The Dose of Dental Podcast

36 Episodes
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By: Sooraj Shah

Dose of Dental is a dental podcast hosted by Stony Brook University pre-dental student Sooraj Shah. Inspired by his own pre-dental journey and fueled by the desire to discover what dental school is like, this podcast aims to provide firsthand information to prospective along with current pre-dental students about the vast field of dentistry. Through discussing different topics and paths to dentistry with current dental students and dental professionals, we hope to provide a useful resource to pre-dental students who seek to gain a deeper understanding of the various specialties and paths dentistry has to offer. These conversations will take...

Dr. Avi Patel @doctor.avi - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #144 - PART 3!
#144
05/21/2025

Top 5 Topics:

- From Zero to 50K Views: The Hidden Formula Top Creators Use (That Dentists Can Copy Today)

- How Social Media Became the Secret Weapon for Dentists (and Why Most Still Miss It)

- The Dark Side of TikTok and Instagram: How Algorithms Are Probing Your Mind

- Why Most Dentists Fail at Marketing: Inside Secrets They’re Too Afraid to Admit

- How to Instantly Boost Your Patient Base with One Simple Content Trick

Quotes & Wisdom:

"If you're tired of bad information ab...


Dr. Derek Weyhrauch @derekweyhrauch_md - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #118
#118
05/16/2025

Full Podcast: “The Toll We Pay in Residency, Stories of Saving Babies Lives in Pediatric Cardiology, Ironman & Triathlons, Why Doctors Are Like Athletes”

Questions: [01:10] Pediatric cardiology is such a specific niche. Can you tell us about your path?

[03:36] How old are you after all this training?

[05:02] Was starting triathlons in medical school your escape?

[06:43] How did this last triathlon compare to your earlier ones?

[09:48] What did your wife say when you fit into those pants?

[11:21] How did you maintain your marriage through the challenges of medical training?


Let’s Talk Teeth Podcast - PART 3 - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Let’s Talk Teeth x Dose of Dental #142
#142
05/13/2025

Now available on:

- Dr. Gallagher’s Podcast & YouTube Channel

- Dose of Dental Podcast #142

My watch in this episode = Citizen Promaster Diver Day Date

- 4.2025

#podcast #dentalpodcast #doctorgallagherpodcast #doctorgallagherspodcast #doctor #dentist #dentistry #oralsurgery #dental #dentalschool #dentalstudent #doctorlife #dentistlife #oralsurgeon #doctorgallagher


Benji D4 Dental Student @dr.lidocaine - Jaw Ready Podcast x Dr. Gallagher’s Pod x Dose of Dental #139
04/23/2025

- What OMFS Programs Look For In A Resident

- Trust But Verify: The #1 Rule That Could Save Your Dental Career

- The Truth About Sedation Safety: Why Dental Assistants Should Be DANCE Certified

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/haD0ReGjZRw

Podcast Link:

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/8PolF4NrxSb

Quotes & Wisdom:

“Taking a year off was the hardest decision I’ve ever made—but I don’t regret it for a minute.” – Benji

“Sometimes you’ve got to evaluate and say, ‘I need to...


PreDental Q&A Session with Boise State - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #134
#134
04/22/2025

- Gap Year Gold: How Taking a Break Helped Me Excel in Dental School

- From Gym Bros to Dental Mentors

- Dental School Burnout? These Study Hacks Might Save You:

- My Secrets in Hindsight Now As An Oral Surgery Resident

- How to Ace Dental School Interviews Without Sounding Like a Robot

- Dentistry vs. Medicine: Why I Chose Teeth Over Gangrene Toes

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/Hggud7RXTZA

Podcast Link:

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/doctorgallagher...


Dr. Ashleigh Briody @central_ohio_oral_pathology - Dr. Gallagher's Pod x Dose of Dental #140
#140
04/18/2025

“I didn’t become a mom to never see my kids.”

“Nobody’s working when I’m out. So I can’t be gone for six days.”

“It’s nice to sit at a microscope and not talk to anyone except my computer.”

“Most of us are in schools or hospital systems. We're one of the few offering comprehensive care in private practice.”

“Patients hear one thing first and assume it’s the truth—so provider consistency is key.”

“Be honest with them. Don’t let them mentally torture themselves for a week waiting on a can...


Dr. Avi Patel @doctor.avi - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #137
#137
04/14/2025

Questions:

(11:11) "What would you describe has been some of the value from the people that you’ve been working with?"

(13:51) "When does a case kind of graduate to an orthodontist level?"

(17:29) "Are clear aligners covered under insurance?"

(19:09) "What percentage of insurance companies do cover aligners?"

(20:18) "If a case becomes complex mid-treatment, does that affect ortho insurance coverage?"

(21:30) "What’s your timeline cutoff for referring out a long case?"

(24:17) "Of all patients you talk to, how many are referred out vs. treated?"

(28:25) "How many orth...


Dr. Stephen Roth @stephenrothdds - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #138
#138
04/14/2025

- An AI Almost Missed A Cancer Diagnosis!

- 3 Ways Dentists Can Accidentally Cause Harm:

- World of Oral Pathologists – What They Actually Do

- Lasers, AI, and the Future of Detecting Oral Cancer

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/yrgazvd6qiQ

Podcast Link:

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/q5CdgatGvSb

Quotes & Wisdom:

04:52 - "It feels good when the chair tells you, ‘We’re so glad you’re here.’ That feels good."

09:41 - "Support is the key. That’s the key differen...


Dr. Nicole Eisenberg @dr.eisenberg.oms - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #126
#126
04/07/2025

- Breaking Her Own Jaw While Running & Operating the Same Day

- Military Dentistry & Oral Surgery Training

- The Hospital LOST Your Surgical Instruments?

- Running the London Marathon Right After The Boston Marathon

Questions:

01:51 – "How often does it snow in Tennessee?"

03:57 – "When did you start skiing?"

06:07 – "Do you ever have any doubts or fears of getting injured while skiing?"

09:42 – "Did you continue running while healing from your injury?"

10:48 – "How far away is your office?"

13:41 – "What were you doing in Japan?"<...


Dr. Serv Wahan @drwahan PART 3 - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #127
#127
04/07/2025

- TROLLS: CHECK YOUR OWN REVIEWS FIRST!

- Some Dentists Hate Admitting That Social Media & Marketing Matters…

- New Fear Unlocked: GOING BALD

Questions:

(03:04) – Are you going bald?

(05:10) – Do you have a big backyard?

(05:20) – How's the raccoon doing?

(06:08) – In winter, do raccoons hibernate?

(07:08) – When is the annual AAOMS meeting?

(07:36) – Have you done tracheostomies before?

(09:12) – Did you ever assist in gastric bypass surgeries?

(12:20) – Do you think social media has changed the way specialists market themselves?

(15:17) – How do you deal with tro...


Dr. Steve Yusupov @drsteveyusupov - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #133
#133
04/07/2025

Questions:

01:24 – How was the day? How did the day go?

06:03 – The one concern I have is… where do those smaller cases go?

09:36 – What are you complaining about these days?

11:25 – Why from your perspective? (first year being hardest)

12:29 – What were some of the things you didn’t expect when you started private practice?

18:18 – What’s the hardest thing that gets you in a bind sometimes?

32:38 – What’s your favorite restaurant on Long Island?

34:49 – What do you have coming up this week?

35:15 – How often are you doing full a...


Dr. Melanie Silvestrini @dr.melanierosalia - Dr. Gallagher's Podcast x Dose of Dental Podcast #132
#132
04/01/2025

01:07 – Are you doing both Miami and New York?

03:26 – How many days are you working right now? Any weekends?

04:45 – Do you remember when you were on call, always in low power mode?

06:19 – How many years did it take you to make the full switch to Miami?

08:34 – Who mentored you in implantology in Miami?

10:25 – What do you look forward to doing every day in dentistry?

13:30 – How do you tell a patient that you may not be the best provider for them?

18:22 – Do you see yourself owning a practice in the...


Journey to Dental School & the NAVY HPSP Scholarship
#23
06/05/2024

Welcome back to the 23rd episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Ahmed Abdullah a current D1 Student at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine joins Sooraj to discuss his journey to dentistry. Ahmed decided to enter dentistry in August before submitting his application to dental schools in July. Given only 11 months to compile an application, Ahmed details how he did it, including securing valuable shadowing opportunities and working as an assistant. He is also a recipient of the NAVY HPSP scholarship. The Armed Forces finance your dental school education along with a monthly stipend...


Applying to and Life in Dental School
#22
06/03/2024

Welcome back to the 22nd episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Ashley Flachner, a current D2 Student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) joins Sooraj to discuss her journey to dentistry. We cover every aspect of Ashley's application, including her undergraduate experiences, applying during COVID-19, interviews, and finally choosing a dental school. Ashley also details her life as a UCLA dental student and what she expects for the future.


Discussing Oral Surgery Paths and More (Hosted by Dr. Cima Sater)
#21
05/06/2024

Dr. Gallagher joins Dr. Cima Sater, BDS, current doctor of dental surgery and host of The Dental Talk podcast. Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Sater speak about oral surgery routes, patient treatment, and the future implications for dentistry.


A Fascinating Journey From Opera Singer to Future Dentist (with D3 Kendra Domotor)
#20
04/01/2024

Welcome back to the 20th episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Kendra Domotor, a current D3 Student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine joins Sooraj to discuss her journey to dentistry. Kendra's amazing story began in music school at Ithaca College, eventually becoming a professionally trained opera singer. During a realization event with a medical student, Kendra found out about a specific post-baccalaureate program where she was able to complete the necessary pre-dental requirements while balancing a job as a fitness instructor. We also dive deep into the DAT and application process...


"Guess The Diagnosis" Path Summer Trivia (hosted by Dr. Stephen Roth, DDS)
#19
10/25/2023

Welcome back to the 19th episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Stephen Roth, DDS, and board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologist hosted an exciting Summer trivia event where various descriptions of different pathological situations were asked, and participants answered via an online Kahoot quiz session. Stay tuned for more future trivia nights, where you can also have a chance to win gift cards if you place in the top three! Dr. Roth's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenrothdds/Dose of Dental Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doseofdentalpodcast/


Achieving a Dream in 3 Years & Finding Balance (with D3 Ethan Nguyen)
#18
10/08/2023

Welcome back to the 18th episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Ethan Nguyen, a current D3 Student at the University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry joins Sooraj to discuss his journey to dentistry. Ethan speaks about how he was able to commit to the combined UOP Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry BS/DDS program during undergrad, why he chose dentistry over medicine, and how the curriculum at his dental school will allow him to become a dentist in just 3 years. You do not want to miss this valuable insight from a...


D4 Clinical Experiences and Reflections of a Fourth Year (with D4 Haley Schultz)
#17
08/20/2023

Welcome back to the 17th episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast. In this episode, Haley Schultz, a current D4 Dental Student at Michigan University School of Dentistry, joins Sooraj to discuss her journey through dental school and the current transition from D3 to D4 year. We cover all aspects of the pre-dental process: the DAT, personal statement, and the extracurriculars that Haley felt got her that email to interview and ultimately an acceptance. Haley also speaks about her her first experiences working with patients, external rotations, and interest in specializing as she enters her final year. Join us...


University of Louisville School of Dentistry Q & A Session
#16
08/01/2023

Welcome back to the 16th episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast. In this episode, we held a Q & A session with University of Louisville School of Dentistry ASDA students: Current LASDA President D3 Nicole Trytko, Secretary D3 Lauren Dreese, Wellness Chair D3 Kierra Dages, and Treasurer's Cabinet lead of fundraising D2 Chelsea Avery. The current LASDA e-board tackles questions from pre-dentals about the application process and in-depth experiences in interviews. LASDA Instagra, Page: https://www.instagram.com/louisvilleasda/?hl=enReach out to the Dose of Dental Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doseofdentalpodcast/


From Aspiring Singer to Future Dentist (with D2 Razel Zapanta)
#15
07/23/2023

Welcome back to the 15th episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast. In this episode, Razel Zapanta, a current D2 dental student at A.T. Still University - Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, joins Sooraj to discuss her journey to dentistry and her current life in dental school. Razel shares her story of how her pursuit of music turned into a passion for dentistry, She details how participating in a SHPEP program and working as a dental assistant opened her eyes into the realm of dentistry. We also discuss important pre-dental topics such as studying for the DAT...


The Importance of & Remaining Productive During Gap Years (with D3 Eli Hilaire)
#14
07/16/2023

Welcome back to the 14th episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Elias Hilaire, an incoming D3 Dental Student at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, joined Sooraj to discuss his journey to dental school. Eli shares his story from pursuing medicine after graduating undergrad to finding a true passion for dentistry through his personal experiences. He also emphasizes how using gap years helped him get real-world experience before applying to dental school. Join us as Eli describes the importance of gap years, his journey to dental school, and life so far through...


Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine Q & A Session
#13
07/02/2023

Welcome back to the 13th episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast. In this episode, we held a Q & A session with Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine students: D2 Golzar Pahlevani, D3s Johnny Russo, Salma Atassi, Riley Barnet, and D4 Mary Wick. The current NSU e-board tackles questions from pre-dentals about the application process, extracurriculars that give you an advantage, and life as a dental student at NSU. NSU ASDA Page: https://www.instagram.com/nsuasda/?hl=enReach out to the Dose of Dental Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doseofdentalpodcast/


When Passion Overcomes Adversity (with D2 Omid Khaksarfard)
#12
06/25/2023

Welcome back to the 12th episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Omid Khaksarfard, a current D2 Dental Student at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, joined Sooraj to discuss his journey to dental school. Omid shares his inspiring story of being accepted to dental school, but not without a long and treacherous journey. From having to take the DAT multiple times to having to reapply, Omid bet on himself after graduation through a Masters program and got accepted to dental school on the sole basis of his determination. Join us as Omid shows us how...


Keys to Applying to Dental School and Beyond (with D1 Lasya Anantuni)
#11
06/11/2023

Welcome back to the eleventh episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Lasya Anantuni, a current D1 Dental Student at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, joined Sooraj to share her journey to dental school. We discuss how Lasya blended her focus on Global and oral Health during her undergraduate years with her passion for dentistry. We also go over how she tackled the DAT, personal statement, and interviews during her application process. Lasya also gives us some insight into her first year as a dental student and the kind of collaborative atmosphere Stony Brook...


Operating a Private Practice (with Dr. Nicholas Nicastro)
#10
05/21/2023

Welcome back to the tenth episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode Dr. Gallagher and Sooraj were joined by Dr. Nicastro, a general dentist, educator at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, and a private practice owner. We discuss Dr. Nicastro's journey to dentistry and what really goes into running a successful private practice. Losing associates, keeping the staff content, and working through hardship are things Dr. Nicastro has overcome to get to where he is today. Join us as Dr. Nicastro details the work required behind Operating a Private Practice.

Dr. Nicastro's...


Operating a Private Practice
#10
05/21/2023

Welcome back to the tenth episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode Dr. Gallagher and Sooraj were joined by Dr. Nicastro, a general dentist, educator at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, and a private practice owner. We discuss Dr. Nicastro's journey to dentistry and what really goes into running a successful private practice. Losing associates, keeping the staff content, and working through hardship are things Dr. Nicastro has overcome to get to where he is today.


How Utilizing the Gap Year Enhanced Our Application (with D3s Mark & David Abayev)
#9
04/16/2023

Welcome back to the ninth episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this eye-opening episode, I sat down with Mark and David Abayev, both D3 students at the New York University College of Dentistry. We discuss their journey through undergrad, and how using a gap years greatly impacted their applications. With the opportunity to do dental research, complete graduate programs such as a Masters, and have even more time to study for the DAT, Mark and David advise students considering a gap year to take it. We then cover their lives through the first three years of dental...


The OMFS Route of Dentistry (with NYU OMFS 2nd Year Resident Brendan Gallagher)
#8
04/02/2023

Welcome back to the eighth episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this action packed episode, I sit down with Dr. Brendan Gallagher, a current 2nd year NYU/Bellevue Hospital OMFS resident. We unpack his journey throughout undergrad, dental school, and now onward to oral surgery. Seeing that oral surgery offered the same team atmosphere as his college basketball days, Dr. Gallagher reveals how he strategically approached applying to OMFS programs from dental school. He also takes us through his life as an OMFS resident, and how to make yourself stick out to admission committees whether you are...


Formulating a Winning Application (with D1 Asli Pisano)
#7
02/26/2023

Welcome back to the seventh episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Asli Pisano, a D1 student at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine shares her journey to dental school. Rooted in dentistry by being accepted to dental school straight from high school, Asli shares exactly how she supplemented her application with research, community service, and leadership to create a stand-out application. Join us as Asli shares how to formulate a winning application.


What Dental Schools Really Look For (with D2 David Cruzate)
#6
12/23/2022

Welcome back to the sixth episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, David Cruzate, a D2 student at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, talks about what dental schools really look for, from the personal statement to research experiences. David talks about his journey, including how his dental outreach trip experience shaped his personal statement, and how he found himself in the field in the first place. We also touch upon what to expect walking into your first year at dental school, including the coursework, daily life as a D1/D2, and what plans...


The Secrets to the Dental School Application (with Dr. Diana Kim)
#5
10/30/2022

Welcome back to the fifth episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Diana Kim, a 1st year GPR resident at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center reveals the ins and outs of the Dental School Application! Dr. Kim talks about her journey, including her experiences with the personal statement, DAT, interviews, as well as research. She also touches upon how taking a gap year allowed her to add to her application and get into the dental schools she wanted. We also discuss what to expect in dental school and and how a day in the life...


Paving Your Own Path to Dental School (with D2 Paul Dimarzo)
#4
10/02/2022

Welcome back to the fourth episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast. In this episode, Paul Dimarzo, a current D2 dental student at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, speaks about his pre-dental and dental school experiences. Paul extensively covers his undergraduate experience, which included building skills from outreach trips, assisting, and his application to dental school. In dental school, As a D2, Paul tells us how these skills have helped him succeed in dental school, and gives us a glimpse into life as a D2 student in Buffalo. You DO NOT want to miss this episode...


Dancing through Dental School (with GPR Chief Resident Dr. Varun Goyal)
#3
09/11/2022

Welcome back to the third episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Varun Goyal, a recent Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine grad and now in the GPR program at Stony Brook Hospital, covers his extensive undergraduate experience, his story for why he chose this field, and virtually every step along the pre-dental journey. Dr. Goyal also explains how he intertwined his passion for dance with dentistry, fueling his journey during dental school. You DO NOT want to miss this episode, as Dr. Goyal also touches upon life as a GPR resident!

Be...


Untwisting the Interview Process (with D2 Brandon Axelrod)
#2
08/28/2022

Welcome back to the second episode of the Dose of Dental Podcast. In this episode, incoming D2 student at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine Brandon Axelrod covers everything about his pre-dental journey from research, to clubs, and the dental school application. Brandon shares his unique and amazing story of why he chose to pursue dentistry and gives in-depth explanations as to what the dental school interview is, what to expect, and how his own experience was. You do not want to miss this episode, as Brandon untwists the interview process!

Be sure to follow Brandon at...


The Stepping Stones to Dental School (with D3 Zaid Rahman)
#1
08/07/2022

Welcome to our very first episode, featuring Zaid Rahman, an incoming D3 student at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Attending Stony Brook University during his undergraduate years, Zaid touches on aspects of the pre-dental journey such as research, outreach, and the Dental Admissions Test. Join us as Zaid goes over his undergraduate journey, discussing the steps he took that have lead him to be where he is today in this dose of dental.