HowDent
A podcast about how things are made that are used in dentistry. Hosted by Dr. Andy Goldsmith. The Dental industry encompasses many different products and technology. Dentists are taught about dental materials in school but the details of how something is actually made is left out. This podcast brings together the missing links about how dental products, dental devices, and dental technology are made.
About the host:
Andy Goldsmith was an NCAA track athlete (Pole Vaulter) in college at the University of Nevada, Reno where he was also managing director of the student newspaper and a student body senator. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Dentistry in 1992.
Dr. Goldsmith continued his education at Marquette University, where he was class president and student body president. After dental school, Dr. Goldsmith completed a two year general practice residency at the University of Colorado, where he finished as chief resident and continued on staff as a part-time assistant professor.
Dr. Goldsmith then owned a private practice for 13 years in Colorado; Esthetic Family Dentistry. After selling his practice in Colorado Dr. Goldsmith Co-founded Smile Source, a group dedicated to preserving independent-practice dentistry. Today, Smile Source is one of the largest dental groups with over 700 locations.
During his tenure at Smile Source he served as President, Chief Dental Officer and Vice President of vendor relations (2011-Dec 2015). In his role as president, he worked with Brazos private equity group directing strategic growth incentives, marketing and key business development plans and M&A. Dr. Goldsmith also served as an advisor and equity holder of Vision Source the worlds largest group of independent practice, optometrists which recently sold to Essilor. In 2019 he was a key witness in the Federal Trade Commission case supporting group dental practices. Andy has also consulted for manufacturers and dealers and has a global perspective from meeting with and speaking to dentists and companies in Italy, UAE, France, England, Greece, Germany and the United States. An accomplished clinician, achieving recognition as a Diplomate in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a Fellow in the International Academy of Laser Dentistry, he remains dedicated to helping advance dentistry for the benefit of patients and to preserve the profession of dentistry. He has been awarded a Gold medal by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry for his contributions to the Give Back a Smile Foundation. He has also been recognized by the American College of Dentists for outstanding performance and professionalism.
Dr. Goldsmith also contributes regularly to multiple dental journals and has had his articles published in nine different journals or publications. Dr. Goldsmith operated an online practice management firm and has conducted live seminars.
Dr. Goldsmith practices full time dentistry and is currently owner of Northshore Dental in Houston Texas.
HowDent
Steel, Students, and the Secret Sauce: Why HuFriedyGroup Still Reigns Supreme
In this episode of HowDent, we dive headfirst into the stainless-steel soul of dentistry with Megan Mendes, SVP of Strategic Business Units at HuFriedyGroup—the company that’s been handcrafting instruments since before sliced bread was invented. (Yeah, let that sink in.)
We talk about how HuFriedyGroup is still making instruments by hand in an age when your fridge might be smarter than you, how they support dental schools and students like rockstars-in-training, and why buying knockoff instruments online is basically the dental equivalent of using plastic cutlery in surgery. Spoiler: Don't do it.
From forging high-carbon, corrosion-resistant alloys into plaque-slaying masterpieces to supporting the next generation of smile-makers, The Hu-Friedy Group isn't just surviving after 117 years—they’re still setting the gold standard (but, you know, in steel).
So, grab your loupes, put your pinky out, and prepare to nerd out on craftsmanship, ethics, and why some Graceys are forged with more care than your grandma's meatballs.
VISIT The HuFriedyGroup Website
HuFriedyGroup offerings:
Hu-Friedy Instruments: HuFriedyGroup continues to be a global leader in dental instrument manufacturing, powered by a passion to help students and dental professionals be the Best in Practice and achieve superior clinical outcomes through an instrumentation portfolio that has been meticulously developed to address just about every clinical indication.
Infection Prevention & Control Products: Specializes in infection prevention and control solutions, including personal protective equipment (PPE), dental water management, sterilization products, and single-use disposables.
Accutron: Provides conscious sedation equipment, such as nitrous oxide delivery systems. and nasal hoods.
Palmero Healthcare: Offers safety and infection prevention products tailored for dental professionals.
SS White Dental: Leading manufacturer of carbide and diamond burs, endodontic instruments, and lab-related tools for the dental industry.
HuFriedyGroup's Environdent™ is a pioneering dental instrument recycling program that combines environmental responsibility with rewards for dental professionals. Established in 1995, it's the longest-running initiative of its kind in the dental industry. HuFriedyGroup offers a variety of products to help dental offices clean and maintain their dental unit water lines Continuous Waterline Treatment
♻️ What Is Environdent?
Environdent™ allows dental practices to recycle used, broken, or dull instruments—regardless of brand—in an eco-friendly manner. In return, participants receive new HuFriedyGroup instruments, promoting sustainability while maintaining high-quality tools in their practices. Visit the Environdent webpage.
