Exploring Innovation and Collaboration in Dentistry: A Conversation with Dr. John Bruce
- Dr. Reza Ardalan
- Nov 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 25
By Dr. Reza Ardalan, Host of the Dental Slang Podcast
In the latest episode of the Dental Slang Podcast, Dr. John Bruce joins host Dr. Reza Ardalan to discuss innovative approaches to dental care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of mentorship in professional growth. From expanding clinical tools to personal stories that reveal his unique journey, this episode offers both practical insights and engaging anecdotes for dental professionals.
In this episode, I talk with Dr. John Bruce about how he’s pushing the boundaries of traditional dentistry and how he’s implementing a wellness approach by integrating advanced blood testing and bacterial analysis into his practice. By checking for things like glucose intolerance, vitamin deficiencies, and oral bacteria, his team can create highly personalized treatment plans. And here’s the surprising part: patients are responding incredibly well. “In the last six months, I think I had one new patient say no,” Dr. Bruce tells me, highlighting how patients are recognizing the connection between their oral health and overall wellness.
Of course, implementing these innovations wasn’t without its challenges. It required careful planning and clear communication with the dental team. Dr. Bruce points out that while it initially added administrative work, once the team learned to explain these tests effectively, the process became smooth. The result? Patients feel informed, empowered, and engaged in their care.
Mentorship and Professional Growth
We also dive into the value of study clubs and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Bruce is involved in groups that bring together orthodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists and motivated general dentists to review complex cases.
“The study club is invaluable,” he says. “You don’t even know what these people can do to help you unless you go talk to them and share your cases.” And it’s not just about case discussions—the collaboration influences how he implements cutting-edge therapies like ozone treatment and airway management in his practice.
Mentorship has played a key role in Dr. Bruce’s career. He talks about working with nationally recognized periodontist Dr. David Mugford, whose guidance helped him avoid common pitfalls and accelerate his clinical learning. Watching hundreds of procedures before performing them himself gave him a solid foundation in precision and attention to detail.
Dr. Bruce also emphasizes that mentorship is a two-way street. Mentees who ask thoughtful questions and offer observations can provide valuable insights back to the mentor. This reciprocal dynamic strengthens the learning experience for both parties and ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Innovation Matters: Incorporating tools like blood and bacterial testing can transform patient care and deepen understanding of overall health.
Patient Education is Key: Clear communication and demonstrating the purpose of tests and treatments enhances patient buy-in.
Collaboration Enhances Outcomes: Study clubs and interdisciplinary teamwork allow practitioners to tackle complex cases more effectively.
Mentorship Accelerates Growth: Learning from experienced clinicians helps avoid mistakes, builds confidence, and strengthens clinical decision-making.
Personal Experience Shapes Professional Perspective: Stories from outside dentistry, like sports or early experiences, can influence problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience.
To hear the full conversation, head over to DentalSlang.com and listen to the episode:
