Chew on This! A Dental Podcast

She walked in like any other patient… but what happened next left the dental staff speechless.

A quiet dental office. A woman enters, looking like a regular patient. Nothing seems off—until something does. What unfolds is a shocking case of true crime that exposes just how easily a routine day in dentistry can turn into something no one saw coming. It's the kind of crime that leaves teams rattled and protocols questioned.

In this eye-opening case of crime in dentistry, the criminal doesn’t break in—she walks right through the front door. It’s a chilli...

Medical debt no longer impacts credit scores. What does this mean for dentists and patients?

New U.S. regulations are making waves as medical debt is now removed from credit score calculations. Kevin and Teresa dive deep into what this monumental shift might mean for dentistry. With $49 billion in affected debt no longer lowering credit scores, patients may feel less compelled to pay their bills, leading to serious concerns for dental practices relying on payment compliance. They unpack what this change means for collections, explore how higher credit scores might affect third-party financing approvals, and the potential...

A hockey player picking up his own teeth from the ice? Fish getting dental impressions? Dive into these unexpected dental tales!

In this episode, we explore two intriguing dental stories. First, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe suffered a facial injury during a game against the Detroit Red Wings, resulting in him collecting his teeth from the ice before continuing to play. After receiving dental treatment, he later cracked a repaired tooth by biting his nail. This incident highlights the frequent dental challenges faced by hockey players.

Next, we delve into innovative research from the...

A forgotten toothbrush in his car was all it took to unravel 10 years of secrets 😱

Sexual scandals and workplace power dynamics collide in this jaw-dropping story of a Maine dentist's affair with his dental assistant, leading to an explosive lawsuit. What started as a cold winter day encounter in the office basement spiraled into a decade of alleged manipulation, secret payments, and desperate cover-ups. When the affair between the married dentist and his assistant finally exploded into public view, it exposed not just personal indiscretions, but a pattern of workplace violations, including sexual harassment and empl...

Did you know dental offices face some of the most bizarre and unexpected challenges? The reality might surprise you.

In this episode, we dive into jaw-dropping incidents that have disrupted dental practices in unexpected ways. We explore real-life stories, like a car crashing into a dental office in Tennessee after a shooting victim tried to escape, and the impact it had on the practice. There’s also the case of a Texas dental office dealing with repeated crashes at a busy strip mall location and the steps they took to prevent more accidents.

We also di...

Ever wondered what it would be like to pack up your dental drill and burs and move overseas?

In this episode, Kevin Henry and Teresa Duncan bring a mix of international news and workplace dilemmas from the dental industry. Kevin kicks things off with an exciting opportunity for dentists in Hong Kong, while Teresa debates the touchy topic of office gift-giving with a real-world Reddit dilemma. All of this is peppered with their usual nutty banter and personal insights that keep things informative yet entertaining.

Key Takeaways:

Do your patients feel stressed when they visit your office? Let’s talk about what clues you might be missing and how to address them.

In this episode, learn how stress can impact dental health, leading to issues like bruxism and TMJ disorders. Have you heard about "white coat syndrome"? Patients get scared when they see someone in a doctor’s coat. New Halloween costume idea! But seriously, we shared some lessons from a viral complaint about poor patient care. We hope it never happens to any of us. 

That being said, Teresa is a huge...

Should you save your natural teeth or opt for dental implants? In this episode, we explore the ongoing debate in the dental world about the importance of preserving natural teeth versus the growing popularity of implants.

We’ll also uncover why Albania has become a surprising hotspot for dental tourism, attracting people from around the globe with affordable dental care and other procedures. What does this trend mean for long-term care, and is it worth the trip?

Stick around for a discussion on the pros and cons of seeking dental treatment abroad, along with practical ti...

Did you know that two lions in Kenya once killed at least 28 people? These lions, known as the Tsavo Lions, became famous for attacking workers building a railway. But could your ancestors have been among their victims?

In this episode, we talk about the scary story of the Tsavo Lions, who killed many workers in 1898. We explain why these lions started hunting humans and what happened to them after the attacks. We also dive into the ethics of studying human remains and why researchers don’t want to test the teeth of the lions. We also link th...

Don’t forget that we’re on YouTube!

What would you think if you saw a DeLorean parked in front of a dental office? 🚗🦷
Hey, it’s Teresa here, and in this episode of Chew on This, Kevin and I are taking you on a unique ride through the dental world with a twist of ‘80s nostalgia! We’re diving into the story of a Massachusetts dentist who combines the latest tech with an A-Team style mobile lab and even parks a DeLorean right outside his office. Talk about creative marketing, right?

We’re also unpacking the...

Don’t forget that we’re on YouTube!

Have you ever wondered how fake dentists operate, and what’s being done to stop them? In this episode, we dive into Illinois' groundbreaking campaign to crack down on unqualified veneer techs, shedding light on the risks they pose to unsuspecting patients. But that's not all—we're heading to Canada to explore a major shift happening with dental hygienists, as many are leaving traditional practices to launch independent mobile clinics. It’s all about financial freedom and finding a more fulfilling work environment.

Along the way, we’ll also take...

Which states are hiding the secret to happiness, and could yours be one of them? This episode takes you on a journey through the intriguing rankings of happiness across the U.S., revealing the surprising factors that influence how content residents feel in their own backyards.

We explore the criteria that determine happiness rankings and how your state stacks up, uncover the ways different seasons can sway happiness levels throughout the year, and dive into the unexpected relationship between sports participation and overall joy. We also discuss how involvement in local activities fosters well-being and strengthens community...

Ever wonder what connects the dental practices of South Africa, a scandal in Canada, and a courageous veterinarian in Colorado? Of course you have! Get ready for a global journey with your favorite goofy dental people. We talked about parallels in dental offices in South Africa and the US. Then we go up north to the land of maple and chilly weather to dive into a shocking case that rocked the Canadian dental community. Plus, don’t miss the touching tale of a vet who went above and beyond to save a life. We had to end it on a...

Get ready for an insightful exploration into the world of dentistry with stories that blend inspiration, real-life lessons, and practical advice for dental professionals.

In this episode, hear the remarkable story of a 50-year-old who decided to follow his lifelong dream of becoming a dentist. Discover how passion and determination led him to make a significant career change and achieve his goals later in life, proving that it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

Next, we delve into a shocking incident involving a Seattle dental office that was broken into three times in one...

Today, we’re diving into some cool and crazy topics! What happens to your teeth when you’re up in space? Who knew that floating around in zero gravity could mess with your teeth so much? We’re talking less saliva, more cavities, gum disease, and even something called "odontocrexis" where your dental fillings might just not hold up at high altitudes.Okay - they could explode. Wild, right?

And if space dentistry wasn’t enough, we revisited the viral sensation of "turkey teeth." People continue to visit Turkey for low cost dental work, and let's just say, it’...

💥 Buckle up for a rollercoaster episode where Teresa and Kevin delve into the wild world of AI voice technologies 🤖. Teresa gets a surprise when Kevin’s voice, courtesy of AI, reads an excerpt from her book! They pondered a future where AI could replace them both 🌀. Plus, Kevin shares Dr. Uche’s hot tips on what dental patients should absolutely never do 🦷—think DIY dentistry and skipping mouthguards! Teresa dishes the dirt on a nasty legal battle between rival dental offices that got a bit too personal on Facebook 🕵️‍♀️. Remember to check the show notes for all the juicy links and insights. And hey...

🩻 Can X-rays really reveal gender? It's fascinating that X-ray technology on ancient bones can determine their sex. We totally geeked out about this!

We also touch on the current challenges in dental care, including high costs and provider shortages. All this to give you a glimpse of upcoming dental trends. Subscribe and watch to dive into these intriguing topics 🧐!

Link to the articles:

...

Today, we've got a wild story that's gonna blow your mind! Imagine a dentist in Minnesota canoeing his patients to the office during a flood. Yep, you heard that right—a canoe! We’re chatting about the lengths some folks will go to for their patients. Plus, we’ve got big news: we're hosting a webinar on December 12th to talk about all the latest dental trends and some of our all-time favorite stories from this year. So kick back, relax, and get ready to laugh and learn with us on "Chew On 

Link to the articles:

W...

✈ We put on our kilts (and masks!) to discuss the shutdown of a Scottish dentist amid an HIV scare. Back in the states, Minnesota’s just allowed dental assistants to 💉administer injections. Of course we have to discuss this. Buckle up and come along for the ride!

A few talking points: 

Link to the articles:

We tackled the frustrations of Canadian dental practices with a newly imposed process and the lack of dentist input 🤯, while expressing deep concern for rural access to oral health care 🚑. We debated wild scenarios of whether we'd prefer being alone in the forest with a bear or a woman 🐻👩, and dive into a hypothetical standoff with dangerous animals like crocodiles and lions 🐊🦁. The fun doesn't stop there—Follow us as we consider survival tactics against a zombie outbreak 🧟 and plot plans for potential escape routes. If that’s not enough, we share updates on a malnourished bear in Armenia who found a second chance...

We waded into the world of skyrocketing orthodontic bills with “OutDaughtered,” where a $35K price tag brings sticker shock to new heights 😱. We also talk about the perils of DIY dental work, featuring cringe-worthy tales of unlicensed veneer techs botching smiles with alarming frequency 😬. From reality TV marketing potential to a cautionary tale on dental boards and unlicensed practitioners, this episode has it all! 

Bonus: Amusing anecdotes about tooth fairies with peculiar features and parenting woes that make you grateful for a solo car ride 🚗

LINK to the articles:

OutDaughtered’s Danielle Busby Shocked Quintupl...

🔍 We dive into a burglary at a dental lab that reads like a crime thriller—what do you do with stolen dental ovens? 😮 Speculations range from black market dentistry to unusual drug-making. We then move from real-life heists to futuristic AI toothbrushes that report your brushing habits to your dentist 🦷📲—cool or creepy? Meanwhile, a disturbing story from Roswell emphasizes why every dental office should have an emergency plan for threats and active shooters 🚨. We advocate for comprehensive safety preparedness but wrap it up with a laugh, because who says dental crime stories can't end in smiles? 🎧

LINK to the articles:<...

Watch this episode on video here!

 🎤We embark on another wild journey in this episode! From finding out the top 3 most desirable celebrity smiles to diving into deeper discussions about ethical practices in dentistry, reflecting on a couple of not-so-shiny stories involving dental professionals. 🦷 Loaded with wisecracks and thoughtful inquiries, this episode will keep your ears perked and your morality gauge checked. And don't worry, we’re not always serious—come for the laughs, stay for the poignant truths about dental integrity. Keep being sexy, dear listeners! 🎧

LINK to the articles:

The Celebrity With The Most...

This episode is best watched on video: https://youtu.be/03wD-m4j8M4

🎙️ In this episode, we take you on a rollicking ride through country music stardom with a dental twist as they dive into musician Jelly Roll's mouth reconstruction journey 🎸✨. It's a tale peppered with People magazine snippets, TikTok revelations, and our never-ending banter that'll have you grinning (hopefully, not with 20-year-old veneers 😬). 

We also chew on some crunchy figures from a study linking penicillin allergies to implant failure rates. Who knew antibiotics could have such a bite? 🦷 Plus, we wander down memory lane, recalling our dent...

😲 In this jaw-dropping episode, Teresa and Kevin sink their teeth into the bone-chilling effects of mewing and looksmaxing 🦴👄. They strip back the layers of these cosmetic crazes, nodding to the bite-sized risk these trends pose to oral health. Chomping at the bit, they dissect the grim realities of jaw-shaving and wrestle with the influence of Netflix binges fueling our plastic surgery appetites 📺💉. Beware, true crime junkies – our hosts unravel the mind-boggling challenges serial killers face, from tattoo trails to dental detective work 🔍💀. And if bite marks could talk, they'd tell tales of historic misdeeds and wrongful accusations. From Reverend George Burrows' gnarly...

😬 Join our favorite Chewers as they delve into the gritty details of Viking oral hygiene—or the terrifying lack thereof 🛡️. They discuss the fact that 60% of Viking chompers were as decayed as their sunken ships. The duo chew over the connection between Swedish meatballs, lingonberry jam, and the Vikings’ meat-heavy, root vegetable-studded diet that might have led to gnarly grins worthy of a horror show 🍖🥔. In a twist, they ponder if Helga the Viking dental assistant might trade her bone tools for modern-day suction devices.

And if that’s not enough to get you to bite, they drill into a soberin...

🤔 Teresa and Kevin reflect on the exorbitant cost of dental care through statistics 📉, and the shocking lack of dental insurance awareness among patients 😱. They referenced Synchrony’s Dental Lifetime of Care Study (link below) while discussing why people avoid necessary dental treatment. Spoiler alert - it’s due to financial constraints, which leads to increased emergency care visits 😷. Plus, they make an interesting proposition about dentistry professionals encountering people with oral health issues in everyday situations, like on a plane or in an Uber 🚗.

The overall takeaway is that dental care is both crucial and costly, and the industry needs...

We let AI write these show notes. Here's a summary in 45 seconds:

👅 The surprising phenomenon of vaper’s tongue and its impact on an individual's ability to taste flavors when using vape devices.

😨 Dental Phobias: Patients' irrational fear of bristles and impact on oral hygiene and overall dental care.

🚗 Unexpected Accidents: Semi-truck crashing into a dental practice, causing injuries and significant disruption to operations.

🚑 Emergency Preparedness: Navigating sudden disasters and developing plans to handle 

Check out the links to the discussed articles:

Dental expert explains why you should worry ab...

You can watch the video version here!

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🦷 Cigna Dental has 16.5 million members who can now send in pictures of their teeth and get a message back.

