Best Churn Reduction Podcasts (2025)

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Very Dental: Technology and a Human Touch with Dr. Tim Anderson 37:59

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17h ago37:59

37:59

Alan welcomes back Dr. Tim Anderson to discuss the transformative impact of digital technology on modern dentistry. The episode kicks off with a brief mention of Dr. Anderson's recent "Midas tour" focused on partial coverage restorations, which serves as a springboard into a deeper discussion about the dramatic technological shift since their denta…

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Very Clinical: Charlie Fryer on the AI in Dentistry Hype Machine 35:36

4d ago35:36

35:36

In this throwback episode of Very Clinical, Zach and Kevin welcome back Charlie Fryer to talk about AI in dentistry. Charlie recently finished a master's thesis about class II caries and AI so he can see applications in dentistry from the perspective of a computer scientist. AI's Current Role in the Dental Industry The guys discuss existing and pot…

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AME: Churn 32:21

5d ago32:21

32:21

Patient churn—the natural cycle of patients choosing, staying, or leaving a dental practice—is a normal part of the business. Alan explores this by reflecting on his own 28 years in practice, concluding that dentists often struggle with churn because they view their office much differently than their patients do. Ultimately, a patient's decision to…

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Very Dental: A Very Brady Episode with Dr. Brady Smith 41:33

8d ago41:33

41:33

Alan is joined by the multi-talented Dr. Brady Smith, a dentist, standup comedian, and social media sensation. They dive into Dr. Smith's fascinating dual career, exploring whether he's a dentist who does comedy or a comedian who does dentistry, ultimately concluding he's a highly successful dual-profession guy. Dr. Smith shares his journey from ru…

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Very Clinical: AI in the Operatory with Charlie Fryer 37:00

11d ago37:00

37:00

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AME: Harm Reduction 28:26

12d ago28:26

28:26

Alan discusses the significant differences between his intensive, abstinence-based path to recovery in 2002 and the current standards of addiction treatment. Prompted by renewing his DEA license and taking a required CE on opiate prescribing, Alan contrasts his successful, disruptive model (therapy and 12-step programs) with the modern focus on Med…

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Very Dental: The GI-normous Benefits of Glass Ionomer with Dr. Zach Meiners 48:07

15d ago48:07

48:07

Alan welcomes Dr. Zach Meiners, co-host of the Very Clinical podcast and restorative dentist extraordinaire, back to the Very Dental podcast. They dive deep into their shared passion for glass ionomer (GI) restorative materials. Sparked by Alan's recent solo episode on using glass ionomer for groove restorations the guys talk GI in depth. Key Takea…

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Very Clinical: $18,000 Tips and Other Laser Myths with Dr. Bob Convissar 36:55

18d ago36:55

36:55

In this throwback episode Zach and Kevin feature Dr. Bob Convissar, a pioneer in laser dentistry with over 32 years of experience. He's a prolific author, lecturer, and practitioner who began his career after graduating from NYU in 1980 and acquiring a unique, century-old dental practice in New York City The main topic is the ABC's of Laser Dentist…

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Very Dental Student: Into the Deep End with Garrett Davis 22:42

19d ago22:42

22:42

This episode features host Mohammed Abo-Basha's conversation with his classmate, Garrett Davis. They talked about his experience on a senior year dental externship at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Key takeaways: Senior Externship Experience: Guest Garrett discusses his dental externship at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), c…

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Very Dental: Entering the Neutral Zone with Dr. Joe Massad 37:48

22d ago37:48

37:48

It isn't very often that I get to interview a legend, but this episode is one of those. I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Joe Massad who has been educating dentists about removable prosthodontics for decades. Last weekend Joe lectured to the Francis B. Vedder Society at their fall meeting up in northwestern Michigan and he didn't disappoint. I …

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AME: The Specialist's Advantage 26:21

25d ago26:21

26:21

Alan reflects on the value of specialization in dentistry after attending a meeting where he saw a presentation by Dr. Joe Massad, a renowned specialist in removable prosthodontics. Alan discusses how Dr. Massad's focused expertise allows for a streamlined, efficient practice and attracts a specific type of patient, leading to greater predictabilit…

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Very Dental Student: Mohamed Abo-Basha and the D4 Grind 21:04

26d ago21:04

21:04

Host Mohamed Abo-Basha provides a solo update on his fourth year of dental school. He discusses his busy schedule, which includes studying for the new Integrated National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). He also shares his experiences with classes, including a senior seminar paper and present…

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Very Dental: How to Fix Burnout with Dr. Dawn Grimes 46:51

29d ago46:51

46:51

Alan welcomes back Dr. Dawn Grimes to talk about burnout. Lately it seems like social media can't stop talking about it and they both have some things to say about it! They define burnout as emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress, arguing it's not unique to dentistry. Dawn asserts that a poor relationship with stress, a la…

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Very Clinical: The Bad CE Stand-Up Tour with Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Tim Anderson 33:46

1M ago33:46

33:46

This throwback episode of the Very Clinical podcast features hosts Zach and Kevin discussing the value of continuing education (CE) with special guests Dr. Erin Elliott and Dr. Tim Anderson! They share amusing anecdotes about their worst CE experiences, including a condescending lecturer and courses that didn't deliver on their promises. The conver…

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AME: Let Them Say No 23:17

1M ago23:17

23:17

Alan reflects on his 27 years in dentistry, revealing how his past struggles with addiction and a conservative approach to treatment planning have impacted his practice. He admits he often defaults to a "watch-and-wait" approach in gray-area cases, feeling a need to save patients money or fearing they will say no to treatment. He worries this may l…

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Very Dental: What is an Expert with Dr. Matt Standridge 41:56

1M ago41:56

41:56

Alan is once again joined by Dr. Matt Standridge. The episode was recorded live at a Voices of Dentistry event following Matt's presentation on "Simplified Smile Design." Matt and Alan explore how a person becomes an expert, from their beginnings on forums like Dentaltown to Matt's current role as an industry educator. They discuss the difference b…

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Very Clinical: How to Make a Trial Smile with Dr. Allie Frounfelter 35:35

1M ago35:35

35:35

In this episode of the Very Clinical Podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin chat with guest Dr. Allie Frounfelter about digital dentistry and the process of creating "trial smiles." Allie, a self-proclaimed "trial smile queen," details the steps of designing, 3D printing, and fitting a temporary smile for patients so they can preview their results before co…

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AME: The Customer Service Curve 26:37

1M ago26:37

26:37

Alan shares his frustrating experience with AT&T's poor customer service after his office's phones went down. The ordeal leads him to develop a theory about the inverse relationship between demand for a service and the need for excellent customer service. He explains that businesses like AT&T, which provide essential services with high demand and l…

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Brain Trust: Yes Tacos, No Hygiene? 36:11

1M ago36:11

36:11

Alan brings together Dr. Lance Timmerman and Dr. Brady Smith for a lunch conversation at VoD Lite 2025. The trio discuss the unique, small-scale nature of the event, which was planned just three weeks beforehand and features a food truck instead of a hotel's expensive catering. Lance and Brady talk about their professional lives, including their pr…

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Very Clinical: Dr. Allie Frounfelter is the Queen of Trial Smiles 33:27

2M ago33:27

33:27

Zach and Kevin welcome Dr. Allie Frounfelter to discuss her innovative approach to cosmetic dentistry using Trial Smiles. Dr. Frounfelter shares her journey from a high-volume "bread and butter" dental practice to a more balanced and fulfilling one, emphasizing the importance of slowing down to speed up. The episode details the step-by-step process…

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AME: Sealants, Schmealants 23:17

2M ago23:17

23:17

Alan argues that dental sealants should be treated more like restorations rather than simple preventive measures. He critiques the common practice of placing sealants without preparing the tooth, which he believes can lead to failure and hidden decay. Instead, he details his own protocol, which involves using a bur to open up and clean out the deep…

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Very Dental: Adam on AI with Adam McWethy 37:32

2M ago37:32

37:32

Alan welcomes his friend Adam McWethy back to the Very Dental podcast! Recorded in person at the 2025 Voices of Dentistry pop up event in Arizona, Adam drops in to talk about his new company, The Leadership Thread. The Leadership Thread works with specialist practices to achieve growth and life balance by taking control of their careers. Adam and A…

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Very Clinical: Invisalign Hype vs. Reality with Dr. Craig Harder 15:10

2M ago15:10

15:10

In this "throwback" episode recorded live at Voices of Dentistry 2023, hosts Kevin and Zach are joined by guest Dr. Craig Harder to debate and discuss dental myths and tips. The main topic of conversation is the dental myth that Invisalign is a great value for dentists. Craig argues that Invisalign is not a good value because it eats up a significa…

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AME: Some of My Favorite Words 29:18

2M ago29:18

29:18

Alan shares his favorite verbal phrases that have improved his patient interactions over his 28-year career. He emphasizes the importance of building rapport and setting patient expectations to create a smoother, more enjoyable practice. Alan discusses how these simple word choices help him diagnose problems, manage treatment compromises, and handl…

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Brain Trust: Nothing Wrong with "Dental School Dentistry" 25:09

2M ago25:09

25:09

Dr. Russell Schafer, Dr. Randy Houska, and Dr. Brian McGue join Alan for a pre-conference discussion at the Voices of Dentistry Lite event in Arizona. They explore the different options for dentists to expand their practices. Brian, a general dentist who also does (and teaches) sedation, believes that sedation is the best for return on investment, …

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Very Clinical: Practice or Business? 37:51

2M ago37:51

37:51

Kevin and Zach welcome Alan back to discuss the world of business and entrepreneurship within dentistry. They begin by reminiscing about their childhood "businesses," which leads to a discussion sparked by a conversation Alan had with dental entrepreneur Dr. Mark Costes. The group explores the idea that while dentists of their generation could ofte…

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AME: Another Recommendation Engine 32:29

2M ago32:29

32:29

Al shares another "recommendation engine" in this episode! He starts with a dental recommendation, praising the Bioclear Evolve Matrix system and explaining why he's going back to get recertified. He then moves to personal interests, recommending the Harry Potter audiobooks narrated by Stephen Fry and the Hot Ones Instagram feed. He also suggests t…

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Very Dental: How to Not Have a Heart Attack with Dr. David Clark 48:26

2M ago48:26

48:26

Alan interviews Dr. David Clark about a near-fatal heart attack he suffered almost two years ago. Dave describes the dramatic details of the event, from initially mistaking his symptoms for heartburn to his wife heroically rushing him to the emergency room. The episode delves into the importance of being your own health advocate, particularly for d…

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Very Clinical: The Healthy Patient Paradox 34:28

2M ago34:28

34:28

Zach and Kevin are joined Alan to have an in-depth discussion on the business of dentistry. They explore the surprising contradiction many dentists face: the challenge of maintaining a profitable practice while also promoting preventive care and serving "healthy" patients who need minimal treatment. They discuss how a shift in the dental landscape,…

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AME: Digital Design for Dummies 23:01

2M ago23:01

23:01

Alan shares his journey into the world of digital dentistry and digital design. He reflects on his past hesitations and the challenges of committing to expensive software like Exocad. A recent case involving a patient in need of a provisional partial, however, sparked his interest in finding a more accessible entry point. He recounts how his friend…

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Very Dental: The Dentist's Dilemma: Doctor or Entrepreneur? with Dr. Mark Costes 38:20

2M ago38:20

38:20

Is the entrepreneurial drive something you're born with, or can it be learned? Alan had the chance to sit down with his friend and colleague, Dr. Mark Costes, at the recent Voices of Dentistry Pop Up for a deep dive into the mindset of a business owner. Drawing from his own family history, Dr. Costes argues that an entrepreneurial spirit is often a…

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Very Clinical: A Tip or Two with Dr. McGue 11:28

2M ago11:28

11:28

In this throwback episode from Voices of Dentistry 2023 in Scottsdale, Zach and Kevin are joined by guest Dr. Brian McGue for the inaugural "Myths and Tips" episode. Dr. McGue, the inspiration for this format, kicks things off by myth-busting the posterior palatal seal, questioning its origin and clinical necessity for upper dentures. For his pro t…

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AME: Matt's Marketing Minute(s) 21:58

2M ago21:58

21:58

Recorded live at our recent pop up VoD 2025, Alan is joined by the one and only Dr. Matt Standridge! Matt shares two innovative marketing strategies he uses in his practice. First, he details his process for creating personalized virtual case presentations using Google Slides. He records custom videos for potential patients, walking them through th…

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Very Dental: Have We Reached Peak Dental Podcasting with Dr. Mark Costes 42:03

3M ago42:03

42:03

In this throwback episode Alan is joined by his good friend and co-founder of Voices of Dentistry, Dr. Mark Costes. They catch up after the VOD 2022 event, sharing personal stories about their kids, past injuries, and the humbling (and sometimes embarrassing) experience of getting older. The conversation wraps up with a behind-the-scenes look at th…

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Very Clinical: The Ortho Champion with Maryann McFarland 32:01

3M ago32:01

32:01

Kevin and Zach are joined by star hygienist Maryann McFarland. They kick things off with a competitive discussion about their favorite games, from Maryann's professional-level Scrabble skills to Zach's past as a ranked online poker player. The conversation then shifts to the clinical topic of the day: how Maryann champions the Invisalign workflow i…

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AME: Unconscious 18:11

3M ago18:11

18:11

Alan uses his familiar daily commute as an analogy for the routine procedures in dentistry that become second nature. He reflects on how tasks that are "unconscious" and automatic for a seasoned dentist, such as a tooth extraction, are a highly conscious and often frightening experience for a patient. Drawing on a recent interaction with an anxious…

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Very Dental: Frankly, Dental School Sucked 49:27

3M ago49:27

49:27

This throwback episode features Alan and his longtime friend and fellow Dentaltown veteran, Dr. Frank Clayton, for a hilarious and nostalgic conversation. They reminisce about the early days of online forums, the inception of the podcast idea, and Frank’s surprising pre-dental career selling Velveeta cheese. The discussion quickly turns to the shar…

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Very Clinical: More Than a Cleaning with Maryann McFarland 29:39

3M ago29:39

29:39

In this episode, Kevin and Zach return from a hiatus and catch up on their summer adventures before introducing a special guest: Kevin's hygienist, Maryann McFarland. Maryann shares her journey through a 32-year career in hygiene, from a frustrating first job in a "prophy mill" to finding her work home in Kevin's practice. She discusses how embraci…

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AME: The Internet Before the Internet with Richard Heend 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

In this nostalgic throwback episode, Alan reconnects with his childhood friend, Richard Heend, to reminisce about the internet before the internet. They journey back to the early 1980s, discussing their first encounters with computers like the Atari 400, the magic of bulletin board systems (BBS), and the thrill of playing games like Jumpman Jr. Fro…

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Very Dental: Al and the Amazing Pants with Angus Pryor 49:20

3M ago49:20

49:20

Alan is joined by Australian marketing expert and fellow podcaster, Angus Pryor! The episode was recorded live from the Chicago Midwinter Meeting. Their chat begins with the surprising discovery that they both live on large rural farms, complete with forests, horses, and messy ducks. This shared experience launches them into a wide-ranging conversa…

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Very Clinical: Is Posterior Composite Anatomy Important or Pretentious? with Dr. Dan Smith 12:59

3M ago12:59

12:59

In this throwback episode recorded at VoD 2023, hosts Kevin and Zach are joined by Dr. Dan Smith from Tennessee to tackle dental myths and share clinical tips. Dan debunks the idea that the highly aesthetic and intricately detailed posterior composite restorations often seen on social media are inherently superior in longevity or patient benefit to…

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AME: The Cancellation Menagerie 15:06

3M ago15:06

15:06

What do you get when Al is listening to Harry Potter books, has a 7am cancellation and is in a really weird head space? You get the Cancellation Menagerie! Recorded in the style of Harry Potter, you'll hear about all kinds of odd creatures in the dental world. The ones that wreck your schedule and some that you're glad don't come! Join the Very Den…

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Very Dental: Wrapping Up Patient Anxiety with Steph Tang of Wallaby 24:30

3M ago24:30

24:30

Alan sits down with Steph Tang, the co-founder of Wallaby, a company that has developed a therapeutic weighted blanket specifically for dental and healthcare settings. Steph shares her personal experience as a dental patient which sparked the idea for the Wallaby. She explains the science behind deep pressure stimulation and how the Wallaby helps t…

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Very Clinical: Are You There, AI? It's me...JLips 23:52

3M ago23:52

23:52

In this throwback episode Dr. Jason Lipscomb joins the Very Clinical guys live from VOD 23 to challenge the dental industry's conventional wisdom! He debunks the myth that you can be taught to "love" dentistry, especially by those out of touch with the modern-day pressures of practice ownership, staffing shortages, and waning employee loyalty. The …

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AME: Adulting and the Recall Practice 30:34

3M ago30:34

30:34

Alan reflects on the importance of maintenance, both in car care and dental practices. He discusses the parallels between regular car maintenance and consistent dental care, emphasizing the benefits of methodical upkeep to avoid surprises and extend longevity. Dr. Mead proposes using AI to create comprehensive dental maintenance reports for patient…

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Very Dental: Building a Practice That Runs Without You with Dr. Paul Etchison 34:34

4M ago34:34

34:34

Alan welcomes back friend, dentist, and coach Dr. Paul Etchison to talk about his unique career journey. Paul shares how he went from working in a high-volume clinic to building a startup practice that grew so quickly he was forced to bring on associates. He details the specific strategies he used, like prioritizing new patients and intentionally c…

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Very Clinical: Profitable Practice Without Placing Implants? 16:57

4M ago16:57

16:57

In this throwback episode of the Very Clinical podcast, hosts Zach and Kevin are joined by Voices of Dentistry 2023 co-founder, Dr. Alan Mead. Alan kicks off a "myths and tips" segment by challenging the idea that a dental practice must place implants to be profitable, specifically to reach the million-dollar mark. The discussion explores the signi…

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AME: Summer Camp for Dentists 30:18

4M ago30:18

30:18

Alan Mead shares his personal journey into being a temporary "empty nester" as both of his sons attend the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for the first time. He reflects on their artistic pursuits—tuba and fine arts—and the humorous anxieties and newfound freedom that come with a quiet house. In the second half, Alan announces the exciting return of a be…

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Very Dental: Dr. August de Oliveira and the Dumb Radiologist Associate 48:45

4M ago48:45

48:45

Alan welcomes back long-time friend and fellow 1997 dental school graduate, Dr. August de Oliveira. They take a trip back in time, reminiscing about the early days of the online forum Dentaltown, where Dr. de Oliveira pioneered sharing cases for critique with his "CERECs du Jour" thread. The conversation then fast-forwards to the present, focusing …

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Very Clinical: Just the Bevel! A Class IV Revelation with Dr. Clinton Timmerman 20:18

4M ago20:18

20:18

In today's throwback episode Dr. Clinton Timmerman joins the Very Clinical Podcast live from Voices of Dentistry, and he's not afraid to bust some dental myths! Prepare to have your anesthetic assumptions challenged and maybe even find out why you shouldn't offer your dentist a side of steak for their services. Plus, Clint shares a surprisingly eff…