As with any profession, doing the same thing every day can put us in a rut. As things become routine we soon begin to lose interest. So as dental professionals, how to stay inspired, fulfilled, and energized in our dental career? Today we’re diving into a topic that’s more important than ever for dental professionals: how to reignite your passion for dentistry and avoid the burnout that’s become all too common in our field. Our guest today is Dr. Jacqueline Patterson, a general dentist and orofacial myofunctional therapist with over 15 years of experience.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

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

Our guest, Dr. Chris Pescatore, is using nothing more than his iPad and an off-the-shelf app to perform digital diagnostic wax-ups—right in front of his patients—in only a matter of minutes. This isn’t just a tool for planning aesthetics, prep design and occlusal adjustments—it’s also a powerful way to wow patients. In fact, Dr. Pescatore’s case acceptance rate has been hovering close to 100%. Stay tuned to learn how Dr. Pescatore has integrated this simple, inexpensive piece of technology into his daily practice—and why it’s become a true game-changer for both him and his patients. You can learn more about Dr. Pescatore's course on this topic by visiting The Center at Dental Ceramics https://www.thecenteratdentalceramics.com/upcoming-courses.

In today’s episode, we’ll discuss a scenario that every dental practice owner dreads—a disgruntled employee reporting infection control violations to the Department of Health. We’ll explore a real-life case that highlights just how devastating such a report can be, leading to potential fines, damaged reputation, loss of patient trust and even the shutting down of the practice. What can we do to prevent this? Joining us today to shed light on this topic is Dr. Karson Carpenter, a dentist and expert consultant on infection control and OSHA compliance in the dental setting. Dr. Carpenter is the founder and CEO of Compliance Training Partners, a company dedicated to helping dental practices stay compliant and navigate investigations related to infection control violations.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

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

GUM - https://www.sunstargum.com/us-en/

The reality is, many patients simply can’t afford traditional, lab-fabricated veneers. And without a more affordable option, they do nothing and continue living with a smile they’re not happy with. But now, there’s a solution. With a product called VeneerNow, dentists can offer a beautiful, life-changing makeover that’s easy to do, completed in a single visit, and well within reach for most patients. Dr. Lundon Albrecht shares with us how this easy-to-use veneer system has been a game-changer for his practice.

In a field where precision and stamina are paramount, poor ergonomics can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and long-term health issues. But it doesn't have to be this way. By understanding and implementing ergonomic practices, and choosing the right kind of operatory delivery systems and equipment, we can transform our work environment into a space that supports our bodies as much as our skills. To tell us more about it is our guest, Katrina Klein. Katrina is a registered dental hygienist for 16 years, national speaker, author, competitive bodybuilder and certified personal trainer. She’s the founder of ErgoFitLife, where ergonomics and fitness are a lifestyle to prevent, reduce or eliminate pain.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

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

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

Today, we’re zeroing in on something that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs. Whether it’s training new team members, navigating a vacation or unexpected sick leave, or simply making sure tasks get done the right way every time, SOPs are the foundation of a stable, resilient practice. Our guest is Sherrie Busby, a certified dental assistant, sought after speaker and expert on creating and maintaining SOPs in the dental practice.

It’s not uncommon for those of us who are looking to hire a new office manager to have some questions. For instance, how do you find this person? What should you pay them? And once you hire someone, what is the typical training you should be giving them and, of course, what is the best way to ensure that your new office manager stays with you and isn’t tempted to look around for another opportunity, potentially at a dental office right down the road? This episode addresses these questions and more so stay tuned!

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

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

Even though we can’t see what’s happening inside those tiny tubes, what’s lurking there can have a big impact on the health of our patients and our practices. Joining us is someone who knows this subject inside and out—Tija Hunter. With over 40 years of experience in clinical dentistry, Tija is the Immediate Past President of the Illinois Dental Assistants Association and has also served as Vice President. She’s here to share best practices for waterline testing and maintenance, along with simple daily steps to ensure our water stays clean and safe. Plus, she’ll let us in on her go-to waterline system and a host of practical tips you can start using right away.

To guide us through the topic of Ulcerative Conditions of the Oral Cavity is our guest Dr. Ashley Clark. She brings a wealth of knowledge about the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management strategies for oral ulcerations. In this episode, she'll share insights into what dentists should look for during routine exams, when to be concerned, and how to approach treatment or referral. To reach out to Dr. Clark, please email [email protected].

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

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

As infection control regulations become more rigorous and patients grow more aware of clinical standards, it’s essential for dental teams to stay ahead—and that’s where technology and automation are making a real difference. We’re joined by Amanda Hill, a nationally recognized expert in infection control, who shares the latest advancements in sterilization and compliance tools. From preventing waterline contamination to ensuring every sterilization cycle is accurately documented, Amanda explains how the right technology can help your team maintain high standards, avoid costly errors, and deliver safer care across the board.