AGD is excited to introduce George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, as our new AGD Podcast Series Host. Dr. Schmidt is a New Jersey dentist and chair of the AGD Scientific Meetings Council.
Dr.
Schmidt is passionate about dental education and is active with AGD. He has served on the Dental Education Council and also lectures nationally on dental implants, restorative dentistry and practice management. He also is an adjunct clinical assistant
professor in the CDE Implant Department at the New York University College of Dentistry and in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Schmidt received his dental degree from the University
of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American Dental Implant Association.
Send podcast feedback to News@agd.org
Featured Podcast: Jeffrey L. Gurian, DDS: Surviving a Career in Dentistry Utilizing Positive Thinking and Humor
AGD Podcast host George Schmidt, DMS, FAGD, talks with Jeffrey L. Gurian, DDS, known as the “Doctor of Happiness,” and one of the only dentists with a long-standing career in comedy, about surviving a career in dentistry utilizing positive thinking and humor. Dr. Gurian, who is the keynote speaker for this year’s AGD scientific session, has performed and worked with some of the biggest stars in comedy, from Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, and Andrew “Dice” Clay to Bill Burr, Nick Kroll, and John Mulaney. He is a motivational speaker and bestselling author on happiness, mindset, and changing negative thinking to positive thinking. In this podcast, he explores some of the topics he’ll cover in July, such as balancing a dentistry career while staying connected to your “inner child” and creating your own “happiness center.”
Understanding the Business of Dentistry
Exploring Residency Programs On Your Dental Career Journey
In the latest podcast Dr. Schmidt speaks with Russ S. Bergman, DMD, vice chair and GPR program director at Newark Beth Israel's Department of Dentistry. Together they talk about residency programs, the application process, and the valuable ways postgraduate
general dentistry training prepares new dentists for success in their careers. Dr. Bergman highlights the opportunities available in these comprehensive educational and clinical programs that allow new dentists to build upon their foundational
knowledge from dental school. He also discusses some important advice for candidates applying to any residency program, as well as the importance of being curious, ambitious, and hard working. This is a valuable discussion for anyone considering a
residency program as part of their dental career journey.
Listen now.
Data Management: Important Ways to Protect You and Your Practice
Amy Wood talks with AGD Podcast host Dr. George Schmidt about HIPAA compliance, data management and breach assessments, and ways to protect your practice. She talks about how to establish a compliance programs to avoid a data breach, and also covers
what to do should you be involved in a data breach investigation.
Wood consults with healthcare practitioners and associates both before and after a data breach. She helps minimize the damage after a data breach and implements proactive
compliance programs into existing workflows.
Listen to this insightful segment.
Building Strong Teams Through Purposeful Communications and Optimism
AGD Podcast Series host George Schmidt, DDS, FAGD, talks with Martin Mendelson, DDS, a leading speaker and founder of Metamorphosis Coaching, specializing in team cohesion, communication, and building happier, more productive teams. He shares tips and tricks for building stronger teams through purposeful communications, strong habits, and maintaining an optimistic outlook.
This is a quick but inspiring conversation.
Mendelson turned a devastating medical disablement from his clinical career into a passion for helping leaders through the science of mindset and positivity. He has worked with thousands of North American medical professionals and business leaders to feel less burdened by leadership, empowered to resolve challenges before they grow out of control and create transparent and open cultures.
Combining Clinical and Business Expertise to Grow Practices
Check out the latest podcast where Dr. Schmidt interviews Anissa Holmes, DDS. She is a dentist in Florida who is also a professional business coach. Dr. Holmes, of Delivering WOW in Dental Education, helps dentist entrepreneurs build successful businesses, providing them with the knowledge and business training to run, grow and scale their practices. In this podcast, she describes how she uses social media and other tools to grow her business. She also outlines the tools and training she provides to empower other dentists to succeed, meet their goals, find the time to grow their businesses, and enjoy time with the people and projects that matter most to them. She discusses strategies to use for clinical and communications to help provide quality care and also manage business goals. Don't miss these important tips.
Sharing the Value of AGD
AGD Podcast Series host George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, talks with AGD President Merlin Ohmer, DDS, MAGD, about the next year, upcoming scientific session, education recognition and more. He says there is a place at AGD for anyone who wants to support general dentistry and give back to the profession.
Ohmer was installed as AGD president in Nov., 2023. He is a graduate in 1975 from Nicholls State University in his hometown of Thibodaux, Louisiana, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1979 from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry while in the U.S. Army Reserve. He then spent three years on active duty in the U.S. Army, stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. After release from active duty in 1982, he served in the Louisiana National Guard as a major and practiced in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, until 1989, when he returned to active duty in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps as a lieutenant commander. He retired as a captain in 2016 after 30 years of active military service. He then opened a solo practice in St. Augustine, Florida, where he practiced until 2022.
At AGD, Ohmer was a member of the Self-Instruction Committee — which writes CE exercises for General Dentistry articles, enabling members to receive CE credit — and was followed by an appointment to the Fellowship Exam Committee in 2017. He was also selected for the Governmental Evaluation and Reform Committee in 2019, where he and other committee members analyzed AGD’s governance structure and suggested reforms to increase efficiency and nimbleness across all governance areas in AGD. In 2019, he was also selected to serve as an AGD spokesperson, promoting AGD and general dentistry to the news media and general public.
Combining a Passion for Publishing and Dentistry
AGD Podcast Series host George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, talks with Kevin Henry, the former editor of Dental Assisting Digest, with advice on how to get published about your passion projects, and tips and techniques to succeed on these efforts. He is now a co-founder for IgniteDA, a community designed to empower, enlighten, and educate dental assistants, and has a long history supporting dental assistants. He has spoken to dental assistants throughout the world, in person and through the Dental Assistant Nation podcast series, reminding them of the important role they play every day in their practice.
How To Grow Your Online Audience
With 250K online followers, Melissa Tuner is affectionately known as @thetoothgirl across social media. During her conversation with AGD host podcaster, George Schmidt, DDS, FAGD, she shares how she was able to grow such a large online audience and how her strategy works with dental clients.
Turner is a dynamic speaker and high-powered brand strategist and content creator. A 20-year veteran dental hygienist, Turner is on a mission to transform the future of dentistry for both patients and dental professionals. A millennial content creator, she is known as a key opinion influencer advising companies and Dental Service Organizations (DSO’s) on brand strategy and product growth.
Simple Tactics to Improve Patient Experiences
Ryan Vet, a trained sommelier and dental practice management expert, talks with Dr. Schmidt about simple customer service tactics you can use to grow your practice. He shares a variety of strategies that will heighten the overall
patient experience and engage patients more by sharing engaging stories through marketing and messaging. He explains how to use different marketing and social media tools to tell the story behind a practice and illustrate
the exceptional care they can expect in your office.
Vet is an international keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author. He has presented around the globe on four different continents. His experiences range from
start-ups to Fortune 500s such as Samsung, Warner Brothers, and Bing. He holds an MBA from Purdue along with many other certifications business, marketing, and change management from leading institutions including Harvard
Business School, Elon University, and Cornell University. Vet’s wife Jessica is a practicing dentist, and he has a passion about the industry. In addition, Ryan hosts The Dental Experience Podcast.
Learn more and listen today.
Dental Liability and Malpractice
During his segment with AGD’s podcast host, George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, Robert Bagoff, DMD, MAGD, discusses the importance of charting and managing patient information efficiently to avoid malpractice claims. Whether charting patients electronically or manually, Bagoff cautions dentists to cover all the details in documentation from proper diagnosis, prescriptions, routine screenings, surgical procedures, pre and post patient communications. Tune in to hear Bagoff discuss two areas where the biggest issues occur in malpractice claims for dentists.
Named New Jersey Top Choice Dentists by his peers, Bagoff is an expert in Dental Liability and Malpractice. A dentist for almost 40 years, Bagoff has an established background in not only practicing but also lecturing and mentoring in the field of dentistry. He presently holds the position of Co-Director of the Department of Dentistry at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Director Emeritus of the Division of Restorative Dentistry.
Create a Social Media Strategy
Rita Zamora is the founder of Rita Zamora Connections and Connect90.com, providing social medial solutions for dentists. Since 2007, Zamora has provided social media marketing services to general and specialty dental
practices. Over time, she’s had articles published in several professional and trade related publications – Dental Economics, The Progressive Dentist, Progressive Orthodontics Magazine, Dental Town,
the Colorado Dental Association Journal, and several other publications. Zamora recently published the second edition of Get Found, Get Liked, Get Patients.
In a conversation with AGD’s podcast
host, George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, Zamora shares strategies that will help dentists promote themselves as professionals and their practices. During the conversation, she encourages dentists to identify the most important
platform(s) whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and even Google Business. Listen now and learn the one big tip that Rita Zamora shares the one tool that all dentists should have when they begin to promote
their practice on social media platforms.
Robotic Dental Implant Surgery
Michael Calderon, DDS, the founder of the Calderon Institute, joins Dr. Schmidt to discuss the progression and precision of robotic dental implant surgery. After completing a two-year dental residency at New York University (NYU), he established his private practice in Islip, New York. He has performed more than ten thousand dental implants. His passion for dental implants began in 1999, recognizing that there was an advantage for general dentists to conduct implant procedures in their practice.
Dr. Calderon is one of the few dentists in his area performing robotic implant surgery. He can attest to its precision over “brain guided” surgery. According to Dr. Calderon, robotic technology eliminates uncomfortable hand and body positioning for both the dentists and patients. Because of its ability to read and gauge oral cavity measurements from CT scans, robotic technology provides prompts that will minimize the degree of any substantial error.
Listen now and learn more about how robotic technology is improving dental implant surgery.
Practice Management Tips with Howard Farran, DDS, MBA
Howard Farran, DDS, MBA, the founder and owner of Dentaltown.com and Dentaltown magazine, joins Dr. Schmidt to discuss practice management and offer some insights for success. He has practiced dentistry at Today’s
Dental in the Phoenix metro area for more than 30 years. In 2017, Incisal Edge magazine ranked him among the 32 most influential people in dentistry. Don't miss his tips or this lively discussion.
Dr. Farran has lectured internationally on the business of dentistry since 1990, captivating audiences with his blunt, humorous and practical insights into the industry’s most controversial subjects.
His genuine passion for helping dentists provide faster, easier, higher-quality and lower-cost dentistry to their patients is what drives him to this day.
Transitioning to Fee For Services Through Exceptional Service with Gary Takacs
Dr. Schmidt talks with Gary Takacs on strategies that assist in the transformation from high-volume/low fee insurance dependency to a fee for service model. During this discussion, he shares lessons from
cost accounting to communications that shows consumers what they have to gain from a patient-centric practice.
Takacs is a well-known presence in dental practice consulting. He is co-host
of the Thriving Dentist Show Podcast, founder of the Thriving Practice Academy and co-owner of LifeSmiles Dental Care. He brings deep knowledge of the individual elements of business success together
with genuine compassion for the dilemma of the dentist in today’s insurance-driven culture. As the host of a couple of podcast series, Gary guides dental professionals to a healthier practice style
that lets them deliver hallmark-level quality of care.
Fred Joyal on Opportunities to Speak Up and Take Action
Joyal, the CEO of TruBlu Social Smiles, a video testimonial software platform, career also includes works as the co-founder of Futuredontics, the parent company of 1-800-DENTIST. His latest book, Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days, is an Amazon and Wall Street Journal bestseller. He is also the author of two books for the dental industry, Everything is Marketing: The Ultimate Strategy for Dental Practice Growth, and Becoming Remarkable: How to Create a Dental Practice Everyone Talks About. He offers advice to podcast listeners on how to be bold, build a successful career, and harness experience to radically increase success and fulfillment in life.
