Best Viva Learning LLC Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 664 - Treating the Avulsed Permanent Central with Fully Formed Root 17:00

11h ago17:00

17:00

So picture this: you're in your operatory in the middle of a restorative case on a Friday afternoon and your staff member comes in and says your 10 yo patient Johnnie, just fell off of his skateboard and knocked out his upper right central incisor. The Mother is pretty stressed out and she's waiting for you to come to the phone. So the question is,…

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Ep. 663 - CBCT, AI, and Implant Success: Insights from Dr. Steven Vorholt 42:00

3d ago42:00

42:00

In this episode, we’ll break down what to look for when purchasing a CBCT machine—and why the features a salesman highlights may not be the most important factors to consider. While we’ll focus primarily on how CBCT enhances implant procedures, the reality is that this technology benefits nearly every aspect of dentistry, improving outcomes across …

1
Ep. 662 - The Worn-Down Currette: Retip, Sharpen, or Replace? 26:00

6d ago26:00

26:00

Our dental instruments, especially when it comes to our hygiene department, are the backbone of our practice, but when they start to lose their edge, the question arises: should you retip, sharpen, replace them, or even switch to sharpen-free instruments? Each option has its pros and cons, and making the right decision can significantly impact your…

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Ep. 661 - From Liner to Pulpectomy: Pulpal Therapy Options for Primary Teeth 29:00

10d ago29:00

29:00

From protective liners and indirect pulp caps that help shield the pulp from further damage, to direct pulp caps aimed at maintaining vitality, to pulpotomies and pulpectomies when deeper intervention is necessary—each approach plays a key role in managing pulpal health. So, how do we determine the best course of action? To tell us all about it is …

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Ep. 660 - Medical Management of Caries: Demystifying the Use of SDF and Glass Ionomer 32:00

14d ago32:00

32:00

In this episode you will hear first-hand what silver diamine fluoride can do and why every dentist should consider using it on posterior teeth that are infected with dental caries. Our guest is Dr. John Frachella, a pediatric dentist (now treating adults and children) with 50 years experience in the delivery of dental services in public and private…

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Ep. 659 - A Young Dentist’s Guide to Growth and Career Fulfillment 27:00

17d ago27:00

27:00

Our guest today, Dr. Sara Kuckhoff, is a general dentist from Michigan who has been out of dental school for six years. She has fully embraced the mindset of continuous growth. She’ll share her journey, how she pursues her passions, and why that pursuit has helped her not only enjoy her profession but also feel more confident and fulfilled as both …

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Ep. 658 - Full Coverage Crowns on Primary Teeth: Pros, Cons, and Best Practices 28:00

21d ago28:00

28:00

When faced with extensive decay or structural compromise in a primary tooth, full coverage restorations are often the go-to solution. But which material is best—traditional stainless steel or newer options like resin-based and zirconia? And what about those gray areas where we could opt for either full coverage or direct restorative techniques? To …

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Ep. 657 - Empowering Hygienists to Own Their Operatory 26:00

24d ago26:00

26:00

What does it mean for dental hygienists to take charge of the operatory? Traditionally seen as supporting roles, hygienists have focused on cleaning teeth and patient education. But our guest today believes they can do much more—enhancing case acceptance, improving clinical outcomes, and elevating overall patient care. Her mission is to empower hyg…

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Ep. 656 - Preparing Ourselves For an Injury-free Career in Dentistry 32:00

28d ago32:00

32:00

As dental professionals, we often focus on the well-being of our patients, but it's equally important to prioritize our own health. The demands of a dental career—long hours, awkward postures, and repetitive movements can take a toll on our bodies, leading to chronic pain and injuries that can significantly impact our ability to work effectively. I…

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Ep. 655 - Fluoride Varnish: Applied Correctly, It Can Change a Patient's Life 37:00

1M ago37:00

37:00

According to Dr. Brian Novy, the application of fluoride varnish is, hands down, the most significant procedure we can do for our patients. But as with any procedure, there’s a right way—and a wrong way—to apply fluoride varnish. Dr. Novy will shed light on common mistakes that can undermine its effectiveness, a phenomenon he calls the "fluoride bo…

