Dentistry Unmasked: A Roundtable Podcast

Are insurance plans still bringing value to your practice, or are they quietly costing you money? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Brian and Pam sit down with Dennis Marvel to discuss why more dentists are reevaluating their participation in PPO insurance plans. As reimbursements fail to keep pace with rising overhead and the cost of delivering quality care, what may have once been an effective patient acquisition strategy can eventually become a financial burden. But dropping insurance isn’t automatically the right answer. Dennis explains how to determine when leaving a plan makes financial sense, when it could be a costly mistake, and what practices should evaluate before making the decision. He also shares strategies for transitioning out of insurance plans thoughtfully, without creating panic among patients or watching your schedule disappear. If you’ve ever wondered whether your insurance contracts are helping or hurting your practice, this episode will give you plenty to think about before you make your next move.

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Brian and Pam sit down with Dr. Rick Huot to talk about something every dentist needs, but too many put off: financial planning with a purpose. Whether you’re a new graduate navigating debt, a mid-career dentist building wealth, a practice owner planning your next move, or thinking seriously about retirement, your financial goals should evolve along with your career. Dr. Huot breaks down how to set realistic goals, make smarter financial decisions, and create a plan that keeps you moving toward the life you actually want. No matter where you are in your career, it’s never too early or too late to get intentional about your financial future.

What does it really take to lead a dental school and how much influence does a dean have on the future of the profession? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Brian and Pam sit down with Dr. Gerry Kugel, dean of the University of Nebraska’s dental school, for a candid conversation about leadership, faculty, educational standards, and what it takes to truly prepare students for clinical practice. Dr. Kugel shares his philosophy on building a strong academic team, setting expectations for both faculty and students, and ensuring graduates are ready for the realities of dentistry beyond the classroom. Whether you’re considering dental school, exploring a career in academics, or simply curious about how the next generation of dentists is being trained, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

LivFresh toothpaste isn't just another toothpaste…it's challenging decades of conventional thinking about biofilm management.This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Brian and Pam take a deep dive into the science behind LivFresh and explore why so many clinicians are talking about it. From its unique chemistry and mechanism of action to the growing evidence surrounding biofilm disruption, oral health, and the patient experience, this conversation examines how it differs from traditional toothpastes—and why that difference may matter. Is fluoride alone enough? Are we missing an important piece of the biofilm puzzle? And could a different approach to home care improve both oral and systemic health? Whether you've never heard of LivFresh or you're wondering if it lives up to the excitement, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of the science behind this emerging technology—and why it may change the way you think about toothpaste. Tune in for a conversation that just might challenge your definition of the "gold standard."  

Few people have had a greater impact on the adoption of silver diamine fluoride in the United States than this week’s guest. On Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Shirtcliff, the man who helped bring SDF to U.S. dentistry, to hear the remarkable story behind its introduction, the testing and approvals required to make it available to American patients, and how its role in dentistry has evolved. He also shares his candid perspective on where dentistry is headed, why our profession still leans too heavily on treatment after disease occurs, and why a stronger commitment to prevention and disease management may be one of the most important shifts dentists can make. If you use SDF (or think you should)this is an episode you won’t want to miss.