AGD2023: Dr. Schmidt attended AGD2023, July 19-22 and talks with guests and organizers about the benefits of AGD's scientific session. Take a listen to these brief interviews:
- AGD2023: Tony Menendez, DDS, MAGD, Celebrates His Fifth LLSR
- AGD2023: Opportunities Abound on Exhibit Floor
- AGD2023: Colonel Pete Guevara, DMD, MAGD, ABGD
- AGD2023: Waletha Wasson, DDS, MAGD, and Giving Back
- AGD2023: Dental Students Alex Boulay and Luke Phillips Talk About Dental School and AGD Student Chapters
- AGD2023: Joseph A. Wineman, DMD, ABGD Talks About Planning AGD2023
- AGD2023: Joseph Picone, DMD, MAGD, Talks about Supporting Dental Meetings
- AGD2023: Maria Smith, DMD, MAGD, Talks about the AGD Foundation
- AGD2023: Hanna Lindskog, DDS, FAGD, Takes You to AGD's Learning Opportunities
- AGD2023: Kevin Croft, DDS, Talks Dental Training and Dental Sedation
- AGD2023: AGD Associate Editor Talks about AGD Publishing
- AGD2023: Michael Sinkin, DDS, MAGD, Talks AGD Mastership
Dental Practice Models for Growth and Balance
AGD Podcast host Dr. George Schmidt talks with Dr. Brady Frank about opportunities for the dentists while working with dental service organizations and the business of dentistry. They discuss opportunities for general dentists to build the type of practice they want and find balance in their lives. Dr. Frank, a third-generation dentist, advocates for dentists to learn about the autonomous dental service organization and how to use this practice model in their career planning. He is passionate about teaching others the hard-won lessons he has learned about creating and selling a business. He is the cofounder of Freedom Dental Partners.
Utilizing Data to Improve Practice Management with Michael Abernathy, DDS
Don’t miss the interview with Michael Abernathy, DDS, who talks about the importance of data and benchmarks to ensure practices are running smoothly. He emphasizes the importance of measurements to ensure general dentists set realistic goals and keep their focus on achieving them.
Taking Dentistry to the Next Level with Tarun "T-Bone" Agarwal, DDS
AGD Podcast Series speaks to Tarun Agarwal, DDS, about how to maximize your dental practice and career to make the most of it. Dr. Agarwal understand the challenges solo practices face based on dental insurance fees, competition for large dental groups, and internal struggles. But, he still believe that dentistry is the best profession in the world, with more opportunity than ever. He uses a commonsense approach to sustainable practice growth. He focuses on clinical excellence, patient-centric business management, and a dental team empowered to embrace an ownership mentality. He wants to help dentists work smarter, not harder. He is the Founder/CEO of Raleigh Dental Arts as well as 3D Dentists, the education platform that has trained over 10,000 dentists. You may contact Dr. Agarwal at dra@raleighdentalarts.com.
AGD Foundation Takes Bold Moves to Fight Oral Cancer
AGD Foundation President Mark Malterud, DDS, MAGD, provides important updates on the AGD Foundation and its mission to fight oral cancer. He talks about its new website, toolkit and grants program. Don’t miss this informative conversation with AGD Podcast Series host George Schmidt and Dr. Malterud as they talk about their passion projects.
Dr. Malterud is a general dentist from St. Paul, Minnesota.
Connecting the Dental Community with Stop the Bleed
Featuring Eric Wong, DDS, MAGD
May is Stop The Bleed awareness month, and an
opportunity for general dentists to learn more about this important initiative. Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign that trains the public to help in a bleeding emergency
before professional help arrives. In this podcast episode, Dr. Schmidt talks with Dr. Eric Wong, who has been instrumental in bringing this training to general dentists to help
save lives. Learn more about this program and get involved.
Dr. Wong is a general dentist from California and a training for the Stop the Bleed program.
Learn
more at
www.stopthebleed.org/
Dermal Fillers and Dentistry
with Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD
Are you interested in learning more about the therapeutic uses for facial neuromodulators along with injection techniques? Take a listen to this month’s featured podcast with Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD, and find out about differentiating toxins — dosage strength, review of reconstitution, review of complications and management of patient expectations.
Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD, has been active in the field of facial injectables since 2004. In 2013, she established “FACES” — Facial Anatomy for Comprehensive Esthetic Seminars, which provides cosmetic and therapeutic injectable training to medical and dental professionals with a core focus on comprehensive facial anatomy. Meinecke is past president of the Maryland AGD and currently serves on the Maryland State Dental Association’s Legislative and Government Affairs Council. Nationally, she is a spokesperson for AGD and serves as vice chair of the American Dental Association Council on Communications. She is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. She serves on the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s alumni board.
AGD's Commitment to the Profession
featuring AGD President Hans P. Guter, DDS, FAGD
AGD is more than just great continuing
education. It is a dynamic organization focusing on supporting general dentists and the profession through education, advocacy and networks that help our members personally
and professionally. Don’t miss the latest AGD Podcast featuring AGD President Hans Guter, DDS, FAGD, talking about the range of initiatives AGD is focusing on.
AGD President Has P. Guter, DDS, FAGD has been active in organized dentistry since he opened his practice. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1989. He received his BS in microbiology from Ohio State and, after dental school, completed his advanced education in general dentistry residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He has maintained a private practice in Circleville, Ohio, since 1990. He has fellowships from the AGD, Pierre Fauchard Academy, the American College of Dentistry, the Academy of Dentistry International and the International College of Dentistry.
Full Arch Restoration
with Frank Lamar, DDS
Are you curious about full-arch dental implant solutions? If you are tired or zirconia and looking for a better way, listen to the AGD Podcast Series today. Our host George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, talks with Frank Lamar, DDS, who shares how you can complete these cases in just four to five hours.
Dr. LaMar specializes in prosthodontics and dental restoration. He trained in prosthetic dentistry at the Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
As a Prosthodontist, Dr. LaMar limits his practice to the replacement of missing teeth, and the restoration of severely compromised teeth. He has developed the Hybridge
Implant Protocols, which have significantly reduced the time and expense of dental implant treatment.
He is an Assistant Professor at the Eastman Dental Center's Department of Prosthodontics and a member of the American College of Prosthodontists, the American
Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). He lectures nationally on the topics of Implant Dentistry and Prosthodontics. Dr. LaMar is the prosthodontic education director
of the LaMar Training Center and the Rochester Dental Implant Network.
Understanding Dental Lasers
with Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD
The next podcast features a deep look at dental lasers. AGD Past President and Associate Editor Bruce Cassis, DDS, MAGD, describes options for adopting laser technology and how it will help to improve patient outcomes and de-stress your workday. Laser technology will enable you to provide dentistry with better clinical results, more comfort and faster recovery.
Bruce Cassis, DDS, MAGD, is a graduate of West Virginia University School of Dentistry. In addition to his private practice, Cassis has lectured extensively on the development and clinical applications for laser dentistry both internationally and at nationally recognized dental conferences. Cassis has a passion for education and for supporting general dentists. He has served AGD at the state and national levels, most recently as chair of the Membership Committee. He previously served on the PACE and Communications councils. Cassis has received the AGD Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition.
Legislative and Practice Management Leadership
Joseph A. Battaglia, DMD, MS, FAGD
Dr. Schmidt talks with Joseph A. Battaglia, DMD, MS, FAGD, on AGD’s legislative and practice management priorities and some of the challenges general
dentists will face in the coming years. They highlight AGD’s accomplishments in recent years in protecting dental practices by addressing regulatory
changes and working with governmental agencies and allied dental groups. They also address some of the changes affecting general dentistry and share
the tools and resources that AGD members have available to become effective advocates for the AGD at the federal level and the state level.
Listen now.
Joseph A. Battaglia, DMD, MS, FAGD, is in private practice in Wayne, New Jersey, and an associate clinical professor in the department of restorative dentistry at the Rutgers University School of Dental Medicine, where he has maintained an advancing faculty appointment for over 30 years. He is currently responsible for the clinical and preclinical instruction of sophomore, junior and senior dental students. In addition to his faculty appointment, he previously held an administrative position in the department of continuing education at the New Jersey Dental School — the predecessor of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine — at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).
Dr. Battaglia currently serves on the AGD Board and he was previously chair of the AGD Dental Practice Council and the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) East Caucus; vice-chair of the AADB Nominating Committee; commissioner of the American Dental Association (ADA) National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards; member of the ADA workgroup on elder care; representative delegate to the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) House of Delegates of the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry; and member of the CDCA Endodontic Subcommittee. He is past chair of the AGD Legislative & Governmental Affairs Council and past president of the New Jersey AGD (2002–2003). He holds an MS in biochemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dental Medicine and a DMD from UMDNJ. He completed a general practice residency at Hackensack University Medical Center and has earned fellowships from AGD, the Academy of Dentistry International, the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. Prior to entering dentistry, Battaglia worked as a research biologist at Merck.