The Fulcrum Podcast
A podcast of the Virginia Dental Association
The Fulcrum Podcast serves as a dynamic platform where various important topics, especially those affecting dental providers and patients, are explored through thoughtful discussion and personal perspectives. The name "The Fulcrum" reflects the concept of a central point of connection, much like the pivotal connection between a dental professional and their patient. Each episode anchors a key theme relevant to the dental community, yet the content is ever-evolving, offering a range of insights from different contributors. This includes human interest stories, discussions on the legislative process, and in-depth conversations about pressing issues like workforce challenges. With diverse perspectives and engaging storytelling, The Fulcrum Podcast aims to provide valuable insights that go beyond what you might read in a traditional article.
The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.
Episodes
26 episodes
Episode 26 - The Drill, APRIL 2026
SUMMARY: Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association, reviews updates across the VDA strategic plan. He highlights General Assembly outcomes and legislation effective July 1. He notes ongoing opposition to a proposed $2,000 annual ...
Episode 25 – DOING BUSINESS IN VIRGINIA – CHANGES THAT COULD AFFECT YOUR PRACTICE
SUMMARY: Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association interview Keith Martin, interim president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, about 2026 Virginia General Assembly developments affecting small businesses, inc...
Episode 24 – PEER REVIEW: ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE AND LEAST UNDERSTOOD MEMBER BENEFITS
SUMMARY: Richmond dentist Dr. Bob Bigelow discusses the Virginia Dental Association’s peer review/patient mediation benefit. Bigelow, involved for about three years, explains how mediation can resolve many patient complaints before they ...
Episode 23 - The Drill, MARCH 2026
In this episode, Ryan Dunn reports that two workforce bills have passed the House and Senate and await the governor’s signature. The pending Virginia budget proposed a $2,000 annual cap on adult Medicaid dental benefits and opposes a late-sessi...
Episode 22 – USING INNOVATION TO EASE DENTAL FEARS IN YOUNG PATIENTS
In this episode, Dr. Shweta Thackeray, a VCU School of Dentistry educator, inventor, and children’s author, discusses pediatric dental care and strategies to reduce children’s dental anxiety and improve family experiences. She explains how obse...
Episode 21 – INSIDE THE SESSION: THE BILLS EVERY VIRGINIA DENTIST SHOULD WATCH
SUMMARY: In this episode, Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan provide updates on the Virginia General Assembly's busy legislative session. They discuss the Virginia Dental Association's (VDA) proactive efforts concerning oral healthcare legislation...
Episode 20 – 2026 GENERAL ASSEMBLY: VDA SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION
In this episode, Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan recap a successful Lobby Day and discuss legislation the VDA supports and opposes, including efforts to protect community water fluoridation, maintain adult Medicaid dental benefits, and strengthen the ...
Episode 19 - The Drill, DECEMBER 2025
In this episode, Ryan Dunn, CEO at the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), is joined by Paul Logan, the VDA’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. They discuss the VDA's focused advocacy efforts in anticipation of the 2026 General Assembly. Specif...
Episode 18 – WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE ADA?
EPISODE LENGTH: 43:45SUMMARY: In this episode of The Fulcrum, the focus is on the recent ADA House of Delegates meeting, featuring updates from Virginia's ADA delegates, Drs. Ralph Howell, Frank Iuorno, Justin Norbo, Elizab...
Episode 17 - FROM DENTAL STUDENT TO MULTI-LOCATION PRACTICE OWNER
SUMMARY: In this episode, host Karen Wood interviews Dr. Austin Westover, a VDA member, multi-location practice owner, and President-elect of the Shenandoah Valley Dental Association. Dr. Westover shares his inspiring journey from being ...
Episode 16 - The Drill, NOVEMBER 2025
SUMMARY: This episode discusses key topics, including legislative efforts to address workforce shortages in the Commonwealth, initiatives to enhance practice success through VDA Member Perks, and professional development opportunities su...
Episode 15 - SMART SUPPLY MANAGEMENT: UNLEASH THE POWER OF METHOD
Karen Wood welcomes Alison Farber, Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Method Procurement. They discuss the evolution of dental supply ordering from clipboards to sophisticated software platforms. Alison explains the concept of procurem...
