Dental Podcast Episodes
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Kandra Sellers, RDH Release Date: 8/7/25 |
As a dentist you are a medical specialist. That means it is totally appropriate and acceptable to tap into a patient's medical insurance for procedures that fall within the realm of medical necessity. And there are plenty of procedures performed in our operatories that do fall within the range of medical necessity. So why would we want to start billing to medical insurance companies and how difficult is this to do? To answer these questions and more is our guest, Kandra Sellers. Kandra is a RDH with over 25 years in the dental industry. She is widely considered one of the most passionate and respected dental coaches. She is an educator in the field of oral systemic health, as well as founder and CEO of TIPS Medical Billing.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Maria Kunstadter Release Date: 7/31/25 |
Perhaps we look at teledentistry as something that would be good for practices in remote areas but not particularly useful for urban practices, where patients can easily get to dentists. But there's actually a lot more below the surface when it comes to teledentistry. Especially today, where we continue to see increasing demands for convenient healthcare solutions. In this environment, teledentistry emerges as a tool that holds immense potential for every dental practice. To tell us more about it is our guest Dr. Maria Kunstadter. Over the past decade, Dr. Kunstadter, a practicing dentist, has been at the forefront of this innovative approach to dental care, integrating it seamlessly into her practice while also dedicating herself to educating and assisting fellow dental professionals in maximizing the potential of teledentistry.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Scott Benjamin Release Date: 7/24/25 |
Today we'll talk with Dr. Scott Benjamin about how he streamlined his root canal cases and boosted his confidence and success rate by incorporating dental laser technology into his endodontic workflow. He sees lateral canals filled with sealer on post-op x-rays like never before! Dr. Benjamin has been in private practice in rural upstate NY for over 40 years and is an internationally recognized authority on dental lasers and advanced dental technologies. Dr. Benjamin has faculty appointments at several universities, is the Chairman of the ADA Standards Committee Working Group on Dental Lasers and is a Past-President of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He currently serves on the editorial review board for several prestigious dental journals.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Karson Carpenter Release Date: 7/17/25 |
While you're working hard in your operatory preparing an MOD on #15 something is about to happen at the reception desk that will haunt you and your practice for months and months to come. It will also cost you thousands of dollars. And this can happen to any dental office, especially those that don't train their employees on the nuances of HIPAA compliance. It all started when a patient who owed the practice money requested their dental records. To tell us how this all played out and what it cost the practice owner is our guest Dr. Karson Carpenter. Dr. Carpenter is a dentist and expert in OSHA and Infection Control Compliance and is founder and president of Compliance Training Partners.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Dr. Ankur Gupta Release Date: 7/10/25 |
So what are some of the things we do that require no extra time and still have a significant impact on maintaining our ergonomic equilibrium with the goal of preventing workplace injuries. To tell us all about and share some really amazing tips that focus on fitness and career longevity is our guest Dr. Ankur Gupta. Dr. Gupta graduated from the University of Michigan school of dentistry in 2004. He is private practice in North Ridgeville Ohio and has become a sought after speaker and lecturer on many aspects of how to build an extraordinary dental practice.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Jacqueline Patterson Release Date: 7/3/25 |
Expanding into sleep dentistry can bring a new level of fulfillment to your career and positively impact your patients’ lives. Our guest today is Dr. Jacqueline Patterson, a general dentist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist with over 15 years of experience. She believes that early assessment and intervention in children suffering from airway issues can non-invasively improve both their dental and overall health, with benefits that will last a lifetime. Dr Patterson, thanks for joining us.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Dr. Phil Klein Release Date: 6/26/25 |
What’s interesting about root resorption is that it utilizes our own soft tissue cells to work against us, initiates its attack against the tooth from the inside out and from the outside in. In this podcast, presented by Endodontist Dr. Phil Klein, we’ll learn about this insidious process and hopefully we’ll get a better understanding of the fundamentals behind the different types of root resorption. By doing so, we as clinicians, can sharpen our diagnostic skills and optimally manage these conditions on a case by case basis.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Dr. Maria Kunstadter Release Date: 6/19/25 |
So we've heard a lot about teledentistry. We've heard that it benefits not only the patient, but also the dental practice. Is all this just hype, or should we start thinking seriously about implementing teledentistry into our workflow? To help us answer some of these questions is our guest, Dr. Maria Kunstadter, a seasoned dentist with a wealth of experience in teledentistry. Over the past decade, Dr. Kunstadter has been at the forefront of this innovative approach to dental care, integrating it seamlessly into her practice while also dedicating herself to educating and assisting fellow dental professionals in maximizing the potential of teledentistry.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Ashley Clark Release Date: 6/12/25 |
The white patch looks like the typical leukoplakia. The patient has no history of heavy smoking or drinking so the question is, what should you do as this patient's general dentist. What risk does the patient face by not referring the patient to an oral surgeon or periodontist for a second opinion and/or a biopsy? Should you just do the biopsy yourself? To tell us about leukoplakia and what we should be doing as GPs is our guest Dr. Ashley Clark. Dr. Clark is a dentist and Board-Certified Oral Pathologist currently serving as the Vice President of CAMP Laboratory. She is on the Professional Board for Oral Cancer Cause and Digital Dental Notes. Dr. Clark has won several teaching awards, has provided over 100 continuing education courses, and has authored more than 40 publications and book chapters. She can be reached at aclark@camplaboratory.com.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Todd Snyder Release Date: 6/5/25 |
If you're thinking of moving to a new area and perhaps starting a brand new dental practice, there is certainly a lot to think about. To help us sort through some of the pros and cons, we'll be talking to a super interesting dentist who actually experienced this having moved from So Cal to Las Vegas Nevada. Our guest Dr. Todd Snyder. He is a popular speaker on Viva Learning.com, a cosmetic dentist, international author, lecturer and consultant to dental companies. You can reach Dr. Snyder at: www.Legion.Dentist.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Dr. John Frachella Release Date: 5/29/25 |
The use of medical management of caries is, for the most part, not taught in dental schools and it's not used nearly enough among practicing dentists. Removing the infected dentin with a microbrush and then treating the affected dentin with SDF followed by the placement GI can result in an incredibly high success rate. So the question is, why aren't more dentists doing this in their practice. Dr. Frachella believes a good part of the reason is that most dentists don't look at this treatment as profitable. He disagrees. So let's find out more from our guest, Dr. John Frachella, who is not only knowledgeable but also quite entertaining. Dr Frachella is a pediatric dentist with 50 years experience in the delivery of dental services in public and private settings. He’s worked in private practices across the country and for a decade was on staff at OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University) Dental School. He lectures at NYU Dental School for the largest dental residency program in the US.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Emily Boge, EdD, RDH, CDA, FAADH, FADHA Release Date: 5/22/25 |
Today we'll be talking about five significant things that dental hygiene school does not tell you while you are a hygiene student. We'll talk about why it's so important to know these things in order to survive, grow and thrive in the real world of dentistry. Our guest today is Emily Boge, She is one of the most knowledgeable educators you'll ever want to meet on the subject of dental assisting and dental hygiene. Emily blends her extensive experience in dental hygiene and dental assisting with a dual Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Dr. Chafic Safi Release Date: 5/19/25 |
What if there were a simple way to deliver an electronic charge into difficult-to-reach spaces, cauterizing soft tissue and making it easier to flush out? By doing so, we could effectively eliminate microbes hiding in constricted lateral and accessory canals. The good news is that with the introduction of a new technology we can do just that. This innovative device seamlessly integrates with the Root ZX3 apex locator, requiring no additional time or space—yet offering a major breakthrough in root canal therapy. Joining us today to discuss this technology is Dr. Chafic Safi. Dr. Safi completed his postgraduate residency in Endodontics at the University of Pennsylvania in 2015, where he also earned a Master of Science in Oral Biology. He lives and practices in Montreal, Canada.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Katrina Klein, RDH Release Date: 5/15/25 |
What we do for a living is a physically demanding profession. We're performing extremely detailed tasks that require high precision and clear visibility. And doing this over and over again, throughout the course of the day, can be traumatic to our bodies. So it's imperative that we are aware of our body position and the patient's position in the chair so that we minimize wear and tear on our musculoskeletal system. That means developing and maintaining good ergonomic habits. To tell us about this is our guest, Katrina Klein. Katrina is a registered dental hygienist for 16 years, national speaker, author, competitive bodybuilder and certified personal trainer. She’s the founder of ErgoFitLife, where ergonomics and fitness are a lifestyle to prevent, reduce or eliminate pain.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Larry Clark Release Date: 5/8/25 |
In this episode we'll learn about peri-implantitis and how a simple procedure using a silver impregnated plug can effectively prevent it from progressing into an implant failure. Our guest is Larry Clark, a well-respected dental researcher who has been involved in the dental industry for over 25 years.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Phil Klein Release Date: 5/1/25 |
So picture this: you're in your operatory in the middle of a restorative case on a Friday afternoon and your staff member comes in and says your 10 yo patient Johnnie, just fell off of his skateboard and knocked out his upper right central incisor. The Mother is pretty stressed out and she's waiting for you to come to the phone. So the question is, as a GP, are you prepared to handle this case in the best possible way? In this episode we'll review the basics on how to handle the avulsed permanent tooth with complete apex formation. In a future podcast, I'll talk about avulsion of permanent teeth that have incomplete apex formation.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.75
Guest: Dr. Steven Vorholt Release Date: 4/28/25 |
In this episode, we’ll break down what to look for when purchasing a CBCT machine—and why the features a salesman highlights may not be the most important factors to consider. While we’ll focus primarily on how CBCT enhances implant procedures, the reality is that this technology benefits nearly every aspect of dentistry, improving outcomes across a wide range of treatments. If you’ve ever wondered whether CBCT is the missing piece in your practice, stay tuned—we’ve got the insights to help you make the right decision. Our guest is Dr. Steven Vorholt, a board certified dental implant specialist who practices in Santa Barbara, California. He has taught over 1,000 dentists place their first implants and thousands more through lectures, webinars, and podcasts. He is the host of The Full Arch Podcast.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Emily Boge, EdD, RDH, CDA, FAADH, FADHA Release Date: 4/25/25 |
Our dental instruments, especially when it comes to our hygiene department, are the backbone of our practice, but when they start to lose their edge, the question arises: should you retip, sharpen, replace them, or even switch to sharpen-free instruments? Each option has its pros and cons, and making the right decision can significantly impact your practice’s efficiency, budget, and patient care quality. To help us make the right decision when it comes to our instrument maintenance is Emily Boge. Emily blends her extensive experience in dental hygiene and dental assisting with a dual Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership to provide education to entry level and licensed dental practitioners.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. John Frachella Release Date: 4/17/25 |
In this episode you will hear first-hand what silver diamine fluoride can do and why every dentist should consider using it on posterior teeth that are infected with dental caries. Our guest is Dr. John Frachella, a pediatric dentist (now treating adults and children) with 50 years experience in the delivery of dental services in public and private settings. He’s worked in private practices across the country and for a decade was on staff at OHSU Dental School. He currently lectures at NYU Dental School for the largest dental residency program in the US.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Dr. Carla Cohn Release Date: 4/10/25 |
When faced with extensive decay or structural compromise in a primary tooth, full coverage restorations are often the go-to solution. But which material is best—traditional stainless steel or newer options like resin-based and zirconia? And what about those gray areas where we could opt for either full coverage or direct restorative techniques? To tell us all about it is our guest, Dr. Carla Cohn. She owns and operates Kids Sleep Dentistry Winnipeg, a private practice at Western Surgery Centre in Canada. She is the founder of Lit Smile Academy, a CE company that focuses on pediatric dentistry for the GP. In fact, she has an upcoming hands-on program in Vancouver on June 7th, 2025. You can get all the details at litsmileacademy.com.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Katrina Klein, RDH Release Date: 4/3/25 |
As dental professionals, we often focus on the well-being of our patients, but it's equally important to prioritize our own health. The demands of a dental career—long hours, awkward postures, and repetitive movements can take a toll on our bodies, leading to chronic pain and injuries that can significantly impact our ability to work effectively. In this episode we'll address simple things we can do to minimize the risk of injuries so that we can continue to work optimally and pain-free, thereby enjoying good health and fitness throughout our lives and professional career. Our guest is Katrina Klein, an expert in ergonomics. She is a dental hygienist, author, speaker, educator and competitive bodybuilder. Her company is Ergofitlife.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Dr. Christopher Pescatore Release Date: 3/27/25 |
To fully harness the remarkable technology of the intraoral scanner, it’s important for us to understand the clinical best practices that are directly tied to capturing precise digital impressions. This includes scan technique, bur selection, prep design, tissue management and so forth. So today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Chris Pescatore to fill us in on some key clinical techniques that he's learned over the past 30 years. Dr. Pescatore is a general dentist who has been a pioneer in digital dentistry since the early ’90s, and has seen it all when it comes to creating aesthetic restorations. He maintains a full-time practice dedicated exclusively to aesthetic restorative dentistry in Danville, California.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Dr. Karson Carpenter Release Date: 3/20/25 |
Beyond keeping your patients safe, a solid infection control protocol is also a powerful tool for retaining your top employees. This is especially important in a time when we're all dealing with a shortage of hygienists and dental assistants. So we'll be talking about this as well what to expect from an OSHA inspection and how best to respond to one. Joining us today is Dr. Karson Carpenter, a dentist and CEO and founder of Compliance Training Partners.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Ankur Gupta Release Date: 3/13/25 |
Practicing high-quality dentistry with premium materials is a cornerstone of building an extraordinary dental practice. But there's another crucial element—one so vital that without it, reaching the level of extraordinary is nearly impossible. You guessed it! It's customer service. This key component has been foundational for some of the greatest companies in existence today. To tell us all about it is our guest Dr. Ankur Gupta.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Jacqueline Patterson Release Date: 3/6/25 |
By pursuing specialized training in treating sleep disorders, Dr. Patterson has carved out a unique niche in her practice. Not only does she receive referrals from other general dentists, but she's also become a go-to resource for healthcare providers in the medical community that are dealing with patients with sleep disorders. We're excited to have Dr. Patterson on the show to share her journey—a journey that shows how following your passion through continued learning can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic dental career.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Dean Elledge Release Date: 3/1/25 |
Dr. Dean Elledge, a seasoned dentist based in Kansas City, found himself at a crossroads in his career. While many might have settled into routine, Dr. Elledge wanted something more—something that would reignite his excitement every morning. His dream? To become the director of a residency program. However, there was no such opportunity available near his home in Kansas City. But when he learned about an opening for the position at Wichita State University, nearly 200 miles away from his home, he didn’t let distance deter him. His decision to chase his dream has not only transformed his career but also given him a renewed sense of purpose. Yes, sacrifices may be required, but when the payoff is fulfillment and purpose, the journey is well worth it.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Dr. Todd Snyder Release Date: 2/26/25 |
Today we'll be talking about how a successful practice stems from its employees. Our guest is Dr. Todd Snyder, a regular contributor to Viva Learning.com, a cosmetic dentist, international author, lecturer and consultant to a variety of dental companies. He hosts a weekly podcast, Delusional: Winning the Weekly War of Dentistry. You can reach Dr. Snyder at: www.Legion.Dentist.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Dr. Marie Fluent Release Date: 2/24/25 |
Instrument sterilization is a complex, continuous, and cyclical journey that dental instruments take on a daily basis. But this journey must be safe, predictable, efficient, and compliant. Today we are going to discuss several tips on how to enhance the instrument processing pathway in YOUR office—with a focus on instrument washing. We'll answer some key questions like: What are some of the typical weak points in our instrument processing protocol and how can we address those weak points? Our guest is Dr. Marie Fluent, a dentist and expert in the field of Infection Control and Prevention.
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Episode 643: Infection Control and Prevention: The Devil is in the Details; A Discussion with Emily Boge
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.5
Guest: Emily Boge, EdD, RDH, CDA, FAADH, FADHA Release Date: 2/19/25 |
Today we'll not only cover the basics of Infection control and prevention but also its nuances. And as they say, the devil is in the details. We'll talk about spray versus wipes, single use inventory, cold sterilization, the ICC, Infection Control Coordinator and the opportunities that lie ahead for today's dental hygienist and assistant. To share all this with us is our guest Emily Boge. Emily blends her extensive experience in dental hygiene and dental assisting with a dual Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership.
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Supporter: Viva Learning Originals
CE Credits: 0.25
Guest: Melissa Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA Release Date: 2/12/25 |
Hiring a hygienist and an assistant can be a challenging task and if you need someone right away, it can be a real problem for your practice. So what can we do to make sure we have the right team, retain our employees and when we need to hire someone, we hire the best person as quickly as possible? To give us insight and solutions for dealing with this real staffing crisis affecting our profession is our guest Melissa Turner. Melissa is a sought-after consultant and speaker. She partners with companies of all sizes on brand strategy and product growth, leveraging her unique insights from her experience in the boardroom and as a clinician.
