On this exciting episode of LTBS, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by AAPD 2025 keynote speaker Mick Ebeling for a candid conversation delving into Mick’s mantra of “commit, then figure it out.” Sharing the story of an accidental invention that made the seemingly impossible possible, he highlights his unique problem-solving approach that brings together passionate and talented people to create solutions that better the world. Mick also speaks to the impact that grounding yourself in the belief that something that’s possible today was once considered impossible can have on your ability to make change. 

Guest Bio: 

Named Fortune’s Top 50 World’s Greatest Leaders and honored with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award, Mick Ebeling is a groundbreaking innovator dedicated to changing the world through innovation and story. As the Founder of Not Impossible Labs – an innovation incubator disrupting the status quo and tackling seemingly impossible problems – Mick has spent over a decade driving a movement of positive impact for the sake of humanity. Through his “Help One. Help Many” approach, Mick and his team have created some of the most internationally celebrated inventions, including The Eyewriter, Project Daniel, and Don’s Voice, as well as their most recent spin-off companies, Bento (formerly Hunger: Not Impossible) and Music: Not Impossible. His work has been recognized as a 3x recipient of TIME’s Best Inventions and Fast Company's World Changing Ideas. Mick continues to inspire, empower, and teach individuals, organizations, and communities to take bold action, so they too can make the impossible, NOT impossible.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Rose Dodson, founder and CEO of Sedation Resources for this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles. Dodson discusses the importance in a strong foundation for sedation management and how emergency training is an integral piece of a practitioner’s overall skill set. She also delves into the latest updates in technology supporting safety. 

Guest Bio: 

Rose Dodson is the founder and CEO of Sedation Resource, a long-time Silver Sponsor of the AAPD. For over 20 years, Rose and her team have been dedicated to patient safety and supporting dental sedation practitioners. Rose has a Master’s in Business Leadership and Management and a deep understanding of sedation equipment and emergency preparedness. She even developed an amplified Bluetooth pre-tracheal stethoscope to improve patient monitoring. Most recently, she collaborated with the "Ten Minutes Saves a Life" initiative to create the Simulation Toolkit, designed to help with emergency response training. Rose shares her expertise through presentations and articles, always focused on practical solutions for sedation practitioners, and she has been directly involved in the hands-on participation sessions at the AAPD’s sedation courses. She also enjoys sharing insights on safety, innovation, and how she’s working to support the pediatric dental community.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Jade Miller joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a very special episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles discussing a major opportunity within organized dentistry. After nearly 25 years, Dr. John Rutkauskas will be retiring as AAPD CEO in July 2026. Dr. Miller, as chair of the search committee to find AAPD’s new leader, shares details of the role as well as what it means to join an AAPD staff committed to the optimal oral health for all children. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Jade Miller is a board-certified pediatric dentist who since 1983 has maintained a private practice in Reno, Nevada. Dr. Miller is a faculty member in dental and medical education, as well as a member in some of the country’s most prestigious dental organizations. A past American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry president, he is the current AAPD Board of Trustees Congressional Liaison. While Dr. Miller has been practicing pediatric dentistry for four decades, his education has never really ended. He devotes time to continuing education so that he can offer “his kids” the best and most modern treatments available. Dr. Miller has dedicated his career to keeping at the forefront of pediatric developments and providing his patients with the best service available. Dr. Miller is married and has three children.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary pediatric dentist Dr. Heber Simmons joins little teeth, BIG Smiles host Dr. Joel Berg, for a conversation featuring the highlights of his nearly six-decade long career. A previous AAPD Distinguished Service Award recipient, Dr. Simmons shares in detail the highlights of his career, beginning with how he got started in pediatric dentistry during his time in the Army and as the first pediatric dentist in Mississippi all the way through President of the AAPD and beyond. Dr. Simmons also delves into his “60 Minutes” appearance on behalf of the Academy and how his message still resonates with dental professionals and parents. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr. attended the University of Mississippi and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He received his DDS degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1957. Dr. Simmons served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps for three years at Fort Knox, Kentucky, attaining the rank of captain. He received his Master of Science in pedodontics degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1962 and subsequently was in private practice in Jackson, Mississippi for 57 years. Dr. Simmons has been a member of a host of organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association and its affiliates, as well various related professional organizations. He's a Fellow in the American and International College of Dentists, OKU, and the Pierre Fauchard Society. He has served as a delegate to the ADA House of Delegates, on the Council of Dental Practice of the ADA, and was the ADA's fifth district trustee representing Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida from 1989 to 1993. Dr. Simmons is a past president of the AAPD and various other organizations. He received the AAPD Distinguished Service Award in 1997. As of 2024, that award is now known as the Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. In 2017, the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry established the Heber Simmons, Jr. Endowed Professorship in Pediatric Dentistry in honor of his exceptional service to the profession. Dr. Simmons’ complete CV highlighting six decades of extraordinary work is available here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the latest episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Don Schmitt for a discussion on the importance of fluoride. A hot topic in recent news, fluoride – and specifically water fluoridation – has decades of science supporting its positive impact on the prevention of tooth decay. This is a great listen for a clinician looking for support with in-office conversations with patient families or a parent looking to better understand better how fluoride supports not only the oral health – but the overall health – of children. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Don Schmitt has been in private practice in Danville and Concord, Calif. for over 20 years that was originally started by his father almost 70 years ago. Dr. Schmitt received his Bachelors degree from the University of California at Berkeley and D.D.S. degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry. He completed a residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Southern California. Dr. Schmitt currently is on the faculty of the University of the Pacific teaching in the predoctoral clinic. Involved in organized dentistry starting in dental school, Schmitt has served on the Board of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry in a variety of positions since 2011 and is now President. He is also the current Western District Trustee for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Previously he was President of the CSPD Foundation. Dr. Schmitt is a member of Cohort VII of the AAPD Leadership Institute at the Kellogg School of Management and the Annual Session Scientific Program Committee. Outside dentistry, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two adult sons, traveling, and playing golf.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. John Blake, the current Affiliate Membership Trustee of the AAPD Board, to for a conversation focused on how the advocacy and research of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry influences and supports not only pediatric dentists, but general dentists as well. Dr. Blake shares his unique professional journey as a general dentist focused on pediatric needs and how it led to various leadership roles in organized dentistry. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. John Blake is the Executive Director and Dental Director of the Children’s Dental Health Clinic (CDHC) in Long Beach, Calif. This non-profit program and teaching facility helps the comprehensive dental needs of underserved, special needs and medically complex patients in their Long Beach and Catalina Island programs. Prior to joining CDHC, Blake spent his first 12 years in private practice. He is the current Affiliate Member of the AAPD Board of Trustees and President of the California Dental Association (CDA). He has also served on the CDA Council on Government Affairs for the past 6 years while remaining active with oral health related policy and legislative issues. Blake is also the president of the Living Hope Clinical Foundation, a fellow of the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fuchard Academy, a part-time faculty member of the USC. School of Dentistry, and a member of the ADA council on government affairs. In addition, he helped start the CARE Dental program at St. Mary’s Hospital. This grant-funded non-profit program is specific to patients with HIV.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by seasoned talent acquisition expert Ron Harrison for a conversation focused on the struggles of finding – and keeping – talent in dentistry. Harrison specifically dives into the similarities between the hiring practices of the early 2000s tech boom companies and DSOs, and how they can impact smaller, privately-owned practices. Learn how important a fast-paced, efficient decision-making process is when hiring to best meet your staffing needs in a competitive market. 

Guest Bio: 

Ron Harrison is a seasoned talent acquisition expert with over two decades of recruiting experience. He is the founder of two successful technology recruiting firms and has trained hundreds of recruiters and recruiting leaders throughout his career. Drawing on his deep understanding of competitive hiring markets, including his time working in Silicon Valley during the tech boom and bust cycles, Ron has brought his expertise to the dental industry through Sage Dental Recruiting Outsourcing (Sage DRO).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles, Dr. Susan Fisher-Owens, a nationally known pediatrician who is joining pediatric dentists on the front lines protecting children’s oral health, to discuss the importance of the care of adolescents to support them as they grow into their adult selves. Dr. Fisher-Owens shares important aspects of the adolescent psyche that all health care providers should keep in mind when counseling them on good health and habits and where pediatricians and pediatric dentists can bridge the two specialties. 

Guest Bio: 

Susan Fisher-Owens is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics in the UCSF School of Medicine, and Clinical Professor of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences in the UCSF School of Dentistry. She serves on the California State Oral Health Plan and the California Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Quality Advisory Board, as well as the Integrated Coordinating Committee and Integration Committee for CavityFreeSF. Dr. Fisher-Owens also serves as the Informatics Director for Pediatrics, Primary Care, and Public Health Integration. 

Dr. Fisher-Owens practices at Zuckerberg San Francisco General, the county public hospital, and created an award-winning and sustainable oral health clinic embedded in their pediatric outpatient clinic. Dr. Fisher-Owens works with physicians on how to prevent oral disease in children or control it in adults (particularly pregnant women), and with dentists on how to work with children and incorporate context of care. Her research on a conceptual model of children's oral health is cited internationally and her current research focuses on oral health disparities.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Patty Medland, a pediatric dentist and orthodontist, to discuss the intersection and collaborative opportunities between the two specialties. Dr. Medland delves into the potential positive impacts to growth outcomes of early monitoring or treatment for children by a collaborative care team. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Patricia Medland holds a DDS degree from West Virginia University and MS degrees in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics from the University of North Carolina, where she is currently an adjunct associate professor. She has combined her Surfers Paradise, Australia private practice in orthodontics with teaching. 

Dr. Medland has held teaching positions at West Virginia University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, Griffith University, and University of North Carolina. Her practice and teaching focus on age-appropriate orthodontic treatment in children with a particular interest in the early diagnosis and treatment of anterior tooth impactions and missing teeth along with the application of new technologies to improve outcomes for these challenging cases. 

Dr. Medland also stepped in to teach growth and development at Medical University of South Carolina for residents after the passing of Dr. Ron Bell, the orthodontic graduate director. She was a lecturer at the Ron Bell Memorial Lecture in New Orleans and still gives growth and development lectures by Zoom to UNC orthodontic and pediatric dentistry residents.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Little Teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Brett Kessler, a general dentist and the President-Elect of the American Dental Association (ADA) to discuss his extensive career and leadership roles within organized dentistry. Dr. Kessler reflects on his journey from an engineering student at the University of Iowa to his decision to pursue dentistry. He shares personal challenges, including overcoming substance abuse, and credits organized dentistry with saving his life and shaping his career. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Kessler highlights his commitment to wellness, which he passionately advocates for within the profession. Looking forward to his upcoming presidency, he discusses his priorities, including reforming dental benefit systems and expanding access to care, aiming to integrate oral health more closely with overall health care. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Brett Kessler, a general dentist in Denver, Colo., is the American Dental Association (ADA) President-Elect. Dr. Kessler has held several leadership positions within the ADA. He served as a delegate in the ADA’s House of Delegates from 2008 to 2019 and was a consultant to the Council on Dental Wellbeing Advisory Committee from 2007 to 2018. He also served as the vice chair of the Council on Dental Benefit Plans. In 2010, he received the ADA’s Golden Apple Award, the highest award bestowed by the Association, for outstanding leadership in mentoring. 

Dr. Kessler served as president of the Colorado Dental Association from 2014 to 2015 and was instrumental in the formulation and implementation of an adult Medicaid dental benefit in Colorado. 

Dr. Kessler speaks nationally on well-being and leadership topics to help dentists live their best lives. Dr. Kessler has received fellowships from the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He has testified before both the U.S. Congress and Colorado state legislature in an effort to help enact laws that serve the profession and the public. 

Dr. Kessler graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 1995. He completed his general practice residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1997. Dr. Kessler is an accomplished endurance athlete and competes in events across the country. Dr. Kessler has been married to his wife, Gina Kessler, D.D.S, M.S., since 1995 and together they have four children.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.