices of Dentistry event following Matt's presentation on "Simpl...

Very Clinical: How to Make a Trial Smile with Dr. Allie Frounfelter

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin chat with guest Dr. Allie Frounfelter about digital dentistry and the process of c...

AME: The Customer Service Curve

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan shares his frustrating experience with AT&T's poor customer service after his office's phones went down. The ordeal leads him to develop a theory...

Brain Trust: Yes Tacos, No Hygiene?

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan brings together Dr. Lance Timmerman and Dr. Brady Smith for a lunch conversation at VoD Lite 2025. The trio discuss the unique, small-scale natu...