Name: Understanding the Legal Side of Dental Transitions by Academy of General Dentistry
Duration: 29 min 59 s
Description: Dr. Wes Blakeslee speaks with dental transition attorney Hillary Becchetti, Esq. Becchetti discusses the legal intricacies of buying a dental practice and entering into a partnership. Her biggest advice to new dentists is to do their due diligence from the start and to assemble a team of professionals to assist them in buying a practice, entering into an associateship or creating a partnership.

In this episode, AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George Schmidt talks with Dr. Larry Stanleigh about ways to create connections with new and existing patients. He provides practical steps to take when someone is new to your practice or for someone who regularly refers patients. Simple touches, he explains, are easy to do and make a significant impression on people when it is a first or recurring visit. 

Dr. Stanleigh is a general dentist from Calgary. He is also a orofacial pain-TMJ consultant, runs Agility Guard, a sports performance mouthguard company, and is a regular blogger in AGD's Daily Grind. He lends his expertise as a keynote speaker, award-winning writer/blogger, executive producer of the USNA: United States of North America graphic novel project, lead sponsor of the Stanleigh Cup for the Loose Moose Theater Company’s Annual High School Theater Sports championship, and more. 

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Creating Exceptional Patient Experiences

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt brings together two dynamic voices from different stages of their careers—Jacqui Kozlowski, a dental student, and Stephanie Tilley, DMD, a general dentist with a broad range of experience providing clinical care and teaching new techniques. This candid conversation highlights the power of mentorship, collaboration, and resilience in shaping a brighter future for women in the field. Listen in as they explore how the landscape of dentistry has evolved, the opportunities and challenges women face, and the unique ways they connect to exchange ideas and offer support. 

Stephanie Flynn Tilley, DMD, is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and has undergone extensive training to bring her patients the highest level of care possible. Tilley is a native of Pensacola, Florida, and has been practicing dentistry in her hometown since 1998. She is a member of AGD as well as the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Alabama Dental Association, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Oral Implantology and Academy of American Facial Esthetics.

Jacqui Kozlowski, a third-year dental student at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, is from Novi, Michigan, and holds a bachelor's degree in Human Biology from Michigan State University. She is actively involved in the American Student Dental Association as secretary of her local chapter, vice president of the CDMI Dental Student Council, and a liaison for the Executive Dental Council. A member of Delta Sigma Delta fraternity, Jacqui plans to volunteer at a dental clinic in Jamaica. After completing dental school, she hopes to join a reputable dental practice and aspires to one day own her own dental practice.


Women in Dentistry

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt interviews Thomas Viola, RPh, CCP, CDE, CPMP, about important perspectives on prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and substances frequently used by patients and other medications used in the dental office. They also discuss best practices for prescribing and current protocols to follow.

With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Viola has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. Viola has presented over 1,000 informative, humorous and engaging CE seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001.

He has several courses on the schedule for AGD's upcoming scientific session in Montréal. Learn more and register for the meeting which will take place July 9-12, 2025

A Pharmacology Perspective for Dentists

David James Clark, DDS, joins with Dr. George Schmidt during the latest podcast episode. Dr. Clark explains the art and science of monolithic injection-molded composite dentistry and talks about utilizing injection-molding of composites with modern preparations, super-anatomic clear matrices and heated multi-viscosity composite to solve so many problems without resorting to crowns. (Dr Clark is a speaker at AGD's upcoming scientific session in Montreal, July 9-12.)

Dr. Clark is director of Bioclear Learning Centers International. He founded the Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry, creates curriculum for dental schools and has lectured in 25 countries. He developed the Bioclear Matrix System for placement of biologically appropriate and esthetically pleasing direct composite restorations for facilitating injection-molding of the Clark Class I and Class II preparations, diastema closure, and black triangle elimination combined with papilla regeneration. The Clark Class I and Class II preparations and restorations are now being evaluated in in vivo and in vitro studies. He owns several patents. He published the first guide to dentinal and enamel cracks based on clinical microscope dentistry (16× magnification). Clark is a 1986 graduate of the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

Understanding Direct Composite Restorations

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt connects with Minal Sampat to go over the importance of utilizing a marketing strategy to build a strong practice. She explains the importance of utilizing a data-driven marketing strategy so that dentist can scale their practices accordingly. She shares practical and managable ideas that listeners can apply in their offices.

Sampat is a speaker, marketing strategist, and entrepreneur. Raised in the US Virgin Islands, she is an alumnus of Rutgers University. As an RDH, her love for marketing found a powerful outlet as she created and refined new ways to connect with existing and potential patients. As a millennial she mined the riches of social media and technology until she found strategies that worked. She works closely with dentists to ensure they are utilizing a strong strategy to recruit and retain patients.

Mastering Marketing Strategy with Minal Sampat

So many improvements have been witnessed in the field of digital dentures including streamlined workflows, easy-to-use software, and new and improved manufacturing techniques. In this episode, Dr. Goodacre talks about emerging techniques and other insights that make this a important procedure and tool for general dentists. Take a listen and learn about  how you can apply these skills in your practice. Dr. Gooacre will be a  speaker at AGD2025, July 9-12, in Montréal. Learn more at agd2025.org

Integrating Digital Dentures with Brian Goodacre, DDS

In this episode, AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George J. Schmidt spoke with William J Moorhead, DMD, who has practiced family and sedation dentistry in Kentucky for over 30 years. 

Moorhead has developed and teaches systems and strategies for overcoming the challenging issues most practices face with absenteeism, turnover, lack of quick and adequate training, and high overhead. Always looking for new and powerful solutions, he not only solves complex management issues in his practice but shares them with other dentists and their teams.

Moorhead has served as president of the Kentucky Dental Association and speaks on topics related to clinical efficiency, dental anesthesia and sedation, dental technology, medical emergencies, and leadership.  


System to Improve Efficiencies in Your Practice with Dr. William Moorhead

During the latest episode of the AGD Podcast Series, host George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, talks with David Galler, DMD, one of the top providers of aligner treatments in the U.S. During the episode, Galler describes his early work with aligner therapies to some of the new tools that make them more accessible. He also discusses how incorporating aligners into a patient's care addresses cosmetics, periodontal, and occlusion care. Still, dentists must know how to manage these treatments and keep up with current aligner learning. He also touches on the problem of burnout, asking other dentists questions to help them identify factors impacting their happiness and how to find outlets for things that are causing them stress.

As a featured speaker at numerous study clubs, webinars, and national and regional events, Galler has created a strong following of practitioners wanting to learn more about treating patients with his aligner therapy. He is credited with bringing several key innovations to the forefront of the clear aligner field, including the GOST (Galler Ostreicher Spacing Technique), Ortho Munchies, and the GLR 4.0 — Galler's proprietary algorithm. He also runs various HAPPINESS seminars to improve dentists' quality of life. When not treating patients, lecturing, or innovating, Galler enjoys performing stand-up comedy and currently has a residency in Las Vegas, where he performs several times a month.

Clear Aligners: More Than Just Cosmetics with Dr. David Galler

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Parul Dua Makkar, BSc, DDS, FACD, shares how the loss of her younger brother, Manu Dua, DDS, to oral cancer changed the course of her life and career. Manu was a healthy, young dentist with few risk factors, yet his diagnosis came late — a reality that highlights the critical need for early detection and awareness. Dr. Makkar opens up about her brother’s story, the warning signs that were missed, and the emotional toll of watching a loved one navigate cancer. She also offers practical advice for healthcare providers on how to talk to patients about suspicious lesions, the importance of regular screenings, and the shifting demographics of oral cancer. Following Manu's death, she authored the book Life Interrupted: Dr. Dua's Survival Guide. 

A passionate advocate, speaker, and award-winning author, Dr. Makkar is on a mission to educate both clinicians and the public about the importance of recognizing oral cancer risks—before it’s too late. She is a Board member American Academy of Oral Systemic Health and a Fellow for the American College of Dentists.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis of Oral Cancer with Dr. Parul Dua Makkar

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt sits down with Adamo Notarantonio, DDS, FICOI, FAACD, a highly regarded cosmetic dentist, to explore the often-overlooked power of composite in aesthetic dentistry. While porcelain options often take center stage in smile makeovers, Dr. Notarantonio shares why mastering composite artistry is not only essential for delivering beautiful results—but also for becoming a true craftsman in cosmetic dentistry. From repairing fractured teeth on teenagers to fine-tuning provisionals, he explains how composite skills translate into superior patient outcomes and provides a deeper understanding of smile design. (Dr. Notarantion will be a speaker at AGD2025, July 9-12.)

They also dive into the mindset shift required to build a fulfilling aesthetic practice—from ways to build skill and reputation to learning how to communicate treatment possibilities with patients without overwhelming them. This conversation offers practical insight, real-world advice, and inspiration for dentists at every stage of their journey. 

Dr. Notarantonio graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine (2002), where he received honors in removable and fixed prosthodontics. He is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and received his Fellowship in the AACD in 2018. He is the current President of the AACD, Credential Examiner and Fellowship Chairman. Dr. Notarantio is a graduate and faculty of the Kois Center. He has received his fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has been published in multiple dental journals and lectures nationally and internationally on such topics as CAD/CAM dentistry, implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, composite dentistry, and dental photography.

Tune in to hear how investing in your skills can transform both your dentistry and your career.

Art and Impact: A Masterclass in Cosmetic Dentistry with Dr. Adamo E. Notarantonio

Dr. Wes Blakeslee speaks with dental transition attorney Hillary Becchetti, Esq. Becchetti discusses the legal intricacies of buying a dental practice and entering into a partnership. Her biggest advice to new dentists is to do their due diligence from the start and to assemble a team of professionals to assist them in buying a practice, entering into an associateship or creating a partnership.

Understanding the Legal Side of Dental Transitions

Academy of General Dentistry

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