Dental Sound Bites

Discover how evolving evidence is reshaping oral cancer guidelines and informing patient care. What all dentists need to know now about new oral cancer recommendations and the ADA's innovative approach to clinical practice guidelines.  Special Guest: Dr. Alessandro Villa  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, we dive into the new ADA Living Guideline Program, the first in oral health, and learn all about this new initiative and its first set of recommendations on oral cancer.   Our special guest is Dr. Alessandro Villa, DDS, PhD, MPH, Chief of oral medicine, oral oncology and dentistry at Miami Cancer Institute, where he also serves as program director of the Oral Oncology Fellowship. He is a Professor at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. Dr. Villa specializes in oral mucosal and salivary gland diseases, oral precancers and oral complications related to cancer treatment.  Before joining Miami Cancer Institute in 2022, he was Chief of Oral Medicine and Oral Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF); he also directed the oral medicine residency programs at UCSF and Harvard University. His research focuses on oral leukoplakia, cancer therapy-related complications, and the prevention of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers. Dr. Villa is actively involved in several investigator-initiated and sponsored clinical trials and has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed publications.  Dr. Villa provides an in-depth overview of the ADA's Living Guideline Program, explaining its purpose, how it works, and the key ways it differs from  traditional guidelines.   Living Guidelines are developed with the same level of rigor as traditional guidelines, but they use a distinct infrastructure design for continuous updates to emerging evidence, Dr. Villa shares.  The development of these Living Guidelines is driven by a multidisciplinary panel that typically includes general dentists, dental hygienists, oral medicine and oral pathology specialists, oral surgeons, and other relevant experts. These panels also incorporate patients and additional stakeholders.   Dr. Villa shares that they use the great evidence-to-decision framework to help dentists efficiently move from data to recommendations in a timely manner. All of this is built inside a digital platform.  When evidence is conflicting or limited, Dr. Villa explains, the transparent process for Living Guidelines ensures clarity and integrity.  The first set of recommendations from the ADA's Living Guideline program is on the evaluation of potentially malignant disorders in the oral cavity. Dr. Villa gives us more details about these recommendations, and the findings to date.  Dr. Villa explains how the results of the Living Guidelines recommendations affect how clinicians should implement these guidelines.   Resources  Learn more about the ADA's Living Guideline program.  Take a look at the updated oral cancer guideline in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). These updated recommendations guide the use of cytology adjuncts for early oral cancer detection in an interactive format.  Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry. 

We're talking about the fascinating link between the mouth and the heart, and how tiny microbes play a big role. Tune to find out what oral health can tell us about overall health.  Special Guest: Dr. Jessica Mark Welch  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, we're connecting the dots between the oral microbiome and overall health and talking about the fascinating link between the mouth and the heart, and how tiny microbes play a big role.   Our guest for this episode is Dr. Jessica Mark Welch, a Senior Scientist and Full Professor at the ADA Forsyth Institute in Somerville, MA.  Dr. Mark Welch and her team use both imaging and DNA sequencing approaches to investigate the structure and organization of the oral microbiome. She is co-developer of the Combinatorial Labeling and Spectral Imaging-Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (CLASI-FISH) strategy for imaging the spatial organization of microbial communities, with which she and her colleagues have discovered highly organized, complex structures in human dental plaque and on the human tongue. Her group uses DNA sequence data to construct pangenomes of oral microbes and examines metagenomic data to investigate why different bacteria live where they do, and how we can encourage the growth of health-promoting bacteria in the mouth. Dr. Mark Welch curates the Human Oral Microbiome Database to provide the research community with high-quality, curated information about oral bacteria, their genomes, and their distribution throughout the mouth.  Dr. Mark Welch explains her work with oral microbiome, and the connection between heart health and oral health. She shares that the mouth contains hundreds of bacterial species that form distinct communities on teeth (dental plaque) and on the tongue (tongue biofilm). A balanced oral microbiome supports normal metabolism and contributes to blood pressure regulation.  Researchers are investigating why so many different bacterial species coexist in the mouth and how these interdependent microbial communities share metabolic functions to support each other.  Dr. Mark Welch says her research explores how differences in people's mouth bacteria might explain varied responses.  The conversation shifts to the implications of microbiome research for oral health and how a deeper understanding of bacterial communities could eventually influence approaches to patient care.   Resources  Learn more about the research from the ADA Forsyth Science Institute.  See what makes ADA Forsyth® dentech™ the top conference for oral health innovation — find out more.  Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.   

A clinical conversation about the updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in dentistry.  Special Guest: Dr. Erika Benavides  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast   Show Notes In this episode, we are having a clinical conversation about the updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in dentistry.   We explore the major changes from previous guidelines, the rationale behind discontinuing patient shielding, the importance of patient‑centered imaging, and practical implications for dentists and academics.   Our guest is Dr. Erika Benavides, a Clinical Professor and Associate Chair of the Division of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Radiology, and the Director of the CBCT Service at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry. She is a Diplomate and Past President of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (ABOMR). She also served as Councilor for Communications of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Chair of the Research and Technology Committee. Dr. Benavides is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and has published multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts in the multidisciplinary aspects of diagnostic imaging. She has been a co-investigator in NIH funded grants for the past 10 years and recently served as the Chair of the expert panel to update the 2012 ADA/FDA recommendations for dental radiography. Her clinical practice is dedicated to interpretation of 2D and 3D dentomaxillofacial imaging.    The two-part recommendations were updated by an expert panel which included radiologists, general and pediatric dentists, a public health specialist, and consultants from nearly every dental specialty.  Dr. Benavides shares some of the main takeaways and new updates is that that lead aprons and radiation collars are no longer recommended. This recommendation includes all dental maxillofacial imaging procedures and applies to most patients.  Also, a recommendation to avoid routine or convenience imaging, and focus instead of patient-centered imaging, based on the patients' specific needs. And, when possible, previous radiographs should be obtained.   Dr. Benavides shares that imaging must be patient‑specific, not protocol-driven, and encourages dentists to ask the following questions before dental imaging: "Do we need this additional information? Is this additional information going to change my diagnosis, or it's going to contribute to the diagnosis and treatment planning?"   The group discusses some of the possible challenges, and opportunities, to implement these new recommendations.    Resources:    This episode is brought to you by Dr. Jen Oral Care. Learn more about Dr. Jen.  Read the full clinical recommendations American Dental Association and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology patient selection for dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography  Find more ADA resources on X-Rays and Radiographs.  Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.  

A look at the top trends and challenges for dentists in 2026. Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute, shares the industry predictions to help you prepare for the year ahead.  Special Guest: Dr. Marko Vujicic  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, we're looking at the top trends and challenges for dentists in 2026 with our guest Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA's Health Policy Institute.   The episode starts by looking back at the predicted dental trends for 2025, which were staffing shortages, insurance challenges, and rising overhead costs.  When speaking about economic confidence, Vujicic notes that at the end of 2024 dentists expressed a significant rise in economic optimism about the stability of the dental sector. But, by the end of 2025 confidence levels had dipped, and practice confidence dropped as well due to tariffs, economic uncertainty, and larger national concerns.  The ADA's Health Policy Institute (HPI) conducts quarterly surveys. Dentists are invited to enroll in the panel by emailing hpi@ada.org to help share their experiences and strengthen national data.  Dentists were asked about their biggest expected challenges for 2026, and they reported that their core issues remain consistent with last year's, but with insurance leading the list, followed by staffing shortages and overhead cost increases. These issues remain steady across urban and rural practices, as well as with different practice modalities.  About 90% of dental practices report they are still struggling with hiring staff, even though there's a growing pipeline of dental hygienist graduates, and a rebound in patient volume. The conversation explores whether technology could help with this issue, but dentistry remains a hands-on profession with limits on how much can actually be automated.  Dentists shared with ADA's HPI that this year they intend to hire more staff, reevaluate their insurance networks, and invest in equipment, technology and software.   Some key findings from HPI's Practice Ownership Trends report shows that today's early-career experience is very different from past generations with a delayed path to practice ownership. Data shows that most dentists will eventually become owners, just later in their careers. The major change: ownership is delayed, not disappearing.   Another interesting theme that emerged from the data was the generational, cultural, and priority shifts happening in the profession. Also, HPI introduces fresh insights into gender pattens that show that even though women start with a lower rate of practice ownership than men, the ownership gender gap closes by mid- and late- career.  The conversation shifts to explore the challenges and opportunities from the broader national policy forces shaping dentistry in 2026, and the impact of the economic data influencing decisions in multiple states.   HPI continues their research and is focusing on tracking emerging dental policy issues, research on the impact of Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) regulations, and forthcoming analysis of oral trends within Medicare Advantage, to list a few.    Resources  Read ADA's Health Policy Institute's report Practice Ownership Trends in Dentistry: A New Look at Old Data.  Learn more about HPI's latest studies and publications, including those mentioned in this episode.  Share your experience with us! Dentists are invited to enroll in the HPI panel by emailing hpi@ada.org.   For more information on the ADA's Health Policy institute, visit their website ADA.org/HPI.  Connect with Dr. Marko Vujicic.  Subscribe to the ADA's HPI Newsletter. 

A conversation on leadership and what the future of our profession could look like. We're talking with ADA President Dr. Rich Rosato.  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, listen to a conversation on leadership and the future of the dental profession with ADA President Dr. Richard Rosato.  Dr. Richard Rosato, a Concord, New Hampshire, oral surgeon is president of the American Dental Association. In addition to being a past president of the New Hampshire Dental Society, he's served on various ADA committees, councils, and task forces, later representing District One on the ADA Board of Trustees from 2019-2023. The married father of three is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.  Dr. Rosato reflects on transitioning into the role of ADA President, and shares his focus on unity, visibility, and action across the profession.  What are the key priorities of Dr. Rosato's leadership? He shares with our audience the philosophy and pillars of his ADA presidency, including the long‑term vision for shaping the future of dentistry through Oral Health 2050, a forward‑looking initiative designed to guide the profession. The effort includes the development of five expert panels focused on the topics that matter most to dentists and their patients.  The importance of dentists' voices at both the state and national levels is reinforced by Dr. Rosato, as he addresses declining membership numbers, while encouraging active engagement as a way for members to shape policy, direction, and the future of the profession.  The discussion reinforces the importance of dentist participation at both the state and national levels. Dr. Rosato encourages active engagement as a way for members to shape policy, direction, and the future of the profession.  Dr. Rosato underscores his trust in collective dialogue, diverse viewpoints, and allowing thoughtful processes to unfold by sharing his belief that the "smartest person in the room is always the room" itself.  How can effective leaders handle friction?  Dr. Rosato discusses one of his most significant leadership challenges and highlights the importance of leading with both short‑term realism and long‑term optimism. Rather than viewing limitations as setbacks, he explains how constraints challenge leaders to be more creative, innovative, and intentional in shaping meaningful solutions for members.    Resources  Read the statement on clinical autonomy referenced in this episode.  Learn more about advocacy and how you can join the ADA, America's leading oral health advocate, in fighting for what matters to you and your patients.  Connect with Dr. Rosato on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or email at rosator@ada.org.  Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry. 

More answers to the top questions every dentist should know. We're diving into employment law questions and practical resources to address the legal issues relevant to you, your team, and your practice.  Special Guests:  Michael Kim, ADA Associate General Counsel  Christy Picker Rothchild, ADA General Counsel  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Dental misinformation is spreading fast across social media, and it is challenging evidence-based care. On this episode of Dental Sound Bites, we explore how dental professionals can talk to their patients and counter false claims with science, empathy, and clinical authority.    Special Guests:   Dr. Tricia Quartey-Sagaille   Dr. Ashley Lerman    For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We're talking about dollars and decisions. From the latest information on student loans, to how to start strong and set yourself up for success as new practice owner.  Special Guests:  Dr. Michael Jerkins  Alex Macielak  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Uncomfortable conversations, sticky situations, cringe-worthy moments, and the million-dollar question: what's the right thing to do? We're exploring the ethics of your dental ethical dilemmas.  Special Guests:  Dr. James Purvis  Dr. Connie Wang  Mr. Jaylon Johnson  Dr. Akeadra Bell    For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We have a very special guest to talk about leadership and why leadership skills are a must for today's evolving dental landscape. We'll also hear from two other dentists about how to develop leadership skills and become strong leaders, and why it's essential for shaping the future of the profession.  Special Guests:  Dr. Elizabeth "Betsy" Shapiro, ADA Interim Executive Director  Dr. Yanina Jouzy, Sunshine Smile Dental & Orthodontics, ADA Leadership Institute Graduate  Dr. Richard Valachovic, Clinical Professor and Executive Director of the NYU Dentistry Center for Oral Health Policy and Management    For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

  We're tackling the widespread misunderstanding about insurance, how it works, navigating the challenges, and what's being done to help dentists on this issue.  Special Guest: Dr. Sara Stuefen  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Today on Dental Sound Bites, we're talking about Imposter Syndrome, what it is and professional advice on how to build confidence and thrive in the face of self-doubt.    Special Guests:   Dr. Jordan Pierre  Liz Colizza, LPC, Director of Clinical Content at Talkspace  Razel Zapanta, Class of '26 ATSU School of Dentistry and Oral Health    For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Fluoridation is all over the news these days. We're diving into a conversation about recent developments, what it means for public health, and what's being done to support our dental communities.  Special Guest: Dr. Scott Tomar  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We're joined by ADA President, Dr. Brett Kessler, and ADA President-elect, Dr. Richard Rosato to talk about key issues that are shaping the future of dentistry. Drs. Kessler and Rosato laid out their vision in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and share more, plus they talk about what they're hearing from ADA members around the country.  Special Guest: ADA President, Dr. Brett Kessler, and ADA President-elect, Dr. Richard Rosato.  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

A fascinating look at the cutting-edge artificial intelligence that is transforming the dental landscape, with innovation expert Shawn Kanungo. A practical guide to the latest AI-driven tools and technologies that can revolutionize efficiency and outcomes in dental practices.  Special Guest: Shawn Kanungo  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We're diving deep into the world of pediatric sleep medicine from recognizing the signs of sleep-disordered breathing to collaborating with specialists. Find out what dentists need to know about sleep and airway health.  Special Guest: Dr. Loria Nahatis  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Answers to the top questions every dentist should know. Practical resources to address the legal issues relevant to you, your team, and your practice.  Special Guest: Paula Tironi   For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

A look at the top challenges and trends for dentists in 2025. Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute, shares industry predictions to help you prepare for what's coming.  Special Guest: Dr. Marko Vujicic  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Vaping and e-cigarettes have become a hot topic in the headlines, causing concern about their impact on our health. We're exploring the impact of vaping on oral health. Special Guests: Dr. Purnima Kumar  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Real-life worst-case scenarios and the quick-thinking solutions that turned potential disasters into success stories.  Special Guests: Dr. Brett Kessler  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast