Influential Dental

American Dental Institute

The Influential Dental Podcast by the American Dental Institute is your space to connect, learn, and grow with fellow dental professionals. We dive into real conversations about the things that matter to you—whether it’s the latest technical advancements, marketing strategies to grow your practice, or ways to navigate career growth and personal well-being. It’s all about building a community where we can all grow together. Join us if you’re looking for insights to improve your clinical skills, tips to expand your practice, or simply some motivation to keep elevating your care.

  1. Sep 4

    #47 Influential conversations with Jeanne Cook & Mitch Olan

    Recorded live at Dykema, this episode of Influential Dental features Jeanne Cook, founder of Dental Savings Connect, and Mitch Olan, a longtime leader in the DSO space. Jeanne and Mitch look back on a professional relationship that spans nearly four decades. Jeanne shares how she began cleaning and sterilizing at a dental office before working her way through operations and eventually becoming Vice President of Operations at Dental Care Alliance. Mitch takes us through the early years of Dental Care Alliance, from consulting with dental practices to helping build and grow the organization during the early development of the DSO model. Together, they discuss mentorship, loyalty, creating opportunities for people to grow, and the lessons that come from building organizations through decades of change. Jeanne also introduces Dental Savings Connect, the company she created to help private practices, DSOs, and GPOs improve procurement, compliance, and vendor relationships. Mitch shares how he continues to support growing companies through board and advisory roles. Influential Dental is recorded in collaboration with the American Dental Institute. 📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:  🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com   📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute   📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando 📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental

    #47 Influential conversations with Jeanne Cook & Mitch Olan

  2. Aug 21

    #46 influential conversations with Ali Hyatt

    Recorded live at Dykema, this episode of Influential Dental features Ali Hyatt, Chief Customer & Growth Officer at Henry Schein One. Ali joins Julianne O’Connor and Michael Keeter to share the path that took her from consumer marketing and telehealth to dental technology, and how her background in creativity, data, and customer behavior continues to shape the way she leads. The conversation explores the rapid evolution of dental technology, the growing role of AI in practice management, and why meaningful innovation begins with understanding the everyday challenges dental teams face. Ali also shares her approach to customer experience, quick decision-making, transparent partnerships, and building around a shared vision. Plus, we discover the person behind the leadership role, including the story of her first sprint triathlon. Influential Dental is recorded in collaboration with the American Dental Institute. 📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:  🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com   📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute   📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando 📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental

    #46 influential conversations with Ali Hyatt

  3. Aug 7

    #45 Influential Conversations with Robert Woolley

    In this episode of Influential Conversations, Robert Woolley of HuFriedyGroup joins us for a conversation about leadership, culture, innovation, and the future of dentistry. Robert shares how his experiences across different countries, companies, and cultures have shaped the way he approaches leadership today. From building diverse teams and creating a values-centered work environment to moving beyond products and focusing on solutions that improve patient care, the conversation explores what meaningful leadership can look like in the dental industry. He also reflects on work-life integration, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who bring different strengths to the table, and why the opportunities ahead in dentistry are only beginning. This episode marks the beginning of Influential Conversations, a new series of short conversations with leaders, educators, and professionals helping shape the dental industry. Recorded live at Dykema, this is a short conversation with plenty to think about for anyone working to grow as a leader, clinician, or professional in dentistry.

    #45 Influential Conversations with Robert Woolley

  4. Jul 24

    #44 The Hidden Culture Behind Burnout in Dentistry with Dr. Michael Forde

    In this episode of Influential Dental, Julieanne O’Connor and Michael Keeter sit down with Dr. Michael Forde for a thoughtful conversation on burnout, leadership, and the culture that shapes dentistry from the inside out. What begins with Dr. Forde’s journey through prosthodontics, music, mentorship, and Mayo Clinic evolves into a deeper discussion about the roots of dental training, the pressure many clinicians carry, and why psychological safety matters in practices, organizations, and patient care. Together, they explore how old models of “toughness” still influence the way dentists are trained and led, and why the future of dentistry may depend on building cultures where people can speak up, grow, and perform at a high level without losing themselves in the process. Disclaimer: This episode was recorded while Dr. Michael Forde was serving as Chief Clinical Officer at Paradigm. His role has since changed. 📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:  🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com   📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute   📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando 📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental

    #44 The Hidden Culture Behind Burnout in Dentistry with Dr. Michael Forde

  5. Jul 3

    #43 Dykema: Where DSOs connect with Brian Colao

    In this episode of Influential Dental, Julieanne O’Connor and Michael Keeter welcome back Brian Colao back to the show for a conversation ahead of Dykema DSO. Brian shares what makes Dykema one of the most important gatherings in the DSO space, from high-level networking and industry-leading conversations to the event’s focus on history, leadership, technology, AI, and the future of dental organizations. The conversation also explores why human connection remains at the center of dentistry, even as innovation continues to reshape the industry. Plus, Julieanne, Michael, and Brian discuss the special Dykema issue of Influence Magazine and what attendees can expect from this year’s event. For anyone connected to DSOs, dental leadership, or the future of dentistry, this episode offers a look inside the conversations shaping the industry. Topics discussed: Dykema DSO, DSO leadership, the future of dental organizations, DSO history, AI in dentistry, dental technology adoption, human connection, dental team culture, private equity, M&A, networking, Influence Magazine, and the trends shaping the dental industry. 📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:  🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com   📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute   📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando 📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental

    #43 Dykema: Where DSOs connect with Brian Colao

  6. Jun 19

    #42 Building Wealth in Dentistry with Matt Ornstein

    In this episode of Influential Dental, Julieanne O’Connor and Michael Keeter sit down with Matt Ornstein, owner of Oak Dental Partners and co-founder of Dental Pitch Brokerage, for a practical conversation about wealth creation, practice ownership, and the future of dentistry. Matt brings a unique perspective from real estate, entrepreneurship, DSOs, and dental practice transitions, sharing what dentists should understand about building long-term value in their practices. From owning real estate and understanding EBITDA to preparing for a future sale, he explains why the business side of dentistry matters more than many clinicians realize. The conversation also explores how AI, new patient acquisition, case completion, and technology are reshaping the way dental practices grow. Matt shares advice for young dentists, practice owners, and entrepreneurial clinicians who want to make smarter decisions today while building a stronger future. Whether you own one practice, are part of a growing group, work within a DSO, or are just starting your journey in dentistry, this episode offers a grounded look at how dentists can think about growth, value, and wealth with more clarity and intention. Topics discussed: Dental practice ownership, EBITDA, dental real estate, AI in dentistry, new patient acquisition, DSO growth, practice transitions, dental entrepreneurship, exit strategy, and wealth creation in dentistry. 📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:  🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com   📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute   📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando 📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental

    #42 Building Wealth in Dentistry with Matt Ornstein

  7. Jun 5

    #41 The Oral-Systemic Connection with Dr. Dr. Edward Zuckerberg

    In this episode of Influential Dental, Dr. Edward Zuckerberg joins Michael Keeter and Julieanne O’Connor for a conversation about one of the most important shifts happening in dentistry today: the connection between oral health and whole-body health. From periodontal bacteria and systemic inflammation to saliva testing, oral cancer detection, AI, and the future role of the dentist, Dr. Zuckerberg shares why dentistry can no longer be seen as separate from medicine. He reflects on his decades in clinical practice, his early adoption of dental technology, and his current mission to raise awareness around the oral-systemic connection. This conversation is a reminder that dentists have the opportunity to do much more than treat teeth. They can help patients understand the mouth as a gateway to better health, earlier detection, and more meaningful long-term care. Tune in to get inspired! 📢 Learn more about the American Dental Institute:  🌐 www.americandentalinstitute.com   📸 instagram.com/adi.americandentalinstitute   📘 facebook.com/americandentalinstituteorlando 📢 Learn more about Influential Dental: 🌐 influentialdental.co 📸 instagram.com/influentialdental

    #41 The Oral-Systemic Connection with Dr. Dr. Edward Zuckerberg

  8. May 23

    The Future of Non-Invasive Dentistry with Dr. Haley & Dr. Goly Abivardi

    In this episode of Influential Dental, Julieanne O’Connor and Michael Keeter sit down with Dr. Haley Abivardi and Dr. Goly Abivardi, the visionary sisters behind vVARDIS. From their early work treating children to building Switzerland’s first fear-free DSO, Dr. Haley and Dr. Goly share the deeply personal journey that led them to create a new category in dentistry: non-invasive restoration for early cavities. Together, they discuss the connection between oral health and overall health, the importance of preserving natural teeth, the treatment gap between prevention and drilling, and how Curodont is helping dentists treat early cavities without the fear, stress, or loss of healthy tooth structure. This conversation goes beyond innovation. It is about purpose, resilience, family, leadership, women in dentistry, and what happens when a clear mission becomes a global movement. Listen in for an inspiring conversation on the future of non-invasive dentistry, the power of awareness, and the mission to save teeth and save lives.

    The Future of Non-Invasive Dentistry with Dr. Haley & Dr. Goly Abivardi
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Influential Dental Podcast by the American Dental Institute is your space to connect, learn, and grow with fellow dental professionals. We dive into real conversations about the things that matter to you—whether it’s the latest technical advancements, marketing strategies to grow your practice, or ways to navigate career growth and personal well-being. It’s all about building a community where we can all grow together. Join us if you’re looking for insights to improve your clinical skills, tips to expand your practice, or simply some motivation to keep elevating your care.

Information

  • Creator
    American Dental Institute
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © American Dental Institute
  • Show Website
    Influential Dental

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