Tooth Talk

On this episode of Tooth Talk Sarah and Peter welcome back Mike Graham, ADA Senior Vice-President of Government and Public Affairs, with an update on the issues the ADA Washington team is working on. Mike talks about the political climate in Washington, where our issues are in the current environment, and the successes in 2019. Mike also provides his outlook on 2020 from the Congressional session to the Presidential Election.

On this reflective and somber episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter talk with Dr. Matt Neary of New York about his experiences as a forensic dentist. Dr. Neary recounts the incredible work that he and the dental team at the NYC Medical Examiner's Office did after the tragic events of September 11th and the calling they all felt to ensure that families had answers. Some may find this episode difficult and discretion is advised, but we felt it necessary to tell this story and highlight these unsung heroes.

Tooth Talk turns 1! On this special birthday episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter reflect on the first year of the show. They highlight what they have learned, their favorite episodes, and what's next for the show. Join us in wishing Tooth Talk a very happy birthday.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the Chief Executive Officer of "the other ADA", the Australian Dental Association, Damian Mitsch. Damian highlights some of the similarities between issues facing dentists in Australia and their counterparts in the U.S. The three also discuss Australian politics—from the structure of their Parliament to mandatory voting—as well as what advocacy and lobbying look like in Australia.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter report live from ADA 2019 in San Francisco, sitting down with Dr. Craig Armstrong, 15th District Trustee and former Chair of the Council on Government Affairs (CGA). Dr. Armstrong discusses what led him to dentistry and how he got started in organized dentistry, as well as where he sees the profession heading in the future. He also talks about his goals as a Trustee and his proudest achievements on CGA.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter talk with new dentist and ADPAC fellow Dr. Michelle Szewczyk of Detroit. Dr. Szewczyk talks about her journey through dental school and the challenges faced by new graduates. She also shares her perspective on the importance of advocacy and the role of organized dentistry, as well as what she learned during her summer in Washington D.C.

In Tooth Talk's latest Dentist in Congress installment, Sarah and Peter sit down with the newest member of the dental caucus, New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew. Rep. Van Drew talks about his journey to Congress from small-town mayor, to the New Jersey State House, and finally the halls of Congress, and the effect it has had on his governing philosophy. Rep. Van Drew also discusses his work on the Natural Resources Committee and other issues he is passionate about.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter talk politics with ADA interns Abby McDonough, a Senior majoring in Political Science at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and Nate Turner, a Senior majoring in Political and Computer Science at the Ohio State University. Covering both the conservative and liberal standpoints, the four discuss generational differences in political views, how politics is perceived, and the upcoming 2020 Election.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the ADA's Executive Director, Dr. Kathleen O'Loughlin, to talk about her unconventional path to dental school, life as a dentist, and her multi-city/multi-profession lead up to the ADA. Dr. O'Loughlin touches on being the ADA's first female executive director, and issues that face the profession.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Dr. Dave Preble, Sr. Vice President, Practice Institute, to talk about the role of the Practice Institute in dentistry. Dr. Preble explains how the department has an important role in standards development, advocating for the dental profession through the delivery of dental resources, programs, products, and services related to the professional life and well-being of dentists.