The Very Dental Podcast Network
Episodes
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...
Very Clinical: Dr. Allie Frounfelter is the Queen of Trial Smiles
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Zach and Kevin welcome Dr. Allie Frounfelter to discuss her innovative approach to cosmetic dentistry using Trial Smiles. Dr. Frounfelter shares her j...
AME: Sealants, Schmealants
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alan argues that dental sealants should be treated more like restorations rather than simple preventive measures. He critiques the common practice of...
Very Dental: Adam on AI with Adam McWethy
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alan welcomes his friend Adam McWethy back to the Very Dental podcast! Recorded in person at the 2025 Voices of Dentistry pop up event in Arizona, Ada...
Very Clinical: Invisalign Hype vs. Reality with Dr. Craig Harder
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this "throwback" episode recorded live at Voices of Dentistry 2023, hosts Kevin and Zach are joined by guest Dr. Craig Harder to debate and discuss...
AME: Some of My Favorite Words
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alan shares his favorite verbal phrases that have improved his patient interactions over his 28-year career. He emphasizes the importance of building ...
Brain Trust: Nothing Wrong with "Dental School Dentistry"
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Russell Schafer, Dr. Randy Houska, and Dr. Brian McGue join Alan for a pre-conference discussion at the Voices of Dentistry Lite event in Arizona....
Very Clinical: Practice or Business?
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin and Zach welcome Alan back to discuss the world of business and entrepreneurship within dentistry. They begin by reminiscing about their childho...
AME: Another Recommendation Engine
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Al shares another "recommendation engine" in this episode! He starts with a dental recommendation, praising the Bioclear Evolve Matrix system and exp...
Very Dental: How to Not Have a Heart Attack with Dr. David Clark
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alan interviews Dr. David Clark about a near-fatal heart attack he suffered almost two years ago. Dave describes the dramatic details of the event, fr...
Very Clinical: The Healthy Patient Paradox
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Zach and Kevin are joined Alan to have an in-depth discussion on the business of dentistry. They explore the surprising contradiction many dentists fa...
AME: Digital Design for Dummies
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alan shares his journey into the world of digital dentistry and digital design. He reflects on his past hesitations and the challenges of committing t...
Very Dental: The Dentist's Dilemma: Doctor or Entrepreneur? with Dr. Mark Costes
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the entrepreneurial drive something you're born with, or can it be learned? Alan had the chance to sit down with his friend and colleague, Dr. Mark...
Very Clinical: A Tip or Two with Dr. McGue
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this throwback episode from Voices of Dentistry 2023 in Scottsdale, Zach and Kevin are joined by guest Dr. Brian McGue for the inaugural "Myths and...
AME: Matt's Marketing Minute(s)
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded live at our recent pop up VoD 2025, Alan is joined by the one and only Dr. Matt Standridge! Matt shares two innovative marketing strategies h...
Very Dental: Have We Reached Peak Dental Podcasting with Dr. Mark Costes
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this throwback episode Alan is joined by his good friend and co-founder of Voices of Dentistry, Dr. Mark Costes. They catch up after the VOD 2022 e...
Very Clinical: The Ortho Champion with Maryann McFarland
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin and Zach are joined by star hygienist Maryann McFarland. They kick things off with a competitive discussion about their favorite games, from Mar...
AME: Unconscious
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alan uses his familiar daily commute as an analogy for the routine procedures in dentistry that become second nature. He reflects on how tasks that ar...
Very Dental: Frankly, Dental School Sucked
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This throwback episode features Alan and his longtime friend and fellow Dentaltown veteran, Dr. Frank Clayton, for a hilarious and nostalgic conversat...
Very Clinical: More Than a Cleaning with Maryann McFarland
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kevin and Zach return from a hiatus and catch up on their summer adventures before introducing a special guest: Kevin's hygienist, Ma...
AME: The Internet Before the Internet with Richard Heend
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this nostalgic throwback episode, Alan reconnects with his childhood friend, Richard Heend, to reminisce about the internet before the internet. Th...
Very Dental: Al and the Amazing Pants with Angus Pryor
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alan is joined by Australian marketing expert and fellow podcaster, Angus Pryor! The episode was recorded live from the Chicago Midwinter Meeting. The...
Very Clinical: Is Posterior Composite Anatomy Important or Pretentious? with Dr. Dan Smith
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this throwback episode recorded at VoD 2023, hosts Kevin and Zach are joined by Dr. Dan Smith from Tennessee to tackle dental myths and share clini...