Dentistry Unmasked: A Roundtable Podcast

The inverted food pyramid: What RFK’s proposal means for dentistry

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Uche Odiatu for a conversation that goes far beyond the operatory.
 
With RFK’s newly proposed inverted food pyramid making headlines, what does it actually mean for your patients—and for your own daily life? Dr. Odiatu breaks down how today’s heavily processed diet (now making up 55% of adults’ and 65% of children’s calories) is impacting systemic and oral health in ways we can no longer ignore.
 
You’ll hear:
 
The key nutrients almost everyone is deficient in
 
What to look for when choosing a high-quality fish oil
 
How the oral cavity is designed to protect itself—even when the diet is working against it
 
Practical, real-world strategies to reduce inflammation and support total health
 
 
Resources:
odiatudmd@gmail.com
 
https://static01.nyt.com/images/2026/01/08/well/08WELL-FOOD-PYRAMID1/08WELL-FOOD-PYRAMID1-superJumbo.png
 
https://epic.iarc.fr/
 
https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX
 

Practicing empathy: Inclusive care in dentistry: Dr. Michelle Part II

In Part Two, the conversation expands beyond one individual’s story to examine what it means for all of us in dentistry.
 
Building on her lived experience, our guest shares insights on how transitioning reshaped her approach to patient care and why empathy is essential in creating trust and safety in the dental setting. Together, we discuss how dental professionals can better support transgender patients and colleagues, challenge unconscious bias, and foster more inclusive, affirming practice environments.
 
This episode offers thoughtful reflection and practical perspective for dental teams committed to compassionate care, deeper understanding, and continuous growth as healthcare providers.

A dentist’s journey to authenticity: Dr. Michelle part I

In part one of this two-part series, we sit down with a dentist who shares her deeply personal journey of coming out as transgender and the profound impact it had on every aspect of her life.
She reflects on years of struggling with her identity, navigating complex family dynamics, and facing the very real fear of losing the dental practice she worked so hard to build when she decided to transition. This episode is an honest and vulnerable look at what it means to choose authenticity in the face of uncertainty, professional risk, and personal loss.
Through her story, we explore themes of resilience, courage, and what it truly means to show up as yourself—even when the stakes are high.

Little patients, big teamwork: Mastering referrals and collaboration in kids’ dentistry

In this engaging episode, Brian and Pam chat with Dr. Jeannette MacLean, a board-certified pediatric dentist, as they dive into the power of effective partnerships between general dentists and pediatric specialists to deliver the best possible oral health outcomes for children.

Beyond the Bite: Turning Jaw Pain Relief into Practice Profitability

Millions of patients walk into dental offices each year with jaw tension, headaches, or clenching—classic signs of TMJ disorder—yet most leave without a true solution. For years, dentists have been limited to mouthguards, Botox, or referrals, missing both a clinical and business opportunity hiding in plain sight.In this episode of the Dental Economics podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Levine, DDS, a cosmetic and restorative dentist who has integrated Emface TMJ, a breakthrough non-invasive technology that uses synchronized radiofrequency and HIFES muscle stimulation to relax and tone facial muscles. Together, we explore how this single innovation is helping dentists bridge function and aesthetics, transforming how they approach patient care and practice profitability.Listeners will learn how the Relaxation protocol targets masseter and temporalis tension to ease TMJ discomfort—while the Toning protocol lifts and firms the cheeks, jawline, and forehead for a more youthful, balanced appearance. Beyond the clinical benefits, Dr. Jonathan Levine shares firsthand how Emface TMJ created a cash-based revenue stream, improved patient retention, and reignited team enthusiasm.The conversation highlights how embracing functional facial wellness positions dental professionals at the forefront of a new category—one that treats pain, enhances confidence, and drives growth without adding insurance complexity or chair time.
This episode is sponsored by BTL

The hidden business mistakes costing dentists millions

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Keith Nicholson—an orthodontist, MBA, and practice transition expert—for a wide-ranging, eye-opening conversation about what dentists aren’t taught in school. From learning business the hard way in private practice to earning an MBA at Wharton, Keith shares powerful insights on practice growth, smart investments, CRM systems, patient experience, and avoiding costly mistakes. With practical takeaways, real-world examples, and a few laughs along the way (yes, even white spot prevention makes an appearance), this episode will change how you think about running—and valuing—your dental practice. Don’t miss it.

Forced to start over with Dr. Ashton Prince!

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Ashton Prince for a conversation that’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply inspiring. From being forced out of his practice and rebuilding from scratch to leading with positivity through personal and professional adversity, Ashton shares powerful lessons on resilience, patient connection, team culture, and self-assessment. With laugh-out-loud moments, honest reflection, and practical takeaways on communication, leadership, and materials, this is an episode that will make you think, feel, and grow—don’t miss it.

The myth of "having It all" in dentistry with Kirk Behrendt!

Kick off 2026 with a powerful, perspective-shifting episode of Dentistry Unmasked. Pam and Brian sit down with Kirk Behrendt, a lifelong student of the business of dentistry, to unpack what it really takes to build a profitable practice and a fulfilling life. From burnout, coaching, and leadership to redefining success, work-life balance, and why “time is the new rich,” this candid conversation challenges old narratives and offers hope, clarity, and practical insight for dentists at every stage of their career. If you’re ready to rethink success and design a practice that supports the life you want, this is a must-listen.

Licking eyeballs and diastemas with Dr. Brian Novy!

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, a new era begins. Pam officially welcomes Dr. Brian Novy as her new co-host, and the conversation is anything but ordinary. From surprising, lesser-known facts about Brian to laugh-out-loud detours (including old wives’ tales for removing eyelashes!), this episode blends insight, humor, and chemistry you can feel. It’s a fresh start, a fun listen, and a true milestone for the podcast. Welcome to Dentistry Unmasked 2026—you won’t want to miss this one.

The one where everything changes...

As we turn the page on a new year, Dentistry Unmasked turns a chapter of its own. One co-host says farewell, a new one is introduced, and the conversation is filled with laughs, emotion, and memories worth revisiting. Don’t miss this unforgettable episode of endings and beginnings.