Evolution of Dental Podcast

Robert Norton
  • 5.0 (4)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dive into the latest advancements in digital workflows, innovative materials, and techniques that are redefining dental restorations. Join conversations with leading clinicians, technicians, and innovators driving progress in the field. Gain insights into the digital tools and modern workflows shaping the future of dental care. Hear exclusive stories from the front lines about embracing change and overcoming challenges to deliver better care for patients than ever before.

  1. 3D AGO ·  VIDEO

    #23 - Josh Jakson: Recap of exocad Insights 2026

    From AI-powered crown design and cloud-based workflows to exocad ART, faster zirconia sintering, and the future of digital dentistry, Rob Norton and Josh Jakson unpack their biggest takeaways from exocad Insights 2026 in Mallorca, Spain. Josh shares firsthand insight into the latest developments inside the exocad ecosystem, including AI Crown workflows, exocad Hub, browser-based design tools, minimally invasive treatment planning, and new innovations shaping the future of dental labs and restorative dentistry. The conversation also explores the growing role of automation, the importance of technician artistry, and how digital workflows are changing collaboration between labs, clinicians, and assistants. Rob and Josh also discuss exocad ART and ortho-restorative treatment planning, cloud-based case collaboration, mobile workflows, advancements in exoPlan 3.3, faster full-arch zirconia workflows, hybrid manufacturing, layered restorations, the technician shortage, and the future of dental technology education for labs, assistants, and clinicians. Whether you're a dental technician, clinician, assistant, or digital dentistry enthusiast, this episode is packed with real-world insight into where the industry is heading next!

    44 min

  2. MAY 8 ·  VIDEO

    #22 - Dr. Jacob Berger: The Mindset Behind Successful Full Arch Dentistry

    Dr. Jacob Berger shares how his journey evolved from practicing comprehensive general dentistry to focusing almost entirely on full arch implant cases and smile transformations. He breaks down the progression of bringing workflows in-house, from open-tray impressions and smart conversions to photogrammetry, 3D printing, milling finals, and building a fully integrated in-house lab. The conversation dives deep into the realities of modern full arch dentistry, including workflow efficiency, patient communication, sedation, digital scanning, team structure, implant planning, and the systems required to consistently deliver life-changing results. Dr. Berger also explains how his “Mamba Mentality” philosophy influences both his clinical work and his approach to continuous improvement. Beyond the clinical side, this episode explores the importance of mentorship and leadership in dentistry. Dr. Berger talks about teaching and mentoring through Heartland Dental, helping younger clinicians build strong foundations, and why leadership skills are just as important as surgical skills when building a successful practice and team culture. Rob and Dr. Berger also discuss practice growth, expanding office space to support digital workflows, balancing quality versus volume, preventing burnout, and the sacrifices that often come with pursuing excellence in dentistry. Whether you’re interested in full arch implant workflows, digital dentistry technology, in-house lab integration, or becoming a stronger leader in your practice, this episode delivers practical insights and honest perspective from someone living it every day. Sources Cited: Mitrani, R. The Use of a Plaster Verification Jig to Ensure Accuracy of the Master Cast. Spear Education. Published August 12, 2019. https://www.speareducation.com/resources/spear-digest/the-use-of-a-plaster-verification-jig-to-ensure-accuracy-of-the-master-cast-jig/

    43 min

  3. MAY 1 ·  VIDEO

    #21 - Dr. Tracey Nguyen: Dentistry Beyond a Perfect Smile

    Dr. Tracey Nguyen didn’t set out to redefine dentistry, but somewhere between cosmetic cases that didn’t last and patients searching for real answers, everything shifted. What starts as a conversation about her journey into dentistry quickly unfolds into something much bigger, a reframing of how we diagnose, treat, and think about the mouth as part of the entire body. From airway focused dentistry to the misunderstood relationship between sleep, TMD, and restorative failure, Dr. Nguyen challenges one of the most common assumptions in modern dentistry, that fixing teeth is enough. Instead, she explores how breathing, anatomy, and skeletal structure quietly shape everything from long term case success to a patient’s overall health. She breaks down why airway dentistry is often confused with sleep appliance therapy and why that distinction matters, how undiagnosed airway issues show up as worn dentition, failed restorations, and chronic discomfort, the connection between sleep disruption, pain perception, and TMJ disorders, why orthodontics and skeletal changes may be the foundation rather than the afterthought of restorative care, and how pediatric airway dysfunction can influence development, behavior, and long term health outcomes. This conversation also dives into the evolution of dentistry itself, where wellness, diagnostics, and full body thinking are starting to replace a purely mechanical approach. Because at the end of the day, teeth don’t fail in isolation, and the future of dentistry may depend on finally treating the whole patient, not just the smile.

    55 min

  4. APR 24 ·  VIDEO

    #20 - Jeffry Tobon: Digital Dentistry Workflows and Full Arch Innovation

    Jeffry Tobon, a pioneer in digital dentistry workflows and an early adopter of CAD CAM technology. Jeffry shares his journey from working with early Nobel Procera systems to mastering exocad and helping build CAD CAM departments in some of the largest dental laboratories in New York. What started as hands-on experience quickly evolved into building labs, launching Digital Dental Craftsmen, and shaping how technicians approach digital workflows today. The conversation explores the shift from traditional lab models to modern digital dentistry, including the rise of in house labs, full arch workflows, and the growing role of technology in clinical decision making. Jeffry also breaks down his transition from lab owner to entrepreneur, building Chairside Solutions and launching Regional Implant Centers. We also dive into innovation at the clinical level, including the development of the SegMark workflow and SegScrew, designed to improve accuracy, efficiency, and predictability in full arch implant cases. Chapters (00:00:00) - Jeff Tobin(00:00:30) - Teaching Digital Dentistry with Exocad(00:05:57) - 3Shape vs. Exocad: What Made The Jump(00:13:00) - Chairside Solutions: Restorative Dental Technology Institute(00:20:03) - One implant doctor's segue into business(00:23:34) - Pediatric implants: The Rosen Screw(00:29:33) - How to align implants after the surgery with the X-Cat(00:38:25) - The 2 millimeter screw(00:43:39) - Jeff Greene on His Final Podcast(00:45:42) - Jeffrey Tobin on Facebook and Instagram

    47 min

  5. APR 17 ·  VIDEO

    #19 - Daniel Portal: Debunking the "One Right Workflow"

    Daniel Portal’s path into digital dentistry didn’t follow the rules, and that’s exactly why it worked. From witnessing CAD/CAM transform labs overnight to building a career around exocad training and independent design, his perspective cuts through the hype and focuses on what actually works. This conversation explores the reality behind today’s workflows, including the limitations of intraoral scans, why photogrammetry has become essential for full arch accuracy, and where tools like face scanning and AI still fall short. It also looks ahead at the shift toward additive manufacturing and how evolving technology continues to reshape both clinical outcomes and the role of the technician. Sources Revilla León M, Aragoneses R, Arroyo Valverde EM, Gómez Polo M, Kois JC. Classification of scanning errors of digital scans recorded by using intraoral scanners. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2025;37:1363 to 1371. https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.13419 Mitrani R. The use of a plaster verification jig to ensure accuracy of the master cast. Spear Education. Published August 12 2019. https://www.speareducation.com/resources/spear-digest/the-use-of-a-plaster-verification-jig-to-ensure-accuracy-of-the-master-cast-jig/

    43 min

  6. APR 10 ·  VIDEO

    #18 - Hossein Bassir: Change Hours to Minutes - Making Chairside 3D Printing Possible

    Hossein Bassir, CPO of SprintRay, breaks down how the industry is shifting from hardware-driven innovation to something much bigger: material science, software, and fully connected workflows. What used to take hours can now happen in minutes. But speed isn’t the full story. This conversation unpacks why viscosity changed everything in 3D printing, how new materials are pushing the limits of what’s possible chairside, and what it actually takes to make technology simple enough for any dental team to use. From the “iPhone moment” of dental 3D printing to fully integrated systems that remove friction from the workflow, this episode looks ahead at where digital dentistry is going, and what it means for the next generation of clinicians. If you’re paying attention to where dental technology is heading, this is one of those conversations that connects the dots. Citations: Price, R. B. T. (2017). Light curing in dentistry. Dental Clinics of North America, 61(4), 751–778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.008 “Heartwarming Smile Makeover Reaction | Zirconia Crowns + Root Canals” by Sani Dental Group, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrMiz93KpNE, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY). Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:05:02) - Accuracy, Expectations, and Real World Impact(00:09:30) - Why Choose 3D Printing for Dentistry(00:12:56) - Midas: Concept & Material-Driven Innovation(00:17:20) - What Caused 3D Printing to Slow Down(00:26:33) - Connecting the Workflow: LabConnect(00:34:36) - Making Production Microwave-Easy(00:42:57) - What's Next for SprintRay(00:51:10) - Outro

    52 min

  7. APR 3 ·  VIDEO

    #17 - Dr. Jonathan Abenaim: How the Powerball Screw Evolved with Dentistry

    Dr. Jonathan Abenaim shares his journey from an uncertain path in computer science to becoming a leading innovator in full-arch implant dentistry. He dives deep into the evolution of digital workflows, the disconnect between labs and clinicians, and how his hands-on approach led to groundbreaking inventions like advanced scan bodies and the Powerball Screw system. Dr. Abenaim breaks down the real challenges behind modern implant workflows from flawed traditional systems to the hidden risks of photogrammetry and over-engineered restorations. He also opens up about mentorship, innovation, and why dentists need to stop chasing “perfect solutions” and instead focus on understanding systems deeply. This conversation goes beyond technique touching on leadership, education, and the future of dentistry, including the growing impact of litigation, corporate influence, and the importance of staying true to your mission in an evolving industry.

    46 min

  8. MAR 27 ·  VIDEO

    #16 - Seth Potter: Inside the exocad Takeover

    Seth Potter, exocad educator, design expert, and a rising voice in the world of exocad, shares his journey from early exposure to dentistry to building a global presence through education and content creation. Together, Seth and Rob break down the rapid growth of digital dentistry, the increasing adoption of exocad, and how clinicians and technicians can create more efficient, repeatable workflows while also examining the evolving role of AI in dentistry and where it adds value versus where the human touch still matters most. From Smile Creator advancements to underutilized tools and real-world workflow strategies, this episode delivers practical takeaways for anyone looking to level up in digital dentistry. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:02:50) - Dental Design: Exocad Takes Over(00:08:48) - Newcomers to Digital Dentistry(00:11:22) - Finding the Right Workflow for Exocad(00:15:26) - The Biggest Mistakes Made in Exocad(00:20:05) - Exocad's AI Feature adoption(00:23:14) - Exocad's AI in Dentistry(00:25:37) - XCAD User Experience: The Human Touch(00:28:34) - XCAD Smile Creator 3.3 Update(00:34:57) - TrueSmile Video(00:37:20) - Exocad 2.8: Underutilized Tools(00:42:50) - Exocad CEO: Where Digital Dentistry is headed(00:44:54) - Dental Care: More Options Than Ever(00:45:47) - Dental Technology: Growing interest in the field(00:47:35) - Outro

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Dive into the latest advancements in digital workflows, innovative materials, and techniques that are redefining dental restorations. Join conversations with leading clinicians, technicians, and innovators driving progress in the field. Gain insights into the digital tools and modern workflows shaping the future of dental care. Hear exclusive stories from the front lines about embracing change and overcoming challenges to deliver better care for patients than ever before.

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