Episode 14 - 20 YEARS OF GROWTH AND INNOVATION: THE EVOLUTION OF VIRGINIA'S MEDICAID DENTAL PROGRAM
In this episode, we are joined by VDA Member, Dr. Zachary Hairston, who serves as the Dental Consultant for Virginia's Cardinal Care Smiles Dental Program, and Justin Gist, Dental Program Manager at the Virginia Department of Medicaid Assistanc...
Episode 13: The Drill - September 2025
SUMMARY: In this episode, host Ryan Dunn provides updates on workgroup discussions regarding licensure by endorsement and the activities of foreign-trained dentists. He also highlights upcoming events like the VDA/VCU Career Fair and the...
Episode 12 – SMART MARKETING FOR MODERN DENTAL PRACTICES
In this episode, Karen Wood discusses ways for dental practices to boost their marketing without straining their teams. Featuring experts Keith Washington and Shannon Perry from ProSites, the episode covers the evolution of dental marketing, t...
Episode 11: The Drill - August 2025
SUMMARY: In this episode of The Drill, VDA CEO Ryan Dunn provides updates on the Virginia Dental Association's activities and initiatives. Key focus areas include addressing the dental professional shortage in Virginia, highlighting medi...
Episode 10: RISK MANAGEMENT MADE SIMPLE: TIPS EVERY DENTIST SHOULD KNOW
In this episode, Karen Wood discusses dental malpractice and risk management with Dr. Al Rizkalla. The podcast covers various aspects of dental malpractice, focusing on informed consent, documentation, patient interactions, and the critical rol...
Episode 9: The Drill - July 2025
In the inaugural episode of The Drill, Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), provides a concise update on the latest activities and initiatives. The episode covers three key areas from the VDA's strategic plan: power...
Episode 8 - BUILDING RESILIENCE, HEALING BURNOUT: INSIGHTS FROM LYNNE LEGGETT
Content Warning: A note about the theme of this episode.This episode discusses topics related to burnout and mental health and includes a brief mention of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is s...
Episode 7 - ONLINE REVIEWS AND LEGAL PITFALLS IN DENTISTRY
SUMMARY: In this episode, host Karen Wood, Director of Operations for VDA Member Perks, interviews Mike Urbanik from RK Tongue Insurance. The discussion focuses on common legal questions dentists face regarding patient reviews on social ...
Episode 6 - EXPANDING FUNCTIONS FOR DENTAL ASSISTANTS: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. EMILY BOWEN
SUMMARY: In this episode of The Fulcrum Podcast, Paul Logan interviews Dr. Emily Bowen, Program Director of Mountain Empire Community College's Dental Programs. Dr. Bowen discusses the challenges and advancements in dental educa...
Episode 5 - DENTAL PRACTICE TRANSITIONS: INSIGHTS FROM THE EXPERTS AT DDSmatch
SUMMARY: In this episode of The Fulcrum Podcast, host Karen Wood, Director of Operations for VDA Member Perks, discusses practice transitions with Todd and Sheryl Garfinkel from DDSmatch. The conversation covers esse...
Episode 4: PREVENTATIVE MEASURES: HOW TO ACE DENTAL AUDITS
Summary: In this episode, Paul Logan interviews Dilaine Gloege, an expert with 38 years of experience in dentistry and founder of Tidewater Dental Consulting. Dilaine discusses the importance of accurate documentation and coding practice...
Episode 3: NAVIGATING THE 2025 VIRGINIA LEGISLATIVE SESSION: INSIGHTS AND OUTCOMES FOR DENTISTRY
In this episode, Tripp Perrin discusses the outcomes and key themes from Virginia’s short 45-day 2025 legislative session, highlighting the political motivations and posturing influenced by upcoming elections. He highlights notable achievements...
Episode 2: THE PULSE ON DENTAL LOSS RATIOS: WHAT VIRGINIA'S NEW DATA REVEALS
Summary: In this episode of The Fulcrum podcast, VDA CEO Ryan Dunn and VDA Counsel Scott Johnson discuss the impact of Virginia's 2024 transparency legislation requiring dental insurance carriers to disclose their Dental Loss Ra...
