In this conversation Sonny and Rob discuss the transformative impact of digital tools and AI in dentistry. They explore the top digital tools every dentist should be using, the efficiency gains from AI, and the importance of data safety. The discussion also highlights the common pitfalls dentists face when integrating these technologies and the need for a supportive community to navigate the evolving landscape of digital dentistry.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Digital Dentistry and AI Tools
05:27 Top Digital Tools for Dentists
12:06 Enhancing Efficiency with AI in Practice
14:02 The Impact of Digital Tools on Patient Experience
21:13 Common Pitfalls in Digital Dentistry and AI Usage
25:01 Understanding AI Limitations and Responsibilities
27:51 Navigating AI Tools for Clinical Use
31:09 Customizing AI for Patient Communication
35:03 The Birth of Digital Dentistry Study Clubs
40:01 Building Community in Digital Dentistry
45:03 Upcoming Events and Future Directions

To learn more about Sonny's upcoming courses be sure to visit the ADDA website

https://digitaldentistryacademy.com.au/

GUEST BIOS

Dr Sonny Lee, BDSc (UWA), PgCert Adv Aesth & Rest Dent (Portsmouth), Fellow ofPierre Fauchard Academy (FPFA) is a restorative dentist and founder of the Australian Digital Dentistry Academy in Perth, Australia. He runs a fully digital clinic, lab, charity clinic , with almost 20 years of experience in CAD/CAM, exocad and 3D printing. In his courses he shares practical, real-world workflows for exocad design and Sprintray 3D printing that can be applied immediately in daily practice.

Dr. Rob brings over 20 years of dental experience to Ashburton Family Dental. After graduating from the University of Otago in 2004, he began his career as a house surgeon at Auckland Hospital, where he developed strong foundations in complex and emergency dental care. Inspired by his keen interest in implant dentistry, Dr. Rob completed a Graduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry at the University of Melbourne in 2021. He is also one of a handful of Digital Smile Design (DSD) Masters in Australia and has recently started up the ADDA Vic Chatper (see links below).

https://www.digitaldentistryacademyvic.com.au/

Understanding Chronic Pain: Misconceptions and Effective Management Strategies

Chronic pain affects millions of people, yet it’s still widely misunderstood. In this episode, we unpack what pain actually is, why chronic pain can persist even when scans appear “normal,” and why treating pain isn’t as simple as fixing damaged tissue.

We explore pain as a protective alarm system—one designed to keep us safe—but discuss how, in chronic pain, that system can become overprotective. The conversation challenges the common belief that ongoing pain always equals ongoing injury, highlighting research showing that many people with structural changes on scans experience no pain at all.

A key focus of the episode is the role of the nervous system and central sensitization, where pain signals become amplified over time. Using simple, relatable analogies, we explain how pain can be driven by sensitivity rather than damage—and why understanding this can be both empowering and relieving for patients.

We also dive into the thinking behind More Good Days, an initiative created to bridge the gap between evidence-based pain science and what many patients are actually offered in clinical care. The discussion highlights the importance of education, movement, psychology, and human connection in helping people rebuild confidence in their bodies.

Ultimately, this episode reinforces a critical message: effective chronic pain management requires a multidisciplinary approach that treats the whole person—not just the site of pain.

Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Understanding Chronic Pain
What pain really is, why it exists as a protective mechanism, and how chronic pain differs from acute injury.

00:51 – Rethinking Pain and Damage
Challenging the assumption that pain always equals physical damage, and why scans don’t always tell the full story.

04:49 – The Journey to More Good Days
How the idea for More Good Days emerged and the gap it aims to close in chronic pain care.

10:29 – Explaining Pain to Patients
Why education matters, how understanding pain reduces fear, and the role of language in recovery.

16:40 – Recognizing Central Sensitization
How the nervous system can amplify pain signals and what this means for chronic pain sufferers.

22:09 – Engaging Patients in Their Recovery
Movement, confidence-building, and tailoring approaches to individual patients.

24:50 – Clinicians as Patients: Common Patterns
Shared behaviours clinicians fall into when experiencing pain themselves—and what we can learn from it.

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Varun Garg shares his expertise on indirect restorations, emphasizing the importance of communication with both patients and ceramists. He discusses the critical aspects of provisionalization, material selection, and cementation protocols, while also addressing the nuances of finishing lines and margins. Varun highlights the significance of teaching in refining one's own skills and announces upcoming courses aimed at enhancing practical knowledge in dentistry.

Chapters

00:00 The Art of Indirect Restorations
07:03 Communication: The Key to Patient Satisfaction
10:53 Mastering Clinical Skills for Precision
12:53 The Importance of Provisionalization
18:26 Mixing Materials: A Balancing Act
22:42 Finalizing the Bonding Process
23:48 Mastering Aesthetic Restorations
26:56 The Importance of Etching and Bonding
28:55 Finishing Lines and Margins in Veneer Preparations
33:16 Insights from Teaching and Learning
38:22 Upcoming Courses and Educational Initiatives
43:09 ODONTO OUTRO FINAL.mp3

This conversation delves into the complexities of tooth cracks, exploring their diagnosis, management, and the underlying engineering principles that inform dental practices. Dr. Martin Gale shares insights on the importance of understanding the mechanics of cracks, the role of material science in dental restorations, and effective patient communication strategies. The discussion emphasizes the need for a thorough pain history, the significance of infection management, and the impact of material choices on treatment outcomes.

TIME STAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Cracks in Dentistry
02:08 Challenges in Diagnosing Tooth Cracks
04:32 Exploring the Pathology of Cracks
06:51 Management Strategies for Cracks
09:24 The Importance of Crack Localisation
11:59 The Role of Magnification in Crack Treatment
14:36 Patient Communication and Expectations
17:05 Material Science in Dentistry
19:58 Understanding Bacterial Load and Pulp Response
22:29 Layering Techniques in Composite Restoration
25:00 The Mechanics of Composite vs. Ceramic Overlays
27:40 Innovations in Core Build-Up Materials
30:07 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Thanks you Martin for joining us on the show!

n this episode, Dr. Jesse Liang sits down with oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sophia Richardson to unpack what really happens when an “easy” extraction suddenly becomes complicated. Sophia shares how to stay composed when root tips fracture, strategies for managing surgical stress, and the mindset shift from fearing complications to expecting and managing them calmly.

The conversation also explores the art and science of orthognathic surgery, its life-changing impact on function, aesthetics, and airway health, plus Sophia’s journey from general dentistry to specialist training across Australia and the UK. They discuss mentorship, the value of hospital experience and the importance of communication with patients.

A grounded, insightful chat for any dentist who’s ever had their “heart drop” mid-extraction—or anyone curious about pursuing the OMFS pathway!

Bruxism isn’t just “clenching and grinding”—it’s a symptom. In this episode of The Odontojam Podcast, Dr. Jesse Liang sits down with Dr. Damian Teo (TMD & dental sleep medicine clinician/educator) to unpack the modern understanding of bruxism and its relationship to TMD. They separate sleep vs. awake bruxism, explain why the sympathetic fight-or-flight system drives parafunction, and map common triggers—from stress, injury and hormonal changes to sleep-disordered breathing (snoring/OSA) and reflux.
Dr. Teo outlines practical, diagnosis-first management: when to choose permissive vs. non-permissive splints, the risks of splinting unrecognised OSA, and why multidisciplinary care (physio/osteo, psychology, ENT/sleep, TMJ-aware dentistry) matters. He introduces “bracing” (muscle tension without tooth contact), the BruxApp for daytime awareness, posture/SCM links, and strategies to mitigate mandibular advancement splint bite changes (morning exercises/aligner). We also explore acupuncture/low-level laser vs. dry needling.

Key takeaways

• Treat the cause, not just the teeth: screen sleep and reflux before splinting.
• Bracing is common in daytime bruxism—awareness tools can reduce pain quickly.
• Splints protect; they don’t “cure.” Diagnosis dictates design (muscle vs. joint).
• Informed consent and morning deprogramming help manage MAS bite changes.
• Multimodal care (manual therapy, psychological support, sleep medicine, acupuncture/laser) improves outcomes.

In this episode of The Odontojam Podcast, Dr. Jesse Liang sits down with Dr. Dilhan Rajasingham to explore how the skills we hone in dentistry — like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability — can open doors well beyond the clinic. From stepping into leadership roles and board positions, to pursuing an MBA and working with cutting-edge dental tech, Dilhan shares practical insights on career pivots, networking, and designing a professional life that supports the lifestyle you want. Whether you’re early in your career or feeling ready for a change, this conversation offers strategies, inspiration, and a reminder that your dental degree can be the start of many different journeys.

Time Stamps
00:00 – Introduction & setting the scene
02:18 – Problem-solving skills that translate beyond dentistry
08:14 – Taking a career break to pursue an MBA
14:39 – The power of communication in and outside the clinic
20:52 – Breaking out of the “four walls” mindset
29:22 – Getting comfortable with networking and building connections
37:18 – Embracing AI and digital tools in dental practice
44:45 – The role of scanners and patient education
47:55 – Serving on the ADA board and giving back to the profession
52:27 – Designing a career and lifestyle you actually want
59:36 – Final thoughts and takeaways

Learn more about Dr. Dilhan @ www.drdilhan.io

In this conversation, Dr. Derry Rogers discusses the importance of understanding patient personalities in dentistry, emphasising how effective communication can enhance patient care and treatment acceptance. He categorises patients into four personality types—directors, socialisers, relators, and thinkers—and explains how dentists can adapt their communication styles to meet the needs of each type. The discussion also covers the significance of creating a comfortable environment for patients, the necessity of developing both clinical and communication skills, and the role of vision and values in achieving a fulfilling dental practice. Dr. Rogers shares insights from his extensive experience and training programs aimed at helping dentists improve their practice and patient interactions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS!

• Understanding patient personalities is crucial in dentistry.
• Patients can be categorized into four personality types: directors, socializers, relators, and thinkers.
• Effective communication is key to patient acceptance of treatment plans.
• Creating a comfortable environment can help alleviate patient anxiety.
• Photography can enhance communication and understanding between dentists and patients.
• Dentists need to develop both clinical skills and communication skills for success.
• Having a clear vision and values is essential for a fulfilling dental practice.
• Training and development programs can significantly improve a dentist's practice.
• Understanding personality types can lead to better patient experiences.
• Dentistry can be a rewarding profession when approached with the right mindset.

TIME STAMPS

00:00
Understanding Patient Personalities in Dentistry

10:39
The Importance of Communication Skills

20:56
Creating a Comfortable Patient Environment

29:37
Navigating Patient Expectations

38:46
Training and Development in Dentistry

45:36
Life Lessons for a Fulfilling Dental Practice

Learn more about Dr. Derry Rogers and the DR Institute at www.drinstitute.com.au