The first EVER ‘Prospective’ episode of Protrusive – I interviewed new-grad Dr Triman Ahluwalia in 2023, then again 7 months later in 2024 to see how he gets on with his first year as a *real* Dentist 😉

We uncover what it feels to be a freshly qualified Dentist, the pressures and fears that come with procedures such as endo and surgical extractions, but what we can do as growing clinicians to overcome these hurdles.

This episode is packed with lots of top tips to help you in your journey from the ground up, or as a reminder for those that have been there and done that, that we are forever learning on our journey and there’s always something out there to help us become better Dentists.

Highlights of this Episode:
02:02 Introduction to Dr Triman (2023)
03:32 Experiences at Dental School
07:15 Procedures You Fear + Sectioning Teeth
11:25 Thoughts on Social Media in Dentistry
15:26 Documenting Work
16:30 Future Career Plans
18:00 Additional Comments from Triman
19:03 Back to the Future: 2024 Triman Update
21:50 Dental Photography Progress
23:08 Tricky Dental Procedures Update
27:46 The Good and the Bad of DFT
32:26 Career Path in Dentistry
34:49 Triman’s Top Tips
37:06 Wrapping Up

Don’t forget to check out the Protrusive App where you can find more awesome tutorials on becoming a more efficient and effective practitioner.

If you liked this episode, you will also like IC029 – Young Dentist Thrival Guide 

This episode is not eligible for CPD/CE points, but never fear, there are hundreds of hours of CPD waiting for you on on the Ultimate Eduction Plan, including Premium clinical workthroughs and Masterclasses.

Is this the death of impressions for Dentures?

Are digital dentures predictable? Time saving? Cost saving?

Are all types of dentures suitable for the digital workflow?

Even if you don’t use an intra-oral scanner, your lab may be utilising a digital workflow, so it’s a great time to dive deep into this area.

Impression Club’s Dr Rupert Monkhouse joins us for another removable prosthetics themed episode where we discuss how digital dentistry is changing the way we make partial dentures and complete dentures.

Check out Impression Club courses

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.

This episode meets GDC Outcomes A and C.

Dentists will be able to:

1. Understand the key differences between traditional impression techniques and digital workflows in denture creation, including the benefits and limitations of both methods.

2. Evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of digital dentures compared to traditional methods and implement best practices for integrating digital workflows into their clinical practice.

3. Effectively collaborate with dental technicians using digital tools, fostering better communication and teamwork to achieve optimal patient outcomes in denture fabrication.

AGD code 670 Removable Prosthodontics (Emerging technology or techniques)

Highlights of this Episode:
03:18 Protrusive Dental Pearl – Understand the Why
05:38 Introduction to Dr Rupert Monkhouse
8:11 What kind of Dentures can we do Digitally?
13:33 What work still requires Impressions?
17:05 Which Scanners?
19:55 How Accurate?
28:24 Should Digital be the Gold Standard?
30:55 Immediate Dentures
38:55 Cobalt Chromes
47:55 Finding great technicians
58:08 Impression Club

If you liked this, you will also like GF018 Intra-Oral Scanner

Air Particle Abrasion!

Images of Sandblasted teeth look cool but does it ACTUALLY improve clinical outcomes?

What are the indications? When is it genuinely critical to use?

More pragmatically, are there any decent alternatives eg. roughening with a bur?

Air particle abrasion, a technique used to prepare tooth surfaces for bonding, has sparked considerable debate among professionals. This episode discussed its effectiveness, implications, and best practices with  Dr. Veronica Pereira de Lima. 

Protrusive Dental Pearl: 

Two advantages of slicing off a corner of the rubber dam are:

1. Anterior Dam Stabilization: By flossing the cut piece through the front teeth, it acts as a makeshift wedge, securely fastening the dam in place without the need for traditional wedjet.
2. Simplified Orientation: This technique aids in aligning the rubber dam properly, streamlining the entire setup process for more efficient dental work.

Check out ‘Quick and Slick Rubber Dam’ online course (on-demand) only available via the Ultimate Education Plan on Protrusive Guidance

Highlights of this episode:

• 00:44 Protrusive Dental Pearl
• 04:16  Dr. Verônica Pereira de Lima Introduction
• 07:07 Journey of Dentistry in Brazil
• 08:34 Academia vs Clinical Practice
• 09:20 Journey about PhD and Work Surrounding Air Particle Abrasion
• 11:12 Importance of Air Particle Abrasion to Clinical Dentistry
• 15:57 Health Concerns Regarding Air Abrasion Particles
• 18:10 Air Abrasion Contraindication
• 20:13 Size of the Microns –  Clinical Guidelines
• 22:25 Pragmatic Approaches in Clinical Practice
• 24:28 Cojet as an Air Abrasion Particle
• 27:37 Improper Use of Air Abrasion
• 30:07 Air Abrasion Guidelines Regarding Different Ceramics
• 31:40 Alternatives to Air Abrasion
• 33:29 Dr. Veronica’s Personal Guidelines – Air Abrasion Protocol and Unit
• 40:27 Learning with Dr. Veronica 

Access the CPD quiz either on your browser or by downloading our mobile app. For the full educational experience, our Ultimate Education Plan gives you access to all our courses, webinars, and exclusive monthly content.

If you love this episode, be sure to watch Immediate Dentine Sealing Tutorial Part 1 – PDP173

I think self development and emotional intelligence is foundational to our relationships with others. It’s how we interact with our patients, significant others, children and family members. Investing in your personal development makes you a better communicator. That’s why you should listen to Dr. Agi Keramidas in this episode!

We discussed how to begin your self-development journey and what are the important areas for dentists to focus on. We hope you’ll apply just ONE THING whether it’s a book title that we recommend or implement one tip to better yourself or your interactions.

Highlights of the episode:

• 4:58 Dr. Agi Keramidas’ Introduction
• 10:57 Getting started with self-development
• 14:05 Important areas to develop for Dentists
• 21:04 Dr. Agi’s communication style
• 30:03 Roadmap to self-development
• 35:13 Practical tip for self-development

Check out these books recommended by Dr. Agi Keramidas

• How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• The Biology of Belief by Dr. Bruce Lipton
• The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman

Check out Dr. Agi Keramidas’ podcast: Personal Development Mastery for more personal development episodes

• Website: agikeramidas.com
• Podcast: personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com

If you loved this episode, you will like 12 Rules for Dentistry

Biomimetic Dentistry is the use of Restorative techniques and materials to mimic (and preserve) the structure and function of natural teeth. Dr. Taylor Paton will discuss his journey in Biomimetic Dentistry: how it differs from Adhesive dentistry and how it can be used to develop innovative treatment strategies for patients.

In this episode we also discussed philosophies and guidelines following the literature for optimal bond strengths, so that your clinical protocols may benefit from Biomimetic principles.

The Protrusive Dental Pearl: How to block out a metal post. Use something like ‘Ivoclar Direct Opaque flowable resin’, a masking agent that is highly opaque. Paint it on the dark tooth substrate or cover metal (eg a cast post) with it. Other brands include Pink Opaque by Cosmedent Inc

Premium users on the App can download Premium Notes by PDF and PDF Transcript.

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:52 The Protrusive Dental Pearl
• 7:15 Biomimetic Dentistry 
• 13:17 Dr. Taylor’s journey to Biomimetic Dentistry
• 21:48 The Hybrid Layer 
• 24:11 Improving Bond Strengths 
• 26:58 How Decoupling with time works 
• 31:41 Immediate dentin sealing concept 
• 36:19 Caries Detector dye 
• 42:58 Biomimetic Philosophy regarding crack management 

Check out Dr. Pav Khaira’s Academy of Implant Excellence which would give you a comprehensive course encompassing A-Z of implantology

If you like this episode, you’ll also like Composite Veneers vs Edge Bonding – Biomimetic Dentistry with George The Dentist 

One of the most common questions I get from colleagues is ‘Which Intra-Oral Scanner should I buy?’ – I don’t have the breadth of experience of testing all the scanners out there, but Dr. Gulshan Murgai does!

We discussed which scanner is best for your practice and how to choose the correct one for your needs. I hope you gain insight into the differences between the different scanners and help you move forwards a decision.

For me, one of the biggest takeaways was that it may not be so much about which scanner, but more about ‘what is the customer support and guidance like after I invest in one?’

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:00 Dr Gulshan Murgai Introduction
• 5:43 Which intraoral scanner should I purchase?
• 8:03 The best scanner on the market today and why?
• 12:37 Aligner system available for different scanners
• 15:17 Customer support on scanner companies
• 18:11 Scanner Prices
• 19:12 Caries detection within scanner
• 20:27 Importance of scanner and what’s the best for your practice

Check out Dr. Gulshan Murgai supply company Implant Solutions Direct and also 4D Ceramix, which is a full-production crown and bridge lab

Connect with Dr Gulshan Murgai

If you liked this episode, you might enjoy the Story Of Digital Occlusion

This episode is not eligible for CPD/CE points, but never fear, there are hundreds of hours of CPD waiting for you on the Protrusive App!

Ever considered moving to Dubai to practice Dentistry? Dr. Mark Georgy practiced in Abu Dhabi for 5 years, and Dr. Fraaz Ahmed moved to Dubai 5 days ago – on today’s episode we are lucky to get BOTH perspectives of life and Dentistry in the United Arab Emirates.

Fancy tax deductible Skiing + CPD next month? Check out Destination CPD by Mark Georgy

From qualifications to registration process and income potential, we covered it all in this episode.

“You have to have your license already sorted out, a lot of people just won’t reply unless you have your license, which you can do remotely, you DON’T have to come in to the country (UAE)”

Download Protrusive App on iOS and Android and Claim your Verifiable CPD/CE by answering a few questions on hundreds of episodes + You can get EARLY ACCESS to the episode + EXCLUSIVE content

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:32 Dr. Mark and Dr. Fraaz introduction
• 6:46 Considering Dubai as the place for practice
• 10:34 Dental Health Authority (DHA) License
• 12:19 Taking risks of moving to other countries
• 13:54 Requirements for foreign dentists to work in the UAE
• 17:06 Dental Protection in UAE
• 19:22 Family-run clinic
• 22:05 Contractual issues abroad 
• 30:00 Things to consider before moving abroad
• 33:34 Quality of life and schooling in UAE
• 37:26 Income tax and income levels in UAE
• 44:42 Daily life in the UAE
• 48:38 Language Issues
• 49:48 Advice in considering moving to the UAE

Enlighten Smiles sponsored this episode with their great whitening products and also their course flagship composite bonding course called Mini Smile Makeover, which is really heavy duty full sequence from peg laterals to composite veneers by the famous Dipesh Parmar.

If you enjoyed this, you might also like this episode The American Dental Dream with Dr. Kristina Gauchan

I admit it. I have relied FAR too much on my lab technicians to help design my chrome partial dentures. This needs to change! I realised that I want to take control of the denture design process – who better than the King of Removable Prosthodontics education Dr Finlay Sutton to help us ‘Make Dentures Great Again’!

In this episode, Dr. Finlay Sutton clarifies the philosophy behind Scandinavian Chrome Dentures. He also explains what each appointment entails to help those earlier in their career.

Download Protrusive App on iOS and Android and Claim your Verifiable CPD/CE by answering a few questions + You can get EARLY ACCESS to the episode + EXCLUSIVE content

The Protrusive Dental Pearl: DENTURE DESIGN CHEAT SHEET! Dr. Finlay came up with a Universal Design Sheet. It covers all aspects of missing teeth – all different combinations and patterns of tooth loss. It covers teeth with good prognosis and also teeth with dubious prognosis

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:15 Protrusive Dental Pearl
• 4:05 Dr. Finlay Sutton’s Introduction to Partial Denture
• 6:31 The Scandinavian Partial Dentures vs other designs
• 11:24 Scandinavian approach for Chromework
• 12:56 Acrylic-based Partial Dentures
• 18:04 Indications for Chrome Palate on Complete Denture
• 21:17 Acrylic dentures with a wire mesh inside?
• 22:49 Cast Partial Dentures Protocol – Appointment by Appointment
• 32:13 Patient Reviews 
• 34:39 Average treatment fees

Join us for The Scandinavian Approach to Partial Dentures with Dr. Finlay Sutton in Reading, UK on the 13th of January OR the 14th of January

If you enjoyed this, you may also like another episode with Dr. Finlay about Chrome Dentures Made Easier

This podcast will change the way you think about pulpotomies and endodontics in general.  Georg Benjamin explains that severe throbbing pain (or classic signs of IRREVERSIBLE PULPITIS) does not necessarily mean a pulpectomy is needed. Instead, we can consider a pulpotomy for permanent teeth to preserve radicular pulp tissue and maintaining a vital tooth!

Download Protrusive App on iOS and Android and Claim your Verifiable CPD/CE answering a few questions + EXCLUSIVE content:

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Check if your anesthetic is successful by carrying out an objective test by placing EndoFrost (-50 C) on the tooth (about 10 secs) and checking for a cold response. If the patient is not fully numb yet, they will still feel something. If they are sufficiently numb, this test gives you (and some nervous patients!) confidence. I like this before placing rubber dam as I hate ever removing the dam to top up LA!

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:02 Protrusive Dental Pearl
• 4:47 Georg Benjamin’s Dental Podcast Journey
• 7:10 Georg’s Endodontic Journey
• 11:46 Case Discussion: Pulpal Diagnosis
• 16:17 Pulpotomy
• 19:37 Direct Pulp capping 
• 22:26 Indirect Pulp Cap
• 23:58 Pulpotomy Protocol
• 26:59 Classifications of Pulpotomy 
• 30:52 Bleeding Time Protocol
• 33:31  Patient Communication 
• 35:34 Treatment Decision-Making
• 38:57 Success rate of pulpotomy
• 41:10 Early and Late failures
• 42:30 Long-term treatment
• 45:14 Unhealthy pulp
• 48:08 Materials and Products for Pulpotomy
• 50:54 Leaving carious dentine as base

For our German Protruserati, check out Georg’s Dental Podcast

If you enjoyed this, you might also like this episode with  Dr Ammar Al-Hourani ‘Is Single Point Obturation Acceptable?’

Did you know that Dentistry was voted the unhealthiest career in the world? Multiple times. That’s right, we’re number one! The grim reality is that we take on all sorts of professional and personal risks on a daily basis.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Rohan Verma, a clinical dentist and fitness coach to record this wholesome episode. We talked about what steps we can take to improve our health. At the end of our conversation, we also talked about diet as well. I hope this episode will address our unique professional challenges and help you become healthier and more mindful about everything you’re doing for mental and physical well-being.

Highlights of this episode:

• 1:51 Dr. Rohan Verma’s Introduction
• 3:46 Mental Health Awareness
• 6:39 Biggest mistakes dentists are making with their health 
• 11:09 Posture Issues
• 14:50 The significance of sleep
• 16:52 Importance of setting a routine for better health improvement
• 24:16 Working out routine
• 29:09 Dr. Rohan’s stand on different kinds of diet
• 31:29 The benefit of calorie counting

Check out Dr. Rohan Verma’s Instagram to get some tips on how to improve your health – as well as a Dentist he’s an online fitness coach.

Monitor your calorie intake with this MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter available on:

• iOS: MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter
• Google Play: MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter

📨 Download Protrusive App and Claim Verifiable CPD/CE + EXCLUSIVE content:

• iOS: Protrusive App
• Android: Protrusive App

If you enjoyed this episode, then do check out 5 Lessons from Lincoln Harris 

Do you believe that Resin Bonded Bridges are exclusively a temporary or short-term solution? Lots of our colleagues around the world mistakenly believe this. It’s not a secret that I am a fan of this treatment modality—I want to break down the misconceptions about them because IN THE RIGHT CASE they can be a very predictable tooth replacement option.

In this episode, Dr. Salman Pirmohamed shared successes and failures and what we can learn from them to improve our clinical protocols from abutment selection to adhesive techniques.

Claim 75 minutes CE on Protrusive App.

The Protrusive Dental Pearl: Always visualise your path of insertion – do you need to do some additional prep to get a more favourable path of insertion?

It’s not just for dentures! For any indirect crowns/bridges, it is important to assess for a path of insertion. Make a visualisation of this – you may have to prep more or prepare the adjacent tilted teeth to allow for a suitable path of insertion sometimes.

Salman’s Webinar on Sunday 4th Dec LIVE: https://buy.stripe.com/4gw14Pb8Q47Q8yk5kk

Highlight of this episode:

• 1:48 The Protrusive Dental Pearl
• 3:17  Dr. Salman Pirmohamed’s Introduction 
• 8:16 Resin-bonded Bridges being underutilized
• 9:43 Resin-bonded bridges over the years and its Protocol
• 12:18 RBB – functional for patients?
• 17:26 Case Selection Criteria
• 20:25 Case Number 1
• 22:43 Case Number 2
• 23:16 Dahl Technique on RBB
• 24:57 Cantilever as the standard design of choice for RBB
• 27:40 Case Number 3
• 29:25 Case Number 4
• 32:47 Mesial cantilever vs Distal Cantilever
• 37:34 RBB Lab Prescription
• 39:43 Incisal Overlap
• 42:06 Pontic Design ideal for RBB
• 47:48 RBB Clinical Protocol
• 1:00:09 Zirconia RBB protocols
• 1:06:46 Periodontal Splinting
• 1:15:21 Two failures with Resin-bonded bridges

Have a read about this evidence-based literature as referenced by Dr. Salman

Also, check out this paper written by Dr. Jaz Gulati

If you loved this episode, you might also love this Group Function talking about Dahl Technique and ‘Maryland Bridges’

How often do you review your risk management? Do you follow the appropriate radiography guidelines or palpate canines when you are supposed to? These are not the exhilarating or rewarding parts of our clinical practice but they are fundamental and foundational.

In this episode with Dr. Lucy Nichols, a general dentist who also does some dento-legal work in the UK, she shares her 10 commandments for safer dentistry and avoiding dento-legal claims.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: ‘I don’t have time’ is just not true. It’s a lie we tell ourselves. We should reframe it. Instead, we should say “I’m not making [task / activity / necessity] a PRIORITY in my life right now”. We should reflect on what are we making a priority in our lives right now.

Highlights of this episode:

• 1:17 Protrusive Dental Pearl
• 4:33 Dr. Lucy Nichols’ Introduction
• 8:08 10 Commandments for Staying Out of Trouble:

1. Thou Shalt Take Bitewings on Children 9:08
2. Thou Shalt take Bitewings on Adults 13:31
3. Thou Shalt Always be Suspicious of a Non-healing socket 15:29 
4. Thou Shalt Always be Suspicious of Sore Patches on the Side of the Tongue or on the Cheek 18:21
5. Thou Shalt Know How to Deal with a Hypochlorite Injury 21:24
6. Thou Shalt Not Use Chlorhexidine Mouthwash as your Root Canal Irrigant 30:34
7. Thou Shalt do Further Charting when you have 3s and 4s on your BPE 35:06
8. Thou Shalt Not Rely on Only a Single Visit Scaling without Local Anaesthetic on Patients with Increased Pocketing 40:42
9. Thou Shalt Not Underestimate ID Nerve Injuries 45:29
10. Thou Shalt Always Palpate for Canines at Age 10 53:39

PDF Infographic available in the ‘Protrusive Vault’ in the App (iOS and Android)

Check out Dr. Lucy Nichols website

If you loved this episode, please check out Passion and Values in Dentistry

I am a big believer that the culture of your work place is probably the number one determinant of your fulfilment and joy from clinical Dentistry.

In this non clinical episode I talk with Dr. Sandy about his past experiences and the reasons he had to make a significant change in order to find fulfillment in his career. We also discuss how to recognize a toxic culture in Dentistry and how to stand up for yourself if you’re in one of those environments.

We hope this episode inspires you to take some sort of action, whether it’s small or large, that will improve your enjoyment of work.

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:13 Dr. Sandy’s Introduction
• 3:16 Dental Public Health Experience
• 6:16 Dr. Sandy’s Transition from Public Health to Private Practice
• 10:11 Taking massive action
• 14:10 Recognizing a toxic working culture
• 17:29 Stepping out of the toxic work environment
• 19:33 Significance of having a plan for your career
• 24:57 Importance of taking clinical photos
• 29:26 Improving Dentistry through social media
• 34:48 Dealing with litigations and patient complaints
• 41:55 Recognize solutions rather than problems

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like Being Unstoppable with Ferhan Ahmed

Paying through the nose for your indemnity? You may get better protection with insurance AND it has saved Dentists £1000s – get a quote today from PDI / AllMedPro and get an additional £100 off (this is a promotional link that will save you money)

Associate contracts are actually a HUGE deal that we do not give enough attention to…

How long can your principal keep your retention for?

Is it really true you cannot work within a certain radius?

How principals and associates may be getting screwed over by the poor contract!

Finding the right principal/associate is very exciting, so much so that we sometimes forget how important it is to read through the small print of our contract. 

This can prove very costly in the future in our industry where mistakes do happen, so it is extremely important to be aware of what we are signing up for.

Join us today with Neel Jaiswal and Sarah Buxton for a breakdown of how to negotiate the right contract for you, the power of being an Associate in this day and age, and the importance of Insurance. There’s a lot more in this episode so don’t miss out…’Court is in session!’

Highlights of this Episode:
02:08 Sarah Buxton and Dr Neel Jaiswal 
08:40 Associate Contracts
11:15 Who Checks the Contract?
13:50 Contract Bias towards Principals?
18:50 Getting Contracts Checked
21:28 Retention of Fees
30:48 Annual Leave
35:00 Exclusion Zones
43:04 Vicarious Liability
52:18 How to get in touch

For the full educational experience, our Ultimate Education Plan gives you access to all our courses, webinars, and exclusive monthly content. This includes Vertipreps for Plonkers and clinical videos demonstrating Onlay Preps.

If you liked this episode, you will also like GF019 – Indemnity vs Insurance

Have you ever prepared the last molar for a crown? And just when you check the occlusal reduction, the patient bites down and as if by magic, the reduction has all DISAPPEARED?! It is the phenomenon that we call ‘The Last Tooth in the Arch Syndrome’

This episode with Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim will give you more confidence in recognizing, screening, and managing such complications in practice. But like I say in the main episode, optimistically, this phenomenon will never happen to you AGAIN if you follow these protocols for screening.

Protrusive Dental Pearl:  Watch out for the patient with quite flat teeth as they are more susceptible to the last tooth in the arch syndrome / bite change. They do not have good posterior coupling/stability and therefore more likely to ‘forget’ their bite as the cuspal inclines do not guide the mandible back in to maximum intercuspation.

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:41 Protrusive Dental Pearl
• 6:09 Introduction to Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim
• 9:34 What is Centric relation?
• 10:45 Last tooth in the arch syndrome
• 13:14 Risk assessment for Last Tooth in the Arch Syndrome
• 15:52 Screening patient’s CRCP and the degree of slide
• 17:33 Leaf Gauge protocol for screening CRCP
• 30:23 Communication with High-risk patients
• 34:35 Case Discussion
• 44:36 Management of space loss after preparation
• 46:24 Dr. Mahmoud’s top tips to prevent the ‘Last Tooth in the Arch Syndrome
• 58:47 Occlusion Basics and Beyond

Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim and I are currently working on a huge project called OBAB, Occlusion Basics and Beyond – it will be the best occlusion resource in the Milky Way…and that’s our mission! We want to finally demystify Occlusion and make it Tangible AF!

Join the waiting list HERE!

If you loved this episode, you will like If You are Not In Centric Relation, You Will Die

From the entire Protrusive Community – we wish Sanj a speedy recovery – keep smiling Sanj and stay strong!

In the previous episode with Sanj Bhanderi on ‘how to extirpate properly and efficiently‘, we briefly touched on postoperative pain control. In this episode, we’re focusing more on postoperative pain and the dreaded severe pain after the obturation appointment (or in-between visits).

Highlight of this episode:

• 2:27 Post-op pain after endodontic treatment
• 7:43 Flare-ups
• 9:46 Guidelines in antibiotic microbial management
• 11:03 Flare up in between visits (RCT has not been finished yet)
•  13:40 Crown Down approach

Dr Finlay Sutton is coming down South for his one-day signature RPD Masterclass on Saturday 14th of January 2023!  Limited to 12 delegates, reserve your seat now!

If you enjoyed this, you might also like my episode with another talented Endodontist, Dr Ammar Al-Hourani, on Is Single Point Obturation Acceptable? 

Have you ever been planning a smile (this could be a complete denture or some veneers!) and thought ‘where do I begin’?

Planning aesthetic dentistry involves more than just the teeth. A great smile is ‘facially driven’ – where do the teeth sit in relation to the face?Today we are joined by Dr. Josh Rowley to share the four rules of planning Aesthetic Dentistry (you will love them).

The Protrusive Dental Pearl: Don’t start complex/comprehensive treatment on someone who is not sure or not motivated.

Highlights in this episode:

• 2:58 The Protrusive Dental Pearl – Communication Tip
• 14:49 Screening for the first point of contact for Orthodontic patients
• 16:36 Four rules of planning Aesthetic Dentistry
• 35:10 SureSmile Aligners
• 39:35 Low trim height
• 41:24 High trim height
• 44:03 Support system for Sure Smile

Check out the courses that Dr. Josh teaches through IAS Academy and SureSmile Aligners

When you Extirpate a Hot Pulp – do you need to find ALL the canals? Do you need to file to the apex? Which is the sedative of choice?

In this episode, we’ve got specialist Endodontist Dr Sanj Bhanderi to talk us through the CORRECT way to extirpate teeth in acute pain WITHOUT wasting time or making things worse for future treatment. It’s packed full of gems for pain relief, diagnosis and isolation.

So, what is your protocol for extirpation? This episode is all about how to get the job done right and minimize discomfort for your patient.

“I call it Ninja endodontics – get in and GET OUT – Stealth!” Dr. Sanj Bhanderi

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:38 Dr. Sanj’s journey to Endodontics
• 6:30 Emergency extirpations
• 8:42 Diagnosis Protocol Irreversible Pulpitis
• 11:57 Anaesthetic for Hot Pulps
• 15:33 Caries and Restoration Removal Before Extirpating?
• 19:16 Vital pulp therapy
• 21:19 Isolation Protocol
• 25:30 Sedative Dressing for Acute Pain
• 28:42 Temporary restoration of choice
• 31:39 Post Op Medicaments

Tune in for the Part 2 of this episode – next week we cover post-operative pain after endodontic treatment.

If you enjoyed this, you might also like my episode with another talented Endodontist,  Ammar Al-Hourani, on Is Single Point Obturation Acceptable?

Orthodontics for the mixed dentition is not well taught at Dental School – for which malocclusions should you intervene and by what age? Dr. Amanda Wilson will show you how to identify whether early or interceptive orthodontics is right for your young patients as part of their antero-posterior, vertical and transverse development.

The Protrusive Dental Pearl: Prevent misdiagnosing ectopic canines by palpating the permanent canine early (from age 10 onwards). Put your index fingers a little bit apical and a little bit distal to the lateral incisors and you should be able to feel a 5-10 millimeter bulge

Highlights of this episode:

• 1:58 Prevent misdiagnosing ectopic canines
• 8:55  Difference between Interceptive and Phase one
• 16:15 Phase 1 Interceptive Treatment Guidelines
• 20:20 Arch Expander Guidelines
•   24:07 Crossbite Tendency
•  24:57 Rapid versus Slow Expansion
• 27:42 Guidelines using functional appliances
• 28:21 Invisalign Mandibular Advancement
• 31:10 Deep Bite Guidelines
• 34:08 Q: Percentage of patients that would undergo Phase 2
• 36:43 Patient(Parent) Communication
• 39:51 Retention Protocol
• 43:36 My Phase One Smile PDF

Get this My Phase One Step-By-Step PDF Checklist by Dr. Amanda to get started and help you diagnose malocclusions

Check out Straight Smile Solutions for more Orthodontic Consulting and StraightSmile Solutions Orthodontic Coach for GPs for Orthodontic Educational Videos

If you enjoyed this episode, you should also check out General Dentists Doing Orthodontics 

Is flapless implant placement really a solid technique? What percentage of cases are amenable to flapless implant placement?

The cynic in me wondered if this is indeed a novel technique, or was it made mainstream to attract Dentists who seldom raise flaps?

I brought on straight-talking Implant genius Dr. Pav Khaira on today’s Group Function to discuss flapless implant placement – ‘what’s the deal?!’

Highlights of this episode:

• 4:36 The Rise of Flapless Implants
• 7:04 Indications for Flapless implants
• 9:43 Immediate implant placement
• 13:59 Advice to Young Dentists considering implants
• 18:56 Implant Mentorship
• 24:11 Dr. Pav’s Implantology Course
• 27:46 From Course to Implementation

Check out The Dental Implant Podcast for information on dental implants and the Academy of Implant Excellence to learn how to place implants or upgrade your skills.

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like ‘Can I Probe This Implant?’

As a Dentist, the first years are always the hardest. You have to adjust to unfamiliar situations and people constantly. A newbie’s nerves can lead to self-doubt and hesitation whilst navigating this steep learning curve. I brought on recently qualified Dr. Saeed Cheraghi to guide you through the first few years of the ‘University of Life’.

“You come out of Dental school thinking you know things and then you go into the real world and you realize you actually don’t know that much at all!” Dr. Saeed Cheraghi.

Highlights of this episode:

• 8:31 Indirect Dentistry experience 
• 10:15 Challenges in terms of treatment phasing
• 12:17 Level of support being a newbie dentist
• 15:03 Dental training
• 18:07 Overcoming lack of experience
• 30:34 Worrying about litigations
• 35:05 Importance of Health
• 39:59 Lesson from experience

This episode is not eligible for CPD but you can check out other CPD-verified episodes on our Protrusive App on a web browser or you download the iOS App or the Android App.

This episode is brought to you by Enlighten Smiles, a premium brand of teeth whitening. They also run the Mini Smile Makeover Course – a composite course I really recommend.

If you liked this episode, you will love How to Win at Life and Succeed in Dentistry – Emotional Intelligence

My story of coming to the UK as a refugee from Afghanistan aged 6 and my journey in to Dentistry. I share some tough times and what drives me today. I explained why I think Dentistry was mis-sold to many of us as a 9-5 job (HA!) and my top books and influences.

I’m delighted to be a guest on the Soft Bites Podcast. The hosts, Manuela and Jorge, have both been guests on the Protrusive Dental Podcast in the past.

Highlights of this episode:

• 4:48 My Story: Refugee 1996
• 7:17 Life adversities
• 17:13 Importance of going through difficult moments
• 22:31 Podcasting Journey
• 27:38 Practicing a positive mindset
• 31:51 Importance of education and information
• 35:36 Good communication skills
• 45:38 Balance between the professional and personal life
• 55:25 Core values in life
• 59:30 Future goals for The Protrusive Dental Podcast and clinical dentistry

Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim and I are launching an occlusion course called OBAB (Occlusion Basics And Beyond). This course is o help you design and execute restorations from a single tooth to anterior aesthetic cases to full mouth rehab.

Also, sign up for our monthly occlusion tip for you to get the kind of clinical content that we are preparing with OBAB

If you loved this, be sure to watch Dentistry is STRESSFUL – this Podcast will help you

Preserve bone, be kinder to the tissues – but NOT necessarily at the expense of time. A great insight in to Atraumatic Extractions from Dr Diyari. Some say that ALL extractions should be atraumatic, and therefore this is a ‘made-up’ term by implant bods. By clarifying some misconceptions today, Dr. Diyari Abdah gives us an inside look at WHY and HOW atraumatic extractions can be efficient and effective.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Life Advice: “Never take advice from anyone who you wouldn’t switch places with”

This episode is brought to you by Enlighten Smiles which is a premium brand of teeth whitening that guarantees B1 shade. If you want to know more about teeth whitening and get better results for your patients, do check out their webinar, Enlighten Online Training.

Highlights of this episode:

• 1:28 Protrusive Dental Pearl: Life Advice
• 12:08 Atraumatic Extractions
• 15:02 Additional skill set and tools to achieve atraumatic extractions
• 24:24 Atraumatic Extractions Protocol
• 27:19 Literature regarding Piezosurgery
• 33:01 Collagen Plug

Check out these studies regarding Piezosurgery:

Learn more about Implant Dentistry with Dr. Diyari’s The Most Accelerated Practical and Comprehensive Dental Implant Course with ADDITIONAL 10% off (including the Early Bird pricing)

If you enjoyed this episode, check out Make Extractions Less Difficult: Regain Confidence by Sectioning and Elevating Teeth

Half way in to a tricky extraction you hear a voice…”Maybe now is a time to raise a flap?”

You ignore this voice and keep sweating with the luxator in hand, because it has been far too long since you raised a flap and you dread the nurse’s reaction.

If this is you, then we got you. I brought on Consultant Oral Surgeon Dr. Sami Stagnell to share his tips and pearls in Oral Surgery, specifically WHEN and HOW to raise cleaner flaps, as well as what types of flaps to consider for each situation and when NOT to consider extending beyond an envelope flap.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Nice and Clean Extraction Sites – Use the spoon end of Mitchell’s trimmer to clean the surgical site for 30 secs to 2 minutes.

Highlights of this episode:

• 1:27 Protrusive Dental Pearl: Nice and Clean Extraction Sites
• 13:43 How to gain confidence in raising a flap
• 21:51 Envelope Flaps
• 30:09 Guidelines regarding relieving incisions
• 37:32 Raising a nice clean flap
• 41:45 Guidelines in lifting the papilla
• 44:56 Blades – 15 vs 15C vs 12 blade

Improve your Oral Surgery Sectioning with this speed-increasing electric handpiece at Incidental Limited. And get 5% OFF their entire products with the code ‘onions‘!

Check out the Oral Surgery Course that Dr. Sami Stagnell will be launching in 2023.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out Make Extractions Less Difficult: Regain Confidence by Sectioning and Elevating Teeth

Have you ever considered Dental Aid Work?

Imagine giving up your morning starbucks and your air conditioned dental surgery to work in a developing country that has just 7 dentists.

Fellow Protruserati, Dr James Hunter and his young family will be doing just this – they are preparing for a four-year mission to Liberia, Africa, to dedicate themselves to dental aid work.

Follow along as we delve into their story of skill, passion, and humanitarianism.

Highlights of this Episode:
00:00 Introduction
2:52 From Theology to Dentistry
5:35 Dr. James on Dentistry
06:44 The Decision to Move to Liberia for Aid Work
09:52 Understanding Liberia’s History and Needs
15:28 The Future Plans for Dental Aid in Liberia
18:37 Motivations Behind the Mission
20:04 The Challenge of Committing to Charity Work
20:57 Financial Planning, Schooling and Adaptation for Children Abroad
26:40 Sharing Experiences and Encouraging Aid Work
28:13 Raising Awareness and Support for the Mission
32:09 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Be sure to visit https://www.thehuntersinliberia.co.uk/ for details on supporting charity work in Liberia. Additionally, explore other charity websites in your country for more ways to make a difference locally.

This episode is not eligible for CPD/CE points, but never fear, there are hundreds of hours of CPD waiting for you on the Protrusive App!

For the full educational experience, our Ultimate Education Plan gives you access to all our courses, webinars, and exclusive monthly content. This includes Vertipreps for Plonkers and clinical videos demonstrating Onlay Preps.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss out on watching “The International Dental Student – From Ukraine to Egypt to Slovakia – IC047”

My worst nightmare: a patient complaint.

We share with you a story of triumph as one of our colleagues SUCCESSFULLY defended a complaint. We reflect on the lessons learned and how to manage complaints (including the emotional side).

Dr. Gulshan Murgai spoke about a long and arduous case that was resolved in his favor, demonstrating that he has patience and determination in spades. We will also discuss the importance of attending risk management lectures and how to deal with this nasty situation you might face with unhappy patients.

Highlights of this episode:

• The scenario that led to the patient’s complaint 8:41
• Insurance-based scheme 16:40
• Patient’s Complaint 19:07
• Legal narrative 22:08
• Dealing litigation emotionally 31:29
• Emotional help for dentists 34:45
• Importance of risk management courses 38:32
• Lessons from the case 41:27

Head over to Confidental for Emotional Support for dentists in distress.

Connect with Dr Gulshan Murgai

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also love 10 Habits of Highly Successful (and Most Valued) Dentists

Being a dental student is tough – you’re learning a clinical and surgical discipline alongside all the challenges of relationships, studying and social interactions. In this episode with Dr. Lincoln Harris, we talked about three key themes relevant for dental students: overcoming fear, leveling up your skills, and being able to cope with failures.

“You only get confident once you DO the thing that you’re afraid of” Dr. Lincoln Harris.

Highlights of this episode:

• Students pursuing growth vs Students enjoying uni life 12:07
• Overcoming Fear 16:44
• Coping with Failure 26:01
• Discovery throughout Dental Career 31:36

For Dental Students who want to have a head start in their Dental Career, join us LIVE on Friday 30th of September with Dr. Lincoln Harris. Register Now!

For Dentists who want to see Lincoln Harris LIVE in London for a full-day keynote lecture: From Class 1 Composites to Complicated crown preps. Email or DM us on Insta for a super special student rate.

Check out Ripe Global, one of the biggest groups in Dentistry with 80,000+ members!

If you enjoyed this episode, then do check out this 5 Lessons from Dr. Lincoln Harris 

We have switched roles! In this episode Jaz gets interviewed by Dr. Devang Patel on The Ultimate Dentist Podcast. The focus here is bigger picture stuff: trying to improve your clinical skills, finding your niche, dealing with imposter syndrome, burnout and the need for FOCUS!

“Gain some self-awareness, figure out what your strengths are, and play to your strengths in your life, in your relationships, in your career, and everything!” Dr. Jaz Gulati

Highlights of this episode:

• 3:34 Motivation and Challenges in doing Dentistry
• 7:17 Niching down in Dentistry
• 11:55 Becoming more focused on the path you chose
• 16:35 Journey in implementing what you learned in clinical practice
• 17:38 Protrusive Dental Podcast Journey
• 21:51 Dealing burnout in Dentistry
• 25:26 Future Plans
• 29:41 Criteria on CPD Courses
• 31:33 Lesson learned on the journey
• 36:50 Golden tips for the new dentists
• 42:16 Improving your Dentistry

Want to expand your horizon with TMD and Splints? Check out SplintCourse for a comprehensive online course.

If you enjoyed this episode, do check out Adhesive Full Mouth Rehabs in 11 Appointments with Dr. Devang Patel

Sub-Gingival dentistry: the dark, scary, bloody world you don’t see as much on Instagram. Straight talking Dr Lincoln Harris will help you choose the right retraction cord protocols to reduce your stress during subgingival caries removal and crown/onlay preparations.

Join us to see Lincoln Harris LIVE in London for a full-day keynote lecture: From Class 1 Composites to Complicated crown preps. 

Protrusive Dental Pearl: When inverting/tucking in the rubber dam, instruct your DA to blow air continuously at your flat plastic instrument as it works around the sulcus. This will effectively and efficiently tuck/invert the rubberdam for a better seal (and sexier photos!)

Highlights of this episode:

• 3:33 Protrusive pearl regarding inverting/tucking the rubber dam
• 6:40 Deep Subgingival Caries cases
• 11:44 Deep Subgingival Caries Protocol
• 22:44 Which Retraction Cords to Use
• 25:10 Retraction cord protocol on Silicone Impression
• 30:50 Retraction cord protocol on Digital Scanners 
• 31:48 Teflon as Retractor
• 35:53 Isolation of Class V restorations
• 42:02 Place of rubberdam on class V restorations

Check out Ripe Global, one of the biggest groups in Dentistry with 80,000+ members!

As a bonus, check this one-page summary of this episode

Head over to protrusive.link under the Infographics Tab for the other one-page infographics summary of the past episodes

If you enjoyed this episode, then do check out this 5 Lessons from Dr. Lincoln Harris and also this Rubber Dam Isolation by Dr. Harmeet Grewal

When is Botox an appropriate option for the management of Temporomandibular Disorders? Knowing this will help you make better referrals, or even consider Botox as a management strategy. Dr. Sheila Li guides us on the use of Botox/Toxins for TMD pain management. We discuss indications, protocols and regulatory requirements (which surprised me!) – as well as learning if these patients will now require Botox indefinitely…?

Protrusive Dental Pearl: How do you routinely check the masseters and the temporalis at your new patient examination? As a restorative dentist, the most important thing I want to know (and what will influence the occlusal risk for my patient) is the size of the masseters. Start palpating and feeling for the size of the masseters to understand how much force these patients can generate! If you want to learn more, join the Facebook Group: Protrusive Dental Community because I’ll be doing a little blog post on that about the significance of masseter size on Occlusal risk.

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:50 Checking Masseters and Temporalis
• 13:34 Dr. Sheila’s journey in managing TMD pain patients
• 16:13 Ideal case selection for Botox regarding TMD
• 21:15 Botox as a standalone vs Botox as an adjunct to splint therapy
• 24:26 Patient communication about the frequency of Botox treatment
• 26:39 Place of Botox for myofascial pain patients
• 30:01 Additional indemnity for GDPs in doing Botox
• 33:31 Functional Perspective of Botox
• 34:47 Success rates in using Botox for TMD pain management
• 39:53 Experience of having Botox
• 41:55 Long-term side effects of Botox

Learn more about Botox with Dr. Sheila Li on her functional toxin course just for dentists to treat functional elements! 

Want to level up occlusal appliance therapy and TMD management? Check out SplintCourse for a comprehensive online course.

If you enjoyed this episode, do check out TMD Full Exam with ‘The TMJ Doc’ Dr. Priya Mistry 

Being ‘Mum’ is the hardest (and most rewarding) job in the world. What are the unique challenges of Parenthood for Dentists? I’m thrilled to be sharing this non-clinical episode with you about work-life ‘balance’, especially if you’re thinking of starting a family one day (or just want to reminisce about real-world challenges facing young Dentists that are parents). Even if you’re not a parent, I think it will help you in your career and personal life. Dr. Hardeep Basi and I also discuss why Women in Dentistry sometimes do not get the recognition they deserve.

Highlights of this episode:

• Dr. Hardeep’s Journey 6:33
• The ‘complaint’ that changed Dr. Hardeep’s perspective in  life 13:01
• Motherhood affecting career progression 19:34
• Parenthood and Dentistry 28:14
• Female (Mothers) Support Group (Lead Her) 33:57
• Work-Life Quality 38:20
• Worrying about the Future 52:51 

Check out the Support Group LEAD HER that Dr. Hardeep established to support females especially mothers in having the work-life quality they deserved!

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like Being Unstoppable with Ferhan Ahmed

Let’s demystify what is often considered an ‘advanced’ Restorative technique: Shell crowns. My guest Dr. Basil Mizrahi is known for Comprehensive Dentistry and teaches Dentists the art of perfect provisionals- we go from A to Z of Shell Crown, how to reline them and cover all the nitty gritty details of this useful technique.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Preventing Bisacryl Temporary Crowns from cracking: Hollow out the inside of the temporary crown (just enough space for the cement) and therefore create the space for the temporary cement to flow and exit, preventing cracking of the temporary crown. Check out @Dental.Story IG page

“You should become familiar with acrylic before shell crowns” Dr. Basil Mizrahi

Highlights of this episode:

• Preventing Bisacryl Temporary Crowns from cracking 5:35
• Temporary Crowns 12:08
• What is a Shell Crown? 13:59
• Technician role in creating Shell Crowns 15:22
• Acrylic Shells vs Bis-acryl Temporaries 20:07
• ‘Relining’ an Acrylic Temporary Shell  21:20
• Using Bisacryl instead of Acrylic inside a Shell 24:14
• Relining Acrylic Shell with Fresh Acrylic 25:00
• Use of Vaseline? 35:41
• ‘Fit Checker’ for shell crowns 38:26
• Anterior vs Posterior relining 39:23
• Shell Crowns vs Lab Made Acrylic Crowns 40:19
• Shade decisions in relining the shells 42:47
• How to Remove shell crowns 44:08
• Polishing after relining 45:59
• Multiple Shells at increased OVD 46:49

Head over to protrusive.link for the one-page summary of this episode and for the other summarized infographics of the past episodes

To learn more about it, check out Dr. Basil’s Courses and other wonderful stuff on his website!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out the Adhesive Full Mouth Rehabs in 11 Appointments (Part 1)

Listen to that voice inside your head! We all get those clues and a bad feeling in your gut when you see a red flag patient. The challenge is being receptive to this feeling and acting upon it tactfully. I share 2 examples of encounters where I either ignored the alarm bells, and 1 scenario recently where I avoided a disaster.

Highlights of this episode:

• 1:34 ‘Alarm Bells Scenarios’
• 2:20 Case No. 1 (Extraction on a 78-year-old patient)
• 7:47 Case No.2 (Heat Burn on Patient’s inner cheek/lip)
• 9:20 Warning Signs

If you loved this episode, you will like 12 Rules for Dentistry 

In this episode with Dr. Carlos Sanchez, we’re going to take a look at the concept of additive equilibration as a way of managing tooth wear. In other words, it’s an occlusion-based technique that involves adding composite or ceramic to achieve the ideal restorative results and we’re going to try to help you understand what that is. There are also some themes that are discussed in the same way as the Dahl technique.

Protrusive dental Pearl: Keeping PTFE tape secure – a straightforward trick I found to keep the PTFE so it doesn’t get sucked away is to floss the PTFE through more distal contacts. It gives the PTFE some security and resistance to being sucked away. So it’s not going to make that horrible sound and you get to keep that PTFE in the stable place!

If you want to improve your skills and your understanding of occlusion, I’ve set up a free monthly resource for you starting this August! Just head to www.occlusion.wtf to sign up for monthly occlusion goodness.

Highlights of this episode:

• 2:40 Protrusive Dental Pearl – Keeping PTFE tape secure 
• 9: 43 Fundamentals of Additive Equilibration
• 37:28  Journey of Additive Equilibration
• 44:22 Additive Equilibration workflow in generalized wear cases
• 1:00:37 Restoring lateral and central incisors for aesthetic reasons (after canines)
• 1:06:36 Anterior coupling in class two increased overjet cases

Check out CaSi 3C Instrument and all the other instruments that Dr. Carlos has made. Distributed by CosmeDent and Enlighten Smiles in the UK

Another instrument you need to check out on Dr. Carlos’ website is this Vacu-Grip. This little plastic insert that fits in your suction would hold your crown like an extra gravity. 

Check this Easy Peasy technique that Dr. Jaz mentioned: The ESIPC Jig

If you liked this episode, you will also enjoy Basics of Occlusion

Welcome to PART 2 of composite excellence with Dr. Javier Quirós where we cover the procedural details such as the interproximal management of composites and the prevention of stains.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: There is a benefit of having nice tight contacts on our temporary crowns – but how can we polish our temporary crowns without ending up with open contacts? The trick is to get a Sharpie pen or indelible pencil and color in a small circle (maybe about two to three millimeters) mesial and distal of where the contact area is. Now finish and polish your temporary crown using burs/discs BUT do not touch that penciled mark. Ta da! You have just maintained the contact area. I know, why didn’t anyone tell you before?!

This episode is sponsored by Enlighten who are the sole distributors of Cosmedent Products who are the ones that sell  Casi 3C instrument. This is a non-stick instrument that provides a perfect curved shape that beautifully forms the palatal contours of your incisors. 

Highlights of this episode:

7:23 Mylar Pull Technique

9:57 The 5 Ps of Composite Success

23:49 Digital Facebow Transfer

Check out the upcoming courses with Dr. Javier Quirós!

Be sure to watch the first part of this episode Composite Excellence Part 1 and you’ll surely love this series!

Have we fully shifted towards lithium disilicate overlays and onlays?

Are full crowns considered a sin in 2024? (Maybe just on Instagram then!)

Spoiler: Crowns TOTALLY have a place, and so do large direct composite restorations!

Dr Alan Burgin and I share our decision making trees for indirect restorations as part of ‘Crowns and Onlays Month’ on Protrusive Dental Podcast.

Find out which clinical factors sway us more towards a Overlay vs a Vertiprep – and the rationale for each type of restoration.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Use Vaseline on the gingivae when carrying out a ‘smile trial’ or bis-acryl mock-up – will result in an easier clean up!

Highlights of this Episode:
01:54 Protrusive Dental Pearl
02:44 Introduction – Dr Alan Burgin
18:20 Types of Indirect Restorations
31:16 From Onlay to Crown
44:40 Crowns – Traditional vs Verti-Preps
54:00 Reflection
57:48 Alan’s Prep Course

For the full educational experience, our Ultimate Education Plan gives you access to all our courses, webinars, and exclusive monthly content. This includes Vertipreps for Plonkers and clinical videos demonstrating Onlay Preps.

Join us on Protrusive Guidance, our own platform for dental professionals. No need for Facebook anymore! 😉

If you liked this episode, you will also like PDP089 – Vertiprep Revision

A Restorative Dentist once told me, “Composites are like being married to a supermodel….sometimes you forget how good looking they can be!” – I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Javier Quirós who shares his vast experience with composite veneers and restorative rehabilitation with composite resin.

Ready to learn the management of Bruxism and TMD online? Click here to enrol to SplintCourse

The Protrusive Dental Pearl: Check out this Casi 3C instrument distributed in the UK by Enlighten who are the sole distributors of Cosmedent Products. This is a non-stick instrument that provides a perfect curved shape that beautifully forms the palatal contours of your incisors. Watch this video below:

“It doesn’t matter what material you choose, porcelain or composite. What matters are your beliefs, your morals, and your principles of treatment planning” Dr. Javier Quirós

Highlights of this episode:

• 7:32 The start of Composite Veneers
• 11:23 Which Type of Composite is Best?
• 14:07 Composite Veneers of Lower Incisors
• 17:39 Ceramic Rehab vs Composite Rehab
• 23:35 Composite Prep in terms of Occlusion
• 33:31 Minimum Thickness for Composites
• 38:26 Injection Moulding
• 43:44 Treating Toothwear with Composite

Stay tuned for Part Two!

Check out the upcoming courses with Dr. Javier Quirós!

If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll surely love this Composite vs Ceramic with Dr. Chris Orr 

What happens when conservative care fails? What if you have prescribed patient education and the ‘best’ occlusal appliance and none of it is working? That’s where surgery MAY be indicated for certain diagnoses. Listen or Watch my podcast with Professor Andrew Sidebottom Maxillofacial surgeon (who is limited to the management of TMJDs) to help us make timely and appropriate referrals to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.

Ready to learn the management of Bruxism and TMD online? Click here to enrol to SplintCourse

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Head over to the Protrusive Dental Community Facebook group where I posted an 8-minute walk-through video on how to screen which patients are at risk for getting a bite change or AOB after an occlusal appliance and how you can minimize that risk.

The highlights of this episode:

• 12:47 Why you need to provide Conservative Care first
• 15:57 TMD is a Spectrum
• 19:21 Early Surgical Intervention?
• 21:42 Acute disc displacement without reduction
• 26:40 Imaging used when managing TMD patients
• 35:10 Pain Management
• 41:03 Arthroscopic procedure for TMD
• 50:29 How much does TMJ Surgery cost in the UK?
• 53:22 Successful management of temporomandibular disorders

Check out these studies as mentioned on the podcast.

Also check out Prof. Andrew Sidebottom’s website for more information and download leaflets.

Check out the Tubules Congress in Heathrow October 2022

If you enjoyed this episode, check out Stay away from TMD! [SPLINTEMBER] 

I’m so excited to bring you another one of my favorite people today: Prav Solanki. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “for every CLINICAL course you do, do a NON-clinical one”. This is super important. We talk health, relationships, business growth – and if you listen all the way to the end, you’ll learn a BRILLIANT way to build social proof in to a consultation that is elegant.

“The definition of success for me: To be able to do what you want, when you want, with whom you want; without any financial constraints.” Dr. Prav Solanki

The highlights of this episode:

• 8:46 How Prav became a Dentrepreneur
• 17:28 Work Life Balance in Dentistry
• 31:50 Importance of Pitching
• 43:57 Importance of Social Proof on a Consultation Appointment

Check out this blog with Dr. Prav and his 21-day fast experience.

Check out Prav’s public speaking engagements.

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like Being Unstoppable with Ferhan Ahmed

Zirconia Veneers!? eMax vs LiSi? Which type of Zirconia should I use (and yes, there are 3 main types of Zirconia!) and is there still a place for Feldspathic veneers? These burning questions is why I brought on the OG: Ed McLaren. What Dr Ed McLaren does not know about dental ceramics is not worth knowing, and he gives it all away on this cracker of an episode which is sure to go down in Protrusive Hall of Fame!

Protrusive Dental Pearl: How to mask a metal post? For me, a post-core is just a space-filler, it’s a way to retain some sort of foundation/core restoration. I do not mind cutting it back a little bit – below I share a video of how to mask a metal core using Paracore White Opaque, to help my ceramist. You can also use an opaquer resin such as Ivoclar Direct Opaque – it’s like Dental Tipex!

Want to download the 1 page summary of all the indications for free? Click here to access the download.

Enlighten Smiles sponsor this episode. I know some of you feel that we can’t make composite look as good as ceramic. Well, you need to check out the work by Dipesh Parmar. His course is called Mini Smile Makeover where he teaches his techniques using Renamel Composite and other brands to give you some amazing results working with composite resin. 

Highlights of this episode:

• 11:07 Feldspathic Ceramic in terms of Patient demand and Dentist skill set
• 18:26 Shortage of skill set from Technicians in the future
• 20:41 Composite vs Ceramic Veneers
• 23:11 APC Protocol in Zirconia for Veneers
• 29:10 Posterior Zirconia Onlays
• 31:42 Decision Making regarding Biomechanical status of the patient
• 37:29 Ivoclar eMax vs GC LiSi
• 39:57 Different types of Zirconia
• 50:00 Restorative protocol for wear cases

Check out these studies as mentioned by Dr. Ed McLaren – if they are not showing up on your usual podcast player, be sure to visit the show notes on the protrusive website.

Check out the Hands-On Courses by Dr. Ed McLaren

If you like this episode, you’ll also like Dr. Chris Orr’s Composite vs Ceramic

How much money is enough? Let’s face it, General Dentist is one of the most challenging jobs in the world – what level of income is worth the stress and health risks? This is a very personal question and will vary according to each Dentist’s money mindset and personal values. Dr. James Martin joins us again to discuss personal finances for Dentists.

“Your rich life is determined by your little network, your family, your friends, your nearest and dearest – THAT is worth more than any amount of money.” Dr. Jaz Gulati

The Highlights of this Episode:

4:28 How much money is enough for Dentists?
11:42 How does one decide how much money is enough for them?
15:16 When do you envision Retirement?
18:57 Financial Independence
23:23 Importance of Saving
36:40 Should associates look towards practice ownership?
41:41 Summary Points

Check out this book recommended by Dr. Jaz: I Will Teach You To Be Rich By Ramit Sethi

If you enjoyed this episode, do check out Money – 5 reflections to help you get started with Investing

Today, we will share with you some of the lessons that Dr. Avi Patel and I learned at the very beginning of delivering clear aligner treatment. If you’re just starting out, this is an excellent episode for you because it’ll help you avoid some of the pitfalls that we encountered. For example, best protocol for attachments or accurately estimating what level/complexity of aligner treatment is needed by a patient.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Correct a rotated tooth by means of HYPERCORRECTION. This means adding a few extra clicks of rotation so that on the clincheck it looks like you have done a little bit too much. This works because orthodontic movements are NOT 100% predictable.

This episode is brought to you by Enlighten Smiles which is a premium brand of teeth whitening that guarantees B1 in your Viveras. If you want to know more about teeth whitening and get better results for your patients, do check out their webinar, Enlighten Online Training.

The Highlights of this episode: 

11:39 Invisalign does not teach you Orthodontics

16:49 Basic rule in Orthodontics

21:49 Patient Communication regarding fees

26:59 Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment

34:06 Refinement and Additional Aligners

38:02 Patient Communication in terms of treatment duration

41:23 Planning IPR – Best practices

43:53 Best Composite for Invisalign Attachments?

45:33 Protocol for Bonding Invisalign Attachments

If you’re finding a mentor to implement clear aligners at your practice, be sure to check out Clear Aligner Advisor also Dr. Avi’s YouTube Channel for some career advice.

If you liked this episode, you should check out Do’s and Don’ts of Aligners with Dr. Farooq Ahmed 

This was the most difficult interview I ever recorded for Protrusive Dental Podcast. I was approached by a representative from Smile Direct Club to appear on the podcast. I had mixed feelings but knew this was an opportunity to ask some good questions and gain an insight into how this active and significant stakeholder in clear aligner therapy (whether we like it or not) operates.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: In terms of efficiency in doing your IPR, be sure to plan your IPR and your ClinCheck so that a lot of the IPR happens in one go when the contact is more aligned. 

The highlight of this episode:

10:13 Current market trends for clear aligners

12:59 Animosity Between Smile Direct Club and Dentists

17:19 Patients that are suitable for Smile Direct Club

19:33 Smile Direct Club’s Workflow/Patient Concern

30:32 Patient Education about Direct Smile Club

33:44 SDC’s ‘Lifetime’ Aligners?

37:11 SDC’s Night Time Aligners?!

43:20 SDC’s pop up shop within Dental Practice

46:55 Dental Boards vs Smile Direct Club

53:16 Patient Support Network?

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like GDP Alignment vs Specialist Orthodontics

Is every dental CPD/CE really awesome? I think the best investment I ever made was in postgraduate courses, but with escalating costs and ever-expanding choices for courses, how does the confused Dentist pick a course? Is there a toxic culture whereby Dentists are afraid to give less than perfect reviews for a course?

The highlights of this episode:

• 7:07 Importance of Feedback on Dental Courses
• 23:17 Too Many Positive Reviews!
• 27:22 What kind of learner are you?
• 30:11 How to Choose the Courses you should take

Check out the book recommended by Druh Shah called The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World by Dorie Clark

If you enjoyed this episode, you will also like Being Unstoppable with Ferhan Ahmed

Virtual Hands-On Suturing Masterclass enrolment ends 2nd May 2022 – click here to get your hands-on kit + video instructions

Your suture is the signature you leave on your surgery. I actually suck at suturing, and so does my handwriting, so I’m really not winning at signatures! This was a really selfish episode because I really wanted to improve my suturing skills – I enrolled on the Suturing Masterclass with Dr Cajee and brought him on to level up our sutures! In this episode, Dr. Nabeel Cajee will help you break down the basics of different suture techniques and share some tips for use in practice. 

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Use the power of video messages to communicate with patients (think post-op instructions) or your lab technician (they love the detail). Currently I am using LOOM which allows me to seamlessly record my screen and my voice/video and creates a sharable link.

“Excelling at suturing does three things, it helps patients heal better, less complications, eliminate dry socket. With good suturing, it allows you to grow as a clinician and take on more surgery cases” Dr. Nabeel Cajee

In this episode we discussed:

• Dr. Cajee’s pathway to Implant Dentistry 4:03
• Types of suturing materials 11:03
• Types of Sutures for specific cases 17:33
• Different Techniques of Suturing 19:04
• Vertical vs Horizontal Mattress Suture and when to use them 24:05
• Guidelines in tying the knot 26:21
• How to Improve Suturing skills 30:00
• Best type of Suture for a Functional Crown Lengthening 33:00

Check out the SUTURING MASTERCLASS (scroll all the way down the page) to gain confidence in your overall surgical skills with a hands-on kit to get stuck in! $70 OFF with code ‘Protrusive’

All of the Protruserati clan get $70 OFF the SUTURING MASTERCLASS with the code ‘PROTRUSIVE‘!

Welcome back to the second episode of #AskJaz where I answered questions from the Protruserati – from communication to caries management, I will try my best to help. When I don’t know the answer (far too often!) I usually know someone who does!

In this #AskJaz I tackled:

• Picking Courses – Which Year Long Restorative Course? 4:45 
• Which Facebow should I buy? 10:16 
• When giving the patient some options goes too far 12:02 
• Reduce Root Resorption Risk for relapse cases 17:50 

Do join our Protrusive Dental Community Facebook Group. It has so many great gems and pearls shared in our little community!

Clinical Dentistry is a steep learning curve – it can be frustrating, frightening and quite frankly exhilarating.

This episode (better late than never! My wife finished her MSc so now I’m back on track!) picks up the theme of Stress Awareness and I discuss with Emma Hutchinson, our Protrusive Student, how students can manage stress effectively, prioritize their studies, and identify their unique learning styles. 

We also address imposter syndrome and the various difficulties encountered while learning something as complex as dentistry.

Highlights of this episode:
00:00 Introduction
03:25 Welcoming Emma Back
04:16 Protrusive Students
06:30 Dentistry Students vs Other Courses
08:24 Hobbies and Activities Outside of Dental School
12:50 Communication Style
14:48 Student-Life Balance
19:01 Past Papers during Exam Time
21:00 Networking in Dentistry
28:51 Burnout and Mental Health Perspective
33:45 Next Month – Orthodontics

This episode is not eligible for CPD/CE points, but never fear, there are hundreds of hours of CPD waiting for you on the Protrusive App!

For the full educational experience, our Ultimate Education Plan gives you access to all our courses, webinars, and exclusive monthly content. Join us on Protrusive Guidance, our own platform for dental professionals. No need for Facebook anymore! 😉

If you love this episode, be sure to watch Adhesive Dentistry for Beginners – PS002

Consent. It’s one of the most important parts of your practice—and it’s somehow turned in to a tick-box/paperwork exercise. Is it truly possible to automate the consent process for an individual? Dr. Shaun Sellars and Zak Kara are here to break it down for you, so you can get your patient on board with the treatment they need while keeping yourself out of legal trouble. We’ve covered some of the laws that govern consent in Dentistry, as well as how to level-up your patient communication skills.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter for the PDF Flowchart for Consent made by Dr. Shaun Sellars 

This episode is sponsored by Enlighten Whitening – thanks for your support Dr. Payman Langroudi and team! Please do check out their online training. Within their Live online training, they cover so many points related to consenting our patients for teeth whitening – from the onset of white patches to predicting and managing expectations of different whitening cases.

Highlights of this episode:

• PDF Flowchart for Consent by Dr. Shaun Sellars 5:53
• Ramifications of Montgomery 7:43
• Consent forms – are they worth it? 10:00
• Stages of Consent Process 17:38
• ‘Protocolization’ 22:05
• Process of getting Consent 26:25
• Getting Consent with the help of Technology 33:42

If you loved this episode, check out the first part of this episode Record Keeping and Emotional Intelligence

You will LOVE this series with Protrusive Colonel Dr. Zak Kara and Dr. Shaun Sellars who has an interest in law and ethics and is also the host of the INCISIVE DECISIVE Podcast. This is an episode you DON’T want to miss. Get ready for some fun and engaging conversation about record keeping (is that even possible?!), emotional intelligence, and some of your most requested topics like how we can build better rapport with different patients.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: One great way to build rapport with your patients is to write down on your note-taking software. That way you can re-read and remember even the fine details of your patients.

“So you’re never going to get in trouble for customizing your notes, the time you’re going to get in trouble is by using templates and forgetting to take bits out.” Dr. Shaun Sellars

In this episode we asked Dr. Sellars:

• How can emotional intelligence constitutes success in dentistry? 13:36
• How to connect to more people? 23:56
• How to make appropriate and good record keeping? 31:40
• Kiroku vs Custom Screens for note taking 35:14
• Dr. Shaun and Zak’s protocol in making a good record keeping and explaining to patients 39:09

Check out this voice or video communication tool called LOOM which I usually use in creating comprehensive treatment plans via video in order to save time!

If you loved this episode, you will like 10 Habits of Highly Successful (and Most Valued) Dentists 

Be proactive. Be the master of your destiny. We have another non-clinical topic all about ‘making your own luck’ in Dentistry and in life including landing your dream associate position with Dr. Rupert Monkhouse, the removable prosthodontic wizard from Suction Lower Complete Dentures – Improve your Removable Prosthodontics  

“I made my own luck by thinking, you know what, I AM going to go for this. It’s the same as rocking up to somewhere like the BACD conference or the ITI conference, or Tubules” Dr. Rupert Monkhouse

The highlights of this episode:

• How Dr. Rupert landed his ideal associate position 7:04
• How Dr. Rupert managed to work full time 13:12
• Advice for a young dentists looking for their ideal associate position 18:43
• Dr. Rupert’s journey of development in finding his niche 31:22

Don’t forget to check out The Impression Club and also Dr. Rupert Monkhouse’s Instagram

If you loved this episode, you will like How to Find An Associate Position in 4 Mins Flat