Mar 6, 2025 5 min read Archive

Dental podcast do's

Patient retention starts with hygienist trust. Is your hygiene team taking the lead in building those important patient-dentist relationships? We'll delve into the value of empowering the entire staff in patient relationship managements. But first: This Florida dentist was just sentenced to prison time over sending threatening letters.

In today's newsletter:

• Building a successful dental podcast
• Celebrating Dental Assistants Recognition Week
• Machine learning and optogenetics for precision dentistry
• How genetics can impact cavity risk

'Be a guest on other podcasts first'

Podcasts aren't just good for laughs or true crime cases. Serv Wahan, MD, DMD, is among the dentists who have stepped into the podcast space to educate and entertain. He hosts the video podcast Dr. Wahan Experiment.

After amassing 100K social media followers through his video-based content, Dr. Wahan decided to branch out to video podcasting. He spoke with Dental Bite about how he reaches his subscribers and what advice he has for other dentists curious about giving podcasting a try.

What motivated you to get into the podcasting space?

In 2020, the pandemic shut down live lectures and things went virtual. I personally looked at more online dental content and it sparked me to start showing my expertise online too. It started with adding video to my social media account—I had always posted still photos before—and when my following grew there, I took the leap to starting a podcast in 2024.

How do you select topics and find guests for your podcast?

I get a lot of direct messages on my social media accounts. Between Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, there are a lot. Sometimes they trigger a topic idea and sometimes I use the Stories feature on Instagram to create a poll to solicit topic ideas from my followers. I have also used trending topics in journals and social media as content.

What has been the most popular episode of the podcast so far?

Episode 4, Management of Anticoagulants, has been the most viewed and commented on so far. I am going to do a followup episode on that and add some other management issues with hypertension meds and GLP-1 meds like Ozempic.

How many podcast subscribers do you currently have?

It is hard to tell how many for the podcast as it plays on so many outlets. It is a video podcast, but the audio-only form is available on 20 places that index and play it. The video form is on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and my website, drwahan.com.

On the social media side, I have over 100k followers between the various social media accounts. I don’t do dances or skits so my growth is in little spurts, as it is niche content.

What advice do you have for fellow dentists considering dipping their toe into the podcast space?
Be a guest on other podcasts first. This helps you get the cadence and workflow down.

Above: Dr. Serv Wahan records an episode of his dental podcast, Dr. Wahan Experiment. (Courtesy of drwahan.experiment/ Instagram)

What’s on our radar: Target has introduced Boka toothpaste at more than 1,000 of its locations. The toothpaste is a leading brand that features nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), an alternative to fluoride.

What we're celebrating: March 2-8 is Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW). Practices can take the opportunity to recognize the hard work of their assistants, the "Superheroes behind the Smiles."

What we're listening to: Scott Leune, DDS, has launched The Dental CEO Podcast. In the first episode, he interviews Shark Tank star Daymond John.

Plus: Davis & Parker Family Dental, a practice in Loveland, Colo., embraces rock 'n' roll decor and music to help put its patients at ease.

Leveraging your hygiene department to boost profitability

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, and David Rice, DDS, sat down with Kelly Overton, RDH, talk about the connection between oral health and overall health. Effective communication, involving the frontline hygiene department, is vital to patient care. When patients receive expert advice and feel safe and heard, they are more likely to take the advice of the dental team and return for future visits as scheduled.

Why it matters: Hygienists can play a big role in building positive patient relationships, ultimately contributing to the wellbeing of those patients and improving retention. (Dental Economics)

Machine learning and optogenetics drive precision dentistry

A study published in the British Dental Journal delves into the possibilities of improving patient care with optogenetics and machine learning. Optogenetics is a technology that uses light to control certain cells. It has the potential to change the approach to pain management, tissue regeneration and preventative care. Machine-learning models could use data gathered in optogenetic studies to identify more research opportunities and refine optogenetic therapies.

Why it matters: Precision dentistry prioritizes an individualized, data-driven approach to patient care. Dentists can look to new technologies to embrace this patient-centered approach to care and improve outcomes. (British Dental Journal)

Genetics could make starch a key cause of cavities

Scientists continue to learn more about the oral microbiome. Researchers with Cornell University discovered that people could be more prone to cavities caused by starches, depending on their genetic makeup. The gene in question, AMY1, impacts the bacteria in the mouth associated with cavities and gum disease.

Why it matters: A greater understanding of the oral microbiome can give dentists more insight into the risk factors for cavities. Dentists can remind patients to be mindful about brushing their teeth after ingesting foods high in risk factors like sugar and starch. (Cornell Chronicle)