Dr. Wahan Experiment
I’m an oral maxillofacial surgeon in private practice, who teaches at the University of Washington Dental School, takes facial trauma and oral surgery call at the hospital, and finds the time to do stuff like this. I make videos and invite guests about topics that I find interesting. This is not only for medical or dental people but meant for most anyone. So enjoy and rate and subscribe if you find it entertaining.
Episodes

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Dr Stephanie Zeller
https://www.thetransformationschool.com/
keywords
dentistry, prosthodontics, mental health, career fulfillment, coaching, personal growth, happiness, dental education, professional development, inner work, career fulfillment, burnout, personal transformation, happiness, coaching, professional development, work-life balance, mental health, self-discovery, life coaching, Dr Zeller, Dr Wahan, Dental Podcast, Austin Texas, Seattle
summary
In this conversation, Dr. Stephanie Zeller shares her journey through dentistry, exploring her initial motivations, the challenges she faced in dental school, and her eventual specialization in prosthodontics. She discusses the pursuit of success in her career and the realization that external achievements did not equate to internal happiness. Dr. Zeller emphasizes the importance of inner work and personal growth, leading her to become a coach for others seeking fulfillment in their careers. The conversation highlights the complexities of mental health in the dental profession and the need for a holistic approach to happiness. In this conversation, Stephanie Zeller discusses her journey from being a prosthodontist to a personal transformation expert, focusing on helping professionals find fulfillment in their careers. She emphasizes the importance of understanding burnout, the need for personal transformation, and the belief that happiness can be cultivated from within. The discussion also highlights the resources available for individuals seeking to make significant changes in their professional lives.
takeaways
Dr. Zeller grew up in a dental family, influencing her career choice.
She initially considered psychology before pursuing dentistry.
Dental school was challenging and not as expected for both Dr. Zeller and Serv.
Success in dentistry does not always lead to personal happiness.
Dr. Zeller found passion in prosthodontics after years of general practice.
She emphasizes the importance of continuing education to reignite passion.
Mental health discussions in dentistry have become more prevalent post-COVID.
Inner work is essential for true happiness and career fulfillment.
Coaching others became a natural extension of her journey.
Therapy alone may not be sufficient for career-related dissatisfaction. The goal of the course is to help people experience career fulfillment.
Many professionals, especially dentists, struggle with burnout.
Burnout often stems from doing things one doesn't want to do.
Taking a vacation doesn't necessarily fix burnout.
Happiness is an inside job and can be cultivated.
Most people don't know the specific causes of their burnout.
Transitioning to a new career path can be fulfilling.
Personal transformation can lead to greater success and happiness.
Changing subconscious beliefs can alter one's experience of work.
Resources like courses can help individuals find their path to happiness.
titles
From Dentistry to Coaching: Dr. Zeller's Journey
Finding Fulfillment Beyond the Dental Chair
The Inner Work of Happiness in Dentistry
Sound Bites
"I had a lot of loans."
"I didn't know what to do."
"Happiness was kind of an inside job."
"I started feeling happy internally."
"Happiness really is an inside job."
"I love it. Yeah."
"You need to do work."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Zeller's Journey
02:57 The Path to Dentistry: Family Influence and Personal Choices
05:55 Finding Passion in Prosthodontics
09:01 The Pursuit of Success and Its Discontents
11:46 The Turning Point: Realizations and Mental Health
15:00 The Inner Journey: Discovering True Happiness
17:54 Coaching Others: Sharing the Journey to Fulfillment
21:37 The Journey to Career Fulfillment
24:26 Understanding Burnout and Its Causes
29:45 Transitioning to a New Path
33:01 The Power of Personal Transformation
37:40 Resources for Change and Growth

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
keywords:
periodontics, dental practice, AI in dentistry, corporate dentistry, private practice, dental technology, marketing strategies, pandemic impact, dental education, career journey, dentistry, AI, technology, dental practice, efficiency, personal stories, career, education, tools, future, Yvette Carrillo, Perio Princess, Serv Wahan, Dr. Wahan, Dental Influencer, Dental podcast, San Diego, New Mexico, CBCT,
summary:
In this engaging conversation, Yvette Carrillo, a periodontist, shares her journey from dental school to establishing her practice in San Diego. She discusses the challenges of starting a practice during the pandemic, the importance of technology and AI in dentistry, and the evolving landscape of corporate versus private practice. Yvette also reflects on her experiences in dental school, her near-death car accident, and the significance of networking and community in her professional life. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the integration of AI in dental practices, personal experiences in education, and reflections on life and career. They discuss the evolution of technology in dentistry, the importance of teamwork, and the future of AI as a tool to enhance efficiency and patient care. The dialogue also touches on personal anecdotes, including experiences in college and residency, and light-hearted rapid-fire questions about preferences and lifestyle.
takeaways:
Yvette is the first periodontist on the show.
She initially moved back to New Mexico after dental school but returned to California.
Starting a practice from scratch is challenging, especially in a saturated market.
Opening during COVID provided unique challenges and opportunities.
Technology and AI play a crucial role in modern dentistry.
Networking with other professionals is essential for success.
The landscape of corporate dentistry is changing rapidly.
Yvette emphasizes the importance of comprehensive patient assessments.
She has a strong bond with her sorority sisters from dental school.
Understanding business aspects is vital for running a successful practice. AI is becoming an essential tool in dental practices.
Team collaboration enhances the use of technology in the workplace.
Personal experiences in education shape professional growth.
Finding the right AI tools can streamline workflows.
AI can help manage mental load in busy practices.
The future of dentistry is intertwined with technological advancements.
Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for success.
Personal anecdotes can enrich professional conversations.
Exploring new technologies can reignite passion for work.
Sleep hygiene and personal health are important for productivity.
titles:
From Dental School to Periodontics: Yvette's Journey
Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Dental Practice
The Role of Technology in Modern Dentistry
AI and Its Impact on Periodontics
Sound Bites:
"I love Perio so much."
"What's the worst that can happen?"
"I was a good patient."
"I love my Surge sisters."
"I highly recommend it."
"I have a really good core team."
"I can't take notes anymore."
"I gave up caffeine."
"I have the best sleep hygiene."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Yvette Carrillo
01:01 Journey to Periodontics
03:30 Starting a Practice from Scratch
07:54 Navigating the Pandemic and Marketing Strategies
10:33 Technology in Dentistry
16:08 AI in Periodontics
19:33 Corporate vs. Private Practice
22:21 Business Training and Networking
24:31 Fraternity Life and Connections
26:00 The Role of AI in Dentistry
29:59 AI Tools for Efficiency
33:52 Integrating AI in Dental Practices
34:48 The Future of AI in Dentistry
37:01 Personal Reflections and Rapid Fire Questions

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
keywords:
Corey Roletto, WEO Media, dental marketing, SEO, social media, Google reviews, CRM, website optimization, dental practice, marketing strategies, Serv Wahan, Dr. Wahan, Dental Podcast, Medical Podcast
summary:
In this conversation, Corey Roletto, co-founder of WEO Media, discusses the evolution of dental marketing, focusing on the importance of SEO, social media, and Google reviews. He emphasizes the need for unique content, effective use of backlinks, and the significance of personal connections in marketing strategies. The discussion also covers the role of CRM systems in managing patient relationships and the impact of Google Ads on attracting new patients. Overall, the conversation highlights the necessity of integrating marketing into the daily operations of dental practices.
takeaways:
Marketing is an essential part of a dentist's job.
Social media has evolved significantly and impacts marketing.
SEO requires unique content and effective backlinks.
Google reviews play a crucial role in local SEO.
Review velocity is more important than the total number of reviews.
Negative key terming in Google Ads can save money.
The doctor bio page is often the second most visited page.
Heat maps can provide insights into website user behavior.
Personal connections can influence patient choices.
Schema markup is vital for effective SEO.
titles:
Navigating Dental Marketing with Corey Roletto
The Intersection of Dentistry and Digital Marketing
SEO Strategies for Dental Practices
Sound Bites:
"It's a wild west right now."
"Content needs to be unique."
"Review velocity is key."
"Negative key terming is essential."
"Your doctor bio page is crucial."
"Schema is vital for SEO."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Corey Roletto and His Background
03:06 The Evolution of Social Media and Its Impact on Marketing
05:57 Understanding SEO: Backlinks and Content Creation
09:10 The Importance of Google Reviews and Local SEO
11:54 Leveraging CRM for Patient Management
14:47 The Role of Google Ads and Negative Key Terming
17:59 Utilizing Heat Maps for Website Optimization
20:56 The Significance of Personal Connection in Marketing
24:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Marketing in Dentistry

Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Keywords
dentistry, corporate dentistry, private practice, dental associates, student debt, dental contracts, work-life balance, dental consolidation, patient care, dental referrals, DSO, Dental support organization, Dr Wahan, Dr Gallagher, drwahan, Brendan Gallagher, dental podcast, oral surgery podcast
summary
This conversation explores the evolving landscape of dentistry, focusing on the competition between corporate and private practices. The speakers discuss the challenges of finding associates, the impact of corporate consolidation, financial realities, and the burden of student debt. They also delve into the appeal of corporate contracts, work-life balance, and the importance of patient relationships in the context of personalized care versus corporate efficiency.
takeaways
Corporate dentistry is on the rise, affecting private practices.
Finding associates for private practices is increasingly challenging.
Student debt is a significant burden for new dentists.
Corporate contracts often offer higher starting salaries but come with hidden costs.
Work-life balance varies significantly between corporate and private practices.
The consolidation of dental practices is driven by financial backing from private equity.
Patient relationships are crucial for personalized care in dentistry.
The financial realities of running a dental practice have changed post-COVID.
Dentists need to be aware of the terms in their contracts with corporate entities.
The future of dentistry may lean more towards corporate models, impacting patient care.
titles
Navigating the Dental Landscape: Corporate vs. Private
The Challenges of Finding Dental Associates
Sound Bites
"There's always a need for it."
"You need to look at all your options now."
"It's a weird time in dentistry."
Chapters
00:00 The Landscape of Dentistry: Private vs. Corporate
01:51 Challenges in Finding Associates
03:49 The Rise of Dental Support Organizations (DSOs)
06:22 Financial Dynamics in Dentistry
08:33 The Burden of Student Debt
09:51 Navigating Career Choices in Dentistry
11:47 The Reality of Corporate Dentistry
14:27 Work-Life Balance in Dental Careers
16:03 Future Trends in Dental Practice
17:51 The Corporate Dentistry Dilemma
18:46 Navigating Employment Contracts and Covenants
19:17 The Shift Towards Corporate Practices
20:31 Patient-Centered Care vs. Corporate Efficiency
23:09 The Importance of Personal Relationships in Dentistry
25:38 The Future of Private Practice vs. Corporate Dentistry

Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
keywords:
oral surgery, wisdom teeth, referrals, dental implants, patient care, oral health, surgery techniques, dental pathology, dental referrals, dental communication, cringe referrals, Serv Wahan, Dr. Wahan, Dr. Tomsic, Jaclyn Tomsic
summary:
In this conversation, Dr. Jacci and Dr. Wahan discuss the intricacies of oral surgery referrals, particularly focusing on wisdom teeth removal, patient care, and the challenges posed by vague referrals. They emphasize the importance of clear communication between general dentists and oral surgeons to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The discussion also touches on pathology referrals, managing extra teeth in children, and the nuances of implant referrals, highlighting the need for a patient-centric approach in all aspects of dental care.
takeaways:
Referrals often lack clarity, leading to confusion.
Communication between providers can resolve many issues.
Wisdom teeth removal is best done between ages 15-25.
Patient comfort and safety should guide surgical decisions.
Vague referrals can complicate treatment planning.
Not every referral needs immediate surgical intervention.
Understanding dental age is crucial for wisdom teeth extraction.
Pathology referrals should be based on clear indications.
Extra teeth in children should be monitored until development is complete.
Implant options should be discussed thoroughly with patients.
titles:
Navigating Oral Surgery Referrals
Wisdom Teeth: Timing and Techniques
Sound Bites
"I don't want to struggle either."
"One surgery, one recovery."
"It's better care for the patient."
"It's a malpractice liability for us."
"I don't really care anymore."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Referrals in Oral Surgery
03:04 Wisdom Teeth: Best Practices and Considerations
06:02 Patient-Centric Approaches to Wisdom Tooth Removal
09:06 Challenges with Vague Referrals
12:07 Pathology Referrals and Biopsy Insights
15:01 Managing Extra Teeth in Children
18:10 Evaluating Pain and Impacted Wisdom Teeth
21:04 Implant Referrals and Patient Options

Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
keywords:
dentistry, patient reviews, oral surgery, Google reviews, responding to reviews, patient feedback, dental practice, marketing, customer service, reputation management, Serv Wahan, Joe Doctora, Dr. Wahan, Dental Podcast
summary:
In this conversation, Dr. Joe Doctora discusses the significance of patient reviews in the dental field, particularly in oral surgery. He shares insights on how to effectively gather and respond to reviews, the impact of Google reviews on practice visibility, and strategies for handling negative feedback. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patient communication, learning from experiences, and maintaining a positive online reputation.
takeaways:
Reviews are crucial for attracting new patients.
Responding to reviews can enhance patient trust.
A high volume of recent reviews boosts credibility.
Google reviews are the most impactful for visibility.
Handling negative reviews with empathy is essential.
Patient feedback can guide practice improvements.
Billing issues often lead to negative reviews.
Encouraging reviews should be a systematic process.
Maintaining a positive online presence is vital.
Learning from reviews can improve patient experiences.
titles:
Navigating Patient Reviews in Dentistry
The Art of Responding to Reviews
Sound Bites:
"I think that's very helpful."
"That's how we do it."
"This has been really good, Joe."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Reviews and Their Importance
02:35 Strategies for Gathering Reviews
05:31 The Impact of Google Reviews
08:32 Handling Negative Reviews
11:02 Learning from Patient Feedback
13:58 Billing Issues and Patient Communication
16:45 The Role of Social Media in Reviews
19:58 Final Thoughts and Insights

Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
keywords
DSN, healthcare technology, cybersecurity, cloud software, dental practice management, AI in healthcare, patient data accessibility, oral surgery, dental software, technology in dentistry
summary
In this conversation, the CEO of DSN discusses his journey into the healthcare technology sector, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity, the transition from server-based to cloud-based solutions, and the role of AI in enhancing practice management. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by dental specialists and the need for innovative solutions to improve patient care and data accessibility.
takeaways
Sam's background in cybersecurity and software engineering led him to DSN.
DSN aims to simplify practice management for dental specialists.
Cybersecurity is a critical concern in healthcare technology.
The transition to cloud-based solutions offers scalability and ease of access.
AI is set to play a significant role in future innovations at DSN.
Data accessibility is crucial for efficient patient care.
Investing in technology is essential for modern dental practices.
There is a gap between medical and dental software integration.
Feedback from users is valuable for improving DSN's offerings.
DSN prioritizes cybersecurity in its cloud solutions.
titles
Revolutionizing Dental Practice Management with DSN
The Future of Healthcare Technology: Insights from DSN's CEO
Sound Bites
"I saw DSN as a solution for it."
"We want to make the providers life easier."
"We built a scalable solution."
"You are the CEO of your practice."
"We appreciate any feedback we can get."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to DSN and Its CEO
03:13 The Journey to DSN: Background and Motivation
05:49 Cybersecurity in Healthcare: Challenges and Solutions
09:12 The Evolution of DSN: From Server to Cloud
12:09 AI and Future Innovations in Practice Management
14:59 The Importance of Data Accessibility in Dentistry
17:52 The Role of Technology in Patient Care
20:45 Advice for New Specialists and Future Trends
23:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Keywords
dental infection, toothache, oral surgery, antibiotics, patient care, infection progression, surgical intervention, recovery, dental health, emergency care
summary
In this conversation, Dr. Serv Wahan discusses a complex case of a dental infection that began with a simple toothache and escalated into a serious condition requiring surgical intervention. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms, the risks associated with tooth infections, and the critical role of timely medical care. The discussion covers the patient's journey through various treatments, the challenges faced, and the eventual recovery, highlighting key lessons learned in dental health management.
takeaways
Toothaches can lead to serious infections if untreated.
Recognizing symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment.
Bacteria from dental infections can spread to other parts of the body.
Antibiotic treatment must be monitored for effectiveness.
Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases.
Trismus can indicate a serious underlying issue.
Emergency care may be required for dental infections.
Patient history is important in diagnosing infections.
Experience plays a vital role in assessing patient conditions.
Follow-up care is essential to prevent complications.
Titles
From Toothache to Surgery: A Dental Journey
Sound Bites
"It started from a simple toothache."
"This is not a normal progression."
"Everything worked out great in the end."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a Dental Infection Case
02:30 Understanding Tooth Infections and Their Risks
05:51 The Patient's Journey: From Toothache to Hospitalization

