In this special compilation episode of the Very Dental Podcast, Alan explores one of the most universal and uniquely blunt experiences in the profession: the "I hate dentists" phenomenon. Recorded live at the 2026 Voices of Dentistry meeting in Arizona, this episode features a wide-ranging roundtable of perspectives from doctors Eric Applesies, Alex Kantor, Paul Etchison, Tiana Hall, Abe Hoellrich, Mitch Hopkins, Matt Standridge, and Russell Schafer. From comparisons to auto repair and Starbucks to the psychological weight of performing "awake surgery" and navigating societal double standards, these clinicians offer a candid, humorous, and reflective look at what it's like to hear the "H-word" daily. Whether you lean into the joke or use it to break the tension of patient anxiety, this episode serves as a relatable anthem for the dental community and a peek behind the curtain for anyone curious about the emotional landscape of modern dentistry.

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