Influential Dental

Influential Dental

By American Dental InstituteEducation
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Influential Dental episodes

  • #41 The Oral-Systemic Connection with Dr. Dr. Edward Zuckerberg

    In this episode of Influential Dental, Dr. Edward Zuckerberg joins Michael Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor for a conversation about one of the most important shifts happening in dentistry today: the connection between oral health and whole-body health.

    From periodontal bacteria and systemic inflammation to saliva testing, oral cancer detection, AI, and the future role of the dentist, Dr. Zuckerberg shares why dentistry can no longer be seen as separate from medicine. He reflects on his decades in clinical practice, his early adoption of dental technology, and his current mission to raise awareness around the oral-systemic connection.

    This conversation is a reminder that dentists have the opportunity to do much more than treat teeth. They can help patients understand the mouth as a gateway to better health, earlier detection, and more meaningful long-term care.

    Tune in to get inspired!

    📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:

     🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com 

     📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute 

     📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando


    📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental

    59 min
  • The Future of Non-Invasive Dentistry with Dr. Haley & Dr. Goly Abivardi

    In this episode of Influential Dental, Julieanne O’Connor and Michael Keeter sit down with Dr. Haley Abivardi and Dr. Goly Abivardi, the visionary sisters behind vVARDIS.

    From their early work treating children to building Switzerland’s first fear-free DSO, Dr. Haley and Dr. Goly share the deeply personal journey that led them to create a new category in dentistry: non-invasive restoration for early cavities.

    Together, they discuss the connection between oral health and overall health, the importance of preserving natural teeth, the treatment gap between prevention and drilling, and how Curodont is helping dentists treat early cavities without the fear, stress, or loss of healthy tooth structure.

    This conversation goes beyond innovation. It is about purpose, resilience, family, leadership, women in dentistry, and what happens when a clear mission becomes a global movement.

    Listen in for an inspiring conversation on the future of non-invasive dentistry, the power of awareness, and the mission to save teeth and save lives.

    54 min
  • #39 Why Dentistry Is a Team Sport with Dr. Alex Sharp

    In this episode of Influential Dental, Dr. Alex Sharp joins Julieanne O’Connor and Michael Keeter for a conversation about influence, community, and why dentistry is at its best when it is treated as a team sport.

    Dr. Sharp shares his journey from dental school to podcasting, consulting, and building a full-arch implant DSO rooted in trust, mentorship, and shared purpose. He discusses how influence is built through consistency and community, why dentists should be more intentional with their time, and how collaboration can help clinicians grow faster, serve patients better, and create more meaningful careers.

    The conversation also explores the future of full-arch dentistry, the role of AI, the importance of mentorship, and what it means to build something bigger than yourself in today’s dental industry.


    📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:

     🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com 

     📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute 

     📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando

    📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental


    About the Influential Dental Team

    Hosted by Michael Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor, the Influential Dental Podcast highlights the voices shaping dentistry today. Each episode features candid conversations with clinicians, educators, and innovators who are not only advancing the field but also inspiring the community. Our mission is to lift up those who lift others, sharing stories of leadership, mentorship, and growth that resonate with dentists across the U.S. and beyond.

    53 min
  • #38: People First in Dentistry with Tom Olsen

    This episode features a thoughtful conversation with Tom Olsen about leadership, humility, relationships, and the values that shape a lasting career in dentistry. From the importance of trust and mentorship to the impact of family, faith, and genuine connection, Tom reflects on the experiences that have guided his journey through decades in the dental industry.

    This episode goes beyond business and career growth. It explores what it really means to lead well, stay grounded under pressure, and remember that behind every company, team, and innovation, there are people. For dental professionals building teams, growing organizations, or simply thinking more deeply about the kind of leader they want to become, this is a meaningful listen.


    📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:

     🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com 

     📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute 

     📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando

    📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental


    About the Influential Dental TeamHosted by Michael Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor, the Influential Dental Podcast highlights the voices shaping dentistry today. Each episode features candid conversations with clinicians, educators, and innovators who are not only advancing the field but also inspiring the community. Our mission is to lift up those who lift others, sharing stories of leadership, mentorship, and growth that resonate with dentists across the U.S. and beyond.

    54 min
  • #37 Mic Swap with Mike Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor

    In this shorter episode of Influential Dental, hosts Mike Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor switch up the usual format and turn the conversation toward each other. Instead of welcoming a guest, this episode offers a light and engaging exchange between the voices behind the podcast, giving listeners a different perspective on the show and the people who lead these conversations.

    About the Influential Dental Team
    Hosted by Michael Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor, the Influential Dental Podcast highlights the voices shaping dentistry today. Each episode features candid conversations with clinicians, educators, and innovators who are not only advancing the field but also inspiring the community. Our mission is to lift up those who lift others, sharing stories of leadership, mentorship, and growth that resonate with dentists across the U.S. and beyond.

    12 min
  • Finding Your Voice with Dr. Jumoke Adedoyin

    Recorded live at ADI 2025, Dr. Jumoke Adedoyin joins Influential Dental for a conversation about growth, authenticity, influence, and the journey of becoming more fully yourself. She opens up about leadership, major life transitions, personal challenges, faith, family, and what it means to stop shrinking and step into a new season with clarity. This episode is a reflection on finding your voice, embracing change, and using your platform in a way that truly impacts others.

    ADI 2026 is already open for registration for those who want to experience a more intentional kind of dental event. It’s designed for meaningful learning, honest conversations, and connection with professionals committed to growing both clinically and personally.

    www.americandentalinstitute.com/adi2026


    📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:

     🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com 

     📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute 

     📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando


    📢 Learn more about Influential Dental:

    🌐 influentialdental.co

    📸 instagram.com/influentialdental


    About the Influential Dental Team

    Hosted by Michael Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor, the Influential Dental Podcast highlights the voices shaping dentistry today. Each episode features candid conversations with clinicians, educators, and innovators who are not only advancing the field but also inspiring the community. Our mission is to lift up those who lift others, sharing stories of leadership, mentorship, and growth that resonate with dentists across the U.S. and beyond.

    26 min
  • #Navigating Success in Dentistry with dr. Naved Fatmi

    In this episode, Dr. Naved Fatmi shares a no-nonsense perspective on failure, growth, and what success really looks like in dentistry today. He reflects on building multiple practices, learning the hard way, trimming back instead of scaling endlessly, and choosing alignment with life, family, and personal values over comparison and external pressure.

    The conversation touches on vulnerability in leadership, why dentists learn more from mistakes than wins, and why defining your own version of success matters more than following a standard formula. It’s honest, practical, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating the realities of modern dentistry.

    This is a very quick episode, recorded live during the ADI 2025 Annual Meeting, capturing a candid, unscripted conversation in the middle of the event.

    Think of this episode as a taste of the conversations that happen when dentistry slows down enough for people to truly connect.

    If you’re looking to be part of an intimate, thoughtful dental event where meaningful dialogue takes center stage, ADI 2026 is already open for registration. It’s an opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect with professionals who value growth—both inside and outside the operatory

    14 min
  • #34 The Human Side of Dental Influence with Dr. Mike DiTolla

    What does it really mean to be influential in dentistry?

    In this episode, we go far beyond clinical skills and social media presence. We talk about building real trust with patients, using humor to create connection, and why authenticity matters more than image.

    Dr. DiTolla opens up about his personal journey — from professional growth to personal struggles, recovery, and the power of community. This conversation explores influence not as popularity, but as impact: the courage to tell your story, create safe spaces for dialogue, and help others feel less alone.

    We also dive into finding your tribe, navigating audience expectations, balancing life outside the operatory, and why storytelling may be one of the most powerful tools a dentist can have.

    This is an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and the human side of dentistry.

    If you care about community, connection, and building influence that actually means something, this one’s for you.

    📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:

     🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com 

     📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute 

     📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando

    📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental


    About the Influential Dental TeamHosted by Michael Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor, the Influential Dental Podcast highlights the voices shaping dentistry today. Each episode features candid conversations with clinicians, educators, and innovators who are not only advancing the field but also inspiring the community. Our mission is to lift up those who lift others, sharing stories of leadership, mentorship, and growth that resonate with dentists across the U.S. and beyond.

    59 min
  • #33: Where Dentistry, Influence, and AI Converge with Dr. Kianor Shah

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kianor Shah to explore a rare journey that bridges clinical dentistry, global influence, and emerging technology. From practicing in more than 300 dental offices to collaborating with some of the most respected voices in the profession, Dr. Shah reflects on the mindset, curiosity, and leadership philosophy that shaped his path.

    We also explore the vision behind the Global Medical-Dental AI Summit taking place this year in London, and what the future of interdisciplinary collaboration could mean for clinicians who want to stay not only relevant, but truly ahead.


    🎧 Stream all episodes of the Influential Dental Podcast on the ADI Platform, your trusted source for cutting-edge dental education and inspiration.

     👉 https://adiplatform.com/c/adi-platform/category/influential-dental-podcast 


    📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:

     🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com 

     📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute 

     📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando


    📢 Learn more about Influential Dental:

    🌐 influentialdental.co

    📸 instagram.com/influentialdental


    About the Influential Dental TeamHosted by Michael Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor, the Influential Dental Podcast highlights the voices shaping dentistry today. Each episode features candid conversations with clinicians, educators, and innovators who are not only advancing the field but also inspiring the community. Our mission is to lift up those who lift others, sharing stories of leadership, mentorship, and growth that resonate with dentists across the U.S. and beyond.

    33 min
  • #32: Personal Growth as the Foundation of Success with Dr. Matt James

    Our guest, Dr. Matthew James, shares insights from decades of work in personal transformation, psychology, and mindset training. The conversation touches on burnout, anxiety, habit change, leadership pressure, and the emotional demands that come with caring for others, topics that deeply resonate within dentistry.

    Throughout the episode, we discuss how unresolved emotional patterns impact professional performance, why many high achievers struggle despite outward success, and how investing in personal growth leads to clearer decision-making, stronger leadership, and healthier relationships at work and at home. Dr. Matt also shares practical examples of how mindset tools can help reduce stress, shift behaviors, and create meaningful change.

    Drawing from modern psychology, neuro-linguistic programming, and ancient wisdom traditions, this conversation offers a grounded, human perspective on what it really takes to build sustainable success.

    This episode is a reminder that the work you do on yourself directly shapes the work you do in the world.

    Tune in to get inspired. 

    🎧 Stream all episodes of the Influential Dental Podcast on the ADI Platform, your trusted source for cutting-edge dental education and inspiration.

     👉 https://adiplatform.com/c/adi-platform/category/influential-dental-podcast 

    📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:

     🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com 

     📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute 

     📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando

    📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental

    About the Influential Dental TeamHosted by Michael Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor, the Influential Dental Podcast highlights the voices shaping dentistry today. Each episode features candid conversations with clinicians, educators, and innovators who are not only advancing the field but also inspiring the community. Our mission is to lift up those who lift others, sharing stories of leadership, mentorship, and growth that resonate with dentists across the U.S. and beyond.


    1 hr 5 min

About Influential Dental

From the publisher's feed

The Influential Dental Podcast by the American Dental Institute is your space to connect, learn, and grow with fellow dental professionals. We dive into real conversations about the things that matter to you—whether it’s the latest technical advancements, marketing strategies to grow your practice, or ways to navigate career growth and personal well-being.