Our dental instruments, especially when it comes to our hygiene department, are the backbone of our practice, but when they start to lose their edge, the question arises: should you retip, sharpen, replace them, or even switch to sharpen-free instruments? Each option has its pros and cons, and making the right decision can significantly impact your practice’s efficiency, budget, and patient care quality. To help us make the right decision when it comes to our instrument maintenance is Emily Boge. Emily blends her extensive experience in dental hygiene and dental assisting with a dual Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership to provide education to entry level and licensed dental practitioners.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

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

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

From protective liners and indirect pulp caps that help shield the pulp from further damage, to direct pulp caps aimed at maintaining vitality, to pulpotomies and pulpectomies when deeper intervention is necessary—each approach plays a key role in managing pulpal health. So, how do we determine the best course of action? To tell us all about it is our guest is Dr. Carla Cohn. She is a general dentist, devoted solely to the practice of dentistry for children. She owns and operates Kids Sleep Dentistry Winnipeg, a private practice at Western Surgery Centre in Canada. Dr. Cohn has recently founded Lit Smile Academy, a continuing dental education company. With extensive teaching experience and numerous publications, she is recognized internationally for her contributions to continuing dental education.

In this episode you will hear first-hand what silver diamine fluoride can do and why every dentist should consider using it on posterior teeth that are infected with dental caries. Our guest is Dr. John Frachella, a pediatric dentist (now treating adults and children) with 50 years experience in the delivery of dental services in public and private settings. He’s worked in private practices across the country and for a decade was on staff at OHSU Dental School. He currently lectures at NYU Dental School for the largest dental residency program in the US.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

Centrix Dental - https://www.centrixdental.com/

Our guest today, Dr. Sara Kuckhoff, is a general dentist from Michigan who has been out of dental school for six years. She has fully embraced the mindset of continuous growth. She’ll share her journey, how she pursues her passions, and why that pursuit has helped her not only enjoy her profession but also feel more confident and fulfilled as both a person and a dentist. Whether you’re a new dentist just starting or a seasoned professional looking for fresh inspiration, this episode will remind you why setting goals, staying engaged, and keeping an open mind to learning can make all the difference in your career.

When faced with extensive decay or structural compromise in a primary tooth, full coverage restorations are often the go-to solution. But which material is best—traditional stainless steel or newer options like resin-based and zirconia? And what about those gray areas where we could opt for either full coverage or direct restorative techniques? To tell us all about it is our guest, Dr. Carla Cohn. She owns and operates Kids Sleep Dentistry Winnipeg, a private practice at Western Surgery Centre in Canada. She is the founder of Lit Smile Academy, a CE company that focuses on pediatric dentistry for the GP. In fact, she has an upcoming hands-on program in Vancouver on June 7th, 2025. You can get all the details at litsmileacademy.com.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

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

What does it mean for dental hygienists to take charge of the operatory? Traditionally seen as supporting roles, hygienists have focused on cleaning teeth and patient education. But our guest today believes they can do much more—enhancing case acceptance, improving clinical outcomes, and elevating overall patient care. Her mission is to empower hygienists to lead, take ownership of their role, and contribute beyond their clinical duties. Dr. Kelly Tanner is a reg dental hygienist who holds a Ph.D. in Business and Leadership. Her website is nextleveldentalhygiene.com.

As dental professionals, we often focus on the well-being of our patients, but it's equally important to prioritize our own health. The demands of a dental career—long hours, awkward postures, and repetitive movements can take a toll on our bodies, leading to chronic pain and injuries that can significantly impact our ability to work effectively. In this episode we'll address simple things we can do to minimize the risk of injuries so that we can continue to work optimally and pain-free, thereby enjoying good health and fitness throughout our lives and professional career. Our guest is Katrina Klein, an expert in ergonomics. She is a dental hygienist, author, speaker, educator and competitive bodybuilder. Her company is Ergofitlife.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

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

According to Dr. Brian Novy, the application of fluoride varnish is, hands down, the most significant procedure we can do for our patients. But as with any procedure, there’s a right way—and a wrong way—to apply fluoride varnish. Dr. Novy will shed light on common mistakes that can undermine its effectiveness, a phenomenon he calls the "fluoride bomb." We’ll discuss what can go wrong during application, how to avoid these pitfalls, and what steps you can take to ensure your patients receive the full benefits of this essential preventive treatment. Dr. Brian Novy is a practicing dentist in Boston MA. He is President of the National CAMBRA Coalition, faculty at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences, and consumer representative for the US Food and Drug Administration Dental Products Panel. To can reach Dr Novy at whollymolar.com.

To fully harness the remarkable technology of the intraoral scanner, it’s important for us to understand the clinical best practices that are directly tied to capturing precise digital impressions. This includes scan technique, bur selection, prep design, tissue management and so forth. So today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Chris Pescatore to fill us in on some key clinical techniques that he's learned over the past 30 years. Dr. Pescatore is a general dentist who has been a pioneer in digital dentistry since the early ’90s, and has seen it all when it comes to creating aesthetic restorations. He maintains a full-time practice dedicated exclusively to aesthetic restorative dentistry in Danville, California.

Thanks to our episode sponsors:

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

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

When should you print in-house dentures, and when is it best to send cases to the lab? We’ll break it all down, exploring the clinical decision-making process, material considerations, and workflow efficiencies. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion on the evolving role of 3D printing in denture fabrication! Our guest is Dr. Russel Schafer. a general dentist in New Orleans, Louisiana who focuses on removable dentures and teaches other dentists how to design and print dentures in their office.