📱 They'll use an app to take five pictures and get a Cigna dentist's opinion.

💸 Oh, and the tooth fairy is really stepping up the game. The average price for a lost tooth is now $6.23. Talk about inflation!

💰 The first tooth is worth more though, with an average of $7.29. The tooth fairy is like a sa...

You can watch the video version here!

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🔊 Last episode was supposedly a hit, true crime and all. Can't get enough of that, right? 

🕵️‍♂️ But now, brace yourselves for a not-so-fun case. This time it's all about dental mishaps and rising fees.

😔 An 81-year-old grandma went for a tooth extraction and never came out

🚑 EMS found her dead in the chair 

⚠️ Doctors and staff failed to notice vital signs and medication complications 😬

📝 At least they did a post-event write-up 🤷‍...

You can watch the video version here!

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🕵️‍♂️ Get ready for some "true crime-ish" stories. We're about to dive into the dark side of dentistry.

😱 Dentist arrested for child porn and peeping? Just another day in the dental world, folks!

🤔 How did no one on the team notice the hidden camera in the bathroom? Expert cleaning skills, I guess.

😳 Imagine being the patient who discovers the hidden camera. An unexpected surprise while trying to go about your business.

💰 South Portla...

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🧪 Scientific breakthrough in tooth regeneration
🦷 Potential benefits of enamel regeneration

🔬 Concerns about potential complications and overgrowth of enamel 😮
🧟‍♂️ Tangent discussion on zombies, vampires 🧛‍♀️, and pirates🏴‍☠️ benefiting from tooth regeneration. Get ready for Captain Enamel Hook and a crew with 32 perfect teeth!
🌍 Famous deaths from oral infections and cancer: Jim Henson, Hugo Boss and Grover Cleveland

The jury is still out on these notes!

Teresa's new insurance class is open for business! Use code COT for $75 off. Our thanks to our loyal listeners 🙂

We let AI write these show notes. Here's a summary in 45 seconds: 

We let AI write these show notes. Here's a summary in 45 seconds: 

 Teresa's new insurance class is open for business! Use code COT for $75 off. Our thanks to our loyal listeners 🙂

**If you like the show then we’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

Do people still click on suspicious email links? They sure do! Aspen Dental had a large data breach. We talk about how offices of all sizes can be hit by this. The importance of patient safety comes up as we discuss a very sad patient death coming out of Washington state. We end on a light note - did you know that Kevin has Nigerian blood in him? Perhaps he's sending the emails out to practices .... hmmm. 

As always, more info is in the links below. Thanks for listening!  

Resources/Links from Show: 

Why is it that when you hear about unlicensed dentistry gone wrong it's from the back of someone's car or from some hotel? We discuss another one of these stories and then swing over to a respectable dental school to celebrate a milestone. 

We round out the episode with dental history knowledge! But of course, in our own flavor. As always, more info is in the links below. Thanks for listening!  

Resources/Links from Show: 

Man Was Performing a Dental Procedure Without a License at Danbury Hotel: Police 

Temple University dental schoo...

What's your responsibility when your boss is about to be featured on Dateline? Kevin and I pondered the employee obligations of the Colorado dentist accused of killing his wife via poison. We aren't seeing too much of this in the traditional dental journals but we're not afraid to bring it up. Don't worry - we actually got serious about the topic though. We hear from employees who see shady behavior all the time.

Another example is the just-sentenced Knoxville dentist who instructed employees to go against dental guidelines when seeing patients. There are times when you have...

Chasing beauty can be very painful as two couples found out when they pursued dental tourism in Turkey. Did you think I meant the delicious holiday meal? It's much worse than that! We also discussed some sobering news and stats about dental health. People out there need real care and sometimes they just don't get have the means. Not everyone can jet off to Turkey for a new smile. 

As always, more info is in the links below. Thanks for listening!  

Resources/Links from Show: 

Teachers handing out toothpaste as rising UK costs hit...

How are we going to work with younger people who are so different from us? Well, considering that every generation has asked this question, it probably won’t be that bad. New ideas, new energy - what’s not to love? Kevin played around with AI and gave it some prompts for a dental horror movie. Oh wow - did the bot deliver! 

As always, more info is in the links below. Thanks for listening!  

Resources/Links from Show: 

Gen Z's complex healthcare workforce, explained in 30 numbers

https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt...

Dental legislators had a busy year in 2022 and it looks like 2023 is going to be more of the same. It will be at least 2+ years before we see the impact of Question 2 in the Massachusetts election (see episode 42). Until then, we’re going to focus on international implant travel. That’s right - our titanium travelers are on the loose! Don’t click into that third link if you have a sensitive stomach. Yuck.

Resources/Links from Show: