AGD Podcast Series

The AGD Podcast Series is hosted by George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, podcast host and AGD vice president. Dr. Schmidt is a New Jersey dentist.

Dr. Schmidt is passionate about dental education and is active with AGD. He was elected vice president of AGD in 2024. He previously served as chair of the Scientific Meetings Council and the Dental Education Council. He 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: Delivering Exceptional Care While Building Outstanding Teams

Our latest podcast features Kevin Kwiecien, DMD, MS, who joins AGD Podcast host and vice president George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, to address opportunities to create systems that build strong teams and enhance dental practice performance. Dr. Kwiecien has more than 25 years of private practice experience, most of which overlapped in academia. He shares tips he teaches on connecting clinical and practice management systems to ensure dental offices are performing optimally and creating growth opportunities. 

Dr. Kwiecien graduated from Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry and holds a master’s degree in health care administration. He is the owner of K Squared Facilitation and the founder/coach at The CCO Solution. He was an assistant professor of restorative dentistry at the OHSU School of Dentistry and also had faculty roles at Spear Education and L. D. Pankey Institute, where he provided education to AGD constituents across the U.S.

Listen now.

Protecting Your Dental Practice from Embezzlement Practices

In this insightful episode, AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George Schmidt talks with David Harris, founder and CEO of Prosperident, the leading dental embezzlement investigation firm in the United States. Embezzlement impacts over half of all dental practitioners at some point in their careers, often with devastating financial consequences. Harris has dedicated his career to uncovering theft and empowering practice owners to protect their businesses.

Harris talks through the warning signs of employee theft, the importance of balancing trust with accountability, and strategies for implementing robust systems to safeguard your practice. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to managing a dental office, this episode includes actionable advice to help you prevent financial losses and ensure the long-term success of your practice.

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Conservative Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders

In this podcast, Dr. Schmidt talks with Warren Jesek, DDS, MAGD, about diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions related to occlusion. They discuss the struggles with unpredictable results in splint therapy, and Dr. Jesek shares valuable insights on non-directive splint design, delivery, and adjustment, along with key principles of occlusion and equilibration. With over 40 years of experience and credentials from the Pankey and Dawson Institutes, as well as being a past president of the American Equilibration Society, Dr. Jesek is uniquely positioned to help you enhance your practice. Don't miss this opportunity to learn effective delivery and adjustment protocols for conservative TMD treatment.

If this topic interests you, consider registering for an exclusive hands-on course at the AGD headquarters in Chicago titled "Conservative Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders." This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills, but space is limited to just 25 attendees, and seats are filling up quickly. Don’t miss your chance to earn 6 hours of hands-on CE credits while gaining invaluable insights. Register now to secure your spot!

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The Importance of Waterline Maintenance

The latest episode features Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC. Hill, is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant, and award-winning author who brings more than 25 years of clinical dental hygiene and education to dentistry. She is known as the Waterline Warrior for her dedication to advocating for ensure waterlines are safe and sanitary. In this episode, she discusses what every general dentist should know about testing waterlines and incorporating waterline maintenance into office operations. 

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Unmasking a Silent Struggle: Advocating for Mental Health in Dentistry

This episode features an interview with Brett Kessler, DDS, ADA president-elect, with Hans Guter, DDS, FAGD, AGD past president, about the important of mental health and finding support and outlets for help during times of struggle. Kessler talks openly about this battle with substance abuse and what he does each day to use the strength and resiliency he found in recovery to support others. He uses his platform as a leader in dentistry to help others understand that they aren’t alone and promote substance abuse advocacy and wellbeing. As friends and colleagues, Guter and Kessler acknowledge challenges facing dentistry and how vital it is to the profession to be there for each other. In addition to his work as a general dentist in Colorado and with the ADA, Kessler is a national wellness and leadership speaker, and a five-time Ironman triathlete, ultra-marathoner and avid trail runner.

Listen now.

Understanding Soft Skills to Improve Patient Relations with JoAn Majors

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt talks with JoAn Majors, CSP, CVP, RDA, on leadership and communicate skills. She is the author of several books, including "Permission to be Honest: Tough Talk on Soft Skills for Providers of Care and Their Teams." She shares ways to approach patients and have conversations about care needs, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions and promoting a posture of curiosity.

JoAn is the co-founder and content creation specialist of The Soft Skills Institute, an AGDPACE National CE provider. She and her husband, Dr. Chuck Majors, a second-generation dentist, provide online content that is scalable, affordable, and predictable for maximum implementation and after-care.

Listen now.