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
keywordsflap reflection, coronectomy, wisdom teeth, extraction techniques, dental surgery, post-operative care,complications, dental instruments, patient management, oral surgery
summaryIn this conversation, Dr. Serv Wahan and Dr. Jaclyn Tomsic discuss various aspects of dental surgery,focusing on flap reflection techniques, the decision-making process between coronectomy andextraction, and the instruments used in wisdom teeth removal. They emphasize the importance ofdocumentation in avoiding litigation and share insights on managing complications and post-operativecare. The discussion also covers the indications and contraindications for performing a coronectomy,highlighting the need for careful patient assessment and surgical technique.
takeawaysSmall hole, big problem is a key principle in flap reflection.Always aim to extract the tooth if possible.Documentation is crucial to protect against litigation.Understanding the anatomy is vital to avoid nerve damage.Post-operative care is essential for patient recovery.Coronectomy can be a safer option in certain cases.Instruments should be chosen based on the specific case needs.Monitoring healing is important to identify complications early.Patient comfort and understanding are key during consultations.Indications for coronectomy include teeth close to nerves.
titlesMastering Flap Reflection Techniques
Sound Bites"Small hole, big problem.""It's a valid procedure, honestly.""You have to remove more bone."
Chapters00:00 Flap Reflection Tips and Techniques
01:48 Coronectomy vs Extraction: Decision Making
05:58 Instruments and Techniques for Wisdom Teeth Removal
10:01 Managing Complications and Post-Operative Care
13:50 Indications and Contraindications for Coronectomy

Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
keywordscoronectomy, oral surgery, mandibular third molars, nerve injury, post-operative pain, surgical techniques,patient communication, dental procedures, oral health, wisdom teeth
summaryIn this conversation, Dr. Serv Wahan and Dr. Jaclyn Tomsic discuss the intricacies of coronectomies, asurgical procedure primarily performed on mandibular third molars. They delve into the definition,indications, risks, and post-operative outcomes associated with coronectomies. The discussion highlightsthe importance of patient communication, surgical techniques, and the evolving understanding of thisprocedure within the dental community. Through various studies and personal experiences, theyemphasize the need for careful decision-making to minimize complications and enhance patient care.
takeawaysCoronectomies involve the intentional retention of tooth roots.The procedure is primarily indicated for patients over 25 years old.Post-operative pain can vary between coronectomies and extractions.Efficiency in surgery can reduce recovery time and pain.Patient education is essential to avoid misunderstandings about risks.The risk of nerve injury increases with age and complexity of the case.Studies show that root migration can occur but is often manageable.Using PRF can aid in healing, though its necessity is debated.Communication with patients about potential outcomes is crucial.Coronectomies are becoming more accepted in dental practice.
titlesExploring Coronectomies: A Comprehensive GuideThe Art of Coronectomies in Oral Surgery
Sound Bites"Post-op pain is a significant finding.""The goal is to prevent a nerve issue.""Patient communication is crucial in surgery.""Do no harm is our guiding principle."
Chapters00:00
Introduction and Overview of Coronectomies00:57Understanding Coronectomies: Definition and Indications03:13Risks and Complications of Coronectomies06:07Post-Operative Outcomes and Studies09:52Surgical Techniques and Considerations14:07Patient Communication and Decision Making17:49Future of Coronectomies and Conclusion