Dentistry Unmasked: A Roundtable Podcast

PrEP, PEP & prophylaxis … and somehow chapstick

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam and Brian sit down with renowned pharmacologist Tom Viola for a timely and practical conversation on preventives in dentistry. From the latest updates on antibiotic prophylaxis to what every dental professional should know about the growing use of PrEP and PEP, this episode breaks down complex pharmacology into clear, clinical takeaways you can use immediately. And in true Dentistry Unmasked fashion, the discussion takes an unexpected (and entertaining) detour into chapstick. Insightful, relevant, and just the right amount of fun—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Salivary diagnostics: The next frontier in health care

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, we cover Brian’s all-time favorite topic… saliva.
Pam and Brian sit down with Dr. Paul Slowey—the innovator behind many of the salivary diagnostic tests transforming health care today. He’s the mind behind cutting-edge saliva tests, including the one used by the NFL to help determine whether a player has suffered a concussion.
But that’s just the beginning.
What if we told you that Alzheimer’s disease can be detected in saliva up to 10 years before clinical symptoms appear? The implications for dentistry—and for health care as a whole—are staggering.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• How salivary diagnostics are changing medicine and dentistry
• Why saliva may be the most underutilized diagnostic tool in health care
• The science behind concussion testing through saliva
• What early Alzheimer’s detection could mean for patients and practices
• Why the future of precision health may start in the dental chair
Salivary diagnostics isn’t just “the future”—it’s already here. If you’ve ever wondered how dentistry fits into the larger medical landscape, this episode will change the way you see the power of a simple saliva sample.
Trust us—Brian is excited about this one and you will be too!
Resources:
 
pds@4saliva.com  Dr.Paul Slowey

Silver diamine fluoride: Science, strategy, and a code at risk

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Pam Maragliano and Brian Novy take a deep dive into one of dentistry’s most talked-about preventive materials: Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF). They break down what SDF is, how it works at the chemical and clinical levels, and how to thoughtfully select the right cases to ensure predictable, patient-centered outcomes. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. There’s a bigger issue at play—pending legislation that could eliminate a CDT code tied to preventive care, potentially impacting how practices implement and get reimbursed for SDF treatment. What could this mean for your preventive protocols and your bottom line.  If you’re incorporating SDF into your practice—or considering it—this episode delivers the clinical clarity and policy awareness you need to stay informed and prepared and get involved.
 

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.