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Ep. 654 - Why Clinical Technique Is Key to Intraoral Scanner Accuracy 23:00

1M ago23:00

23:00

To fully harness the remarkable technology of the intraoral scanner, it’s important for us to understand the clinical best practices that are directly tied to capturing precise digital impressions. This includes scan technique, bur selection, prep design, tissue management and so forth. So today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Chris Pescatore to fill …

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Ep. 653 - The Future of Dentures: When to Print and When to Lab It 25:00

1M ago25:00

25:00

When should you print in-house dentures, and when is it best to send cases to the lab? We’ll break it all down, exploring the clinical decision-making process, material considerations, and workflow efficiencies. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion on the evolving role of 3D printing in denture fabrication! Our guest is Dr. Russel Schafer. a gen…

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Ep. 652 - From Complaints to Compliance: Mastering OSHA Inspections 30:00

1M ago30:00

30:00

Beyond keeping your patients safe, a solid infection control protocol is also a powerful tool for retaining your top employees. This is especially important in a time when we're all dealing with a shortage of hygienists and dental assistants. So we'll be talking about this as well what to expect from an OSHA inspection and how best to respond to on…

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Ep. 651 - The Comeback of Air-Driven Handpieces 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

As electric handpieces gain popularity for their torque and cutting efficiency, many dentists feel pressured to make the switch. However, before making that decision, it’s essential to explore the latest advancements that have taken air driven handpieces to a whole new level. In fact, according to our guest, one air-driven handpiece stands out for …

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Ep. 650 - Simple Ways to Redefine Your Dental Practice Through Superior Service 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

Practicing high-quality dentistry with premium materials is a cornerstone of building an extraordinary dental practice. But there's another crucial element—one so vital that without it, reaching the level of extraordinary is nearly impossible. This key component has been foundational for some of the greatest companies in existence today. To tell us…

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Ep. 649 - When Implants Aren’t an Option: The Case for Fiber-Reinforced Bridges 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

Whether due to insufficient bone, medical contraindications, financial constraints, or patient preferences, single-tooth implants aren’t the solution for every case. That’s where fiber-reinforced bridges come in. To tell us all about the wonders of fiber-reinforced bridges is our guest, Dr. Marvin Chacon. With over 15 years of clinical dentistry ex…

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Ep. 648 - Becoming an Airway-Centric Dentist 31:00

2M ago31:00

31:00

By pursuing specialized training in treating sleep disorders, Dr. Patterson has carved out a unique niche in her practice. Not only does she receive referrals from other general dentists, but she's also become a go-to resource for healthcare providers in the medical community that are dealing with patients with sleep disorders. We're excited to hav…

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Ep. 647 - 50 Years in Dentistry: Tools, Tips, and Techniques from a Seasoned Pro 32:00

2M ago32:00

32:00

Today we'll be talking to Dr. Howard Glazer. a knowledgeable, candid and entertaining dentist who has been practicing for 50 years! We'll touch on the high points of provisional materials, tissue retraction, lasers, handpieces, curing lights, and patient management tools. Dr. Howard Glazer is a Fellow and past president of the Academy of General De…

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Ep. 646 - From Kansas City to Wichita: A Dentist’s Journey to Fulfillment 22:00

2M ago22:00

22:00

Dr. Dean Elledge, a seasoned dentist based in Kansas City, found himself at a crossroads in his career. While many might have settled into routine, Dr. Elledge wanted something more—something that would reignite his excitement every morning. His dream? To become the director of a residency program. However, there was no such opportunity available n…

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Ep. 645 - Employee Impact on Dental Practice Success 17:00

2M ago17:00

17:00

Today we'll be talking about how a successful practice stems from its employees. Our guest is Dr. Todd Snyder, a regular contributor to Viva Learning.com, a cosmetic dentist, international author, lecturer and consultant to a variety of dental companies. He hosts a weekly podcast, Delusional: Winning the Weekly War of Dentistry. You can reach Dr. S…

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Ep. 644 - Are You Sure Your Instruments Are Ready for Sterilization? 30:00

