Little Teeth, BIG Smiles

Host Dr. Joel Berg speaks with Dr. Chelsea Fosse, Vice President of the AAPD Research and Policy Center (RPC) on the current hot topics in public health and how the RPC is working to make an impact. They delve into how pediatric dentistry can continue to lead the way among the other dental specialties and with our medical peers on care for those children and adults with disabilities and other special healthcare needs. Dr. Fosse also shares how AAPD members and other healthcare professionals can turn to the RPC for support with state-specific questions relating to Medicaid or other legislation. Guest Bio: Chelsea Fosse, DMD, MPH is the Vice President, Research & Policy Center at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). She is boarded in dental public health. Before shifting her career to work in oral health policy research, she worked as a general dentist treating adults with disabilities. At AAPD, Chelsea leads a team focused on Medicaid policy and program administration, evidence-based dental care, access to high quality and safe dental care, the pediatric dental workforce, and other contemporary issues in oral health, public health, and health policy. She was previously at the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute (HPI) where she led policy analysis for issues related to Medicaid and studied the oral health workforce and the industry's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before dental school, she worked in the Division of Children with Special Needs at the American Academy of Pediatrics. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors at Well Child Center, a community-based organization offering WIC, dental, and other social and health services in Elgin, IL. Chelsea received her bachelor's from The University of Texas in 2009, DMD from Rutgers in 2017, and MPH from Columbia University in 2019. She completed a general practice residency at Helen Hayes Hospital in 2018 and a dental public health residency at Jacobi Medical Center in 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. David Carsten joins little teeth, BIG Smiles host Dr. Joel Berg for a conversation on waterline safety. A previous Chair of Infection Control for the Washington State Dental Commission, Dr. Carsten shares information on how waterlines can be compromised and what practitioners can do to maintain waterline safety to protect their patients and themselves. Guest Bio: David Carsten, DDS, is a dentist anesthesiologist. He has a BS in Biochemistry from Washington State University, with a background in Medical Bacteriology and virology. His DDS is from the University of Washington. He has 5 publications in the scientific literature. He received the Award of Distinction in Continuing Education from the Academy of Dentistry International in 2005. He lectures often, internally and externally, on many topics. For example, Dave did more than 30 lectures regarding the COVID-19 pandemic from 10 January 2020 to the present and has consulted dentists and entities regarding mitigation. He is an Assistant Professor in Hospital Dentistry at Oregon Health Sciences University, General Practice Residency program. That program focuses on patients that fall within the broad definition of special needs and are thirteen years old or older. He was on the ADA Steering Committee for the DLOSCE. He mentors the interdisciplinary lecture group at OHSU, the Tilikum Crossing Seminar Series. He is a Chair for the Department of Health, Washington State Dental Commission, also chairing the Infection Control Committee. Dave lives in Vancouver with his wife, Sharon, his son, Davin, and their dog, Kiki. He has been a member of the Spiritual Care Team at Salmon Creek Legacy Hospital since 2012. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Jeanette MacLean, a trailblazer in minimally invasive SDF practices, joins Dr. Joel Berg to discuss how observations and a willingness to try a different approach can positively benefit both providers and patients. Dr. MacLean shares how her own learning experiences seeing the same patients year after year in private practice led to her desire to consider less aggressive treatment options. She also delves into how the collaborative pediatric dental community was imperative in guiding her path. Guest Bio: Dr. Jeanette MacLean has been in private practice as an Owner for 20 years. As an appointee to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Speakers Bureau and has provided lectures across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as webinars viewed in over 40 countries. Dr. MacLean graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University in 1999. She received her dental degree, with honors, from the University of Southern California in 2003 and completed her specialty training in pediatric dentistry in 2005 at the Sunrise Children’s Hospital through the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Dr. MacLean is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Fellow of the American College of Dentists, Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Her research has been published in the journals Pediatric Dentistry, the Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, the British Dental Journal, and Compendium. She has been featured twice in the New York Times: She is also an active member of the Central Arizona Dental Society, the Arizona Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Arizona Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is married to Timothy Budd, an attorney, and they have a son, Charlie, and a daughter, Sabrina. She has donated her time to underprivileged children both locally and in Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica, and has been honored for her volunteer work and humanitarian achievements. She speaks conversational Spanish, and her interests include party planning, crafts, Jazzercise and all things Disney. She is also active in Local First Arizona, the Arizona Dental Associations’ AHCCCS Subcommittee and Women in Dentistry group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LTBS host Dr. Joel Berg sits down with incoming American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry President Dr. Tom Ison to talk about his leadership journey. Dr. Ison shares how he felt the pull to specialize in pediatrics after practicing as a general dentist, and how that choice impacted him as a rural practitioner. He also delves into his agenda for the 25-26 Academy year, including honoring the legacy of the leaders who came before him. Recorded in front of a live audience at AAPD 2025, the conversation is a testament to the importance of professional organizations and the role they play in sharing expert information. Guest Bio: Dr. Thomas G. Ison is in private practice in Newburgh, Ind. He received his dental degree and certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and Chandler Medical Center in Lexington, Ky., and completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry. He previously held appointments as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and Chief of Dentistry at Norton Children’s Hospital, in Louisville. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American College of Dentists, as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He has completed the AAPD Leadership Institute at Kellogg and the Advanced Leadership at Wharton. He served as a consultant to the AAPD Council of Clinical Affairs, District III (now Southeastern) Trustee and is a Past President of the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry and Kentucky Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Ison has been an examiner for the ABPD Oral Clinical Exam as well as committee member and part leader for the Renewal of Certification Examination. He resides in Evansville, Ind., with his wife, Connie, and daughter, Maggie. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Carolyn Strom joins host Dr. Joel Berg to discuss the impact of literacy on how the brain continues to learn and process information. Dr. Strom shares her experience as a first-grade teacher in an area with high rates of intergenerational illiteracy and how her interactions with parents and students led her to dive deeper into the neurosciences of learning and comprehension, particularly in relation to dyslexia. She speaks to how implementing the science of learning matters as the brain learns new skills – and how this thinking can also be utilized in the dental sphere. Guest Bio: Carolyn Strom is a clinical professor, reading specialist, and former first grade teacher. She collaborates widely with school districts, families, educators, and ed tech companies to bridge the disconnect between neuroscientific research and educational practice. Dr. Strom is a recent recipient of NYU Steinhardt's Teaching Excellence Award and has published her work in The Reading Teacher, The Reading League Journal, and The Handbook of Learning Disabilities. She maintains a clinical practice in New York working with children who have dyslexia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this exciting episode of LTBS, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by AAPD 2025 keynote speaker Mick Ebeling for a candid conversation delving into Mick’s mantra of “commit, then figure it out.” Sharing the story of an accidental invention that made the seemingly impossible possible, he highlights his unique problem-solving approach that brings together passionate and talented people to create solutions that better the world. Mick also speaks to the impact that grounding yourself in the belief that something that’s possible today was once considered impossible can have on your ability to make change. Guest Bio: Named Fortune’s Top 50 World’s Greatest Leaders and honored with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award, Mick Ebeling is a groundbreaking innovator dedicated to changing the world through innovation and story. As the Founder of Not Impossible Labs – an innovation incubator disrupting the status quo and tackling seemingly impossible problems – Mick has spent over a decade driving a movement of positive impact for the sake of humanity. Through his “Help One. Help Many” approach, Mick and his team have created some of the most internationally celebrated inventions, including The Eyewriter, Project Daniel, and Don’s Voice, as well as their most recent spin-off companies, Bento (formerly Hunger: Not Impossible) and Music: Not Impossible. His work has been recognized as a 3x recipient of TIME’s Best Inventions and Fast Company's World Changing Ideas. Mick continues to inspire, empower, and teach individuals, organizations, and communities to take bold action, so they too can make the impossible, NOT impossible. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Rose Dodson, founder and CEO of Sedation Resources for this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles. Dodson discusses the importance in a strong foundation for sedation management and how emergency training is an integral piece of a practitioner’s overall skill set. She also delves into the latest updates in technology supporting safety. Guest Bio: Rose Dodson is the founder and CEO of Sedation Resource, a long-time Silver Sponsor of the AAPD. For over 20 years, Rose and her team have been dedicated to patient safety and supporting dental sedation practitioners. Rose has a Master’s in Business Leadership and Management and a deep understanding of sedation equipment and emergency preparedness. She even developed an amplified Bluetooth pre-tracheal stethoscope to improve patient monitoring. Most recently, she collaborated with the "Ten Minutes Saves a Life" initiative to create the Simulation Toolkit, designed to help with emergency response training. Rose shares her expertise through presentations and articles, always focused on practical solutions for sedation practitioners, and she has been directly involved in the hands-on participation sessions at the AAPD’s sedation courses. She also enjoys sharing insights on safety, innovation, and how she’s working to support the pediatric dental community. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Jade Miller joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a very special episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles discussing a major opportunity within organized dentistry. After nearly 25 years, Dr. John Rutkauskas will be retiring as AAPD CEO in July 2026. Dr. Miller, as chair of the search committee to find AAPD’s new leader, shares details of the role as well as what it means to join an AAPD staff committed to the optimal oral health for all children. Guest Bio: Dr. Jade Miller is a board-certified pediatric dentist who since 1983 has maintained a private practice in Reno, Nevada. Dr. Miller is a faculty member in dental and medical education, as well as a member in some of the country’s most prestigious dental organizations. A past American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry president, he is the current AAPD Board of Trustees Congressional Liaison. While Dr. Miller has been practicing pediatric dentistry for four decades, his education has never really ended. He devotes time to continuing education so that he can offer “his kids” the best and most modern treatments available. Dr. Miller has dedicated his career to keeping at the forefront of pediatric developments and providing his patients with the best service available. Dr. Miller is married and has three children. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary pediatric dentist Dr. Heber Simmons joins little teeth, BIG Smiles host Dr. Joel Berg, for a conversation featuring the highlights of his nearly six-decade long career. A previous AAPD Distinguished Service Award recipient, Dr. Simmons shares in detail the highlights of his career, beginning with how he got started in pediatric dentistry during his time in the Army and as the first pediatric dentist in Mississippi all the way through President of the AAPD and beyond. Dr. Simmons also delves into his “60 Minutes” appearance on behalf of the Academy and how his message still resonates with dental professionals and parents. Guest Bio: Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr. attended the University of Mississippi and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He received his DDS degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1957. Dr. Simmons served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps for three years at Fort Knox, Kentucky, attaining the rank of captain. He received his Master of Science in pedodontics degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1962 and subsequently was in private practice in Jackson, Mississippi for 57 years. Dr. Simmons has been a member of a host of organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association and its affiliates, as well various related professional organizations. He's a Fellow in the American and International College of Dentists, OKU, and the Pierre Fauchard Society. He has served as a delegate to the ADA House of Delegates, on the Council of Dental Practice of the ADA, and was the ADA's fifth district trustee representing Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida from 1989 to 1993. Dr. Simmons is a past president of the AAPD and various other organizations. He received the AAPD Distinguished Service Award in 1997. As of 2024, that award is now known as the Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. In 2017, the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry established the Heber Simmons, Jr. Endowed Professorship in Pediatric Dentistry in honor of his exceptional service to the profession. Dr. Simmons’ complete CV highlighting six decades of extraordinary work is available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the latest episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Don Schmitt for a discussion on the importance of fluoride. A hot topic in recent news, fluoride – and specifically water fluoridation – has decades of science supporting its positive impact on the prevention of tooth decay. This is a great listen for a clinician looking for support with in-office conversations with patient families or a parent looking to better understand better how fluoride supports not only the oral health – but the overall health – of children. Guest Bio: Dr. Don Schmitt has been in private practice in Danville and Concord, Calif. for over 20 years that was originally started by his father almost 70 years ago. Dr. Schmitt received his Bachelors degree from the University of California at Berkeley and D.D.S. degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry. He completed a residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Southern California. Dr. Schmitt currently is on the faculty of the University of the Pacific teaching in the predoctoral clinic. Involved in organized dentistry starting in dental school, Schmitt has served on the Board of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry in a variety of positions since 2011 and is now President. He is also the current Western District Trustee for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Previously he was President of the CSPD Foundation. Dr. Schmitt is a member of Cohort VII of the AAPD Leadership Institute at the Kellogg School of Management and the Annual Session Scientific Program Committee. Outside dentistry, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two adult sons, traveling, and playing golf. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. John Blake, the current Affiliate Membership Trustee of the AAPD Board, to for a conversation focused on how the advocacy and research of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry influences and supports not only pediatric dentists, but general dentists as well. Dr. Blake shares his unique professional journey as a general dentist focused on pediatric needs and how it led to various leadership roles in organized dentistry. Guest Bio: Dr. John Blake is the Executive Director and Dental Director of the Children’s Dental Health Clinic (CDHC) in Long Beach, Calif. This non-profit program and teaching facility helps the comprehensive dental needs of underserved, special needs and medically complex patients in their Long Beach and Catalina Island programs. Prior to joining CDHC, Blake spent his first 12 years in private practice. He is the current Affiliate Member of the AAPD Board of Trustees and President of the California Dental Association (CDA). He has also served on the CDA Council on Government Affairs for the past 6 years while remaining active with oral health related policy and legislative issues. Blake is also the president of the Living Hope Clinical Foundation, a fellow of the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fuchard Academy, a part-time faculty member of the USC. School of Dentistry, and a member of the ADA council on government affairs. In addition, he helped start the CARE Dental program at St. Mary’s Hospital. This grant-funded non-profit program is specific to patients with HIV. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by seasoned talent acquisition expert Ron Harrison for a conversation focused on the struggles of finding – and keeping – talent in dentistry. Harrison specifically dives into the similarities between the hiring practices of the early 2000s tech boom companies and DSOs, and how they can impact smaller, privately-owned practices. Learn how important a fast-paced, efficient decision-making process is when hiring to best meet your staffing needs in a competitive market. Guest Bio: Ron Harrison is a seasoned talent acquisition expert with over two decades of recruiting experience. He is the founder of two successful technology recruiting firms and has trained hundreds of recruiters and recruiting leaders throughout his career. Drawing on his deep understanding of competitive hiring markets, including his time working in Silicon Valley during the tech boom and bust cycles, Ron has brought his expertise to the dental industry through Sage Dental Recruiting Outsourcing (Sage DRO). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles, Dr. Susan Fisher-Owens, a nationally known pediatrician who is joining pediatric dentists on the front lines protecting children’s oral health, to discuss the importance of the care of adolescents to support them as they grow into their adult selves. Dr. Fisher-Owens shares important aspects of the adolescent psyche that all health care providers should keep in mind when counseling them on good health and habits and where pediatricians and pediatric dentists can bridge the two specialties. Guest Bio: Susan Fisher-Owens is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics in the UCSF School of Medicine, and Clinical Professor of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences in the UCSF School of Dentistry. She serves on the California State Oral Health Plan and the California Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Quality Advisory Board, as well as the Integrated Coordinating Committee and Integration Committee for CavityFreeSF. Dr. Fisher-Owens also serves as the Informatics Director for Pediatrics, Primary Care, and Public Health Integration. Dr. Fisher-Owens practices at Zuckerberg San Francisco General, the county public hospital, and created an award-winning and sustainable oral health clinic embedded in their pediatric outpatient clinic. Dr. Fisher-Owens works with physicians on how to prevent oral disease in children or control it in adults (particularly pregnant women), and with dentists on how to work with children and incorporate context of care. Her research on a conceptual model of children's oral health is cited internationally and her current research focuses on oral health disparities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Patty Medland, a pediatric dentist and orthodontist, to discuss the intersection and collaborative opportunities between the two specialties. Dr. Medland delves into the potential positive impacts to growth outcomes of early monitoring or treatment for children by a collaborative care team. Guest Bio: Dr. Patricia Medland holds a DDS degree from West Virginia University and MS degrees in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics from the University of North Carolina, where she is currently an adjunct associate professor. She has combined her Surfers Paradise, Australia private practice in orthodontics with teaching. Dr. Medland has held teaching positions at West Virginia University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, Griffith University, and University of North Carolina. Her practice and teaching focus on age-appropriate orthodontic treatment in children with a particular interest in the early diagnosis and treatment of anterior tooth impactions and missing teeth along with the application of new technologies to improve outcomes for these challenging cases. Dr. Medland also stepped in to teach growth and development at Medical University of South Carolina for residents after the passing of Dr. Ron Bell, the orthodontic graduate director. She was a lecturer at the Ron Bell Memorial Lecture in New Orleans and still gives growth and development lectures by Zoom to UNC orthodontic and pediatric dentistry residents. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Little Teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Brett Kessler, a general dentist and the President-Elect of the American Dental Association (ADA) to discuss his extensive career and leadership roles within organized dentistry. Dr. Kessler reflects on his journey from an engineering student at the University of Iowa to his decision to pursue dentistry. He shares personal challenges, including overcoming substance abuse, and credits organized dentistry with saving his life and shaping his career. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Kessler highlights his commitment to wellness, which he passionately advocates for within the profession. Looking forward to his upcoming presidency, he discusses his priorities, including reforming dental benefit systems and expanding access to care, aiming to integrate oral health more closely with overall health care. Guest Bio: Dr. Brett Kessler, a general dentist in Denver, Colo., is the American Dental Association (ADA) President-Elect. Dr. Kessler has held several leadership positions within the ADA. He served as a delegate in the ADA’s House of Delegates from 2008 to 2019 and was a consultant to the Council on Dental Wellbeing Advisory Committee from 2007 to 2018. He also served as the vice chair of the Council on Dental Benefit Plans. In 2010, he received the ADA’s Golden Apple Award, the highest award bestowed by the Association, for outstanding leadership in mentoring. Dr. Kessler served as president of the Colorado Dental Association from 2014 to 2015 and was instrumental in the formulation and implementation of an adult Medicaid dental benefit in Colorado. Dr. Kessler speaks nationally on well-being and leadership topics to help dentists live their best lives. Dr. Kessler has received fellowships from the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He has testified before both the U.S. Congress and Colorado state legislature in an effort to help enact laws that serve the profession and the public. Dr. Kessler graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 1995. He completed his general practice residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1997. Dr. Kessler is an accomplished endurance athlete and competes in events across the country. Dr. Kessler has been married to his wife, Gina Kessler, D.D.S, M.S., since 1995 and together they have four children. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recording live at AAPD 2024, this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles features Dr. Leon Klempner joining host Dr. Joel Berg to discuss the importance of marketing to grow a practice in this digital environment. In this candid conversation, Dr. Klempner elaborates on his path to choosing to specialize in orthodontics after dental school and how the specialties of pediatrics and orthodontics can come together to maximize business potential. Guest Bio: Dr. Leon Klempner is the director of orthodontics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, assistant clinical professor in both the Department of Dentistry and the Department of Global Health as well as part-time faculty at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He completed his orthodontic specialty training at Tufts University and received his Doctorate degree from the University of Maryland. After graduation, he became a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and practiced clinical orthodontics in private practice for 38 years. He has published articles in the American Journal of Orthodontics, Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, and numerous trade journals on the topics of early Class lll treatment and orthodontic marketing. In addition to teaching the Harvard orthodontic residents, he serves as the director of orthodontics and the cleft palate/craniofacial orthodontist for the Mount Sinai Hospitals in New York state. Dr. Klempner founded the Smile Rescue Fund for Kids, a nonprofit charity focused on helping children in Africa and is the CEO of People + Practice, a digital marketing agency for pediatric dentists and orthodontists. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recorded live at AAPD 2024, little teeth, BIG Smiles host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Matt Geneser to discuss the latest in vital pulp therapy for permanent teeth with deep caries lesions. A native Iowan now teaching at both the pre-doctoral and post-doctoral level in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa, Dr. Geneser shares his thoughts on how to foster better outcomes for vital pulp therapy, which has been shown to be a more successful option for permanent teeth in recent years. As part of the conversation, he delves into the why pulp therapy can be successful specifically in rural communities. In the conversation, Dr. Geneser also touches on the LSTR (lesions sterilization and tissue repair) procedure, as well as the need for dental educators in academia. Guest Bio: Dr. Matt Geneser is a clinical professor of pediatric dentistry and full-time faculty member in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa. A native Iowan, he attended the University of Iowa (BS 2002, DDS 2006) before obtaining his certificate in pediatric dentistry from St. Joseph Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island (2008). After a short stint in private practice, Dr. Geneser took on a full-time academic role at the University of Iowa in 2011. Dr. Geneser served as graduate program director at the University of Iowa Department of Pediatric Dentistry from 2012-2019 and currently directs the undergraduate clerkship experience for dental students. Since 2012 he has also directed a Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) Clinic for infants with cleft lip and palate. He is heavily involved in teaching at both the pre-doctoral and post-doctoral levels while maintaining a busy faculty practice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Jayakumar Jayaraman to discuss ongoing research delving into utilizing dental dentition as a tool to assess age and other health factors. Dr. Jayaraman shares details of finding thus far and how the information can be more broadly used to support the one in four children in developing countries who are unsure of their birth date, a major roadblock for refugees and immigration processes. Guest Bio: Dr. Jayakumar Jayaraman is a board certified Pediatric Dentist with extensive clinical and research training from various prestigious institutions around the world. He holds master’s degrees in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Texas Health San Antonio. Additionally, he obtained his Diploma in Pediatric Dentistry and Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he also serves as an Examiner. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Jayaraman has been actively involved in teaching pediatric dentistry and supervising research projects for students at different academic levels in multiple countries. His research interests encompass a wide range of topics including Evidence-Based Dentistry, Forensic Dentistry, Human Biology, and Anthropology. With over 75 peer-reviewed scientific articles published, he is also actively involved as an editorial board member for leading forensic and pediatric dental journals. Furthermore, Dr. Jayaraman plays a significant role in various dental organizations, serving as a member of the Scientific Committee of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry and as an expert consultant for the Council of Scientific Affairs of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He was recently elected as a Fellow of American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Dr. Jayaraman holds the position of Associate Professor & Director of Research in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, while also practicing at a pediatric dental clinic in Williamsburg, VA. He is the Founder & Director of Date of Birth Foundation (www.dobfoundation.org), the world’s first charity to promote accurate birth records. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Reza Ardalan joins host Dr. Joel Berg to chat about his role as Master of Ceremonies for AAPD’s Annual Session and share some behind-the-scenes info about the exciting CE program and social events planned for May 2024 in Toronto. Listen today for a sneak peek at the all-new format for the Opening Ceremony and Keynote. Delve into some highlights of the Scientific Program agenda, including the pre-conference course and “Team Talk” for dentists and their teams. This episode is a must-listen for every AAPD member making the trip to Toronto. Guest Bio: Dr. Reza Ardalan, better known as “Dr. Reza” in the office, earned his BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997. After moving to Florida, Dr. Ardalan received his DMD degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in 2002. After graduation, he continued to receive his pediatric training at Nova Southeastern University and Miami Children’s Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident. Currently, Dr. Ardalan has a successful private practice in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where he prides himself in combining exceptional clinical skills with excellent customer service in a fun, creative atmosphere for children. Since opening his office, Dr. Ardalan has been recognized as the NSU-CDM Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, the Department of Health Champion Dentist of the Year and has received distinguished service awards from the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr Ardalan has also served two terms as president of the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is a past president of the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. In his spare time, you can find him cheering on his beloved Tar Heels, spreading positive messages on social media, hosting a podcast, or attending another continuing education course. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s one topic that routinely comes up between pediatric dentists and their patients? Pacifiers. Dr. Christina Carter chats with host Dr. Joel Berg the physiological impact and pros and cons of utilizing pacifiers as a tool. She walks listeners through her thought process when counseling parents on introducing and weaning a pacifier habit. Guest Bio: Dr. Christina R. Carter is a graduate of Haverford College in Haverford, Penn. She earned her dental degree at UMDNJ-NJDS, now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. She earned her Certificate in both Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry. She completed a fellowship in Cleft, Craniofacial and Surgical Orthodontics at the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery- New York University Langone Medical Center. She earned her Certificate as a Holistic Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Carter is in private practice in Madison, NJ. She has been named multiple times as a “Top Doctor” by New Jersey Magazine and “Favorite Kid’s Doc” by New Jersey Family Magazine. She has served on the AAO Council of Orthodontic Health Care and multiple AAO committees and is a past-president of the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists (NESO) and served as their Delegate Chair to the ADA House of Delegates. She often appears on Sirius Radio “Doctor Radio”, AAPD Podcasts, and has been published in Scholastic and Kiwi magazines. In addition, she has appeared on “Inside Edition”, WPIX NYC News, and Today.com. She lectures nationally and internationally on pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and treating patients with special needs. She is an Assistant Professor at New York University College of Dentistry in the Departments of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Dr. Carter enjoys volunteering with Special Olympics and alongside her certified therapy dog, Callie, through Creature Comfort Pet Therapy in New Jersey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.