The Fulcrum Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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SUMMARY: In this episode, host Karen Wood interviews Dr. Austin Westover, a VDA member, multi-location practice owner, and President-elect of the Shenandoah Valley Dental Association. Dr. Westover shares his inspiring journey from being intrigued by dentistry through his father’s early exposure to becoming a multi-location practice owner. He details his experiences with digital dentistry, AI in practice, and the challenges and rewards of managing multiple roles as a clinician and business owner. The episode provides practical insights for young dentists and dental students, covering topics such as acquiring loans, mentorship, and implementing technology.

HOST: Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years, having experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.  

GUEST(S): Dr. Austin Westover graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2011. He has dedicated his career to pushing the limits of dentistry and enjoys living on the cutting edge. He has extensive knowledge in digital dentistry, 3D printing, in-office milling, and digital dental designs.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

https://westoverfamilydentistry.com/

American Dental Association Design Innovation Awards

VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ The Virginia Dental Services Corporation (VDSC) was created as a subsidiary of the VDA to recommend products and services to the members of the VDA. By utilizing the VDA Member Perks-endorsed vendors, VDA members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using recommended companies, take advantage of special benefits, and receive discounted pricing, all while supporting the VDA. Since 1997, the VDSC has been pleased to provide over $3.7 million in funding to the VDA, VDA Foundation, VCU School of Dentistry, and others.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Karen Wood

Guest(s): Dr. Austin Westover

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

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SUMMARY: This episode discusses key topics, including legislative efforts to address workforce shortages in the Commonwealth, initiatives to enhance practice success through VDA Member Perks, and professional development opportunities such as the rollout of Affiliate Memberships. Additionally, upcoming events, such as Dental Days at the Capitol and Town Hall meetings, are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of member participation.

HOST: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles with four national and statewide Associations while also spending time working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Dental Days at the Capitol 

VDA Text Alerts

VDA Town Hall Meetings

VDA Member Perks

The Fulcrum Podcast:

• Episode 14 – 20 YEARS OF GROWTH AND INNOVATION: THE EVOLUTION OF VIRGINIA’S MEDICAID DENTAL PROGRAM
• Episode 15 – SMART SUPPLY MANAGEMENT: UNLEASH THE POWER OF METHOD

Virginia Dental Showcase – September 18-19, 2026

Affiliate Membership

EPISODE CREDITS 

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Ryan Dunn

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

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SUMMARY: In this episode, host Karen Wood, Director of Operations for VDA Member Perks, interviews Mike Urbanik from RK Tongue Insurance. The discussion focuses on common legal questions dentists face regarding patient reviews on social media. Key insights include how to respond to positive and negative reviews without violating HIPAA, the implications of patients posting reviews, and the importance of legal consultation before taking any action. 

HOST: Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years, having experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.  

GUEST: Michael Urbanik; Account Executive, R.K. Tongue Co., Inc. Michael Urbanik is licensed in both Life & Health and Property & Casualty Insurance. He has experience working with both large and middle-market commercial clients. He enjoys helping his clients understand the risks they face and develop cost-effective plans to successfully mitigate and transfer these risks.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ The Virginia Dental Services Corporation (VDSC) was created as a subsidiary of the VDA to recommend products and services to the members of the VDA. By utilizing the VDA Member Perks-endorsed vendors, VDA members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using recommended companies, take advantage of special benefits, and receive discounted pricing, all while supporting the VDA. Since 1997, the VDSC has been pleased to provide over $3.7 million in funding to the VDA, VDA Foundation, VCU School of Dentistry, and others. 

R.K. Tongue Co., Inc. 

Rktongue.com

410-752-4008

Michael Urbanik

murbanik@rktongue.com

410-369-3957

EPISODE CREDITS

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Karen Wood

Guest(s): Michael Urbanik

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

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SUMMARY: In this episode of The Fulcrum Podcast, Paul Logan interviews Dr. Emily Bowen, Program Director of Mountain Empire Community College's Dental Programs. Dr. Bowen discusses the challenges and advancements in dental education and workforce development in rural Virginia. She highlights the success of Mountain Empire’s Dental Assistant and Dental Assistant II Expanded Functions (DA II) programs and their impact on the local community. Dr. Bowen also explains the role of DA IIs in enhancing dental practices and improving patient care. She emphasizes the importance of community support, faculty involvement, and innovative educational models in addressing the dental workforce needs in Virginia. 

HOST: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters.

GUEST: Emily Kate Bowen, DDS, MA, MPH

Dr. Bowen graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry, a Master of Arts from Michigan State University in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE), and a Master of Public Health with emphasis on policy and leadership from East Tennessee State University. She currently serves as the Dental Programs Director for Mountain Empire Community College in the Division of Health Sciences. 

As a Virginia native, Emily is focused on improving access to care through strengthening the allied health workforce across the Commonwealth. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekb-dds/

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Understanding Emergency Room Visits for Nontraumatic Oral Health Conditions in a Hospital Serving Rural Appalachia: Dental Informatics Study: https://formative.jmir.org/2022/12/e31433

Dental Assistant II (DA II) Expanded Function Program - https://www.mecc.edu/dental-assistant-ii-expanded-function-gcc

Mountain Empire Community College: https://www.mecc.edu/

Dr. Emily Bowen

ebowen@mecc.edu

Germanna Community College: https://germanna.edu/

Misty Mesimer

mmesimer@germanna.edu

EPISODE CREDITS

Producer/Host: Paul Logan

Guests: Dr. Emily Bowen

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

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SUMMARY: 

In this episode of The Fulcrum Podcast, host Karen Wood, Director of Operations for VDA Member Perks, discusses practice transitions with Todd and Sheryl Garfinkel from DDSmatch. The conversation covers essential topics such as what dental students need to know about practice ownership, the role of dental transition specialists, and the importance of assembling the right team for a successful practice transition. The episode also provides an overview of the timeline for purchasing a practice, key factors for valuing a dental practice, and advice for dental students aiming for future ownership. The session concludes with tips on finance management and maintaining confidentiality during the transition process.

HOST:

Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years with experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.  

GUESTS:

Todd Garfinkel is a dental industry professional who has been working with doctors for over 20 years. Todd’s main objective has been to explore and understand his client’s unique needs and circumstances. Successfully serving doctors in establishing, building, and growing their practices has been a benchmark of his own professional success. Applying a proven, systematic process and utilizing a trusted circle of influence, including CPAs, lawyers, valuation specialists, and suppliers, Todd successfully guides his clients through the sometimes unfamiliar world of practice sales. His primary focus is to facilitate a smooth and harmonious transition for all involved.

Sheryl Garfinkel brings more than 35 years of in-depth dental industry experience and knowledge. Sheryl started her dental career as a crown and bridge lab technician before becoming a dental business manager, where she learned the industry firsthand. After many years in business management, Sheryl joined Patterson Dental as a software and technology advisor. She has also worked privately with dentists in a consulting capacity, focusing on profitability, efficiency, and team building. Now, as a transitions professional, she helps her clients navigate the detailed transition process and believes in guiding them with care and respect.

DDSmatch: 

Visit us online at: https://ddsmatch.com/ 

Call the experts at: 855-546-0044

VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ The Virginia Dental Services Corporation (VDSC) was created as a subsidiary of the VDA to recommend products and services to the members of the VDA. By utilizing the VDA Member Perks-endorsed vendors, VDA members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using recommended companies, take advantage of special benefits, and receive discounted pricing, all while supporting the VDA. Since 1997, the VDSC has been pleased to provide over $3.7 million in funding to the VDA, VDA Foundation, VCU School of Dentistry, and others.

EPISODE CREDITS

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Karen Wood

Guests: Todd Garfinkel and Sheryl Garfinkel

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

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Summary: In this episode, Paul Logan interviews Dilaine Gloege, an expert with 38 years of experience in dentistry and founder of Tidewater Dental Consulting. Dilaine discusses the importance of accurate documentation and coding practices for dental teams. She emphasizes the changing standards in dental documentation to align with healthcare provider expectations, the reasons behind audits, and best practices to avoid them. Dilaine also provides practical advice on how to handle audit notifications, the significance of internal audits, and the role of each team member in maintaining proper documentation. For dentists looking for further resources, Dilaine recommends annual updates to coding manuals and continuous team training.

Host: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters.

Guest: Dilaine Gloege is a dental coding expert who is committing the second wave of her career to writing, teaching, and consulting clients. As a former insurance coordinator and practice administrator, she brings over 38 years of practical experience to bear on her work. Dilaine has authored coding and insurance publications and is a highly sought-after speaker and educator. Whether she is leading an educational program, providing consulting services, or speaking about her craft, her commitment to creating expertise in the field is evident.
 
Dilaine is featured as a co-author of “Ace Your Audit” in the Virginia Dental Journal (Volume 102, Number 2).

Reach out to Dilaine via email at delaine.gloege@gmail.com or visit her website at https://tidewaterdentalconsulting.com/

Credits: 

Host/Producer: Paul Logan

Guest: Dilaine Gloege

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

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In this episode, Tripp Perrin discusses the outcomes and key themes from Virginia’s short 45-day 2025 legislative session, highlighting the political motivations and posturing influenced by upcoming elections. He highlights notable achievements for the dental community, including the passage of a crucial bill on insurance transaction fees and efforts to address the dental workforce shortage. Additionally, Tripp explores the session's impact on the budget, Medicaid concerns, and the importance of sustained legislative engagement by dental professionals.

Host: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters.

Guest: Tripp Perrin, President of the Lindl Corporation and VDA Contract Lobbyist. Tripp began his career at Lindl in 1995 and eventually worked for two Virginia Governors. Tripp also has extensive private sector experience serving in a variety of senior-level management roles in the investment banking, management consulting, and healthcare fields. He holds an MBA from the College of William & Mary, a BA in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond, and was a 1997 Fellow at the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership

Note: In the time since this podcast was taped, Arkansas became the 11th state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. You can find the most up-to-date map of states with enabling or pending legislation at https://ddhcompact.org/compact-map/

SB925 Health insurance; carrier business practices, method of payment for claims

SB904 Medical malpractice; limitation on recovery; certain actions.

Contribute to the VDA Political Action Committee

Contact your legislators and share the talking points on the workforce crisis and other bills and budget items

VDA’s Dental Insurance Grievance Tracker - https://www.vadental.org/dental-insurance-grievance-tracker

Sign up for VDA text alerts by texting “VDA” to 52886.

Credits: 

• Host/Producer: Paul Logan
• Guest: Tripp Perrin
• Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

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Summary: In this episode of The Fulcrum podcast, VDA CEO Ryan Dunn and VDA Counsel Scott Johnson discuss the impact of Virginia's 2024 transparency legislation requiring dental insurance carriers to disclose their Dental Loss Ratios (DLR). They review the first loss ratio reports released by the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, explaining what the data entails and what early trends are emerging. They also highlight the VDA's Dental Insurance Grievance (DIG) tracker, its role in identifying and addressing issues with dental insurers, and how ongoing data collection will benefit VDA members and consumers. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of educating members and leveraging the new transparency to make informed decisions about dental insurance carriers.

Host:

Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles with four national and statewide Associations while also spending time working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time.

Guest: 

W. Scott Johnson is a seasoned expert in Governmental Affairs; he has lobbied for clients on the front line of healthcare legislation for over 30 years. His steadfast presence in the Virginia General Assembly has earned the recognition and respect of an ever-changing roster of influential legislators and statewide officeholders who seek his counsel when governing the most complex healthcare issues facing clients today. Contact Scott at sjohnson@hancockdaniel.com

2023 Dental Carriers Loss Ratios Report - https://www.scc.virginia.gov/consumers/insurance/resources-ins-consumer/dental-carrier-loss-ratios/

VDA’s Dental Insurance Grievance Tracker - https://www.vadental.org/dental-insurance-grievance-tracker 

Credits:

• Host: Ryan Dunn
• Guest: W. Scott Johnson
• Producer: Paul Logan
• Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

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Summary: In the inaugural episode of The Fulcrum podcast, hosted by Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan from the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), the focus is on the critical issue of workforce shortages in the dental sector in Virginia. They talk about how we got here and the VDA's workforce initiatives to open more educational pathways to become licensed as dental hygienists, address licensure bottlenecks, and support the expansion of academic programs. The hosts highlight various initiatives, including partnerships with community colleges and private institutions like Fortis College and innovative models in Southwest Virginia. They also stress the importance of member involvement in advisory boards and other support roles. The episode aims to inform VDA members and other stakeholders about ongoing strides and opportunities to address the dental workforce crisis and empower them to help address it.

Host: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles with four national and statewide Associations while also spending time working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time.

Guest: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters.

Learn more about what the Virginia Dental Association is doing to address workforce issues at vadental.org/workforce

Credits:

• Host: Ryan Dunn
• Guest/Producer: Paul Logan
• Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

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Karen Wood welcomes Alison Farber, Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Method Procurement. They discuss the evolution of dental supply ordering from clipboards to sophisticated software platforms. Alison explains the concept of procurement and its importance in managing costs and efficiency in dental practices. The conversation covers how Method's software simplifies the procurement process by automating price checks, tracking orders, and managing budgets, significantly reducing overhead costs. Alison also describes the flexible implementation of Method's solutions, including inventory scanning, budget tracking, and comprehensive reporting features. The episode emphasizes the immediate and long-term financial benefits of adopting modern procurement practices for dental offices.

HOST: Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years, having experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.  

GUEST(S): Alison Farber is the Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Method Procurement Technologies, where she leads sales and partnerships to help dental practices modernize procurement and accelerate growth. Beyond the dental space, she’s actively involved in supporting local start-ups. She serves as a mentor to emerging leaders, sharing her experience to help the next generation of entrepreneurs thrive. Outside of work, Alison is a busy mom of two, an avid paddle sports enthusiast, and a terrible gardener.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

VDA members use promo code “VDAMEMBER25” to receive a free scanner and 50 tags valued at $200.

Method – methodusa.com

VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ The Virginia Dental Services Corporation (VDSC) was created as a subsidiary of the VDA to recommend products and services to the members of the VDA. By utilizing the VDA Member Perks-endorsed vendors, VDA members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using recommended companies, take advantage of special benefits, and receive discounted pricing, all while supporting the VDA. Since 1997, the VDSC has been pleased to provide over $3.7 million in funding to the VDA, VDA Foundation, VCU School of Dentistry, and others. 

EPISODE CREDITS:

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Karen Wood

Guest(s): Alison Farber

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound