Podcast
Dental Slang
Hosted by Dr. Reza Ardalan · EN
Welcome to Dental Slang, the podcast that peels back the curtain on the world of dentistry, now hosted by Dr. Reza Ardalan. If you're intrigued by what your peers are up to, you've just stumbled upon your new favorite podcast.
Dental Slang brings together some of the most brilliant minds in dentistry and specialists from across the globe. Whether you're fascinated by the nuances of smile design, curious about the latest advancements in artificial intelligence applied to dentistry, or simply interested in the stories and insights of dental professionals who shape the industry, we've got you covered.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Whole-Body Health with Dr. Hugh Coyne
4w ago01:02:33Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Dr. Reza Ardalan sits down with Dr. Hugh Coyne, a London-based family medicine practitioner and the son of a pediatric dentist, who built Coyne Medical with his wife and clinical partner Dr. Lucy Coyne specifically to practice the kind of preventive medicine the NHS 10-minute appointment window does not allow. His training at Imperial College London and postgraduate work in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric health, and sports medicine give him a panoramic view of the screening opportunities most dentists are sitting on without realizing it. Dr. Coyne walks through the short blood panel he would build into every dental practice: HbA1c for diabetes risk that directly changes wound healing and periodontal outcomes, highly sensitive CRP for the kind of cardiovascular inflammation a UK Biobank study of over 400,000 people linked to a 61% higher risk of cardiovascular death, vitamin D with the K2 pairing that keeps calcium out of arterial walls, renal function, and a full blood count. From there, Dr. Coyne and Dr. Ardalan move into the oral microbiome shift from pathogen elimination to ecosystem restoration, the role of P. gingivalis in rheumatoid arthritis through citrullinated protein antibodies, and the cardiometabolic markers most patients never get tested for, including apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a). The third act covers GLP-1 medications, the Gila monster origin story, the medieval cautionary tale of Sancho the Fat, and the dental-chair implications most patients will never volunteer on a health history form. In this Episode: The short blood panel any dental practice can start with: HbA1c, highly sensitive CRP, vitamin D, renal function, and a full blood count Why vitamin D supplementation without vitamin K2 may direct calcium into the wrong tissues, including arterial walls How a UK Biobank study of more than 400,000 people linked elevated hs-CRP to a 61% higher risk of cardiovascular death in patients otherwise considered well What the 87% of patients open to in-chair screening tells you about how to introduce blood testing in your practice without losing trust The rule of halves for blood pressure, and why a 158 reading caught on a second visit can be profoundly consequential for a patient's long-term survival How the oral microbiome model has shifted from pathogen elimination to ecosystem restoration, and what that changes about prevention Why P. gingivalis turns up in rheumatoid arthritis tissue, and how oral pathogens correlate with colorectal, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers The bachelor-party analogy for apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a), and why every dentist should know their own Lp(a) number What every dental practice needs to know before sedating a patient on a GLP-1 medication Dr. Hugh Coyne is a London-based GP and the co-founder, with his wife Dr. Lucy Hooper, of Coyne Medical, a family medicine practice focused on preventive care and the early detection of disease. Dr. Hugh Coyne trained at Imperial College London with postgraduate degrees in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric health, and sports medicine, and is a featured speaker at the Wellness Dental Forum 2026. Find him on Instagram and TikTok at @drhughcoyne and the clinic at @coyne_medical. Want to go deeper on the oral–systemic connection? Dentistry & Whole-Body Health is a 3-part live CE series on reading the medical signals hiding in your patients' bloodwork — and knowing what to do with them. Session 1: Hidden Signals · Saturday, November 7, 2026 The bloodwork your patients already have, read through a dentist's lens. HbA1c, hs-CRP, vitamin D, CBC — and when to monitor, pause, or refer. Session 2: Cardiovascular Clues · Saturday, November 21, 2026 The lipid markers most panels skip (ApoB, Lp(a)) and the oral–heart connection behind them. Yes — this is the bachelor-party one. Session 3: The New Weight Loss Era · Saturday, December 5, 2026 What GLP-1s are quietly doing to how your patients eat, metabolize, and heal — and the chairside adjustments that come with it. All 3-hour sessions run 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET / 4 PM UK, with 30-day recording access if you can't make it live. 9 AGD-PACE-approved CE credits across the series. Nothing here asks you to become a doctor — it gives you the medical layer that's already shaping your outcomes.
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Pain-Free Dentistry, On Purpose: Dr. Mark Skimming on the 80% of Dentistry That Isn't Clinical
May 1401:00:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Reza Ardalan sits down with Dr. Mark Skimming, the Glasgow-based founder of Pain-Free Dentistry Group and the name that comes up more than any other when other guests on the show are asked about mentoring, coaching, or the business side of dentistry. Dr. Skimming has built a 14-practice independent group across Scotland, fully self-funded, with no bank loans and no private equity, on the back of a systems-first philosophy he learned the hard way. Most conversations about practice growth focus on the clinical or the financial. This one focuses on the operational glue that makes a multi-site group actually work. If you've ever felt like your best clinical work doesn't always translate into a great patient experience, or if you've thought about scaling beyond one location and weren't sure where to start, this is the conversation worth your hour. In this Episode How to think about the 20/80 split between clinical quality and patient experience, and where most dentists are overinvesting Why Dr. Skimming opened a "squat" practice in 2009 instead of buying in, and what the early disaster years taught him about systems The partnership model that turns A-player associates into shareholders across an entire group, not just one practice How a 14-practice independent group runs without bank loans or private equity, and what "anti-DSO" actually means in operation What goes into a 52-point document on ideal behavior, and how it changed the way Pain-Free Dentistry Group hires and promotes Why coachability matters more than clinical skill or business sense when Dr. Skimming evaluates a future partner How EOS, 90-day goals, and knowing your own Kolbe profile compensate for a founder's weaknesses The reading list that shaped a multi-site group: Traction, Radical Candor, Tribal Leadership, and Dan Sullivan's strategic-coach work What to look for when auditing your own patient journey for the friction points you've stopped noticing Why Spot On Business Mastery exists, and what kind of dentist actually benefits from coaching at this stage Dr. Mark Skimming is the founder of Pain-Free Dentistry Group, a 14-practice group based in Scotland with its flagship at Dentistry On The Square in Glasgow. He graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2005, spent his early career in NHS dentistry, and opened his first private practice in 2009 before stepping out of clinical work to focus on group leadership. Dr. Skimming was named Best Young Dentist (Scotland) at the 2012 Dentistry Awards, authored Painlessly Sell Your Dental Practice, and co-runs Spot On Business Mastery, a coaching program for dentists, alongside Andy McDougall. Find the group on Instagram at @painfreedentistrygroup and on X at @PFDgroup.
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When Dentistry Becomes Diagnosis with Dr. Ratna Indah on Systems, Science, and the Bigger Health Picture
Apr 1300:51:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. Ratna Indah shares how her background in journalism and a deeply personal family health journey shaped her approach to wellness dentistry. She explores the growing body of science behind the mouth–body connection and explains how oral health can reveal early signs of systemic disease, inflammation, and long‑term health risk. Dr. Indah also discusses what it truly takes to build a wellness‑focused dental practice—from salivary diagnostics and laser therapy to patient education, systems, and team protocols. She breaks down the realities of operating outside traditional insurance models and explains why dentistry is uniquely positioned to play a larger role in preventive healthcare. This episode offers a forward‑thinking look at clinical care, business strategy, and the future of the profession. Key Takeaways: Oral health offers early insight into systemic inflammation and disease risk Wellness dentistry is increasingly grounded in peer‑reviewed medical research Salivary diagnostics identify harmful bacteria and guide prevention The oral microbiome plays a critical role in overall health outcomes Lasers and photobiomodulation support healing and inflammation control Systems and protocols ensure continuity of wellness‑based care Patient education improves engagement and long‑term compliance Many wellness services fall outside traditional insurance structures Collaboration with medical professionals strengthens outcomes Dentistry's future lies in prevention, efficiency, and whole‑body awareness Dr. Ratna Indah graduated with honors from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she gained valuable experience as an intern at The Gelb TMJ Center and served as a tutor. She has achieved Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an honor awarded to only 6% of general dentists. To earn this designation, Dr. Indah completed over 500 hours of continuing education in various dental disciplines and passed a comprehensive exam, receiving the award in a formal ceremony. Dr. Indah is also certified in Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART), emphasizing her commitment to patient safety and advanced dental care.
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Know Your Numbers with Wyatt Ferber: Bottom Line Business Planning
Mar 1701:00:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Dental Slang podcast, Wyatt Ferber breaks down the financial framework behind a profitable, efficient dental practice. He explains the key metrics every practice owner must understand including gross profit, associate costs, lab expenses, contribution and net profit. With a clear view of the numbers, dentists can make smarter decisions, reduce waste and protect cash flow while maintaining high clinical standards. Wyatt also explores the strategic side of practice growth. From evaluating when to bring on an associate to aligning business decisions with personal and patient goals, he explains how thoughtful planning supports long-term success. By learning to evaluate a practice objectively, set clear goals and take measured action, dentists can strengthen both efficiency and profitability. Whether the goal is growth, stability or preparing for succession, this episode encourages dentists to think like entrepreneurs while continuing to deliver exceptional care. 10 Key Takeaways · Know Your Numbers: Gross profit, associate fees, lab costs, contribution and net profit are essential metrics for every practice owner. · Data Drives Better Decisions: Understanding revenue and expenses allows dentists to set treatment prices confidently and run a more efficient practice. · Start with Evaluation, Not Immediate Change: Analyze your numbers and define clear goals before implementing changes. · Inventory Control Impacts Cash Flow: Tracking everyday supplies prevents waste and keeps spending aligned with production. · Plan Ahead for Major Investments: Forecasting equipment purchases helps practices remain financially stable while upgrading technology. · Associates Should Be a Strategic Decision: Hiring decisions should be guided by patient demand, practice capacity, financial metrics and long-term goals. · Contribution Reveals True Performance: Revenue minus variable costs shows what remains to cover fixed expenses and determine break-even points. · Prepare for Generational Transitions: Understanding the priorities of both experienced practice owners and emerging associates supports smoother succession planning. About Bottom Line Business Planning Bottom Line Business Planning helps dental practice owners maximize profitability through financial and operational analysis, strategic planning sessions and ongoing tracking of real-time results against forecasted performance. BLBP is the United States partner of the United Kingdom–based dental practice profit management company Spot On Business Planning, which brings more than 15 years of experience supporting hundreds of dental practices in building stronger, more profitable businesses.
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Performance Dentistry: Airway, Sleep, and the NFL with Dr. Chad Kasperowski
Feb 1800:54:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. Reza Ardalan sits down with Dr. Chad Kasperowski, a clinician whose career spans surgery, implants, airway, wellness dentistry, and digital workflows. He also serves as the team dentist for the Washington Commanders. Dr. Kasperowski shares how his early experiences shaped a philosophy rooted in whole‑body wellness, advanced diagnostics, and truly listening to patients. He breaks down why airway issues are hiding in plain sight, how oral inflammation affects systemic health and athletic recovery, and what he's learned from treating some of the most elite athletes in the world. They also dive deep into mouthguards, from youth sports trauma to the future of AI‑designed, 3D‑printed protection. Key takeaways from this episode: Wellness dentistry is a mindset, not a specialty. Advanced diagnostics reveal systemic factors that influence oral outcomes. Airway issues are everywhere, and once you learn to see them, they're impossible to ignore. Elite athletes don't always have elite oral health and dental anxiety is common. Oral inflammation contributes to systemic inflammation, affecting recovery and performance. Custom mouthguards improve compliance because they're comfortable and retentive. The future of mouthguards is digital: AI‑designed, 3D‑printed, and potentially sensor‑enabled. Prevention is the best dentistry, whether through airway intervention, inflammation control or mouthguards. If you're looking to elevate your wellness approach, rethink your role in patients' overall health, or simply hear a fascinating behind‑the‑scenes look at dentistry in the NFL, this episode is a must‑listen.
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A Biological Approach to Endodontics with Dr. Vi Ho
Jan 3001:00:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Vi Ho, a certified biological endodontist, to explore a completely different approach to patient care—one that connects oral health to overall wellness. From advanced laser techniques to biocompatible materials, Dr. Ho is redefining what it means to be an endodontist in today's wellness-focused practice. Here's what you'll learn when you listen: Discover the Mouth-Body Connection: Dr. Ho explains how oral health impacts overall wellness and why she integrates functional nutrition into her endodontic practice. Inside What it Means to be a Biological Endodontist: Learn how lasers and bioceramic materials transform root canal procedures, reducing pain and preserving healthy tooth structure. Patient Comfort Like Never Before: Hear how Dr. Ho uses laser-assisted numbing and photobiomodulation to make even the most feared injections painless. Her Personal Story Drives Practice: Dr. Ho shares her journey through severe insomnia, digestive issues, and breast implant illness, and how it shaped her holistic approach to dentistry. The Science Behind Bioceramic Materials: Understand why injecting canals with bioceramic material—not traditional gutta-percha—creates a stronger, longer-lasting seal. From Dentistry to Real Estate: Explore how Dr. Ho applies her fearless curiosity and persistence from her clinical work to strategic real estate investments for long-term financial stability. If you're ready to rethink endodontics, learn from a passionate innovator, and get inspired by a personal story of perseverance and curiosity, this episode is for you.
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Growing with Heart: How Dr. JP Bastien Built a Thriving Dental Practice
Jan 1400:49:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Richard (JP) Bastien shares how he grew his practice from early-stage ownership into a thriving multi-doctor model by leading with empathy, recruiting intentionally and embracing technology without losing sight of core values. He reflects on the realities of hiring, leadership development, operational efficiency and the role of AI in modern dentistry, offering practical insights for dentists navigating growth while protecting culture and quality of care. Key Takeaways Recruitment and culture: Learn how to attract and retain clinicians who fit your practice values and complement your team. Leadership development: Discover how to strengthen leadership skills that aren't taught in dental school, from delegation to business management. Empathetic team management: Understand how putting yourself in your team's shoes can improve morale, retention, and collaboration. Technology integration: See how AI and digital tools can enhance diagnostics, patient education, and operational efficiency without replacing clinical judgment. Operational efficiency: Get practical tips for streamlining workflows and controlling costs while reinvesting in team and patient experience. Sustainable growth: Learn how aligning growth with core values leads to long-term professional satisfaction and a thriving practice. Throughout the episode, Dr. Bastien emphasizes making every decision through the lens of integrity, compassion and long-term impact. From supporting departing staff to integrating new technology thoughtfully, staying true to his values has helped him grow a multi-doctor practice that thrives both financially and culturally. This episode is a must-listen for dentists looking to grow their practice without compromising culture, quality, or personal balance. Learn more or connect with Dr. Bastien at www.bastiendentalcare.com.
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From One Office to Twelve: Scaling Your Dental Practice with Dr. Pete McClellan
Dec 300:47:50Tap to summarizeGet an inside look at how Dr. Pete McClellan built a thriving multi-location practice without losing sight of relationships, communication and clinical clarity. In this episode, he shares the systems, lessons and leadership principles that helped him scale sustainably, support mid-career dentists, and create practices where doctors can thrive without burning out. In This Episode You Will Learn Strategies for identifying the right team members as you scale from one office to multiple locations. Common mistakes dentists make when expanding their practice and how to avoid them. How to delegate effectively to prevent becoming a bottleneck in your practice. The importance of having a clear vision and "why" before growing your practice. How to implement systems and processes that create consistency across multiple offices. When and why it makes sense to bring in outside experts to support your business growth. Lessons on managing people, expectations, and the patient experience for long-term success. How scaling a dental practice is more about leadership and systems than clinical skills. Ways to maintain autonomy, prevent burnout, and stay effective while growing your business. Whether you're just starting your career or planning the next chapter, this episode gives you the clarity and direction most dentists wish they had years earlier. Don't leave your financial future to chance.
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Rethinking Perio Care: Innovation & Collaboration with Dr. John Bruce
Nov 1700:40:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. John Bruce shares his approach to modern periodontal care, combining advanced diagnostics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship to elevate patient outcomes. From incorporating blood and bacterial testing to uncover hidden health connections, to collaborating with orthodontists, oral surgeons, and study club peers, Dr. Bruce offers a fresh perspective on comprehensive dental care. He also highlights the transformative impact of mentorship with nationally recognized periodontist Dr. David Mugford, detailing how learning from experienced clinicians can accelerate growth and refine clinical decision-making. Beyond dentistry, Dr. Bruce shares personal stories, including his unique experience as a practice player for the University of Maryland women's basketball team, adding insight into his journey and approach to teamwork, curiosity, and lifelong learning. This episode is a must-listen for dental professionals seeking inspiration, practical strategies, and a glimpse into the evolving world of patient-centered, interdisciplinary dentistry. Key Takeaways from the Episode Learn how incorporating blood testing and bacterial analysis can reveal hidden health issues, improve treatment planning, and strengthen patient trust. Discover the value of working closely with orthodontists, oral surgeons, and other specialists to achieve better patient outcomes through teamwork. Hear firsthand how guidance from experienced clinicians, like Dr. David Mugford, can accelerate learning, avoid common pitfalls, and enhance clinical decision-making. Gain insights on the importance of study clubs, staying curious, and embracing new techniques to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry. This episode of Dental Slang Podcast is a compelling blend of practical guidance, professional insight, and personal storytelling. For dental professionals seeking inspiration and strategies for modern practice, Dr. John Bruce's approach demonstrates the value of innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning in dentistry.
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From Coma to Comeback: Dr. Marq Sams' Journey of Resilience and Grit
Oct 2400:35:22Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to overcome a life-altering setback and build one of the most successful perio practices in the state? In this episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. Marq Sams shares his story, from a serious car accident and weeks in a coma, to residency challenges, to creating a thriving multi-office practice in Wichita, Kansas. Hear how resilience, grit, and a commitment to team culture helped him turn trials into triumphs. Whether you're a dentist navigating your career or a team leader striving for excellence, Dr. Sams' story is full of lessons inspiration, and actionable insights. Whether you're a dental professional navigating your early career, a practice owner aiming to scale, or simply looking for a story of resilience and motivation, this episode offers practical insights and a powerful reminder that overcoming obstacles is possible when determination, compassion, and leadership guide the way. What lessons can you take from high-trust teams about motivating staff, fostering accountability, and creating an environment where everyone can excel? How does modeling attitude, consistency and integrity influence your team's performance, and what can you implement in your own office? How can seeking guidance from experienced mentors, and then mentoring others, accelerate your growth and strengthen your professional community? Tune in to hear Dr. Sams' story and discover how embracing challenges can lead to extraordinary success.
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