In Episode 12 of Talk’N’Teeth, Dr. Dean Vafiadis sits down with Joe from Propr Toothbrushes and Yuliana Bravo, PR and events specialist, to talk about the future of oral care and why the way you brush might be doing more harm than good.

They break down the habits, tools, and new technologies reshaping how we care for our teeth—from Propr’s innovative soft-bristle design to real patient results and the surprising truth about toothpaste.

🎧 Watch or listen now on Talk’N’Teeth.
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#TalkNTeeth #DrDeanVafiadis #DentalPodcast #ProprToothbrush #SmileDesign #OralCare #DentalInnovation #YulianaBravo

In Episode 11 of Talk’N’Teeth, Dr. Dean Vafiadis returns with Dr. Publio Silfa and special guest Yuliana Bravo to discuss one of the most common and misunderstood dental conditions — TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).

From clenching and grinding to misaligned bites and accidents, Dr. Dean explains what really causes TMJ pain, how it connects to posture and neck tension, and the treatments that actually work — from bite plates and physical therapy to advanced diagnostics.

We cover:

• Why 33 million people suffer from TMJ pain

• How stress, orthodontics, and accidents can trigger joint problems

• The truth about Botox for TMJ

• When to seek a specialist — and how to find the right one

• How technology like cone beam CT scans helps dentists diagnose the real issue

Whether you’re a patient struggling with jaw pain or a dentist looking to better understand TMJ, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most complex systems in the human body.

🎧 Listen to Episode 11 now and learn how proper diagnosis and collaboration can lead to lasting relief.
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#TalkNTeeth #DrDeanVafiadis #TMJRelief #DentalPodcast #SmileDesign #JawHealth #DentalTechnology #TMJTreatment

In this episode of Talk’N’Teeth, I sit down with Dr. Ari Koutsoubis to share how the latest technology is transforming the way we approach smile design and patient care.Every day, I’m looking for tools that help me work faster, more efficiently, and more predictably—while delivering the most beautiful, customized results possible. From 3D facial scanners to AI-powered smile design software like Smile Cloud, we now have the ability to merge facial scans, CT data, and intraoral images into a precise digital avatar for each patient.I explain why scanning the entire face—not just the mouth—is essential for getting proportions, shapes, and sizes exactly right, and how AI can help calculate the ideal teeth based on a patient’s unique features. We also talk about how these tools improve treatment acceptance, cut down chair time, and ultimately benefit both dentists and patients.If you’re a dentist, you’ll see why these innovations are game-changers for our workflow. If you’re a patient, you’ll understand how they help you get a smile that fits your face perfectly—and faster than ever before.🎧 Join me and Dr. Ari as we pull back the curtain on the future of dentistry.📌 Subscribe to Talk’N’Teeth for more conversations at the intersection of dentistry, technology, and patient care.

Welcome back to Talk'N'Teeth! I'm Dr. Dean Vafiadis, and in this episode, we're exploring why someone chooses dentistry as a career—what inspires us, the reality of dental school, and how our profession has evolved over the years.I'm joined by my daughter, D4 dental student Krystina Vafiadis, my longtime colleague Dr. Allan Smolen, and our marketing expert Becca Morris, who each bring unique perspectives and personal stories to the table. We dive into:Krystina’s journey into dentistry—from childhood orthodontics and palate expanders to navigating the intense challenges of dental school.Dr. Smolen's reflections on nearly five decades in practice, including the biggest advancements he's witnessed, from silver fillings to digital dentistry.Becca’s insights on the critical role of marketing and patient education in modern dental practices.How dentistry has become increasingly popular among women, reshaping the face of the industry.The realities and misconceptions of pursuing dentistry today, from exams and licensing to daily clinical experiences.We also share candid and humorous stories, including Becca's early failed attempts at dentistry on her younger brother and encounters with the tooth fairy.If you're curious about the realities of becoming a dentist or just want a behind-the-scenes look at our profession, this episode is for you. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights!

In this episode of Talk'N'Teeth, host Dr. Dean Vafiadis welcomes Dr. Claudia C. Cotca, DDS, MPH, a globally recognized expert in toxicology, dentistry, and healthcare policy. A three-time graduate of the University of Michigan, Dr. Cotca holds degrees in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Toxicology & Environmental Health Sciences, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery. She is an internationally recognized lecturer and a USA Delegate expert with ADA-SCDP, AAMI, ANSI, ISO, IEC, and AFDO.
As the Founder and CEO of the Washington Institute for Dentistry & Laser, Dr. Cotca brings a wealth of knowledge on aesthetic oral systemic dentistry, therapeutics, biodigitization, and toxicology. With a track record in clinical innovation, medical devices, and laser technology applications, she advises both private and public sectors, serving as an expert witness before the U.S. Congress and the White House.
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Cotca debunks myths surrounding root canals, fluoride, and dental materials while exploring the crucial role of toxicology in modern dentistry. Whether you're a dental professional or a health-conscious patient, this episode will provide eye-opening insights into the science behind oral and systemic health.

Hello, pet lovers! Dr. Dean here, welcoming you to episode six of Talk'N'Teeth, where we shine a spotlight on the essential topic of pet dental care. In this episode, we're joined by the expert Dr. Eliza O'Callahan from Smalldoor Veterinary, and Dr. Publio Silfa from Long Island Cosmetic Dentist and of course Becca Morris from the House of Concetto. Together, we'll debunk common myths about pet dental health, discuss the unique dental needs of dogs and cats, and offer practical advice for home dental care. We’ll also delve into the importance of professional dental cleanings and share insights on the best products to keep your pets’ teeth healthy. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or just passionate about animal welfare, this episode is packed with invaluable tips to help you ensure your furry friends keep smiling. Don’t forget to subscribe for more pet care insights, and drop us a comment below with your questions or topics you’d like us to cover next. Thank you for joining us, and let’s keep those tails wagging and teeth shining!

Episode 3

In Episode 5 of Talk'N'Teeth, Dr. Dean Vafiadis shares his experiences as a dental educator and practitioner, offering a unique perspective on the evolving world of dentistry. Whether you're a dental student, a new graduate, or an experienced professional, this episode provides valuable insights into:The latest advancements in dental education at top universities like NOVA, NYU, Columbia, and UPenn.Dr. Vafiadis' hands-on teaching experience at NSU College of Dental Medicine.The importance of digital dentistry and how it's changing the landscape of the profession.Encouraging students to pursue specialty training and continuing education.How mentorship and shadowing can accelerate career growth for young dentists.Join Dr. Vafiadis as he discusses how the next generation of dentists can excel in both their education and professional careers. Whether you're looking to improve your skills or stay updated on the future of dentistry, this episode is packed with actionable advice!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insights on dental education and professional growth!

In Episode 4 of Talk'N'Teeth, Dr. Dean Vafiadis shares the inspiring story of a recent trip to the Dominican Republic where his team provided essential dental care to underserved communities. From placing implants to delivering long-awaited teeth, the FMR NYC team made a profound impact on local patients. Hear about the challenges, the rewarding moments, and how this mission brought world-class dental solutions to those who need it most.Join us as we discuss:The organization and planning behind this life-changing missionReal patient stories, from young twins to seniorsThe importance of compassionate care and collaboration with local dentistsThe cutting-edge digital techniques used in implant dentistryWant to learn more? Reach out to us at: 📧 Becca: [email protected]📧 Dr. Dean: [email protected] for more inspiring stories and expert insights from the world of dentistry! 🦷

Welcome back to Talk’N’Teeth! I’m Dr. Dean Vafiadis, and in this episode, we're diving deep into dental implants—what they are, how they work, and what patients need to know before getting one.Joining me are my regular guests: Dr. Publio Silfa, Becca Morris, and Dr. Lokesh Rao, who bring their expertise and personal experiences to the table. We discuss:The real lifespan of implants and why some failWho qualifies for implants and who should reconsiderThe cost breakdown—why implants can range from $1,000 to $8,000The latest technology in implantology, including digital planning and robotic-assisted surgeryCommon pitfalls and red flags when choosing an implant providerThe maintenance required to keep implants healthy for lifeWe also share personal stories, including Becca’s journey of getting an implant at 18, and how we’ve had to fix failed implants from corporate dental chains.If you’re considering dental implants, this is a must-watch. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights.