Instrument sterilization is a complex, continuous, and cyclical journey that dental instruments take on a daily basis. But this journey must be safe, predictable, efficient, and compliant. Today we are going to discuss several tips on how to enhance the instrument processing pathway in YOUR office—with a focus on instrument washing. We'll answer some key questions like: What are some of the typical weak points in our instrument processing protocol and how can we address those weak points? Our guest is Dr. Marie Fluent, a dentist and expert in the field of Infection Control and Prevention.

Today we'll not only cover the basics of Infection control and prevention but also its nuances. And as they say, the devil is in the details. We'll talk about spray versus wipes, single use inventory, cold sterilization, the ICC, Infection Control Coordinator and the opportunities that lie ahead for today's dental hygienist and assistant. To share all this with us is our guest Emily Boge. Emily blends her extensive experience in dental hygiene and dental assisting with a dual Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

In this episode we'll discuss the evolution of pain control in dentistry. Learning about the history of pain control gives us a better perspective on what we're doing today to make our patients comfortable in our operatory. We will delve into modern day local anesthetics and the use of mild to moderate sedation in the dental setting. We will also look at what's coming down the road in the area of dental local anesthesia. Our guest is Dr. David Isen, who maintains a private practice in Toronto Canada, running a sleep - for - dentistry clinic. Dr. Isen has presented almost 500 lectures across North America and around the world on topics related to local anesthesia and medical emergencies. He has acted as a consultant for dental companies regarding product development and has peer-reviewed papers for dental journals.

Hiring a hygienist and an assistant can be a challenging task and if you need someone right away, it can be a real problem for your practice. So what can we do to make sure we have the right team, retain our employees and when we need to hire someone, we hire the best person as quickly as possible? To give us insight and solutions for dealing with this real staffing crisis affecting our profession is our guest Melissa Turner. Melissa is a sought-after consultant and speaker. She partners with companies of all sizes on brand strategy and product growth, leveraging her unique insights from her experience in the boardroom and as a clinician.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

Septodont USA - https://www.septodontusa.com/

NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/

Joining us today is Dr. Troy Schmedding, who will share insights on the latest in dental composites and how he leverages flowable materials to achieve outstanding restorative and aesthetic results. Dr. Schmedding is an assistant professor in the Department of Reconstructive Dental Sciences and co-course director for Integrated Pre-Clinical Technique at UOP Dentistry. He practices in Walnut Creek CA and enjoys lecturing nationally and internationally to fellow colleagues on restorative and aesthetic dentistry.

There's more to an IOS than just taking an impression. Our guest today, Dr. Chris Pescatore, believes that the dentist should use the scanner strategically in the first visit. As he explains, it builds trust and becomes the foundation for a successful dentist-patient relationship. Dr. Pescatore, is a general dentist with over 30 years of experience. He has been a pioneer in digital dentistry since the early ’90s and has seen it all when it comes to creating aesthetic restorations.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/

BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

Our guest, Dr. Susan McMahon, has mastered how to leverage 3D printing technology in her practice. She’ll share how 3D printing has made her provisionals exceptional and how it has transformed her indirect restorative workflow. Dr. McMahon has been honored as a Top U.S. Dentist more than 20 times and has been voted by her peers as a Top Pittsburgh Dentist every year for over two decades.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Ashley Clark, a leading expert in the field of oral pathology. Dr. Clark will guide us through the common pathologic entities that dentists might encounter in everyday practice. She'll break down what to look for during an oral examination and provide insights on how to best manage these findings. Dr. Clark has won several teaching awards, has provided over 100 continuing education courses, and has authored more than 40 publications and book chapters. For a free biopsy kit, please email [email protected].

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

VOCO America - https://www.voco.dental/us/

Shining 3D- https://www.shining3ddental.com/

What's new in adhesive dentistry? Dr. Troy Schmedding will share with us how he's taking advantage of modern adhesive techniques and the adhesive products he continues to rely on for long-term clinical success. Dr. Schmedding is an assistant professor in the Department of Reconstructive Dental Sciences and co-course director for Integrated Pre-Clinical Technique at UOP Dentistry. He practices in Walnut Creek CA and enjoys lecturing nationally and internationally to fellow colleagues on restorative and aesthetic dentistry.

Dr. Gupta encountered various issues that led to a toxic work environment which he says stemmed from his initial struggles with leadership. He admits he was more focused on being the likable "cool guy" in the office rather than being a good leader who was able to deal with problems and face confrontation. Dr. Gupta will recount his journey, from the rocky beginnings to how he eventually turned things around.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

NSK America - https://www.nskdental.com/

GC America - https://www.gc.dental/