In this refreshingly real and fun episode of Dentistry Unmasked, Gina Livy joins us to break down what sustainable wellness actually looks like—no extremes, no toxic positivity, and definitely no spiraling. We dive into the everyday habits that support long-term health and career longevity, from how we eat and move to how we think and talk to ourselves. Gina shares her signature blend of honesty, humor, and science-backed strategy to help you stay on a healthy trajectory without feeling deprived or overwhelmed. If you're ready for a wellness conversation that feels doable, empowering, and a little bit sassy, you won’t want to miss this one.
In this unapologetically honest episode of Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Melissa Obrotka, aka the Badass Dental Hygienist, for a real conversation about motivation, mastering your craft, and why not all hygienists—and not all hygiene careers—are created equal. We dig into what it truly means to practice at the top of your license, why skill and calibration matter, and how elevating your value can transform your earning potential. We also confront the long-standing divide between dentists and hygienists and explore what it will take to build respect, alignment, and stronger teams across the industry. If you’re ready for a conversation that challenges norms and inspires growth, you won’t want to miss this one.
How you ever wondered what the top 1% producers in dentistry know that others miss? Is it really their clinical skills? Or is it something more? Join Pam, David and Dr. Mark Hyman as they dive into how true peak performers build bigger and better relationships for the win.
Moving teeth can be tricky—especially those lateral incisors and stubborn second molars—and in clear aligner therapy, we can’t let them have the last word! This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Farah Kar as she spills the tea on proper ortho diagnosis, virtual case planning, and flawless execution. Did you know your virtual plan should never look like a perfect occlusal setup? Dr. Kar explains why and shares other key considerations to level up your aligner outcomes. Don’t miss these pearls from one of the best in orthodontics!
They don’t call them RDH Rant for nothing! This week, David and Pam dive in with the voices behind RDH Rant to uncover the gripes hygienists have about the dentists they work with, and trust us, the list is LONG. Tune into Dentistry Unmasked to hear what your hygienist is really thinking… and maybe get a few tips to improve your workplace vibe while you’re at it!
In part 2 of discussing poor leadership, we shift from problems to possibilities. David, Pam, and Andrew break down the traits that separate great leaders from disastrous ones—and how anyone can learn the skills to lead with clarity, trust, and impact. If you’ve ever wondered whether leadership is innate or learned…you don’t want to miss this.
This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Andrew Johnston from A Tale of Two Hygienists podcast to unpack what really happens when leadership goes wrong. From DSOs to private practices, Andrew shares eye-opening stories that show how weak leadership doesn’t just stay at the top—it filters into workflows, team morale, and even patient care. Curious what the signs are that your leadership may be failing?
Dentistry is a profession of giving—to patients, to team members, to family. But what happens when the constant giving leaves you drained, resentful, or burned out? The answer isn’t working harder… it’s drawing healthier boundaries. In this episode, we sit down with Anastasia Turchetta, RDH, a nationally recognized wellness and communication expert, to explore how setting boundaries in your practice and personal life is the key to protecting your energy, preserving your passion, and performing at your best. You’ll learn: • Why boundaries aren’t walls — they’re bridges to healthier relationships. • How to confidently say “no” without guilt. • Practical scripts and strategies to reclaim time, focus, and fulfillment. If you’ve ever felt overextended or underappreciated, this episode will give you the permission — and the tools — to take control.
This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam welcome Dr. Amanda Seay, a dentist whose passion for education and clinical excellence has taken her from her very first lecture to building a full-scale educational platform. This episode is sponsored by Ivoclar
This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Matt Bynum to explore why practice ownership may be the smartest move young dentists can make. Too many associateships leave new grads feeling drained and undervalued—but ownership opens the door to building a career and lifestyle you truly love. Tune in to hear Dr. Bynum’s advice on shifting from the “tooth business” to the “people business,” creating a culture that thrives, and finding real fulfillment in both dentistry and life.
Should dental hygienists be allowed to deliver Botox and fillers? Some see it as an exciting growth opportunity, while others worry it could put patients at risk. This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Sarah Crow, RDH, past president of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association, to unpack the debate. Sarah makes a compelling case for the “Botox Bill” in Massachusetts, shares how she’s advocating for change, and what it could mean for the future of dentistry.
This week Pam and David unmask David's journey from associate dentist to multi practice owner to CEO of igniteDDS, and how you can find your calling too!
This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam open the door to a powerful and deeply personal conversation about vulnerability and resilience in dentistry. Joined by chaplain and life coach Jeff Hetschel, they explore the emotional weight that comes with balancing personal hardships while showing up daily for patients and teams. For the first time, Pam shares her experience navigating the grief of losing her father and going through a divorce—all while holding it together professionally. Jeff offers thoughtful, practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and protecting your well-being through life’s toughest seasons. This is an episode every dental professional needs to hear.
This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam welcome Tree Mainella, founder of Birchtree Hemp, to explore one of the most talked-about innovations in oral care: CBD toothpaste. You first heard about it in our episode with Dr. Brian Nový, and now we’re taking a deeper dive into what’s real, what’s hype, and what dental professionals should actually know. Tree unpacks the science behind CBD, CBG, and their role in oral health, cutting through the noise to share what makes this category of toothpaste so unique and potentially impactful. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already a believer, this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.
This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Richard Marn, a traveling anesthesiologist who brings sedation services directly into dental practices. In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Dr. Marn shares vital safety data, real-world insights, and practical recommendations to ensure you're prepared for medical emergencies before they happen. From response times to the importance of a trained team, his expertise could be the difference between a smooth procedure and a critical event. If you currently offer sedation or are thinking about it, this episode is a must-listen, it could truly save a life.
Feeling overwhelmed and wondering if there's a better way to run your practice and enjoy your life? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with practice coach and systems expert Dr. Valerie Woo. Dr. Woo shares how working smarter, not harder, can transform your practice into a more productive, less stressful environment. She’s mastered the art of work-life balance, and now she’s sharing practical strategies to help you reclaim your time, energy, and happiness, both in and out of the operatory. If you’re chasing fulfillment and efficiency, don’t miss this inspiring episode!
One sure way to lose sleep? Getting notified that your practice is being audited by an insurance company. What would you do if that happened to you? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with attorney Justin Withrow, who specializes in guiding dentists through the complexities of insurance audits. From understanding what makes you a target to knowing exactly what to do (and what not to do) when the notice arrives, this episode is packed with insights that could save you serious time, money, and stress. If you’re in-network with any insurance plan, you can’t afford to miss this one!
This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and David sit down with Dr. Scott Peppler, a general dentist turned scrubwear entrepreneur, who proves that great ideas can come from the most unexpected moments…like a wardrobe malfunction! If you've ever dreamed of building something beyond the operatory but felt unsure where to start, this episode is for you. Dr. Peppler shares how he went from balancing practice ownership to selling his office and launching one of the most stylish, comfortable scrub lines in dentistry. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey, filled with practical insights, a dose of humor, and a whole lot of hustle!
How are you really monitoring your dental implants, just x-rays and a perio probe? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Cherilyn Sheets, co-inventor of InnerView, the groundbreaking device behind Quantitative Percussive Diagnostics. This technology offers a revolutionary way to assess implant health and mobility—before problems arise. If you think your current methods are enough, think again. Tune in to discover how this tool can change the way you manage your implant patients, day in and day out. You’ll never look at implant restorations and maintenance the same way again!