By: “You need to be entertaining first and informative second. A lot of dental podcasts strive to be informative so they can be an expert in the field. That’s fine, but if you’re not entertaining first you’re not going to get a fan base.”
Back in 2014, Drs. Alan Mead and Jason Lipscomb saw an opportunity. They both loved listening to podcasts on their way to work, but found there weren’t many dental options available. They decided to start the Dental Hacks podcast to fill that void, recording episodes multiple times a week and sharing their love for dentistry with thousands of listeners.
In the last five years, the Dental Hacks podcast has been downloaded nearly 2.2 million times, Dr. Mead said, and is the focus of a Facebook group with 28,000 members. And even as the number of dental podcasts continues to grow (Dr. Mead estimates there are between 60 and 80 today) Dental Hacks still has a loyal fan base, with new podcasts typically getting 1,000 downloads within 24 hours after release.
What makes the Dental Hacks so popular? The quality guests they have on each episode (Dr. Mead lists Dr. Frank Spear as one of his favorites) and the focus on bringing humor to every show.
“You need to be entertaining first and informative second. A lot of dental podcasts strive to be informative so they can be an expert in the field. That’s fine, but if you’re not entertaining first you’re not going to get a fan base.”
These self-described goof balls top our list of best dental podcasts, but there are others you should check out as well.
Here are seven more podcasts you’ll want to start listening today.
Dental Slang. Launching in September, this is one of the newest podcasts to hit the streets, but it’s also one of the best. Hosts Drs. Christopher Phelps and Jodi Danna use the podcast as a vehicle to share effective patient communication strategies using you guessed it, dental slang. Why dental slang? Dental jargon can be abstract or confusing to patients, so relying on analogies, similes and metaphors helps practitioners better convey their message, leading to improved patient education and higher case acceptance.
“Slang has a way of breaking down the wall between the white coat and the patient,” Dr. Phelps said. “We believe better communication leads to better relationships.”
Past and future guests include Dr. Alan Mead, Dr. Paul Feuerstein, Dr. Lisa Germain, Dr. Lou Berman, Dr. Amanda Seay and Dr. David Little.
Dentistry Uncensored with Dr. Howard Farran. Dr. Farran, the founder of Dentaltown, started his podcast a year before the last presidential election because Townies were telling him they wanted to listen to something on their commute other than politics. They asked him to host a dental-themed podcast, so he did. Unlike most podcasts, fans can both listen to and see Dentistry Uncensored as Dr. Farran talks with guests about a wide range of dental topics.
“We’ve hosted 50 of the greatest experts in 25 different genres. We basically cover anything that has to do with dentistry,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a dentist in America who couldn’t find an answer to a problem on Dentaltown or one of the podcasts I’ve done.”
Dentists, Implants & Worms. Dr. Justin Moody created and hosts this unfiltered podcast designed to help dentists “navigate the world of dentistry…one vodka soda at a time.” Every week, colleagues and mentors join Dr. Moody to talk dentistry. There’s no real format to the show, but that’s what makes it so interesting.
“Navigate the world of dentistry…one vodka soda at a time.”
The Thriving Dentist with Gary Takacs. This popular podcast has become an industry staple since it debuted in 2012. Takacs, a dental consultant, focuses on helping dentists build their practices so they can achieve “personal, professional and financial satisfaction.” Takacs has been called the godfather of dental podcasting, with more than 400 episodes under his belt and more than 1 million downloads.
“Personal, professional and financial satisfaction.”
The Relentless Dentist. Hosted by Dr. David Maloley, this podcast is all about helping dentists find happiness and to get past the excuses that are holding them back. Dr. Maloley is “passionate about using high level strategies to help dentists grow their practices while reducing stress and increasing fulfillment.” Dentists who listen in will be treated to inspiring interviews from successful dentists like Dr. Howard Farran and Dr. Bruce Baird of the Productive Dentist Academy. Topics include marketing, wealth wisdom and leadership strategies.
“Passionate about using high level strategies to help dentists grow their practices while reducing stress and increasing fulfillment.”
Dentalpreneur Podcast with Dr. Mark Costes. If you’re interested in learning about the business of dentistry, this is the podcast for you. Episodes focus on helping dentists become more profitable, less stressed and more satisfied with their careers.
“Become more profitable, less stressed and more fulfilled in your dental career.”
Fee For Service Dentist Podcast with Dr. Drew Byrnes. Looking to grow your fee for service (FFS) dental office? This podcast offers advice on how to make the transition from an insurance-driven practice to FFS. Each episode, Dr. Byrnes interviews industry leaders and average FFS dentists about what works best for their practices.
“The Fee For Service Dentist Podcast is a podcast where dentist and dental professionals come together to share their best ideas on how to grow high quality dental offices.”
