The Fulcrum Podcast

Send us a review.

In this episode, Karen Wood discusses dental malpractice and risk management with Dr. Al Rizkalla. The podcast covers various aspects of dental malpractice, focusing on informed consent, documentation, patient interactions, and the critical role of detailed, ethical patient care. Dr. Rizkalla highlights common claims against dentists, the importance of effective communication with patients, and the necessity of thorough and accurate documentation. The episode also explores the significance of hiring well-trained staff and proactively using malpractice insurance resources, including risk management consultations and educational opportunities available through Dentist’s Choice.

HOST: Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years, having experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.   

GUEST(S): Dr. Al Rizkalla, Head of Professional Liability-Practice Risk Management – Dentist’s Choice graduated from Georgetown University School of Dentistry with honors in 1988. He also completed a General Practice residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Rizkalla was the President of the Northern Virginia Dental Society (NVDS) and also represented NOVA for several years as a member of the Executive Board of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA). In 2013, Dr. Rizkalla was appointed to the Virginia Board of Dentistry, and in 2016, he was elected President of the Board. 

He has held several positions in the VDA and the NVDS, including Continuing Education Chair, Peer Review Committee Chair, Executive Committee Chair, Ethics Committee Chair, and Dental Health and Public Information Committee. He is an examiner for the CWC testing agency and previously served on the examination committee of ADEX. 

Dr. Rizkalla is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the VDA. Dr Rizkalla teaches Restorative Dentistry, Interdisciplinary Healthcare Ethics, and Practice Management. 

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ The Virginia Dental Services Corporation (VDSC) was created as a subsidiary of the VDA to recommend products and services to the members of the VDA. By utilizing the VDA Member Perks-endorsed vendors, VDA members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using recommended companies, take advantage of special benefits, and receive discounted pricing, all while supporting the VDA. Since 1997, the VDSC has been pleased to provide over $3.7 million in funding to the VDA, VDA Foundation, VCU School of Dentistry, and others.

Dr. Al Rizkalla [email protected]

R.K. Tongue Co., Inc. https://rktongue.com/ 800-638-6353

Michael Urbanik [email protected] 410-369-3957 

EPISODE CREDITS:

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Karen Wood

Guest(s): Dr. Al Rizkalla

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

Send us a review.

In the inaugural episode of The Drill, Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), provides a concise update on the latest activities and initiatives. The episode covers three key areas from the VDA's strategic plan: powerful advocacy, professional development, and practice success. Dunn discusses the workforce challenges, including a shortage of dental hygienists, and highlights efforts such as the new Richmond hygiene school opening in 2026. Other topics include the introduction of an affiliate membership program for dental office staff and the D.I.G. Tracker for monitoring dental insurance grievances. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and share the updates with their peers.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Workforce Article: New State Report Finds Significant Dental Hygienist Workforce Shortages Throughout Virginia

D.I.G. Tracker: https://www.vadental.org/dental-insurance-grievance-tracker

VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ 

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Ryan Dunn

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

Send us a review.

Content Warning: A note about the theme of this episode.

This episode discusses topics related to burnout and mental health and includes a brief mention of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available. Please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7. Additionally, long-term support can be found through the SafeHaven Program by visiting safehavenhealth.org/enroll/vda

_____________________________________________________

SUMMARY: In this episode, host Karen Wood interviews Lynne Leggett, a dental practice management coach with over 25 years of experience, and the owner of Victory Dental Management. They discuss the definition of burnout, its differences from stress and overwhelm, and its signs and symptoms. They also delve into preventive measures, the importance of defining office culture, and the critical role of leadership in managing and preventing burnout. Additionally, they highlight the significance of mental health support mechanisms like SafeHaven legislation. 

HOST: Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years, having experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.  

GUEST(S): Lynne Leggett, BS, FAADOM, is the Founder & CEO of Victory Dental Management, bringing over 25 years of diverse business experience across dentistry, healthcare, sales, logistics, and project management. Known for her coaching-driven leadership style, Lynne draws from her background as a basketball coach to help dental professionals build high-performing teams, not just manage employees. Her insights are featured in Dental Economics, Dental Products Report, DentistryIQ, DeW Life, Dr. Bicuspid, and more. She’s the author of “You Can’t Coach Quit” and publishes the Coach’s Corner newsletter.

Instagram: bballcoach12 

Facebook: VictoryDentalManagement 

Twitter: @LynneLeggett12

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynne-leggett-17173614/

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

VDA Member Perks

Victory Dental Management

SafeHaven

Virginia Dental Showcase

American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM)

EPISODE CREDITS

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Karen Wood

Guest(s): Lynne Leggett

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

Send us a review.

SUMMARY: In this episode, host Karen Wood, Director of Operations for VDA Member Perks, interviews Mike Urbanik from RK Tongue Insurance. The discussion focuses on common legal questions dentists face regarding patient reviews on social media. Key insights include how to respond to positive and negative reviews without violating HIPAA, the implications of patients posting reviews, and the importance of legal consultation before taking any action. 

HOST: Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years, having experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.  

GUEST: Michael Urbanik; Account Executive, R.K. Tongue Co., Inc. Michael Urbanik is licensed in both Life & Health and Property & Casualty Insurance. He has experience working with both large and middle-market commercial clients. He enjoys helping his clients understand the risks they face and develop cost-effective plans to successfully mitigate and transfer these risks.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ The Virginia Dental Services Corporation (VDSC) was created as a subsidiary of the VDA to recommend products and services to the members of the VDA. By utilizing the VDA Member Perks-endorsed vendors, VDA members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using recommended companies, take advantage of special benefits, and receive discounted pricing, all while supporting the VDA. Since 1997, the VDSC has been pleased to provide over $3.7 million in funding to the VDA, VDA Foundation, VCU School of Dentistry, and others. 

R.K. Tongue Co., Inc. 

Rktongue.com

410-752-4008

Michael Urbanik

[email protected]

410-369-3957

EPISODE CREDITS

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Karen Wood

Guest(s): Michael Urbanik

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

Send us a review.

SUMMARY: In this episode of The Fulcrum Podcast, Paul Logan interviews Dr. Emily Bowen, Program Director of Mountain Empire Community College's Dental Programs. Dr. Bowen discusses the challenges and advancements in dental education and workforce development in rural Virginia. She highlights the success of Mountain Empire’s Dental Assistant and Dental Assistant II Expanded Functions (DA II) programs and their impact on the local community. Dr. Bowen also explains the role of DA IIs in enhancing dental practices and improving patient care. She emphasizes the importance of community support, faculty involvement, and innovative educational models in addressing the dental workforce needs in Virginia. 

HOST: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters.

GUEST: Emily Kate Bowen, DDS, MA, MPH

Dr. Bowen graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry, a Master of Arts from Michigan State University in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE), and a Master of Public Health with emphasis on policy and leadership from East Tennessee State University. She currently serves as the Dental Programs Director for Mountain Empire Community College in the Division of Health Sciences. 

As a Virginia native, Emily is focused on improving access to care through strengthening the allied health workforce across the Commonwealth. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekb-dds/

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Understanding Emergency Room Visits for Nontraumatic Oral Health Conditions in a Hospital Serving Rural Appalachia: Dental Informatics Study: https://formative.jmir.org/2022/12/e31433

Dental Assistant II (DA II) Expanded Function Program - https://www.mecc.edu/dental-assistant-ii-expanded-function-gcc

Mountain Empire Community College: https://www.mecc.edu/

Dr. Emily Bowen

[email protected]

Germanna Community College: https://germanna.edu/

Misty Mesimer

[email protected]

EPISODE CREDITS

Producer/Host: Paul Logan

Guests: Dr. Emily Bowen

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

Send us a review.

SUMMARY: 

In this episode of The Fulcrum Podcast, host Karen Wood, Director of Operations for VDA Member Perks, discusses practice transitions with Todd and Sheryl Garfinkel from DDSmatch. The conversation covers essential topics such as what dental students need to know about practice ownership, the role of dental transition specialists, and the importance of assembling the right team for a successful practice transition. The episode also provides an overview of the timeline for purchasing a practice, key factors for valuing a dental practice, and advice for dental students aiming for future ownership. The session concludes with tips on finance management and maintaining confidentiality during the transition process.

HOST:

Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years with experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.  

GUESTS:

Todd Garfinkel is a dental industry professional who has been working with doctors for over 20 years. Todd’s main objective has been to explore and understand his client’s unique needs and circumstances. Successfully serving doctors in establishing, building, and growing their practices has been a benchmark of his own professional success. Applying a proven, systematic process and utilizing a trusted circle of influence, including CPAs, lawyers, valuation specialists, and suppliers, Todd successfully guides his clients through the sometimes unfamiliar world of practice sales. His primary focus is to facilitate a smooth and harmonious transition for all involved.

Sheryl Garfinkel brings more than 35 years of in-depth dental industry experience and knowledge. Sheryl started her dental career as a crown and bridge lab technician before becoming a dental business manager, where she learned the industry firsthand. After many years in business management, Sheryl joined Patterson Dental as a software and technology advisor. She has also worked privately with dentists in a consulting capacity, focusing on profitability, efficiency, and team building. Now, as a transitions professional, she helps her clients navigate the detailed transition process and believes in guiding them with care and respect.

DDSmatch: 

Visit us online at: https://ddsmatch.com/ 

Call the experts at: 855-546-0044

VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ The Virginia Dental Services Corporation (VDSC) was created as a subsidiary of the VDA to recommend products and services to the members of the VDA. By utilizing the VDA Member Perks-endorsed vendors, VDA members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using recommended companies, take advantage of special benefits, and receive discounted pricing, all while supporting the VDA. Since 1997, the VDSC has been pleased to provide over $3.7 million in funding to the VDA, VDA Foundation, VCU School of Dentistry, and others.

EPISODE CREDITS

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Karen Wood

Guests: Todd Garfinkel and Sheryl Garfinkel

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

Send us a review.

Summary: In this episode, Paul Logan interviews Dilaine Gloege, an expert with 38 years of experience in dentistry and founder of Tidewater Dental Consulting. Dilaine discusses the importance of accurate documentation and coding practices for dental teams. She emphasizes the changing standards in dental documentation to align with healthcare provider expectations, the reasons behind audits, and best practices to avoid them. Dilaine also provides practical advice on how to handle audit notifications, the significance of internal audits, and the role of each team member in maintaining proper documentation. For dentists looking for further resources, Dilaine recommends annual updates to coding manuals and continuous team training.

Host: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters.

Guest: Dilaine Gloege is a dental coding expert who is committing the second wave of her career to writing, teaching, and consulting clients. As a former insurance coordinator and practice administrator, she brings over 38 years of practical experience to bear on her work. Dilaine has authored coding and insurance publications and is a highly sought-after speaker and educator. Whether she is leading an educational program, providing consulting services, or speaking about her craft, her commitment to creating expertise in the field is evident.
 
Dilaine is featured as a co-author of “Ace Your Audit” in the Virginia Dental Journal (Volume 102, Number 2).

Reach out to Dilaine via email at [email protected] or visit her website at https://tidewaterdentalconsulting.com/

Credits: 

Host/Producer: Paul Logan

Guest: Dilaine Gloege

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

Send us a review.

In this episode, Tripp Perrin discusses the outcomes and key themes from Virginia’s short 45-day 2025 legislative session, highlighting the political motivations and posturing influenced by upcoming elections. He highlights notable achievements for the dental community, including the passage of a crucial bill on insurance transaction fees and efforts to address the dental workforce shortage. Additionally, Tripp explores the session's impact on the budget, Medicaid concerns, and the importance of sustained legislative engagement by dental professionals.

Host: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters.

Guest: Tripp Perrin, President of the Lindl Corporation and VDA Contract Lobbyist. Tripp began his career at Lindl in 1995 and eventually worked for two Virginia Governors. Tripp also has extensive private sector experience serving in a variety of senior-level management roles in the investment banking, management consulting, and healthcare fields. He holds an MBA from the College of William & Mary, a BA in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond, and was a 1997 Fellow at the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership

Note: In the time since this podcast was taped, Arkansas became the 11th state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. You can find the most up-to-date map of states with enabling or pending legislation at https://ddhcompact.org/compact-map/

SB925 Health insurance; carrier business practices, method of payment for claims

SB904 Medical malpractice; limitation on recovery; certain actions.

Contribute to the VDA Political Action Committee

Contact your legislators and share the talking points on the workforce crisis and other bills and budget items

VDA’s Dental Insurance Grievance Tracker - https://www.vadental.org/dental-insurance-grievance-tracker

Sign up for VDA text alerts by texting “VDA” to 52886.

Credits: 

• Host/Producer: Paul Logan
• Guest: Tripp Perrin
• Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

Send us a review.

Summary: In this episode of The Fulcrum podcast, VDA CEO Ryan Dunn and VDA Counsel Scott Johnson discuss the impact of Virginia's 2024 transparency legislation requiring dental insurance carriers to disclose their Dental Loss Ratios (DLR). They review the first loss ratio reports released by the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, explaining what the data entails and what early trends are emerging. They also highlight the VDA's Dental Insurance Grievance (DIG) tracker, its role in identifying and addressing issues with dental insurers, and how ongoing data collection will benefit VDA members and consumers. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of educating members and leveraging the new transparency to make informed decisions about dental insurance carriers.

Host:

Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles with four national and statewide Associations while also spending time working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time.

Guest: 

W. Scott Johnson is a seasoned expert in Governmental Affairs; he has lobbied for clients on the front line of healthcare legislation for over 30 years. His steadfast presence in the Virginia General Assembly has earned the recognition and respect of an ever-changing roster of influential legislators and statewide officeholders who seek his counsel when governing the most complex healthcare issues facing clients today. Contact Scott at [email protected]

2023 Dental Carriers Loss Ratios Report - https://www.scc.virginia.gov/consumers/insurance/resources-ins-consumer/dental-carrier-loss-ratios/

VDA’s Dental Insurance Grievance Tracker - https://www.vadental.org/dental-insurance-grievance-tracker 

Credits:

• Host: Ryan Dunn
• Guest: W. Scott Johnson
• Producer: Paul Logan
• Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

Send us a review.

Summary: In the inaugural episode of The Fulcrum podcast, hosted by Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan from the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), the focus is on the critical issue of workforce shortages in the dental sector in Virginia. They talk about how we got here and the VDA's workforce initiatives to open more educational pathways to become licensed as dental hygienists, address licensure bottlenecks, and support the expansion of academic programs. The hosts highlight various initiatives, including partnerships with community colleges and private institutions like Fortis College and innovative models in Southwest Virginia. They also stress the importance of member involvement in advisory boards and other support roles. The episode aims to inform VDA members and other stakeholders about ongoing strides and opportunities to address the dental workforce crisis and empower them to help address it.

Host: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles with four national and statewide Associations while also spending time working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time.

Guest: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters.

Learn more about what the Virginia Dental Association is doing to address workforce issues at vadental.org/workforce

Credits:

• Host: Ryan Dunn
• Guest/Producer: Paul Logan
• Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to [email protected].

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound