Alan features a throwback interview with Dr. Frank Spear on this Black Friday episode! Back in 2019, mere months before the pandemic, we had a chance to talk with Frank Spear about some interesting research he was doing. It seems that what dentists thought about the profession isn't exactly what the data suggested about the profession. Some topics that we covered: Why do insurance companies cover thing so differently from state to state? The beauty of practicing in groups. But not necessarily a DSO. Could someone become Frank Spear in the way that Frank did considering student debt as it is now? How did beautiful temporaries make a difference in Frank's career? Why does Frank feel responsible to help the narrative that dentists tell each other? What's the data the Frank would really like to see? Why is it so impossible to compare dental businesses and income across the country? How can you compare apples to apples? Take home message: things are better than dentists are telling themselves! What is dental school like when your dad is Frank Spear? How could dental school teach things with more context? Are there useful parallels between dental and medical education? How will Frank's teaching schedule be changing in the future? How is the curriculum at Spear Education changing? What kind of "big numbers" has Frank been impressed with lately? (spoiler: it has to do with Spear Practice Solutions) Some links from the show: The Voices of Dentistry (use code VeryDental) The Very Dental Facebook group Spear Practice Solutions Zoom Podtrak P4 If you would you like support the Very Dental Podcast Network you should support our sponsors! They help us create content that is, for lack of a better word...Very Dental! I’ve found that using a digital workflow for posterior zirconia is very predictable. So much so that when I’ve evaluated margins, contour and interproximal contacts...I’m ready to cement. Why so cocky? Typically the digital workflow usually nails the occlusion. But more importantly, Microcopy Dental has a posterior adjustment system for zirconia (and lithium disilicate) that is so simple and SO GOOD. First, I use Bite-Chek articulating paper for accurate and easy to read occlusal contact marking. Then I use the specially designed Z adjuster diamond (my favorite is the tear drop shape) to refine my occlusion and finally I use the 2 step Neoshine Z polishers to bring my surface back to a high, polished shine! Microcopy has done the heavy lifting to make adjusting posterior restorations a breeze. And all of their products are single patient use so it’s easy clean up and no cross contamination! Go check the system out at verydentalpodcast.com/adjust! Ideal preps. That’s what we aim for. One excellent way to get there is to use a core material to build the tooth back up to ideal contour. Cosmecore from Cosmedent is my choice for building up a broken down tooth. It’s dual cure, comes in a variety of colors and cuts just like a tooth. You’ll get a super smooth finish with no gouging. Right now I’ve got the 50 gram dispenser that fits in a small impression gun, but when I need to refill I think I’ll go with the 8 gram syringe. Both work great, but those syringes are handy and don’t take much room on a set up. Check it out at verydentalpodcast.com/cosmecore! It’s funny, but you never really know how your branding effects people until you see it in your own life. So Jacob, my youngest 11 started Invisalign with a local orthodontist. He’s following all the instructions, including taking them out to eat. So I’m CONSTANTLY seeing a case for his aligners with our orthodontist’s brand. Like every single day. I’m realizing that cases for aligners, splits and removable offer a brilliant way for people to remember your office and your brand! And then I thought of our friends at Zirc who offer aligner sized and denture sized boxes in tons of colors that you can customize with YOUR logo! They’re offering a buy one, get one deal on retainer or