The Fulcrum Podcast

Virginia Dental Association
  • 5.0 (6)
  • NON-PROFIT

A podcast of the Virginia Dental Association The Fulcrum Podcast serves as a dynamic platform where various important topics, especially those affecting dental providers and patients, are explored through thoughtful discussion and personal perspectives. The name "The Fulcrum" reflects the concept of a central point of connection, much like the pivotal connection between a dental professional and their patient. Each episode anchors a key theme relevant to the dental community, yet the content is ever-evolving, offering a range of insights from different contributors. This includes human interest stories, discussions on the legislative process, and in-depth conversations about pressing issues like workforce challenges. With diverse perspectives and engaging storytelling, The Fulcrum Podcast aims to provide valuable insights that go beyond what you might read in a traditional article.  The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

  1. Episode 26 - The Drill, APRIL 2026

    6D AGO

    Episode 26 - The Drill, APRIL 2026

    Send us a review. SUMMARY: Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association, reviews updates across the VDA strategic plan. He highlights General Assembly outcomes and legislation effective July 1. He notes ongoing opposition to a proposed $2,000 annual cap on adult Medicaid dental benefits and describes participation in a two-year Dental Access Partnership to increase Medicaid provider participation. Dunn also promotes the VDA PAC, upcoming labor and employment webinar, free affiliate memberships for front-office team members, and the Virginia Dental Showcase Sept. 18–19 at the Omni Homestead with early-bird registration currently underway.  HOST: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles in four national and statewide Associations while also working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 2026 General Assembly Session Recap Contribute to the VDA Political Action Committee (PAC) VDA Affiliate Membership 2026 Virginia Dental Showcase EPISODE CREDITS: Producer: Paul Logan Host: Ryan Dunn Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.  Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

    12 min
  2. Episode 25 – DOING BUSINESS IN VIRGINIA – CHANGES THAT COULD AFFECT YOUR PRACTICE

    APR 23

    Episode 25 – DOING BUSINESS IN VIRGINIA – CHANGES THAT COULD AFFECT YOUR PRACTICE

    Send us a review. SUMMARY: Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association interview Keith Martin, interim president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, about 2026 Virginia General Assembly developments affecting small businesses, including dental practices. Martin reviews numerous bills that could have an impact on the way you run your practice in Virginia. They cover proposed paid family and medical leave with employer/employee premiums starting in 2028, broad eligibility definitions, and potential stacking with federal FMLA. Chamber wins include defeating right-to-work repeal, and they note budget attention to childcare and housing. GUEST: Keith Martin serves as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He leads the Chamber’s strategic direction, operations, and statewide partnerships. Martin previously served the Virginia Chamber from 2011 to 2024 as Executive Vice President of Public Policy and General Counsel, and as Executive Director of the Virginia Chamber Foundation. In these roles, he oversaw the Chamber’s advocacy and legislative agenda on behalf of Virginia’s business community and played a key role in developing the Chamber’s public policy recommendations, including major contributions to three editions of Blueprint Virginia, the Commonwealth’s long-term business plan for economic competitiveness. Most recently, Martin served as Director of Government Relations for Appalachian Power, where he managed legislative and regulatory affairs in Virginia and supported initiatives to advance energy reliability and economic growth across the region. A proud Hokie, Martin holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia Tech and earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas Cooley Law School.  HOSTS: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles with four national and statewide associations while also spending time working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time. Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: VDA’s 2026 General Assembly Recap Blueprint Virginia Right-to-Work Virginia Chamber EPISODE CREDITS: Producer: Paul Logan Host: Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan Guest(s): Keith Martin Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.  Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

    34 min
  3. Episode 24 – PEER REVIEW: ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE AND LEAST UNDERSTOOD MEMBER BENEFITS

    MAR 26

    Episode 24 – PEER REVIEW: ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE AND LEAST UNDERSTOOD MEMBER BENEFITS

    Send us a review. SUMMARY: Richmond dentist Dr. Bob Bigelow discusses the Virginia Dental Association’s peer review/patient mediation benefit. Bigelow, involved for about three years, explains how mediation can resolve many patient complaints before they reach the Board of Dentistry, reducing stress and time for dentists and patients. Common issues include clinical problems, missed appointments, and misunderstandings about insurance or collections.  GUEST: Dr. Robert W. Bigelow has been a tripartite member of the VDA for almost 17 years and owns a restorative dental practice in midtown Richmond. He enjoys collaborating with other VDA members to enhance patient care. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. HOST: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his young daughters. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: VDA Peer Review - Additional Information: https://www.vadental.org/peer-review EPISODE CREDITS Producer: Paul Logan Host: Paul Logan Guests: Dr. Robert W. Bigelow Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.  Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

    11 min
  4. Episode 23 - The Drill, MARCH 2026

    MAR 13 ·  BONUS

    Episode 23 - The Drill, MARCH 2026

    Send us a review. In this episode, Ryan Dunn reports that two workforce bills have passed the House and Senate and await the governor’s signature. The pending Virginia budget proposed a $2,000 annual cap on adult Medicaid dental benefits and opposes a late-session proposal to raise the medical malpractice cap from $2.7M to $6M, urging members to contact senators. Ryan highlights member-only peer review as a confidential, dentist-led dispute resolution option and promotes VDA Member Perks savings programs. With over 21 hours of CE programming, he announces the Virginia Dental Showcase at the Omni Homestead on September 18–19. HOST: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles in four national and statewide Associations while also working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: VDA Legislative Alert – Ask Senate to Oppose SB536 Doubling Medical Malpractice Cap VDA Member Perks 2026 Virginia Dental Showcase EPISODE CREDITS: Producer: Paul Logan Host: Ryan Dunn Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.  Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

    12 min
  5. Episode 22 – USING INNOVATION TO EASE DENTAL FEARS IN YOUNG PATIENTS

    MAR 5

    Episode 22 – USING INNOVATION TO EASE DENTAL FEARS IN YOUNG PATIENTS

    Send us a review. In this episode, Dr. Shweta Thackeray, a VCU School of Dentistry educator, inventor, and children’s author, discusses pediatric dental care and strategies to reduce children’s dental anxiety and improve family experiences. She explains how observing fearful children and stressed parents in pediatric clinics led her to focus on anxiety-free care and move away from obsolete aversive methods.   HOST: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his young daughters. GUEST: Dr. Shweta Ujaoney Thackeray is a compassionate dentist who believes healthy smiles begin with trust and positive early experiences. She is dedicated to helping children and families feel comfortable, heard, and confident in the dental chair, with a special focus on reducing dental anxiety through gentle, preventive care. An innovator at heart, Dr. Thackeray is the inventor of a camouflage syringe, the first of its kind, designed to make injections less intimidating for children, helping transform one of dentistry’s biggest fears into a calmer experience. She has also been recognized with multiple academic awards and scholarships throughout her training, reflecting her commitment to excellence and continued growth in her field. Her mission is simple: to combine kindness, innovation, and education to build lifelong healthy habits and confident smiles. Instagram: @shwetathackeray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shwetaujaoney MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: A Caterpillar at the Dentist By: Dr. Shweta Ujaoney   EPISODE CREDITS Producer: Paul Logan Host: Paul Logan Guests: Dr. Shweta Thackeray Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.  Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

    13 min
  6. Episode 21 – INSIDE THE SESSION: THE BILLS EVERY VIRGINIA DENTIST SHOULD WATCH

    FEB 13

    Episode 21 – INSIDE THE SESSION: THE BILLS EVERY VIRGINIA DENTIST SHOULD WATCH

    Send us a review. SUMMARY: In this episode, Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan provide updates on the Virginia General Assembly's busy legislative session. They discuss the Virginia Dental Association's (VDA) proactive efforts concerning oral healthcare legislation and budget requests. Key topics include the fate of House Bill 537, which sought to prohibit water fluoridation, and Senate Bill 99, which sought to lift the medical malpractice cap for young patients. The episode also covers various budget requests, including funding for the Virginia Community College System's dental hygiene programs, the VCU School of Dentistry's new facilities, and opposition to cuts to Virginia’s dental Medicaid benefit. They also cover VDA bills, which provide pathways for skilled international dental providers to apply for hygiene licensure and enable dental assistants to expand their roles. VDA members are encouraged to contact their legislators and to continue their advocacy and engagement. HOST: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles with four national and statewide associations while also spending time working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time. GUEST(S): Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: VDA Action Alert on Workforce Sign up for VDA Text Alerts EPISODE CREDITS: Producer: Paul Logan Host: Ryan Dunn Guest(s): Paul Logan Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs   Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.  Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

    16 min
  7. Episode 20 – 2026 GENERAL ASSEMBLY: VDA SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION

    FEB 3

    Episode 20 – 2026 GENERAL ASSEMBLY: VDA SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION

    Send us a review. In this episode, Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan recap a successful Lobby Day and discuss legislation the VDA supports and opposes, including efforts to protect community water fluoridation, maintain adult Medicaid dental benefits, and strengthen the dental workforce. The episode also highlights VDA-backed bills to expand the VCU School of Dentistry, expedite pathways for internationally educated dentists to become hygienists, and certification for dental assistants to perform scaling and polishing. Throughout the conversation, Ryan and Paul emphasize how member involvement is vital in shaping and protecting the future of dentistry in Virginia. HOST: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles with four national and statewide associations while also spending time working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time. GUEST(S): Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: VDA Action Alert on Medical Malpractice VDA Action Alert on Workforce Sign up for VDA Text Alerts Johns Hopkins Study - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Periodontal Expanded Function Dental Assistants  EPISODE CREDITS: Producer: Paul Logan Host: Ryan Dunn Guest(s): Paul Logan Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.  Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

    36 min
  8. Episode 19 - The Drill, DECEMBER 2025

    12/30/2025

    Episode 19 - The Drill, DECEMBER 2025

    Send us a review. In this episode, Ryan Dunn, CEO at the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), is joined by Paul Logan, the VDA’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. They discuss the VDA's focused advocacy efforts in anticipation of the 2026 General Assembly. Specifically, they highlight a 'three-legged stool' approach: advocating for increased budget for dental workforce programs, creating an expedited licensure path for internationally trained dentists to practice hygiene, and introducing a preventative assistant role to alleviate workforce shortages. The discussion emphasizes the complexity of dental workforce issues, the existing shortages, and the strategic initiatives required to address these problems. The episode also outlines upcoming legislative advocacy events and encourages VDA members to participate actively. HOST: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles in four national and statewide Associations while also working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time. GUEST: Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early-career dentists, and working with a broad range of stakeholders to address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Dental Days at the Capitol  VDA Text Alerts VDA 2026 Legislative Initiatives EPISODE CREDITS Producer: Paul Logan Host: Ryan Dunn Guest: Paul Logan Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.  Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A podcast of the Virginia Dental Association The Fulcrum Podcast serves as a dynamic platform where various important topics, especially those affecting dental providers and patients, are explored through thoughtful discussion and personal perspectives. The name "The Fulcrum" reflects the concept of a central point of connection, much like the pivotal connection between a dental professional and their patient. Each episode anchors a key theme relevant to the dental community, yet the content is ever-evolving, offering a range of insights from different contributors. This includes human interest stories, discussions on the legislative process, and in-depth conversations about pressing issues like workforce challenges. With diverse perspectives and engaging storytelling, The Fulcrum Podcast aims to provide valuable insights that go beyond what you might read in a traditional article.  The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. 

Information

  • Creator
    Virginia Dental Association
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Virginia Dental Association
  • Show Website
    The Fulcrum Podcast

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