Dental Realist Podcast

In this episode we discuss the challenges facing dentistry and the Dentaltown article written by Dr. Gordon Christensen titled Challenges Facing the U.S. Dental Profession . What are the main concerns of dentists today? What are the solutions? Who should take the lead in correcting these challenges? We discuss all of this and much, much more. If you are a dentist or future dentist you don't want t...

On episode 19 we discuss the US News & World Report's ranking of dentist as the #1 job in America in 2017. What did this report get right and what did it miss? What should have been included in this report that wasn't? We also discuss the change in dentist pay and how this affects dental students, new dentists, and even veteran dentists.    Contact Dental Realist: Twitter: @dentalrealist Email: de...

In this episode, we discuss what motivates the dental staff. How do you handle Christmas bonuses? What about monthly bonuses? Is there an ideal bonus system? What is more important: money or praise? We discuss what has worked for us and what hasn't, and much more!    Contact Dental Realist: Twitter: @dentalrealist Email: dentalrealist@gmail.com LinkedIn: Dental Realist Facebook: Dental Realist Web...

In this episode, we are joined by David Harris, certified fraud investigator and CEO of Prosperident. We discuss steps dentists can take to prevent embezzlement, hiring techniques to select new employees, types of embezzlers, what to look for if a dentist suspects they are being embezzled, and many other aspects of embezzlement. These topics are important for an experienced dentist or a dental stu...

In episode 16, we discuss the many mental ups and downs of dentistry. How do you handle patients who refuse x-rays and/or treatment, the know-it-all patients, the composite gauntlet, patients who have received false information from the media, and many of the other mental hurdles we go through each day as dentists? Whether you are a dentist who has had these experiences or a dental student who wil...

In this episode we talk about many of the lessons learned in dental school. Some seemed important at the time and turned out to be totally useless. Some seemed pointless and ended up being useful in private practice. How are you supposed to know the difference? This episode will help you know.  Contact Dental Realist:  Twitter: @dentalrealist Email: dentalrealist@gmail.com   LinkedIn: Dental Reali...

In this episode we are joined by Juanita Benedict, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. Pain seems to be a normal part of every day for dentists, and Dr. Benedict discusses some of the causes of pain and some ways to reduce it. What percentage of dentists experience pain? What are the most common types of pain for dentists? What are the main causes of pain? Wha...

In this episode, we discuss Imtiaz Manji's ebook called  Trust and Value: A Field Guide To Today's Dental Patients.  We go in depth on the great patient traits, key patient behaviors, and how to interact with a variety of dental patients. This episode will give you invaluable insight into how to interact with the many different types of patients you will meet in private practice and dental school....

In this episode we are joined by Brian Trecek, Director of Admissions at Marquette University School of Dentistry. Mr. Trecek discusses the many aspects of the dental school application and interview process. What makes an applicant stand out? How should an applicant prepare for dental school interviews? What types of undergrad degrees can best prepare an applicant for dental school? We discuss al...

In this episode we discuss many of the common sense and inexpensive ways to help improve your practice. No expensive equipment or products required. What message are you sending to your patients? How can you pleasantly surprise your patients? How can marketing money be best used? Are you attending the right CE courses? Is your lab helping you convey the right image? We discuss all of this and more...

In Episode 10 we discuss: Dentist job options and some pros and cons to each: Solo owner Associate Partner Education Public health Corporate practice employee Group practice Prison (working in one not being locked up :)) Why do you need to be likeable? There is distrust in the general population. How does this spill over into dentistry? Contact us at: DentalRealist@gmail.com Twitter: @DentalRealis...

In this episode we discuss: What makes an ideal patient? What are some unique challenges of the dentist-patient relationship? Is it possible to mold patient behavior? How does staff contribute to the dentist-patient relationship? How to handle specific patient comments and questions.  We also announce our book giveaway and some exciting practice opportunities! Contact us: Twitter: @dentalrealist E...

In episode 8 we discuss staffing and cover the following: - Idea differences from dental school to real life - What makes a good staff member? - What makes a bad staff member? - Hiring challenges - Interviewing - Retaining staff - Reasons for termination - Importance of a policy manual   You can contact us with any questions or comments at: DentalRealist@gmail.com Twitter: @DentalRealist

In episode 7, we are joined by financial advisor Jordan Youngblade to discuss many of the financial pitfalls dentists fall into. We discuss some of the mistakes dentists make in debt management and retirement planning, what dental students can do while they are in dental school to help manage debt in the future, and the possibilities of buying a practice in today's market. We cover all of these to...

In Episode 6, we discuss how dental insurance is changing dentistry today. How does dental insurance affect: a patient's treatment decisions? a dentist's treatment presentation? a practice financially? What are the benefits and downsides of dental insurance?  Is it possible to run a practice insurance free?  And much, much more! Join us for some honest discussion with real dentists on the Dental R...

In Episode 5 we discuss: - A day in the life of a dental student - Importance of being organized - Preparing for exams - Labs - Clinic - Extracurricular activities - Finances   Please contact us with any questions or comments: dentalrealist@gmail.com Twitter: @DentalRealist Facebook: Dental Realist Also you can find our book "So You Want To Be A Dentist?" on Amazon and ibooks.  

In episode 4 of the Dental Realist Podcast, we discuss the causes of stress in dentistry, the effects of the stress, and some ways to better manage that stress. We touch on the issues of confinement, isolation, personality conflicts, economic pressures, perfection expectations, and much more.  Join us for some honest discussion from real dentists on the Dental Realist Podcast, a unique dental podc...

In today's episode we discuss many of the reasons pre-dental students cite for wanting to become a dentist. We had many of the same reasons and we discuss if they are fact or fiction, myth or reality. Do/did you want to be a dentist because of the prestige, lifestyle, to serve others, to be your own boss, or for the perceived low-stress work environment? We have some fun dissecting these and other...

In this podcast we discuss many facets of debt that are facing dentists today: - Good vs. Bad Debt (Necessary vs. Unnecessary) - R.O.I. (Return on Investment) - Educational Debt - Business Debt  - Personal Debt - Income outlook to service the debt  

The Dental Realist Podcast is unlike any other dental podcast. As three practicing dentists we have learned many things that we wish we'd known before dental school graduation, and we are here to give future, new, and veteran dentists the help they need to have a more enjoyable career.  In our pilot episode we discuss:  -Our story -Why we wanted to start the Dental Realist Podcast -What topics wil...