AGD2024: Dr. Schmidt attended AGD2024, July 17-20 and talks with guests and organizers about the benefits of AGD's scientific session. Take a listen to these brief interviews:

• AGD2024: Soham Apte, DMD, and Juili Shivde, DMD
• AGD2024: Maggie Augustyn, DDS
• AGD2024: Sean Shekib, DMD, JD
• AGD2024: James Keenan, DDS, MAGD, AGD Foundation President
• AGD2024: Len Tau, DDS, Birdseye
• AGD2024: John Graeber, DDS
• AGD2024: Sweta Shah, DDS, FAGD
• AGD2024: Thomas Viola, R.Ph.
• AGD2024: Jeffrey Gurian, DDS, Dentist, Comedian and Keynote
• AGD2024: Timothy Kosinski, DDS, MAGD, AGD Editor
• AGD2024: Emily Bujnoski, DMD, and Mackenzie Schneider, DMD
• AGD2024: Mai-Ly Duong, DMD, MAGD
• AGD2024: Robert Peskin, DDS, FAGD, AGD Speaker of the House
• AGD2024: John Nosti, DMD
• AGD2024: Chethan Chetty, DDS, MAGD, AGD President Elect
• AGD2024: Mary Eastwood, New York AGD/New Jersey AGD Executive Director
• AGD2024: Connie Tse-Wallerstein

Featured Podcast: With an Eye on Coding, AGD Leaders Support General Dentistry

In this episode, Dr. George Schmidt welcomes Dr. Ralph Cooley and Dr. Arlene O’Brien to discuss AGD’s pivotal role in the development and adoption of the new CDT Code D6089, which covers accessing and retorquing a loose implant screw — per screw. Listeners will gain insights into the rigorous process of creating this code and how it benefits dental professionals and patients alike.

Dr. Cooley and Dr. O’Brien, AGD’s delegate and alternate to the ADA’s Code Maintenance Committee, will share their experiences and insights into the Code Maintenance process. They will delve into AGD’s broader efforts to represent the interests of general dentists in the development of dental codes, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of general practitioners are well-represented.

Tune in to learn more about how these new codes can benefit your practice and the broader dental community!

Listen now.

Expanding Oral Cancer Screenings

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt talks with Susan Cotten, a dentistry oral cancer coach and founder and CEO of Oral Cancer Consulting. She developed The Cotten Method, an oral cancer screening metod and dental oral cancer office system. She describes how she found her mission to advocate for great utilization of oral cancer screening methods in dental offices as a way of saving lives. Early detection is key and she describes in detail the techique for screening and incorporating this process into a dental team's workflow. (Download  Tonsil Grade and Mallampati Score information, or access a sample documentation template for what is done in a comprehensive screening, The Cotten Method.

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Diversity in Dentistry and the Importance of Mentors

In this episode, Dr. George Schmidt connects with Dr. Laila Hishaw, a trailblazer in the area of mentorship and belong. She shares an important program she's developed that seeks to bring more diversity to dental school. Dr. Hishaw is on a mission to elevate excellence and equity in dentistry through mentorship and inclusion strategies through her lectures, workshops, and executive leadership consulting. 

Dr. Hishaw has earned her Fellowships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists.  Most recently, she was awarded the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award by the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and the 2023 Mentor of the Year presented by the Arizona Dental Association.  She’s been featured on Discovery Health Channel for her role in diagnosing a rare disorder in her patient, and in multiple podcasts and publications including the ADA News, Dentistry Today, Black Enterprise, and the Journal of Dental Education.  

Techniques to Save Teeth and Improve Care with Dr. Sam Low

In the latest episode, Dr. Schmidt talks with Samuel B. Low, DDS, MS, MEd, professor emeritus at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and associate faculty member of the Pankey Institute. They discuss a wide range of subjects including periodontics, laser dentistry and implant placement. They also address techniques for caring and working with Boomers to Gen Z, and how to create strong connections with people. Low will lead several courses at AGD2024, July 17-20 in Minneapolis.

Low is also a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and past president of the American Academy of Periodontology. He is currently on the board of directors of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Low provides dentists and dental hygienists with the tools for successfully managing the periodontal patient in general and periodontal practices and is affiliated with the Florida Probe Corporation. He was selected Dentist of the Year by the Florida Dental Association and Distinguished Alumnus by the University of Texas Dental School, and he is a recipient of the Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award. He is a past president of the Florida Dental Association and a past American Dental Association trustee.

Listen now.

Humanity and Wellness for General Dentists with Dr. Maggie Augustyn

In this episode of the AGD Podcast Series, George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, talks with Maggie Augustyn, DDS, a practicing general dentist and dental practice owner, whose work includes a focus on wellness and emotional strength to help lead healthy and fulfilling lives and careers. She speaks and writes extensively on these topics and during this podcast shares some of her approaches to finding self acceptance and other tools to accomplish personal and professional goals.

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The Latest in Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry with Dr. James Klim 

In the latest episode, AGD podcaster Dr. George Schmidt talks with James Klim, DDS, about ways to incorporate cosmetic and restorative dentistry into their practices. Dr. Klim shares strategies for managing complex cases and utilizing advanced dental technologies to enhance smile outcomes and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Klim is an internationally recognized speaker, author, manufacturing consultant, beta tester, and biofunctional and aesthetic CAD/CAM dentistry teacher. He discusses the techniques and life lessons that help him find meaning in his work, shares his knowledge about the field, and ensures that he delivers the care his patients deserve. Dr. Klim is the founder and director of the Klim Institute/ CADStar CAD/CAM Learning Center.  His practice facilitates post-graduate education for dentists worldwide, emphasizing 3D/CAD/CAM digital dentistry and 3D x-ray Cone Beam diagnostics.

Listen now .

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Listen now.

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.

Listen now.

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.

Listen now.

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.

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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.

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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.

Listen now.