2M ago30:00

30:00

Instrument sterilization is a complex, continuous, and cyclical journey that dental instruments take on a daily basis. But this journey must be safe, predictable, efficient, and compliant. Today we are going to discuss several tips on how to enhance the instrument processing pathway in YOUR office—with a focus on instrument washing. We'll answer so…

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Ep. 643 - Infection Control and Prevention: The Devil is in the Details; A Discussion with Emily Boge 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

Today we'll not only cover the basics of Infection control and prevention but also its nuances. And as they say, the devil is in the details. We'll talk about spray versus wipes, single use inventory, cold sterilization, the ICC, Infection Control Coordinator and the opportunities that lie ahead for today's dental hygienist and assistant. To share …

1
Ep. 642 - Pain Control: Past, Present and Future 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

In this episode we'll discuss the evolution of pain control in dentistry. Learning about the history of pain control gives us a better perspective on what we're doing today to make our patients comfortable in our operatory. We will delve into modern day local anesthetics and the use of mild to moderate sedation in the dental setting. We will also l…

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Ep. 641 - Where Are the Hygienists? Tackling the Dental Staffing Deficit 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

Hiring a hygienist and an assistant can be a challenging task and if you need someone right away, it can be a real problem for your practice. So what can we do to make sure we have the right team, retain our employees and when we need to hire someone, we hire the best person as quickly as possible? To give us insight and solutions for dealing with …

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Ep. 640 - Universal Flowables: Transforming Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry 25:00

3M ago25:00

25:00

Joining us today is Dr. Troy Schmedding, who will share insights on the latest in dental composites and how he leverages flowable materials to achieve outstanding restorative and aesthetic results. Dr. Schmedding is an assistant professor in the Department of Reconstructive Dental Sciences and co-course director for Integrated Pre-Clinical Techniqu…

1
Ep. 639 - The Initial Scan Visit: Building Strong Patient Relationships Digitally 24:00

3M ago24:00

24:00

There's more to an IOS than just taking an impression. Our guest today, Dr. Chris Pescatore, believes that the dentist should use the scanner strategically in the first visit. As he explains, it builds trust and becomes the foundation for a successful dentist-patient relationship. Dr. Pescatore, is a general dentist with over 30 years of experience…

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Ep. 638 - 3D Print Your Way to Superior Dental Provisionals 27:00

3M ago27:00

27:00

Our guest, Dr. Susan McMahon, has mastered how to leverage 3D printing technology in her practice. She’ll share how 3D printing has made her provisionals exceptional and how it has transformed her indirect restorative workflow. Dr. McMahon has been honored as a Top U.S. Dentist more than 20 times and has been voted by her peers as a Top Pittsburgh …

1
Ep. 637 - Common Oral Pathologies: Best Practices for Dental Professionals 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Ashley Clark, a leading expert in the field of oral pathology. Dr. Clark will guide us through the common pathologic entities that dentists might encounter in everyday practice. She'll break down what to look for during an oral examination and provide insights on how to best manage these findings. Dr. Clark has …

1
Ep. 636 - Bonding Breakthroughs: How Adhesive Innovations Are Transforming Dentistry 27:00

3M ago27:00

27:00

What's new in adhesive dentistry? Dr. Troy Schmedding will share with us how he's taking advantage of modern adhesive techniques and the adhesive products he continues to rely on for long-term clinical success. Dr. Schmedding is an assistant professor in the Department of Reconstructive Dental Sciences and co-course director for Integrated Pre-Clin…

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Ep. 635 - Building a Winning Dental Team Without Being a Natural Leader 22:00

3M ago22:00

22:00

Dr. Gupta encountered various issues that led to a toxic work environment which he says stemmed from his initial struggles with leadership. He admits he was more focused on being the likable "cool guy" in the office rather than being a good leader who was able to deal with problems and face confrontation. Dr. Gupta will recount his journey, from th…

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Ep. 634 - Hero or Hitman: The Case for Crowns Over Compromise 29:00

3M ago29:00

29:00

Part of the strategy of a successful practice, as our guest points out, is to get the patient to become part of the conversation. This of course helps with case acceptance and patient satisfaction. We'll be talking about the importance of cusp protection in our restorations and why it's so important to consider a crown versus composite restorative.…

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Ep. 633 - Brace for Impact: Buying a Practice that's not OSHA Compliant 24:00

4M ago24:00

24:00

Imagine this scenario: a dentist's office, recently purchased by a new owner, finds itself facing a surprise OSHA inspection due to a disgruntled employee. With the previous owner neglecting OSHA regulations and the new owner strapped for time in the transition, the practice is now grappling with the repercussions of non-compliance. Our guest, Dr. …

1
Ep. 632 - Why 3D Printing Is a Must-Have for Modern Dental Practices 26:00

4M ago26:00

26:00

Today we'll be discussing the benefits of 3D printing, and how it simplifies office workflow, increases efficiency, and allows dentists to provide the highest quality care to their patients. We will also detail the different applications 3D printing can be used for, as well as the specific steps involved. Our guest is Dr. Julia Latham, a general de…

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Ep. 631 - Patient Comfort, Practitioner Health: Selecting the Right Ergonomic Dental Chair 31:00

4M ago31:00

31:00

In this episode, we'll be talking to an ergonomic expert about today's modern dental chair. We'll be addressing questions like, what makes a dental chair ergonomic and what are the key things to consider when looking to purchase a new dental chair. Our guest is Katrina Klein. Katrina is a registered dental hygienist for 16 years, national speaker, …

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Ep. 630 - Opportunities and Challenges with 3-D Printing 34:00

4M ago34:00

34:00

We'll be talking about the 3D printer itself as well as the materials that go into them. So if you thinking about incorporating 3D printing into your practice stay tuned for a very interesting episode. Our guest is Dr. Jeffrey Horowitz, a seasoned clinician and educator who is passionate about dentists seeing themselves as Oral and Facial Health Ca…

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Ep. 629 - Printed Efficiency: Revolutionizing Your Practice with a 3D Printer 18:00

4M ago18:00

18:00

3D Printing. We keep hearing about this new technology but what does it actually do for our practice? What does it take to implement this into our practice so we can start printing models, occlusal guards, surgical splints, aligners, provisionals, retainers and even inlays and onlays? To talk about how 3D printing and how it has been a game changer…

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Ep. 628 - High-Frequency Healing: Revolutionizing Endodontic Disinfection 32:00

4M ago32:00

32:00

Our final podcast for 2024! All of us who are doing endo have one main goal in mind, and that's to save the tooth. But in many cases, it's impossible to reach lateral, accessory and small constricted canals with our disinfectant solution, such as sodium hypochlorite. This means we often leave active microbes in these areas that can eventually lead …

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Ep. 627 - Endodontic Irrigation: Power-flushing Your Way to Success 21:00

4M ago21:00

21:00

When it comes to endodontic irrigation, what are the main principles we should be adhering to? And based on these principles, are we performing endodontic irrigation in a way that will bring us the best clinical outcome. To tell us all about it is our guest Dr. Allen Nasseh. Dr Nasseh is a world respected endodontist who currently practices endo an…

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Ep. 626 - Mastering the Veneer Process: Beauty, Predictability, and Patient Satisfaction 24:00

5M ago24:00

24:00

Crafting beautiful veneers isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about ensuring that every step of the process leads to a result that your patient will love. So, how do we achieve that? Stay tuned as we break down strategies and tips for mastering this process to give every patient a confident, beautiful smile they’ll love! Our guest is Dr. Dimple …

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Ep. 625 - Tips and Tricks for Treating TMJ 25:00

5M ago25:00

25:00

According to our guest, Dr Stephanie Vondrak, if you want to make sure your restorative work is going to last, you need to know about the entire occlusal system, and that includes the TMJ. So Dr. Vondrak sought out CE courses taught by TMJ experts which have given her not only the ability to understand and diagnose TMJ disorders, but to actually tr…

1
Ep. 624 - Oral HPV Testing: A New Dental Approach to an Old Problem 18:00

5M ago18:00

18:00

In this episode, we'll be talking about a new dental approach to an old problem, and that's Oral Human papillomavirus, commonly referred to as HPV. Why is this virus so dangerous and how can we as dental professionals help save lives by screening for this insidious virus? To answer these questions and more, is our guest, Dr Mohammad Kamal. Dr Kamal…

1
Ep. 623 - Emergency Action Planning for Violent Incidents in Dental Facilities 20:00

5M ago20:00

20:00

As dental professionals and practice owners we have a lot to think about and manage in order to keep everything running smoothly at the office. But there is one thing that is probably not top of mind... and that's workplace violence. The odds of a violent incident unfolding in our practice is relatively low. But if it happens, the question is, are …

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Ep. 622 - Composite Restorative Designed to Fight Recurrent Decay and Post-Op Sensitivity 23:00

5M ago23:00

23:00

To help manage post-op sensitivity and recurrent decay in composite restorative dentistry, we do have options in our selection of composite resin materials. Is your composite material bioactive? Does it actively participate in the oral ecosystem, helping to reduce post-op sensitivity and acid producing microbes at the tooth-composite interface? To …

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Ep. 621 - 3D Facial Scanners, 3D Printers, AI and How to Transition Into a Digital Practice 17:00

5M ago17:00

17:00

Today we'll be discussing how 3D facial scanning and 3D printing can offer the clinician tremendous advantages to aid in the diagnosis, design, and fabrication of full-arch dentistry. We will also discuss how to best transition your practice into the world of digital dentistry. No question, prices have come down and according to our guest today a d…

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Ep. 620 - Establish VDO in Less Than Half the Time in Full Arch Implant Cases Using a Novel Scan Body with Bite Screws 22:00

5M ago22:00

22:00

We all know that full arch implant cases can be difficult. More specifically the bite registration can be difficult to establish because we don't have reference of teeth to set the vertical dimension of occlusion. Is there any digital method to solve this problem? Well, there is! Dr. Philippe Nuytens, a well-respected prosthodontist, will explain h…

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Ep. 619 - From Scan to Smile: Full Arch Rehab in the Digital Era 26:00

5M ago26:00

26:00

Today we'll be talking to a dentist who knows a lot about full arch rehabilitation. He's here to share some of his tips and tricks. He's a young ambitious dentist who has taken full advantage of digital technology which has brought him predictable success with his full arch rehab cases. His practice is fully digital and he absolutely loves practici…

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Ep. 618 - Delivering Zirconia Crowns: A Clinical Discussion with Dr. Marty Jablow 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

Today we'll be taking a clinical journey through the delivery of a zirconia crown. We'll talk about the scan, marking our margins, working with the lab, choosing the right kind of zirconia and the tools and techniques for seating, adjusting and polishing our zirconia crown. Our guest is Dr. Marty Jablow, known as America's Dental Technology Coach.…

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Ep. 617 - Lessons Learned from a 30-Year Career in Aesthetic Dentistry 35:00

6M ago35:00

35:00

One of the most valuable steps a new dentist can take is finding a mentor—someone who’s been in the field for 25 years or more and has learned through experience, including their own mistakes. A mentor offers the chance to see what lies ahead, helping you avoid getting caught up in the moment and make well-thought-out decisions about the kind of pr…

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Ep. 616 - Stop Giving CT's Away and Bill to Medical Insurance! 24:00

6M ago24:00

24:00

In today's episode, we're exploring a common challenge faced by dental practices: the limitations imposed by dental insurance on billing frequency for CT scans. But what if there's a solution lying in plain sight? What if dentists, as medical specialists, could leverage a different avenue to bill for these essential scans, not only unlocking a sign…

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Ep. 615 - Women in Dentistry: From Practice to Podium 20:00

6M ago20:00

20:00

In addition to her successful dental practice in Pittsburgh PA, Dr. Susan McMahon has embraced a leadership role as one of the most sought after speakers in the dental profession. And with her success, she is a strong advocate for women dentists to take center stage in their field. In this episode we'll talk about how women can make their way to th…

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