Protrusive Dental Podcast

We use articulators to help ‘mimic’ our patient’s jaw movements, to ultimately do less adjustments/revisions in the future.

But are digital articulators there yet? Or is analog king?

Or is digital dentistry just flashy tech with no real-world benefits?

Can a virtual articulator truly match the movements of your patient’s jaw?

Is a CBCT really better than a facebow—and WHEN should you use which?

In this cutting-edge episode with Dr. Seth Atkins, we dive into the world of digital articulation—exploring how tools like virtual articulators...

Are you considering the airway in your treatment planning?

Could centric relation (CR) be compromising your patient’s breathing?

When you open the vertical dimension, are you making the airway better—or worse?

Welcome to another AES 2026 series episode, this time with LEGEND Dr. Jeff Rouse as he joins Jaz in this eye-opening episode to explore how airway, aesthetics, and function are deeply interconnected—especially in prosthodontics.

They discuss key clinical scenarios like vertical dimension changes, examining how your choices may impact the airway—sometimes in ways you didn’t expect. With pract...

Have you actually looked back at your long-term cases to see how layering compares to injection moulding?

Is traditional freehand layering still your go-to for anterior composite aesthetics?

Are you using it because it gives the best result — or just because that’s how you were trained?

In this episode, Dr. Marco Maiolino joins Jaz Gulati for a meaty discussion about injection moulding—a technique that’s changing the game in anterior composites (and posterior!)

This isn’t about trends. It’s about clinical outcomes.

We’ve all admired the beauty of...

Should we really restore primary molars without local anaesthetic or injections?

When should we start taking radiographs for child patients?

Is it time to say goodbye to traditional anterior strip crowns and embrace preformed zirconia crowns?

And seriously – how do you get a wiggly, fidgety child to sit still long enough for a solid restoration?! The secret lies in choosing a technique that’s both quick and effective!

In this episode, Dr. Tim Keys unpacks the real challenges of restoring primary teeth, breaking down the pros and cons of popular approaches like...

How can dentists help kids breathe, sleep, and grow better—even if the problem isn’t the teeth?

When should you refer, and what tools can you use right now in your practice?

In this AES special episode, Jaz Gulati is joined by Dr. Liz Turner and Dr. Meggie Graham—general dentists who have evolved their practice with a deep passion for airway and whole-child health.

They walk us through five real patients, including Jaz’s own son, to show what airway dentistry looks like in the real world. From growth appliances and myofunctional t...

Are you still using long-term provisionals just to test OVD?

Is an occlusal splint really the best way to assess vertical dimension?

Could raising the OVD actually harm your patient?

Dr. Lukasz Lassmann joins Jaz and Mahmoud Ibrahim  this AES special episode to challenge conventional thinking around occlusion, vertical dimension, and full mouth rehab. Lukasz shares his unique perspective as a clinician, educator, and researcher, bringing clarity to a topic that often feels murky and divided.

They explore real-world questions like managing asymptomatic clicks before ortho, why occlusion alone won’t “cure” brux...

Should You Invest in Chairside Milling or 3D Printing?

How do milling and printing compare in durability and cost?

Which option provides the best long-term ROI for your workflow?

In this deep dive, Dr. Rustom Moopen shares his experience with CEREC, ExoCAD, and in-house fabrication, breaking down the real benefits and limitations of both technologies.

From restoration strength to efficiency and investment costs, this episode unpacks what every dentist needs to know before taking the leap into milling, printing, and CAD/CAM workflows.

“Jaz, I don’t know which course to take?”

“Should I do Aspire Academy, Kois, Chris Orr or Paul Tipton?” (all great courses and legends by the way!)

Of course its confusing – there are now more ‘Level 7 Diplomas’ than Dentists!

There are also lots of biased testimonials – surely they can’t ALL be the ‘best course I ever did?’, right?

So just HOW do you choose the right postgraduate program to elevate your skills? 

What mindset helps new grads thrive, especially when they’re feeling stuck?

This episode shares Lakshmi’s de...

Which imaging techniques should you prioritize for TMD patients? Does a panoramic radiograph hold any value? 

When should you consider taking a CBCT of the joints instead? How about an MRI scan for the TMJ?

Dr. Dania Tamimi joins Jaz for the first AES 2026 Takeover episode, diving deep into the complexities of TMD diagnosis and TMJ Imaging. They break down the key imaging techniques, how to use them effectively, and the importance of accurate reports in patient care.

They also discuss key strategies for making sense of MRIs and CBCTs, highlighting how the qu...

Why do some patients struggle with anesthesia, requiring multiple cartridges just to get numb?

Could your TMD patients have an underlying systemic condition that’s been missed?

Are you overlooking the signs of a connective tissue disorder?

”When you can’t connect the issue, think connective tissue!”

Dr. Audrey Kershaw joins Jaz for a fascinating deep dive into the world of connective tissue disorders and their hidden impact on dentistry. Together, they explore how hypermobility, unexplained joint issues, and even a history of spontane...

Can composite really outperform ceramic in the right case? Do you know when to choose an inlay over an onlay? What makes occlusal veneers so effective — even at just 0.6 mm thickness? After years of anticipation, Dr. Pascal Magne finally joins Jaz Gulati on the podcast for an episode packed with adhesive dentistry gold. They dive deep into occlusal veneers, material selection, and why indirect composite may be the best-kept secret for worn, root-filled molars. They also unpack the full bonding protocol step-by-step—from air abrasion and IDS to silane application and cementation with preheated composite. Whether you’re doing full rehabs o...

What is the number 1 communication advice for Dentists? Are you confident in discussing treatment fees with your patients? Do you struggle with communicating your worth without feeling awkward? How do you shift your mindset to charge what you're truly worth without feeling guilty (a money mindset issue)? https://youtu.be/vapDrnVqHRw In this enlightening conversation, Jaz opens up about his own struggles with money mindset and how he overcame them to confidently charge for his dental services. Joined by dental student Naveed Bhatti, they explore the challenges of pricing treatments, offering empathetic solutions to patients, and using the power of v...

Are ergonomic loupes and fancy chairs really worth the investment? Is back pain an inevitable part of being a dentist—or can it be prevented? Are you setting yourself up for a long, pain-free career in dentistry? What’s the number one thing you should be doing right now to protect your body for the long haul? Dr. Sam Cope is back, and he’s not just any dentist—he started as a physiotherapist before training in dentistry. That means when it comes to musculoskeletal health, posture, and career longevity, Sam knows his stuff. In this episode, Jaz and Sam revisit the...

Are “contact lens veneers” just fake news? Why is the traditional 0.7mm prep approach outdated? Are you truly preserving enamel in your veneer preparations? Should you ever bond veneers to root dentin or cementum after crown lengthening? Why is the Galip Gürel technique the gold standard for minimal prep veneers? https://youtu.be/5BEFD1XaZtE Watch PDP219 on Youtube Dr. David Bloom joins Jaz for an insightful episode, sharing his 36 years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. With over two decades in the same practice, he’s seen what works—and what leads to failure—when it comes to veneers. ...

CORE CPD ALERT! 🚨 How dare I veer away from our beloved clinical topics to talk about… decontamination!?! 😱 Have you ever wondered how you should be disinfecting occlusal mirrors without getting them scratched? Should we be using PTFE inside the pulp chamber if it’s not been autoclaved? What are the most common decontamination mistakes that we make day in and day out that are so easy to fix? In this episode, Jaz sits down with Decon Pete, the go-to expert for all things dental decontamination, to drive into the nitty-gritty of keeping your practice squeaky clean (and compliant!). He shares practical...

Is Work-Life Balance a Myth? How do you find the right balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life? Can you truly have it all…without sacrificing your health or family time? https://youtu.be/wkAv3noFXNk Watch PS014 on Youtube In this episode, Jaz and Emma Hutchison, ‘the Protrusive Student’, dive into the real challenges of balancing parenthood, clinical dentistry, and LIFE! Jaz shares his strategies for managing these demands, revealing that while perfect balance might not exist, navigating life’s seasons with intention can make all the difference. If you’ve ever struggled with finding your own balance, this episo...

