Dentistry Unmasked: A Roundtable Podcast

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam Maragliano and Brian Novy take a deep dive into one of dentistry’s most talked-about preventive materials: Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF). They break down what SDF is, how it works at the chemical and clinical levels, and how to thoughtfully select the right cases to ensure predictable, patient-centered outcomes. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. There’s a bigger issue at play—pending legislation that could eliminate a CDT code tied to preventive care, potentially impacting how practices implement and get reimbursed for SDF treatment. What could this mean for your preventive protocols and your bottom line.  If you’re incorporating SDF into your practice—or considering it—this episode delivers the clinical clarity and policy awareness you need to stay informed and prepared and get involved.

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Uche Odiatu for a conversation that goes far beyond the operatory.

With RFK’s newly proposed inverted food pyramid making headlines, what does it actually mean for your patients—and for your own daily life? Dr. Odiatu breaks down how today’s heavily processed diet (now making up 55% of adults’ and 65% of children’s calories) is impacting systemic and oral health in ways we can no longer ignore.

You’ll hear:

The key nutrients almost everyone is deficient in

What to look for when choosing a high-quality fish oil

How the oral cavity is designed to protect itself—even when the diet is working against it

Practical, real-world strategies to reduce inflammation and support total health

Resources:

[email protected]

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2026/01/08/well/08WELL-FOOD-PYRAMID1/08WELL-FOOD-PYRAMID1-superJumbo.png

https://epic.iarc.fr/

https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX

In Part Two, the conversation expands beyond one individual’s story to examine what it means for all of us in dentistry.

Building on her lived experience, our guest shares insights on how transitioning reshaped her approach to patient care and why empathy is essential in creating trust and safety in the dental setting. Together, we discuss how dental professionals can better support transgender patients and colleagues, challenge unconscious bias, and foster more inclusive, affirming practice environments.

This episode offers thoughtful reflection and practical perspective for dental teams committed to compassionate care, deeper understanding, and continuous growth as healthcare providers.

In part one of this two-part series, we sit down with a dentist who shares her deeply personal journey of coming out as transgender and the profound impact it had on every aspect of her life.

She reflects on years of struggling with her identity, navigating complex family dynamics, and facing the very real fear of losing the dental practice she worked so hard to build when she decided to transition. This episode is an honest and vulnerable look at what it means to choose authenticity in the face of uncertainty, professional risk, and personal loss.

Through her story, we explore themes of resilience, courage, and what it truly means to show up as yourself—even when the stakes are high.

In this engaging episode, Brian and Pam chat with Dr. Jeannette MacLean, a board-certified pediatric dentist, as they dive into the power of effective partnerships between general dentists and pediatric specialists to deliver the best possible oral health outcomes for children.

Millions of patients walk into dental offices each year with jaw tension, headaches, or clenching—classic signs of TMJ disorder—yet most leave without a true solution. For years, dentists have been limited to mouthguards, Botox, or referrals, missing both a clinical and business opportunity hiding in plain sight.

This episode is sponsored by BTL

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Keith Nicholson—an orthodontist, MBA, and practice transition expert—for a wide-ranging, eye-opening conversation about what dentists aren’t taught in school. From learning business the hard way in private practice to earning an MBA at Wharton, Keith shares powerful insights on practice growth, smart investments, CRM systems, patient experience, and avoiding costly mistakes. With practical takeaways, real-world examples, and a few laughs along the way (yes, even white spot prevention makes an appearance), this episode will change how you think about running—and valuing—your dental practice. Don’t miss it.

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Ashton Prince for a conversation that’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply inspiring. From being forced out of his practice and rebuilding from scratch to leading with positivity through personal and professional adversity, Ashton shares powerful lessons on resilience, patient connection, team culture, and self-assessment. With laugh-out-loud moments, honest reflection, and practical takeaways on communication, leadership, and materials, this is an episode that will make you think, feel, and grow—don’t miss it.

Kick off 2026 with a powerful, perspective-shifting episode of Dentistry Unmasked. Pam and Brian sit down with Kirk Behrendt, a lifelong student of the business of dentistry, to unpack what it really takes to build a profitable practice and a fulfilling life. From burnout, coaching, and leadership to redefining success, work-life balance, and why “time is the new rich,” this candid conversation challenges old narratives and offers hope, clarity, and practical insight for dentists at every stage of their career. If you’re ready to rethink success and design a practice that supports the life you want, this is a must-listen.

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, a new era begins. Pam officially welcomes Dr. Brian Novy as her new co-host, and the conversation is anything but ordinary. From surprising, lesser-known facts about Brian to laugh-out-loud detours (including old wives’ tales for removing eyelashes!), this episode blends insight, humor, and chemistry you can feel. It’s a fresh start, a fun listen, and a true milestone for the podcast. Welcome to Dentistry Unmasked 2026—you won’t want to miss this one.