In Episode 16 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke reunites with longtime colleague Noah Levine, Editorial Director at Conexiant Dental. With over 15 years in dental journalism, Noah oversees publications like Inside Dentistry, Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, and ADA News.
In Episode 15 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke interviews Dr. Lorne Lavine, known as “The Digital Dentist.” A former periodontist turned IT expert, Dr. Lavine shares his transition from clinical practice to founding The Digital Dentist, a company specializing in dental technology and HIPAA compliance.
In Episode 14 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Charlie Wahl, a digital dentistry innovator and faculty member at the Dawson Academy. Dr. Wahl shares his unique journey, from growing up on Guam to embracing digital dentistry after a career detour from aspiring PE teacher to dentist.Dr. Wahl’s upcoming course at the Dawson Academy is October 23-25, 2025. Visit dawsonacademy.com for details. Tune in for more insights on The Technology Evangelist Podcast!
Cory Glenn is a dentist, speaker, trainer, and tech developer, residing in Winchester, TN. With 8 years of experience in dentistry, he gained a reputation as the "Dental MacGyver" for his innovative approaches to affordable and efficient care delivery. Unfortunately, in 2015, he was diagnosed with APL leukemia, forcing him to take medical leave for treatment. After a year-long battle, he made a near full recovery, but ongoing back issues prevented him from returning to clinical practice. Consequently, he redirected his focus entirely towards teaching and development in digital dentistry.
In Episode 12 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Bryan Laskin, a speaker, consultant, and author of Dental Disorder and Unfair Care. They explore Connected Dentistry, diving into how interoperable data systems can revolutionize dental care.
Dr. Laskin shares his path from dentist to tech innovator, founding OperaDDS and now DentalCair, a platform that empowers patients with access to records, billing, and scheduling via a secure mobile app. Key points include:
From medical-dental integration to aligning with HIPAA’s portability goals, Bryan’s vision streamlines dentistry and prioritizes patients. Explore his books and The Patient First Podcast at unfaircare.com or Amazon.
Tune in for more innovative discussions on The Technology Evangelist Podcast!
Join Dr. John Flucke, a dedicated Technology Evangelist, as he hosts Dr. Chris Griffin on Episode 11 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, proudly sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions. This episode features Dr. Griffin, a dentist from Ripley, Mississippi, who has transformed dental care through his innovative use of 3D printing and milling. Dr. Griffin shares his unique path from engineering at Mississippi State University to dentistry at the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1998. Returning to his hometown, he began as an associate before establishing a fee-for-service cosmetic practice, overcoming challenges like a high-volume PPO practice and a 2009 flood by adopting lean management. After a 2013 fire, he rebuilt with in-house memberships, and during COVID-19, he embraced 3D printing for dentures, orthodontics, and laser dentistry, reducing external lab dependencies.
Join Dr. John Flucke, a seasoned Technology Evangelist with over 30 years in digital dentistry, as he hosts Dr. Rick Ferguson on Episode 10 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, proudly sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions. Dr. Ferguson, a globally recognized figure in 3D printing and implant dentistry, shares his inspiring journey from a pre-med student at the University of Florida to a dental innovator. His love for tinkering—sparked by taking things apart and building computers—led him to dentistry, where he honed his skills during a residency at the University of Miami, focusing on implants and trauma surgery. Over two decades, he served as part-time faculty, opened a private practice in 1997, and embraced digital dentistry by 2014 with the advent of affordable 3D printers like Formlabs.
Join Dr. John Flucke, a visionary with over 30 years of experience in digital dentistry and the host of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, as he welcomes Dr. Russell Schafer for an enlightening Episode 9. Dr. Schafer, a trailblazer who transitioned from oil engineering to transforming dental care through affordable 3D-printed dentures, brings a wealth of practical insights to the table. This episode dives deep into the evolving world of dental technology, with a focus on the strategic importance of mastering a single 3D printing skill (3D printing in dentistry)—such as creating precise temporary crowns or durable dentures—before branching out. Dr. Flucke and Dr. Schafer draw a compelling parallel to orthodontic care, advocating for gradual, effective changes that enhance patient outcomes over time.
Dr. Schafer shares his groundbreaking reverse survey crown technique, leveraging tools like Blue Sky Plan and the Arrow Scanner Elite to streamline workflows and achieve remarkable accuracy. He highlights the efficiency of 3D printing, noting how crowns can now be produced in just 6-8 minutes, a game-changer for dental practices. The discussion also explores patient-centered innovations, including the concept of “purgatory crowns”—cost-effective, temporary restorations that allow patients to maintain oral health and confidence while saving for permanent solutions like zirconia or lithium silicate. This approach underscores Medidenta Digital Solutions’ commitment to accessible, high-quality dental care.
Beyond technical mastery, the episode touches on the philosophical side of dentistry, with Dr. Schafer emphasizing his role as a guide rather than a dictator, ensuring patients leave with solutions tailored to their needs and budgets. They also speculate on the future of multilayer denture technology, hinting at exciting possibilities as equipment becomes more compact, affordable, and efficient—mirroring the rapid advancements seen in camera technology over the past decade. Listeners will gain valuable takeaways on integrating 3D printing into practice, optimizing patient satisfaction, and staying ahead in a digital-first dental landscape. Don’t miss this episode to see how Medidenta Digital Solutions’ state-of-the-art tools are paving the way for the next generation of dental innovation.
Welcome to the latest episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast on the Medidenta Digital Solutions website! In Episode 8, host Dr. John Flucke welcomes his longtime friend, Dr. David Rice, CEO of Ignite DDS, for a captivating discussion on dentistry, personal growth, and cutting-edge technology. Brought to you with the support of Medidenta Digital Solutions, this episode dives deep into Rice’s journey and his innovative vision for the field.
Dr. Rice’s love for dentistry sparked in childhood, inspired by the positive influence of his dentists and orthodontists. After graduating from Buffalo Dental School in 1994 and completing a General Practice Residency (GPR) in Pittsburgh, he built a successful practice by acquiring and merging three offices, later launching a fourth in a challenging Buffalo neighborhood to prove that success depends on people and processes. Post-COVID, he shifted his focus to Ignite DDS, where he now coaches dental practices and mentors young dentists, while still practicing part-time in New York every other month.
A key takeaway is the importance of teamwork. Rice advocates for vulnerability, encouraging dentists to seek guidance from seasoned professionals like dental labs to enhance their craft. He also champions technology, particularly 3D printing, which he believes is transforming the industry. Introducing “purgatory restorations”—interim printed solutions—Rice explains how this approach offers affordable care to patients unable to afford ideal treatments immediately, paving the way for future definitive care without compromise.
Rice reflects on his evolving approach to failure, emphasizing self-forgiveness and growth from setbacks. He recommends building a mentor network—one for general support, a top-tier expert, and a contrarian to highlight blind spots. This philosophy aligns with his book, Is Everyone Smiling But You?, which guides readers to define and pursue their own version of success, free from social media illusions.
Looking forward, Rice predicts a rapid rise in 3D printing adoption, boosting efficiency and patient care. He envisions practices empowering teams with technology, reducing reliance on labs for routine tasks while collaborating on complex cases. This synergy, he argues, keeps dentistry human-centered while leveraging innovation
In The Technology Evangelist Podcast Episode 7, hosted by Dr. John Flucke on Medidenta Digital Solutions, the focus is on 3D imaging in dentistry. Dr. Dale Miles, a distinguished oral maxillofacial radiologist with over 40,000 scans read, joins to explore how this technology, alongside artificial intelligence (AI), is revolutionizing dental diagnostics. With a career spanning academia and private practice across multiple continents, Dr. Miles introduces EasyRiter®, a cutting-edge software tool he developed with VideaHealth to enhance radiographic analysis. This episode offers valuable insights for dental professionals looking to integrate 3D imaging in dentistry into their practices. Tune in to discover how these advancements improve patient care and reduce liability risks!
Dr. Miles’ research amplifies the role of 3D imaging in dentistry. Since December, he has identified 38 cases of calcification patterns suggesting diabetes in 312 scans from one client, a 10-12% rate. This data, embedded in EasyRiter®, prompts referrals for hemoglobin A1c tests, often revealing family histories of diabetes or hypertension. His upcoming study will compare these findings with panoramic X-rays, promising to enhance early detection. Additionally, he notes oral lesions from diseases like measles appear a week before other symptoms, underscoring how 3D imaging in dentistry can serve as an early warning system, potentially preventing outbreaks.
Dr. Miles emphasizes education, delivering 30-hour CBCT courses in Ontario and hands-on EasyRiter® training. He addresses liability concerns, noting that while not all scans require radiologist review, dentists are responsible for all CBCT findings. For low-volume practitioners, self-education with tools like EasyRiter® suffices, but high-volume practices should establish formal radiologist partnerships. This approach to 3D imaging in dentistry minimizes risks, as seen in his expert witness experience, where documentation proved critical.
In The Technology Evangelist Podcast Episode 6, part of Medidenta’s Digital Solutions Podcast, Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Bryan Kariya, a forward-thinking dentist from Huntsville, Alabama. Practicing alongside Dr. Ben Kellum at Transcend, Dr. Kariya shares his journey from traditional dentistry to embracing cutting-edge digital tools like intraoral scanners, 3D printers, and facial scanners. Learn how these technologies improve patient care, reduce costs, and make dentistry more accessible, all while reigniting his passion for the profession.
Dr. Kariya’s story begins with an initial dream of becoming an ER doctor, inspired by the TV show ER. However, after majoring in Mandarin Chinese and shadowing his brother-in-law, a dentist, he found dentistry’s blend of patient care and business ownership to be the perfect fit. His early career lacked digital exposure, but a pivotal moment came in private practice when he used a CEREC scanner for same-day crowns, sparking his enthusiasm for digital workflows. After completing an AEGD residency focused on implants and digital dentistry, Dr. Kariya joined forces with Dr. Kellum to establish Transcend, a practice built around advanced technology to serve diverse patient needs.
Ready to explore the power of digital dentistry? Watch The Technology Evangelist Podcast Episode 6 here to hear Dr. Kariya’s insights on how digital tools can transform your practice and patient care.
Inspired to integrate digital dentistry into your workflow? Medidenta Digital Solutions offers state-of-the-art intraoral scanners, 3D printers, and more to streamline your practice. Discover our products today to take your dentistry to the next level!
Welcome to the latest episode of the Digital Solutions Podcast by Medidenta Digital Solutions! In The Technology Evangelist Podcast Episode 5, host Dr. John Flucke interviews Dr. Lori Trost, a passionate clinician and educator, about the future of digital dentistry. Dr. Trost shares her inspiring journey from traditional denture workflows to embracing digital solutions like intraoral scanners and 3D printing, revolutionizing her practice in a small Missouri town. Discover how digital dentistry enhances precision, patient satisfaction, and practice efficiency in this must-listen episode!
Dr. Trost recounts her transformative experience with digital dentures, sparked by a serendipitous moment in 2020 when she received an intraoral scanner just before COVID hit. Faced with a patient’s broken denture and no traditional materials, she pivoted to digital workflows, scanning the denture and collaborating with her lab for a precise, adjustment-free fit. This experience led her to develop techniques for copy dentures, reference dentures, and immediate dentures, leveraging 3D printing for unparalleled accuracy and patient comfort.
Dive into Dr. Trost’s insights on digital dentistry! Watch The Technology Evangelist Podcast Episode 5 here to learn how 3D printing and intraoral scanning can transform your practice.
Ready to embrace the future of digital dentistry? Medidenta Digital Solutions offers cutting-edge 3D printing and scanning solutions for dental professionals. Explore our products today to revolutionize your workflows!
Cosmetic dentistry systems drive success in Episode 4 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions. Dr. John Flucke hosts Dr. Todd Snyder, a renowned cosmetic dentist and founder of Legion, to explore how streamlined systems and digital tools transform practices. Dr. Snyder shares his journey from UCLA dental school to running a fee-for-service office in Orange County and a one-chair, no-insurance practice in Las Vegas.
Dr. Snyder emphasizes cosmetic dentistry systems that attract the right patients and deliver exceptional results. By integrating digital technologies like intraoral scanning, facial scanning, and 3D printing, he creates efficient workflows for smile design and mock-ups, offering patients affordable, non-invasive options. These cosmetic dentistry systems allow precise, predictable outcomes, from printed temporaries to final restorations, without dentists becoming lab technicians.
Beyond clinical tools, Dr. Snyder’s Legion offers hybrid learning—live, virtual, and recorded sessions—revolutionizing dental education. With pre-course prep and 60-day post-course coaching, his programs ensure dentists implement cosmetic dentistry systems effectively. From marketing to patient communication, these systems help clinicians focus on high-value cases and avoid the “treadmill” of unideal patients.
Join Dr. Flucke and Dr. Snyder to discover how cosmetic dentistry systems and digital innovation can elevate your practice. Visit LegionDentist.com for course details and to connect with Dr. Snyder.
Community dental care takes center stage in this inspiring third episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions. Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Ben Kellum, co-founder of Transcend Dental in Huntsville, Alabama, to discuss how digital dentistry empowers community dental care for underserved patients. Dr. Kellum shares his journey from dental school to building a faith-based clinic focused on providing advanced treatments to those in need.
Dr. Kellum’s passion for community dental care was sparked during dental school in Oklahoma, where he saw the limitations of basic care in rural areas. This experience drove him to co-found Transcend Dental with Dr. Brian, aiming to offer comprehensive treatments like implants and full-mouth restorations to patients regardless of financial means. By integrating digital tools like intraoral scanning, milling, and 3D printing, Transcend reduces costs and enhances precision, making community dental care more accessible.
The episode explores how digital workflows, such as printed try-in dentures and in-house crown design, improve outcomes and affordability. Dr. Kellum also highlights the role of team training in adopting these technologies, boosting staff satisfaction, and patient care. From helping domestic violence survivors to restoring smiles for those with no other options, Transcend’s mission showcases the power of community dental care.
Join Dr. Flucke and Dr. Kellum to learn how digital dentistry transforms lives through community dental care. Discover practical insights for clinicians looking to make a social impact.
In this exciting second episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidental Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke sits down with Ayush Bagla, CEO of Ackuretta, a leading innovator in 3D printing for dentistry. Together, they dive into the transformative world of 3D printing, exploring its evolution, current applications, and future potential in digital dentistry.
Ayush shares his fascinating journey, starting with 3D printing gold jewelry 15 years ago and transitioning into the dental industry due to similarities in precision and small-scale production. He explains how Ackuretta has grown since its founding in 2013, moving from jewelry to dental applications like models, surgical guides, and biocompatible restorations. The conversation highlights the role of AI in streamlining design processes, making 3D printing more accessible for clinicians and labs by reducing the skill barrier.
Key topics include the impact of material advancements, such as biocompatible resins for crowns, splints, and flexible partials, and the challenges of post-curing for accuracy. Ayush also discusses the future of dental labs, predicting a shift where labs offer design services to complement in-office printing, and the exciting potential for new applications that go beyond traditional restorations. From organic shapes to rapid production, 3D printing is poised to revolutionize workflows while maintaining the human touch for aesthetics and creativity.
Join Dr. Flucke and Ayush Bagla as they unpack how 3D printing is shaping the future of digital dentistry, offering practical insights for clinicians and labs looking to embrace this technology.
Welcome to the premiere of the Digital Solutions Podcast by Medidenta Digital Solutions! In our first episode, The Technology Evangelist Podcast Episode 1, host Dr. John Flucke, dentistry’s renowned “Technology Evangelist”, sits down with Sean Ryan from Medidenta to explore the transformative power of 3D printing in the dental industry. As a practicing dentist and former Chief Dental Editor for Dental Products Report, Dr. Flucke shares his expertise on how 3D printing is revolutionizing dental practices. From crafting precise restorations to streamlining workflows, this episode is packed with insights for dental professionals. Read on for key highlights from this must-listen episode!
Exploring the Future of Digital Dentistry
Dr. John Flucke dives into how dental technology, particularly 3D printing, is shaping the future of digital dentistry. This episode covers practical applications and benefits for modern dental practices, offering a glimpse into how these innovations enhance patient care and practice efficiency.
Ready to embrace the future of digital dentistry? Medidenta Digital Solutions offers cutting-edge 3D printing solutions for dental restorations and more.
Transform Your Practice with Medidenta
Ready to embrace the future of digital dentistry? Medidenta Digital Solutions offers cutting-edge 3D printing solutions for dental restorations and more.