Specialized

Artificial intelligence has gone from a future possibility to a practical tool that's already changing dentistry. In this follow up conversation, Dr. Diwakar Kinra welcomes back Dr. Tung Bui to explore how AI has evolved since their first discussion and what dental specialists should be paying attention to today. From computer vision and AI assisted diagnostics to automated chart notes, practice analytics, and large language models, they separate real world applications from the hype. They also discuss the tools they're using today, where AI is making the biggest impact in specialty practices, and why human expertise remains essential. Whether you're a specialist, practice owner, or dental leader, this episode offers practical insights into how AI can improve efficiency, enhance patient trust, and help prepare your practice for what's next.

Timestamps 
00:00 Introduction

00:48 Why it's time to revisit AI in dentistry
02:05 What excited Dr. Tung Bui most about AI from the beginning
04:24 Computer vision, standardized diagnosis, and increased referrals
06:13 How AI is improving patient trust and treatment acceptance
07:25 AI adoption: Faster than expected, especially on the business side
10:02 Using AI for staff training and patient communication
11:32 Live coaching, emotion detection, and AI generated clinical notes
14:32 Inside TDO's AI powered chart note pilot
16:41 Favorite AI tools for teaching, presentations, and clinical decision support
20:06 How residents are using NotebookLM to study
21:51 Favorite AI platforms, including OpenAI and Claude
24:44 Overrated versus underrated AI trends in dentistry
26:34 Predictive treatment planning and the future of computer vision
28:45 Final advice: Start small, stay curious, and don't fall behind
29:46 Closing remarks

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As more endodontic and periodontal residents explore DSO affiliated practice models alongside traditional private practice paths the “first job” decision is changing fast. In this episode, Dr. Neil Zachs and Diwakar Kinra walk through a practical resident timeline for landing the right role after graduation, including when to start your search (think the fall before you finish), how to evaluate location and opportunity, what to look for on a site visit, and how to approach contracts and expectations.

They also unpack what really drives long term success early on: culture fit, mentorship, clinical support, and the willingness to build referral relationships and your personal brand once you’re out in the real world. 

Have questions or want to explore opportunities? Email the hosts:

• [email protected]

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Looking for your next opportunity? Explore our Career page: https://specializeddental.com/specialized-dental-careers/dental-specialist/

2025 was a year defined by growth, transformation, and the power of partnership across Endodontics, Periodontics, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In this special compilation episode, we revisit some of the most meaningful moments from our conversations with specialists who opened their practices, their journeys, and their hearts to share what it truly means to thrive in today’s evolving dental landscape.
Hear from:

• Dr. Roger Burke as he reflects on trust, cultural transformation, and why being better together is not just a phrase but a measurable reality.
• Dr. Neil Zachs as he describes the new generation of residents and the future of integrated specialty care.
• Dr. Lincoln Nguyen as he shares the challenges and victories that define the transition from residency to real-world practice.
• Dr. Vicky Park as she explains how to find the right practice fit and build long-term referral relationships rooted in trust.
• Dr. Mina Youssef as he brings integrated care to life through a compelling same-day multi-specialty case example.

Whether you are a resident, a new associate, or a seasoned specialist exploring partnership, this episode brings together the insights and experiences that have helped to shape the year. It highlights the strength of community, the importance of mentorship, and the growing impact of coordinated care.Join us as we celebrate the voices of 2025 and look ahead to a future of specialty dentistry that is integrated, inspired, and uniquely specialized.

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This episode of Specialized features a candid and energizing conversation with Periodontist Dr Mina Youssef of Excellence Microdental Center in Lapeer Michigan. Dr Youssef shares his journey from dental school in Cairo to his residency at Case Western to becoming the periodontist who helped launch one of Specialized Dental Partners first fully integrated care locations.
 
Dr Youssef reflects on the early fears and big decisions that come with being a new specialist and the mentorship that helped him grow quickly and confidently. He explains how technology shapes excellence in periodontics today and why integrated care creates a smoother and more meaningful experience for patients referring dentists and specialists working together.
 
Listeners will hear what it takes to build trust with a community work alongside an endodontic partner and create a strong professional foundation in the first years of practice. For residents and specialists considering their next step this episode offers real insight into what a supportive specialty focused home can look like.
 
Are you a periodontist exploring your next career step? Discover current openings and find your ideal fit here: https://specializeddental.com/specialized-dental-careers/dental-specialist/

What does it look like to step into your first role and immediately know you’re in the right place?
In this episode, periodontist Dr. Vicky Park shares how she navigated her post-residency decision-making process and ultimately found a practice that aligned with her values. From mentorship and community to long-term growth and trust-building, Dr. Park reflects on the career she’s building and how it goes far beyond clinical skill.
 
Whether you’re a resident exploring your next step or an early-career specialist trying to find your footing, this honest conversation is packed with clarity, encouragement, and perspective.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us here

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lincoln Nguyen, associate periodontist at Creekside Specialty Dental Group in Sacramento, CA. A recent residency graduate and rising leader in specialty dentistry, Dr. Nguyen shares what it’s like to step into private practice, navigate early leadership moments, and thrive within an integrated care model.
 
From his first months of marketing to building strong communication with his team and referral network, Dr. Nguyen reflects on what he’s learned, what surprised him, and why mentorship and humility remain central to his growth.
 
Whether you’re a new associate, a future partner, or someone who’s passionate about elevating patient care—this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and momentum.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us here

https://specializeddental.com/contact/

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lincoln Nguyen, associate periodontist at Creekside Specialty Dental Group in Sacramento, CA. A recent residency graduate and rising leader in specialty dentistry, Dr. Nguyen shares what it’s like to step into private practice, navigate early leadership moments, and thrive within an integrated care model.
 
From his first months of marketing to building strong communication with his team and referral network, Dr. Nguyen reflects on what he’s learned, what surprised him, and why mentorship and humility remain central to his growth.
 
Whether you’re a new associate, a future partner, or someone who’s passionate about elevating patient care—this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and momentum.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us here

https://specializeddental.com/contact/

In this episode, Dr. Neil Zachs shares his personal journey from owning a private practice to building a new perio department within a thriving endodontic office — and ultimately, why partnering with Specialized Dental Partners was the most rewarding move of his career.
 
Dr. Zachs discusses what partnership really looks like inside SDP, from maintaining clinical autonomy to experiencing the full benefits of a hands-off support model. He breaks down how integrated specialty care leads to better outcomes for patients, stronger business performance, and a deeper sense of professional fulfillment.
 
Whether you are a practice owner considering your next chapter or an associate exploring a long-term path, this episode offers honest insight from someone who’s lived both sides and built something lasting.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us here

https://specializeddental.com/contact/

In this resident-focused episode of Specialized, Dr. Neil Zachs sits down with Dr. Jeremy Young to have an unfiltered conversation every young periodontist needs to hear. From the challenges of launching a brand-new perio practice inside an endo office, to the unique advantages of integrated specialty care, Dr. Zachs shares his journey — mistakes, pivots, and breakthroughs included.
But the real highlight? His front-line insights from visiting perio residency programs across the country.

If you’re a resident or early-career periodontist wondering what’s next — private practice, partnership, or DSO — this episode is for you. 

Hear what today’s most business-savvy residents are asking, what they’re worried about, and how Specialized Dental Partners is redefining what it means to build a fulfilling, future-proof perio career.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us here

https://specializeddental.com/contact/

In this episode of Specialized, Dr. Jeremy Young speaks with Dr. Roger Burke of Metropolitan Endodontics in Minnesota, whose leadership played a key role in transitioning one of the region’s largest endodontic groups into a high-functioning, patient-focused organization through a strategic partnership with Specialized Dental Partners. 

Dr. Burke reflects on the early days of practicing without business infrastructure, the inefficiencies that surfaced as the group scaled, and how the right partnership allowed his team to return to clinical excellence—without sacrificing autonomy. He details the rigorous vetting process his group used to evaluate DSOs, why Specialized stood out, and the cultural and operational transformations that followed. 

This episode is particularly valuable for multi-doctor practices navigating growth, leadership fragmentation, or burnout, and for those looking to understand what a true clinical-first DSO model looks like from the inside. 

Interested in learning more? Contact us here.