As we turn the page on a new year, Dentistry Unmasked turns a chapter of its own. One co-host says farewell, a new one is introduced, and the conversation is filled with laughs, emotion, and memories worth revisiting. Don’t miss this unforgettable episode of endings and beginnings.

Composite or ceramic? Lithium disilicate or zirconia? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Dr. Art Volker challenges the idea that conservative dentistry and prosthodontics are at odds. Pam and David dive deep into material selection, clinical decision-making, and how exceptional dentistry can be achieved conservatively—without compromise. A must-listen for anyone who wants clarity, confidence, and better outcomes.

This week, David Rice and Pam Maragliano are joined by the multi-talented Dr. Karla Soto, a third-generation dentist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience and educational leadership. Recorded on a Friday when everyone is finally at home, the conversation takes a laid-back but inspiring look at dentistry careers, lifelong learning, and what it takes to stay passionate and innovative in the dental field. Key Topics Covered 1. Dr. Karla Soto’s journey & philosophy Transition from residency to joining her mother's startup practice in Boca Raton, Florida as a young mom Passion for comprehensive, patient-focused dentistry, and why she became “addicted” to continuing education Emphasis on saying “yes” to new opportunities and immersing fully into each experience 2. The power of continuing education (CE) Discussion on how the right CE can ignite passion, confidence, and new skills, especially when surrounded by like-minded peers Both Dr. Karla Soto and Dr. Pam Maragliano reflect on the formative impact of early mentors and immersive CE experiences. The challenge is that only about 4% of dentists actually implement advanced CE learnings in daily practice. 3. Making education practical (and bringing your team) Pam and Dr. Soto and  stress the importance of practical, real-world workshops, and learning side-by-side with team members. Examples of how having your “ride or die” implementer (office manager or assistant) makes integration more successful. 4. Favorite tools & techniques Full digital workflow for consults, patient engagement, and clinical procedures Love for certain products: Ultradent Optrasculpt, OptiGate, Variolink cements, Ivoclar products, and Emax for ceramics Practical tips from mission trips—why certain tools become absolute MVPs when resources are limited, and how these experiences inform what’s essential in regular practice 5. Fostering team investment & growth   •Dr. Karla Soto's educational platform, Key Elements, focuses on bringing whole teams together, sharing the journey, and creating retention through shared development wins. Notable Quotes “When your circle is at that level, it's almost contagious—you want to keep elevating together.” —Dr. Karla Soto “You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable if you want to grow in this profession.” —Dr. Karla Soto “I love CE that inspires me to want to change how I practice.” —Pam Maragliano Connect with Dr. Karla Soto Instagram: @Dr.KarlaSoto Educational Platform: keyelements.co Dr. Karla Soto is based in South Florida and always happy to connect with curious colleagues!  

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam chat with renowned oral pathologist Dr. Ashley Clark for a powerful conversation about early detection, decisive action, and why “if you see something, say something” can truly save lives. Dr. Clark shares practical, must-know tips for identifying suspicious lesions, knowing when to biopsy, and if today’s technology is reliable to support accurate diagnosis. We also explore how oral pathologies can signal deeper systemic issues—and why timely, appropriate referrals are critical for protecting your patients’ overall health. If you’re ready to sharpen your clinical eye and elevate your standard of care, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In one of our most jaw-dropping episodes yet, Dr. Stacey Gividen joins us to share her real, raw, and riveting story of discovering embezzlement inside her own dental practice—an ordeal that ultimately led to an arrest and sentencing. Walking us through every step from the first unsettling suspicions to the moment justice was served, Stacey offers a cautionary tale every practice owner needs to hear. She’s joined by embezzlement expert David Harris, whose investigative work helped uncover the truth. Together, they reveal how embezzlement happens, the red flags most dentists miss, and what every practice must do to stay protected. This is an episode you won’t just want to listen to—you’ll want to take notes.

In this refreshingly real and fun episode of Dentistry Unmasked, Gina Livy joins us to break down what sustainable wellness actually looks like—no extremes, no toxic positivity, and definitely no spiraling. We dive into the everyday habits that support long-term health and career longevity, from how we eat and move to how we think and talk to ourselves. Gina shares her signature blend of honesty, humor, and science-backed strategy to help you stay on a healthy trajectory without feeling deprived or overwhelmed. If you're ready for a wellness conversation that feels doable, empowering, and a little bit sassy, you won’t want to miss this one.

In this unapologetically honest episode of Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Melissa Obrotka, aka the Badass Dental Hygienist, for a real conversation about motivation, mastering your craft, and why not all hygienists—and not all hygiene careers—are created equal. We dig into what it truly means to practice at the top of your license, why skill and calibration matter, and how elevating your value can transform your earning potential. We also confront the long-standing divide between dentists and hygienists and explore what it will take to build respect, alignment, and stronger teams across the industry. If you’re ready for a conversation that challenges norms and inspires growth, you won’t want to miss this one.

How you ever wondered what the top 1% producers in dentistry know that others miss? Is it really their clinical skills? Or is it something more? Join Pam, David and Dr. Mark Hyman as they dive into how true peak performers build bigger and better relationships for the win.

Moving teeth can be tricky—especially those lateral incisors and stubborn second molars—and in clear aligner therapy, we can’t let them have the last word! This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Farah Kar as she spills the tea on proper ortho diagnosis, virtual case planning, and flawless execution. Did you know your virtual plan should never look like a perfect occlusal setup? Dr. Kar explains why and shares other key considerations to level up your aligner outcomes. Don’t miss these pearls from one of the best in orthodontics!

They don’t call them RDH Rant for nothing! This week, David and Pam dive in with the voices behind RDH Rant to uncover the gripes hygienists have about the dentists they work with, and trust us, the list is LONG. Tune into Dentistry Unmasked to hear what your hygienist is really thinking… and maybe get a few tips to improve your workplace vibe while you’re at it!

In part 2 of discussing poor leadership, we shift from problems to possibilities. David, Pam, and Andrew break down the traits that separate great leaders from disastrous ones—and how anyone can learn the skills to lead with clarity, trust, and impact. If you’ve ever wondered whether leadership is innate or learned…you don’t want to miss this.

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Andrew Johnston from A Tale of Two Hygienists podcast to unpack what really happens when leadership goes wrong. From DSOs to private practices, Andrew shares eye-opening stories that show how weak leadership doesn’t just stay at the top—it filters into workflows, team morale, and even patient care. Curious what the signs are that your leadership may be failing?  

Dentistry is a profession of giving—to patients, to team members, to family. But what happens when the constant giving leaves you drained, resentful, or burned out? The answer isn’t working harder… it’s drawing healthier boundaries.   In this episode, we sit down with Anastasia Turchetta, RDH, a nationally recognized wellness and communication expert, to explore how setting boundaries in your practice and personal life is the key to protecting your energy, preserving your passion, and performing at your best.   You’ll learn:   • Why boundaries aren’t walls — they’re bridges to healthier relationships.   • How to confidently say “no” without guilt.   • Practical scripts and strategies to reclaim time, focus, and fulfillment.   If you’ve ever felt overextended or underappreciated, this episode will give you the permission — and the tools — to take control.    

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam welcome Dr. Amanda Seay, a dentist whose passion for education and clinical excellence has taken her from her very first lecture to building a full-scale educational platform.  

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Matt Bynum to explore why practice ownership may be the smartest move young dentists can make. Too many associateships leave new grads feeling drained and undervalued—but ownership opens the door to building a career and lifestyle you truly love. Tune in to hear Dr. Bynum’s advice on shifting from the “tooth business” to the “people business,” creating a culture that thrives, and finding real fulfillment in both dentistry and life.

Should dental hygienists be allowed to deliver Botox and fillers? Some see it as an exciting growth opportunity, while others worry it could put patients at risk. This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Sarah Crow, RDH, past president of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association, to unpack the debate. Sarah makes a compelling case for the “Botox Bill” in Massachusetts, shares how she’s advocating for change, and what it could mean for the future of dentistry.

This week Pam and David unmask David's journey from associate dentist to multi practice owner to CEO of igniteDDS, and how you can find your calling too!

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam open the door to a powerful and deeply personal conversation about vulnerability and resilience in dentistry. Joined by chaplain and life coach Jeff Hetschel, they explore the emotional weight that comes with balancing personal hardships while showing up daily for patients and teams. For the first time, Pam shares her experience navigating the grief of losing her father and going through a divorce—all while holding it together professionally. Jeff offers thoughtful, practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and protecting your well-being through life’s toughest seasons. This is an episode every dental professional needs to hear.

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam welcome Tree Mainella, founder of Birchtree Hemp, to explore one of the most talked-about innovations in oral care: CBD toothpaste. You first heard about it in our episode with Dr. Brian Nový, and now we’re taking a deeper dive into what’s real, what’s hype, and what dental professionals should actually know. Tree unpacks the science behind CBD, CBG, and their role in oral health, cutting through the noise to share what makes this category of toothpaste so unique and potentially impactful. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already a believer, this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.