When Your Size 10 File is not going to length, what is happening? Your apex locator isn’t giving you a zero reading. Your file is stuck. You’re wondering—have you ledged? Or could something else be at play? In this must-listen follow-up episode, Dr. Samuel Johnson returns to tackle the biggest endodontic dilemmas left unanswered from part one. If you haven’t checked that out yet, go back and listen—it’s packed with insights on working lengths, apex locators, and even the role of consent in endodontics. https://youtu.be/1E6pK2iOPjY Watch PDP217 on Youtube Now, in part two...

‘Mentorship is more important than courses’ - said lots of wise Dentists, and I think they’re right! Do you have a mentor guiding you in your dental career? How do you know if you're making the right clinical decisions? https://youtu.be/5N0kj2YuFtA Watch IC058 on Youtube In this episode, Jaz is joined by Damian Panchal and Shivani Sadani to discuss the power of mentorship in dentistry. They explore why having a mentor can accelerate your growth, boost your confidence, and help you navigate complex cases with ease. They also introduce Intaglio, a brand-new platform designed to connec...

What makes apex locators reliable—or completely misleading? How do you determine the true working length of a root canal? Why is relying solely on radiographs for endo success a risky move? Dr. Samuel Johnson joins Jaz for a game-changing episode that will make you rethink everything you know about endodontics. In this first part of a two-part special, they dive into the nuances of apex locators, the difference between the radiographic apex and apical constriction, and why our radiographs might be lying to us. They also explore the power of glide path files, how to improve your endodontics workflow, and...

Are you confident in managing patients on bisphosphonates or biologics? Which medications increase the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)? How do you decide when to extract a tooth and when to refer to a specialist? In this episode, Jaz is joined by oral surgery consultant Dr. Pippa Cullingham to explore the complexities of MRONJ. They break down the key risk factors, share expert advice on when to proceed with extractions, and discuss the latest guidelines for managing patients at risk. They also discuss the importance of early assessment - by identifying at-risk teeth early, you can help...

Not quite happy or set with being a GDP? Have you just started as a GDP and want to streamline your learnings for a brighter future? Is an MSc the right plan of action for you? How important are mentors in all of this? In this episode we discuss Dr Kiran Shakla’s journey from University to Australia to working as a Dentist at a Specialist Practice. She shares with us her top tips on how Dentists can make the most of their weekly schedules and reduce stress while dealing with different cases. https://youtu.be/IiecXSpsJmc Watch IC057 on Yout...

How do we decide whether speciality training is right for us? Is the best time to specialise straight after Dental School? Or should we gain some experience in practice first? Dr Beant Thandi joins us today to share his journey into specialising and shares some key experiences that will surely help guide you along the way. We discuss the different specialities within Dentistry as well as what personality types may suit them. This episode will really help you understand what it takes to specialise and how to get there. https://youtu.be/f8ZM8EkjSQY Watch IC056 on Youtube Key T...

Two weeks ago I suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax and it shook me. This episode came at the PERFECT time as such health scares remind us that our health and wellbeing are the highest form of Wealth. Should Dentists have a therapist to manage stress and anxiety? Did you know that a BDA survey found 1 in 5 practitioners have seriously considered taking their own lives? Is it the intense work environment, the pressure from patients, the fear of litigation, or the added burden of business ownership? More importantly, how can we address this issue and support dental professionals? Dr. Simon Chard, a...

What is the best technique for fabricating temporary veneers? How do you ensure they are retentive but not TOO retentive? What’s the best way to shape, polish, and remove them efficiently? In this episode, I’m joined by Aodhan Docherty—an absolute sensation in Sydney when it comes to veneers. He’s mastered the art, and today, he’s on a mission to share everything you need to know to get crisp, stable, and well-shaped temporary veneers every single time. We break down different protocols, troubleshoot common issues, and, most importantly, make sure your temporaries stay put until it’s time for t...

A Clinician’s guide to TMD Management Walkthrough of the latest TMD Guidelines with the authors! What’s the right approach when a patient presents with both acute and chronic painful jaw symptoms? How can the latest RCS guidelines simplify your diagnosis and treatment process? In this episode, Professor Justin Durham and Mrs. Emma Beecroft join Jaz to unpack the latest Royal College of Surgeons TMD guidelines designed specifically to help GDPs navigate these tricky cases. Together, they explore practical strategies for managing TMD, breaking down the step-by-step flowchart that makes handling these cases less intimidating. From understanding the key prin...

In this episode, Jaz dives into the complexities of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) management with Dr. Suzie Bergman, a US-based dentist and TMD sufferer. They discuss why treatments for TMD vary so much and examine the current state of evidence-based approaches. https://youtu.be/r3QpkMYeTWk Watch PDP212 on Youtube Dr. Bergman shares her personal journey, highlighting conservative treatments, the role of occlusal appliances, and the power of multidisciplinary care. But just when you think you’ve got it all figured out—Dr. Bergman reveals a game-changing insight that could completely shift your approach to TMD management. Ready to find out what...

How far should you extend composite resin? When does edge bonding become a composite veneer?  How do you decide where to finish the restoration?  And most importantly, how do you avoid that dreaded yellow-brown stain line that can form on anterior resins? These are just some of the burning questions tackled in this episode with my guest, Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim. We dive deep into the artistry and engineering of  decision-making in anterior composites. https://youtu.be/_q2O57-Y-d4 Watch PDP211 on Youtube Protrusive Dental Pearl: use a zirconia primer which contains 10-MDP (e.g. Monobond, Z-Prime Plus) on the intagli...

What influences your decision when choosing ceramics? What are the main ceramics nowadays—and do porcelain-fused-to-metal still have a place in dentistry? Are the protocols different for various types of ceramics and crown materials? How important is rubber dam isolation, and is a split dam good enough? In this Back to Basics Protrusive episode, Jaz teams up again with Emma Hutchison, ‘the Protrusive Student’, to break down these critical questions and simplify the world of ceramics. From decision-making frameworks to practical rubber dam tips, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your practice. Whether you're a student navigating the foundati...

What’s the best way to reduce post-op pain after extractions? And why should we never use the term “painkiller” with patients? What to do when you hear the dreaded *crack* of a tuberosity? In this episode we talk about all things post-operative extraction complications! And I’m joined by one of the nicest guys in dentistry - Dr. Nekky Jamal  Complications are something we ALL experience, so this episode is great for any dentist. Whether you're brushing up on dry socket prevention, mastering post-op communication, or just curious about advanced healing hacks, tune in for real-world advice to make extraction...

In this special recap, we’ll explore 12 key lessons from 2024 —insights that have shaped our practice, validated our protocols, and sometimes, inspired small but meaningful changes. Happy New Year from Team Protrusive! As we kick off 2025, we want to express heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support throughout 2024. What were the standout moments that shaped your learning this year? Which episodes gave you that “aha” moment? Whether you’re a seasoned listener or just jumping in, this recap will help solidify the lessons that you can apply to your practice every day. https://youtu.be/OxfRmNhQ7Wk Watch PDP209 on Youtube Protrusive...

Are you focusing enough on pink aesthetics in smile design? What role does gingiva play in achieving a truly stunning smile? When should you refer for recession around lower incisors or upper canines? Can you get the gum to grow back through orthodontics? And how about class 5 restorations? Should we do them, or should we work on the gingival recession first? In this episode, Jaz is joined by the expert Dr. Tidu Mankoo, who shares his extensive knowledge on the importance of gingival health in aesthetic dentistry. They dive into the crucial role of the dento-gingival complex.  https://youtu.be/Ao...

In this episode, we focus on the link between periodontal disease and the systemic effects on the human body. There’s more to oral hygiene than just saving our teeth, so let’s dive into this fascinating episode with Dr Reena Wadia to learn more about the importance of perio and how it is associated with the rest of our health. https://youtu.be/fldpB_8h2Dc Watch GF024 on Youtube Key Takeaways: There is a strong link between gum health and systemic health. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are key conditions linked to gum health. Understanding correlation vs. causation is crucia...

What are the steps involved in Functional Crown Lengthening? Which scenarios/teeth are best for this type of surgery? What is biologic width and why should we care? Is Bone sounding a diagnostic test, or just a genre of music? The answer to these questions and a lot more can be found in this packed episode with Dr Hiten Halai. We cover the right protocols when crown lengthening and understand the difference between aesthetic and functional crown lengthening.  https://youtu.be/KRlEtz16I8c Watch PDP207 on Youtube Protrusive Dental Pearl - Bone Sounding Using a periodontal probe, go into th...

Application points, luxation vs elevation, avoiding common mistakes - this one's an episode that I wish I had when I was at dental school! How do you know when you've found the application point during extractions? What are the key protocols that can help make your extractions more efficient? https://youtu.be/rOBPnCTyAwM Watch PS012 on Youtube This week's Protrusive Student episode is all about exodontia - and again I'm joined by Emma Hutchison, our Protrusive Student Ambassador, to discuss some tips and tricks on how to make extractions that little bit easier. Jaz also shares a memorable analogy—could remo...

Are you confident in diagnosing white patches? Which white patches need an URGENT referral? How do you tell the difference between lichen planus, lichenoid reactions, and other common lesions? Dr. Amanda Phoon Nguyen is back with another amazing episode, this time diving deep into the world of oral white patches. Jaz and Amanda explore the most common lesions you’ll encounter, breaking down their appearance, diagnosis, and management. They also discuss key strategies to help you build a strong differential diagnosis, because identifying the right lesions early can make all the difference in patient care. https://youtu.be/xlQpuQu2Hl0 Wa...

What are the key steps and nuances to make awesome Dentures that your patients will love? In this episode, Jaz probes Removable Pros legend Dr Mike Gregory to break down the process. From border molding to primary impressions and the teamwork between dentists and technicians, Mike reveals the key steps to making great dentures. https://youtu.be/snM3PerQ1ko For example, be sure to include a note on the lab sheet for the technician: "Preserve full peripheral depth and width of the sulcus on this impression, to about 2-3mm." This ensures the correct functional width is maintained when th...

Implant crowns should be out of occlusion, right? Think again!  In my experience, single tooth implant crowns when I see them are IN occlusion and holding shim - even when this was not intended by the Restorative Dentist. When this happens, should we be adjusting the implant crown? Or perhaps the adjacent tooth? *shock horror* And how often would this need to be repeated? This podcast will show you a better way to manage implant occlusion! https://youtu.be/l8WOiamk06M Watch PDP204 on Youtube In this episode, I’m thrilled to chat with Professor Riaz Yar, an occlusion exp...

Why are principals and associates always at loggerheads with each other? Why can it be almost impossible to find the right associates to work at our amazing practice, but also almost impossible to find that amazing practice to work at as an associate?  Join myself and Dr Sarika Shah on this episode where we learn more about self leadership and the ways to prioritise our values to help us find the right working relationships and places of work to be a part of. Let’s figure out how to bring all members of a team together and create the zen we ar...

Is Sodium Hypochlorite still the best irrigant for endodontics? Or do we have something novel and superior? How can we improve the efficacy of our endodontic irrigation? What % of NaOCl should we be using? https://youtu.be/z5h2FzHpG68 Watch PDP203 on Youtube Dr. Brett Gilbert rejoins Jaz Gulati to tackle all things endodontic irrigation after a brilliant episode on pre-emptive endodontics. Advanced activation and delivery systems could change the game—are we on the brink of a major shift in endodontics? Protrusive Dental Pearl: Before performing a molar extraction, challenge yourself to first complete an endodontic access on th...

What's the difference between radiolucency and burnout?  When's the best time to use a bitewing vs a periapical radiograph?  When should we pick up the bur for interproximal caries? Have you heard about the 4 white lines an OPG radiograph?  https://youtu.be/wCV3U8-OAvI Watch PS011 on Youtube This episode is packed full of great tips and techniques that will help you understand how to produce great radiographs as well as being able to properly figure out what they are trying to tell us. Radiographs can be tricky, whether that's due to them being flipped, upside down or due to...