In this episode of "Just a Couple of Dentists," hosts Eric and Alex dive into the evolving landscape of dental technology and the implications of outsourcing within the field. The episode kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about a recent Facebook ad featuring a robot dentist, prompting a broader conversation about the future of dental procedures and the potential for automation in dentistry.

As the hosts reflect on their experiences in the dental industry, they highlight the growing trend of outsourcing tasks to improve efficiency and productivity. They discuss how this trend is particularly relevant in the context of staffing challenges and the need for dentists to focus on their core competencies while leveraging technology and external resources.

To further explore this topic, the hosts welcome Nick Greenfield, co-founder of CandidPro, a company specializing in clear aligners. Nick shares insights into how CandidPro is designed to empower general dentists to provide orthodontic care more confidently. He explains that many general dentists lack the training and experience to handle orthodontic cases effectively, which is where CandidPro steps in, offering support from licensed orthodontists to ensure high-quality outcomes.

Throughout the conversation, Nick emphasizes the importance of proper diagnostics and the need for orthodontic oversight in treatment planning. He discusses the challenges faced by general dentists in diagnosing malocclusion and the potential pitfalls of direct-to-consumer orthodontic solutions that may overlook critical dental health issues.

As the discussion unfolds, Eric and Alex reflect on their own experiences with orthodontics and the barriers they faced in providing such care. They share anecdotes from dental school and their early practices, highlighting the importance of mentorship and ongoing education in building confidence in orthodontic treatment.

In the latter part of the episode, the hosts and Nick speculate on the future of dental treatments that could be outsourced or automated, such as robotic surgery and hygiene procedures. They consider the potential for at-home sleep apnea testing kits and other innovations that could further enhance patient care while allowing dentists to focus on their strengths.

Overall, this episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of technology, outsourcing, and patient care in dentistry, encouraging listeners to consider how they can adapt to the changing landscape of the profession.