

Protrusive Dental Podcast
Jaz Gulati
The Forward Thinking Dental Podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 2, 2025 • 26min
Dubai Occlusion Course Easter 2026 FAQ – IC062
With the final places remaining for our Occlusion Getaway, we present the official FAQ Podcast!
Dreaming of combining occlusion learning with a luxury getaway?
Want to earn 56 hours of CPD while soaking up the Dubai sunshine?
Looking for a course where you can master PRACTICAL occlusion in Restorative Dentristry and make it a family-friendly, tax-deductible trip?
Easter 2026 is set to be unforgettable. Join Dr. Jaz Gulati and Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim for an extraordinary Occlusion Excursion in Dubai — a blend of serious CPD and sunshine that redefines what “continuing education” can be.
We’ve always believed in mixing work and pleasure, and this time, we’re taking it to the next level. Think luxury, learning, and laughter — all under the warm Dubai sun.
Watch IC062 on Youtube
🦷 What Makes This Course Different?
56 hours of CPD/CE credits, including 20 hours hands-on in Dubai
Full online occlusion curriculum and live webinars before you travel
Morning workshops (9 AM–1 PM) and free afternoons to explore Dubai
Bring your family (Easter school holidays!) or come solo — many dentists are already flying in from around the world.
REQUEST A QUOTE – Limited Places Remaining as of November 1st 2025!: https://globaldentalevents.co.uk/
Spaces are limited and flights are rising, so secure your place early.👉 Easter 2026 – Occlusion, sunshine, and CPD in Dubai.
📅 28 March – 4 April 2026
📍 Dubai, UAE
👨⚕️ Dr. Jaz Gulati & Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim, Organised by Global Dental Events
Highlights:
04:06 Meet the Organizers
05:59 Why Dubai?
10:40 Delegate Experiences and Expectations
13:21 Course Pricing and Tax Benefits
19:05 Course Itinerary and Logistics
24:49 Final Thoughts and How to Join

Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 15min
MAGIC Teeth Whitening with Dr. Wyman Chan – PDP245
Do all whitening gels work the same, or is the brand actually important?
Are lights and in-office “power whitening” just marketing hype?
And what’s the deal with the infamous white diet – do your patients really need to give up coffee and red wine?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Wyman Chan, the man who literally hung up his drills in 2002 to dedicate his career to whitening alone. With over 20,000 cases under his belt (and a PhD in the science behind it), Wyman shares his three golden rules for whitening success: trays, communication, and conscious bleaching.
We’re also joined by Dr. Niki Shah, who brings his own insights into whitening and patient care, making this a conversation packed with both science and clinical experience.
Wyman introduces his latest invention—Magic 3, a fizzing gel that reveals and removes plaque while calming gums. Plus, Wyman busts some of the biggest whitening myths (sorry, “white diet”) and explains why he no longer bothers with internal bleaching.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make whitening safer, more predictable, and less stressful for you and your patients—this is the episode you’ll want to tune in for.
Protrusive Dental Pearl
Innovation in Hygiene with Magic 3 – What is Magic 3?
A colorless plaque indicator gel developed by Wyman Chan.
Fizzes on contact with plaque.
Cleans teeth, removes superficial stains, and softens soft calculus.
Clinical Application
Alternative to scaling/polishing for routine patients.
Nervous patients who dislike ultrasonic scalers.
Children (6+) – safe as a Class I medical device.
Orthodontic patients – helps prevent white spot lesions.
Learn more at https://protrusive.co.uk/magic3
https://youtu.be/ImpHJP3Wxec
Watch PDP245 on YouTube
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Key Takeaways:
Teeth whitening success depends on tray design, formulation, technique, and compliance.
Conscious bleaching helps minimise sensitivity.
Sensitivity is due to peroxide reaching the pulp.
Patients should adjust wear time gradually, starting short and increasing if comfortable.
Communication and treatment planning are crucial to match whitening regimes with lifestyles.
The “white diet” is not scientifically necessary – normal eating and drinking can resume within minutes.
External bleaching alone can be effective, even for single dark teeth.
Tetracycline-stained teeth can respond to whitening with the right protocols.
The brand is less important than protocol consistency and clinician experience.
In-office light-assisted whitening adds risk, cost, and chairside time without proven benefit.
Allergic reactions are more likely caused by gel additives, not peroxide itself.
Emerging products, such as peroxide-based gels for plaque disruption and gingival health, may complement whitening in the future.
Highlights of this episode:
00:00 TEASER
1:00 INTRO
3:13 PROTRUSIVE DENTAL PEARL
07:05 Dr. Wyman Chan Introduction
13:32 Niki’s Journey in Dentistry
17:03 Whitening Products and Techniques
23:09 Three Keys to Whitening Success
30:03 Addressing Sensitivity in Teeth Whitening
37:43 MIDROLL
41:04 Addressing Sensitivity in Teeth Whitening
46:15 Whitening as Treatment Planning
49:10 Myths and Misconceptions
01:00:27 Lights and In-Office Whitening
01:03:13 Introducing Magic3: A Revolutionary Dental Product
01:16:10 OUTRO
Discover Magic3 and Dr. Wyman Chan’s inventions
If this episode piqued your interest, continue the whitening theme by listening to PDP199 “How To Eliminate Sensitivity During Teeth Whitening”. And don’t miss the upcoming visual follow-up to this episode!
#PDPMainEpisodes #BreadandButterDentistry
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes A, C, and D.
AGD Subject Code: 780 – Esthetics/Cosmetic Dentistry
Aim: To deepen dentists’ understanding of teeth whitening by exploring evidence-based protocols, tray design, and methods to reduce patient sensitivity. It also aims to challenge common myths and introduce innovations that can improve both patient comfort and clinical outcomes.
Dentists will be able to:
Evaluate the importance of tray design, communication, and conscious bleaching as critical factors for safe and effective whitening outcomes
Identify the common causes of whitening sensitivity and apply strategies to minimise or prevent pulpal irritation during treatment
Assess the evidence behind common whitening myths, including the “white diet” and the use of heat/light for activation.

Oct 20, 2025 • 54min
Screen Times and SmartPhones for Children – Best Practices – IC061
Why should Dentists be talking about screen time with parents?
Are smartphones even safe for children?
What is the right age to give a child their first phone?
Laura Spells and Arabella Skinner join Jaz in this thought-provoking episode to tackle one of today’s biggest parenting challenges: smartphones and social media in young hands. Together they explore the impact of early phone use on children’s health, development, and mental wellbeing—and why healthcare professionals should be paying close attention.
https://youtu.be/7RUJZqtEr18
Watch IC061 on YouTube
Protrusive Dental Pearl: Live by your values—not your profession, spouse, or children. Don’t sacrifice for them; choose what aligns with you, so love never turns into resentment.
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Key Takeaways
Screen time is a significant public health concern. Mental health issues are rising due to social media exposure.
Early childhood screen time has long-term effects. Parents need clear guidance on screen time limits.
Community support is essential for children’s well-being.
Health professionals must ask about screen time in assessments.
Regulatory changes are needed for safer screen use.
The impact of social media on self-esteem is profound. Misinformation about health trends can lead to dangerous practices among youth.
Dentists play a crucial role in educating patients about safe health practices.
Parents should engage in conversations about social media with their children.
Creating a family digital plan can help manage screen time effectively.
Collaboration among health professionals needs to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated products.
Empowering parents with knowledge is essential for effective parenting in the digital age.
Role modeling healthy behaviors is important for parents.
Highlights of this episode:
00:00 TEASER
01:18 INTRO
03:13 PROTRUSIVE DENTAL PEARL
04:54 Introducing Our Guests: Arabella and Laura Spells
09:24 Statistics and Scale of the Problem
18:09 Early Years and Screen Time
22:27 Safer Alternatives and Regulation
27:08 MIDROLL
30:29 Safer Alternatives and Regulation
30:53 Ideal Guidelines for Screen Usage
34:01 The Role of Dentists in Addressing Social Media Issues
44:59 Parental Guidance and Digital Plans
53:53 Final Thoughts and Resources
56:06 OUTRO
✅ Action Steps
🔹Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey for habits that support balanced parenting and leadership.🔹 Kindred Squared School Readiness Survey on how early screen use impacts child development. 🔹 Follow Health Professionals for Safer Screens for practical tips to share with families, and on their Instagram for bite-sized advice🔹 Support the Smartphone-Free Childhood Campaign to delay smartphone use in children.
If this episode gave you new insights, you’ll definitely benefit from Parenthood and Dentistry (Even if You’re Not a Parent!) – IC025
#InterferenceCast #BeyondDentistry #Communication
This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes A and B.
AGD Subject Code: 550 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RELATIONS
Aim: To provide dental professionals with an understanding of the health risks of early smartphone and social media use in children, and how dentists can play a role in safeguarding and guiding families toward safer digital habits.
Dentists will be able to –
Recognize the health and developmental impacts of early and excessive screen use.
Identify how social media contributes to anxiety, body image concerns, and misinformation (including dental-related fads).
Discuss practical strategies that families can use to create healthier digital habits.

Oct 13, 2025 • 0sec
Endodontics Basics – PS017
Discover the secrets behind successful root canal treatments and the ongoing debate between hand files and rotary tools. Learn why rubber dam isolation is crucial for effective procedures and dive into the importance of irrigation techniques. Get practical tips on determining master apical file size and how to enhance disinfection strategies. The conversation also touches on when cuspal coverage is needed post-treatment and how to effectively communicate risks to patients. Perfect for dental students and new practitioners!

Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 5min
Building Trust with Patients, Consent and Emotional Intelligence with Colin Campbell – PDP244
How should you gain consent for ELECTIVE treatments?
Is selling in dentistry something to avoid, or an essential part of patient care?
How much does emotional intelligence really matter for your success and happiness?
Dr. Colin Campbell joins for a powerful episode that dives into consent, sales, and the balance between profit and ethics in dentistry. He also unpacks the huge role of emotional intelligence—not just in clinical practice, but in life.
Expect real talk, strong opinions, and communication gems that can reshape the way you connect with patients and approach your career.
https://youtu.be/Wtugp1t-IrM
Watch PDP244 on Youtube
Protrusive Dental Pearl: Read (or listen to) the book Let Them by Mel Robbins — a powerful reminder to take control of your own life and emotions instead of letting outside events dictate them.
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Takeaways
Building trust with patients is crucial for effective consent.
Consent should be a relationship management exercise, not just a legal formality.
Understanding the patient’s perspective is key to effective communication.
Elective treatments should be approached with caution and ethical considerations.
Sales in dentistry is not a dirty word; it’s about providing solutions to patients.
Emotional intelligence is a vital skill for dentists to develop.
Good dentistry is about doing what is best for the patient, not just for profit.
Continuous education and self-improvement are essential for success in dentistry.
HIghlights of this episode:
00:00 Teaser
00:44 INTRO
01:44 Protrusive Dental Pearl
02:58 Welcoming Dr. Colin Campbell
04:55 Colin’s Background and Philosophy
05:36 The Importance of General Dentistry
08:40 Finding a Niche vs. Being a Generalist
11:14 Understanding Consent in Dentistry
17:42 Fear of Losing the “Sale”
18:50 Building Trust with Patients
22:09 Consent Process Overview
22:49 Patient Consultation Process – Building the Bridge to Trust
29:00 Developing Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
30:00 Patient Consultation Process – The Mechanics
30:58 Patient Consultation Process – Exploring Options
31:13 Join Protrusive Guidance
34:34 Patient Consultation Process – Exploring Options
34:36 Patient Consultation Process – Follow-Up and Consent Pathway
35:54 Patient Pathways After Consultation
36:48 Treatment Plan Letters & Legal Angle
38:45 Approach to Consent Letters
40:21 Personality Types in Consultations
42:21 Systematizing Your Process
43:37 Ethics in Elective Treatments
53:15 Guidance for New Dentists on Elective Treatments
56:33 Interjection
57:48 Guidance for New Dentists on Elective Treatments
57:56 Sales in Dentistry
01:03:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
01:05:20 OUTRO
✨ Transform Your Dentistry ✨
🦷 Campbell Clinic – world-class private care in Nottingham.
📚 Campbell Academy – ethical implant training from beginner to expert.
✍️ Colin Campbell Blog – daily insights to challenge & inspire.
If you liked this episode, check out ‘How to Win at Life and Succeed in Dentistry’ with Richard Porter
#PDPMainEpisodes #CareerDevelopment #Communication #BestofProtrusive
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes A and D
AGD Subject Code: 550 – Practice Management and Human Relations
Aim: To explore the ethical, emotional, and practical aspects of private dentistry, with a focus on gaining valid consent, balancing profit with ethics.
Dentists will be able to –
Explain the importance of trust and rapport in the consent process.
2. Recognize the ethical challenges of elective treatments.
3. Outline strategies for building long-term career satisfaction and avoiding burnout.

Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 18min
Dentists Prescribing Home Sleep Tests? – Our Role in Airway Screening and Management – PDP243
Can and should Dentists carry out home sleep testing?
It’s actually super easy and I have been doing it for 18 months!
What happens after you screen them—do you know what to do next? This episode will teach you!
Dr. Jaz Gulati shares his personal journey into incorporating sleep testing in practice—after 1.5 years of doing it, the impact has been nothing short of game-changing.
https://youtu.be/H4rTkIuOHWI
Watch PDP243 on Youtube
Joined by clinical sleep scientist Max Thomas in this jam-packed episode, they deep dive into what it really means to go beyond awareness of sleep-disordered breathing. He breaks down the practical steps for dentists who want to do more than just refer—and start making a difference in their patients’ lives.
You’ll learn how to bridge the gap between theory and action, how to screen effectively, and why you play a pivotal role in the patient’s journey to better sleep, more energy, and a healthier life.
Protrusive Dental Pearl: If a patient has been seen gasping, choking, or stopping breathing during sleep — that’s pathognomonic for sleep-disordered breathing.
🛑 Don’t ignore it — they likely need a sleep study. Ask this in every history!
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Key Takeaways:
Understanding obstructive sleep apnea is crucial for dentists.
Dentists are in a unique position to screen for sleep disorders.
The Malampati score is an easy tool for assessing airway obstruction.
Sleep disorder breathing can significantly affect quality of life.
Patient history is vital in diagnosing sleep apnea.
Quality of sleep is more important than quantity.
Dentists should ask specific questions to identify sleep issues. Sleep position can significantly affect sleep quality.
Screening tools like Stop Bang and Epworth are essential for identifying sleep disorders.
NHS sleep testing can vary greatly in wait times depending on location.
Snoring is often a precursor to more serious sleep disorders.
Dentists can play a crucial role in sleep disorder management.
CPAP is the gold standard for treating sleep apnea.
Understanding the legalities of sleep screening is vital for dental professionals. Remote monitoring became essential during COVID-19, shifting paradigms in sleep medicine..
Remote monitoring helps ensure patients are truthful about their usage of devices.
Mandibular advancement devices may be more effective for certain patient profiles.
Patient compliance is crucial, with many struggling to adapt to CPAP.
Highlights of this episode:
00:00 Teaser
01:15 Intro
04:51 Protrusive Dental Pearl
05:52 Introducing the Expert: Max Thomas
09:39 Importance of Screening and Diagnosis
13:41 “Crowding” at the Back of the Mouth
14:46 Mallampati Score
18:54 Understanding Sleep-Disordered Breathing
25:35 Screening Tools and Techniques
32:09 Screening Questionnaires
37:24 Midroll
40:44 Screening Questionnaires
40:53 Athlete Sleep Screening and Marginal Gains
44: 20 Identifying Patients for Sleep Testing
46:15 Snoring: Risk Factor for OSA
51:44 Mandibular Advancement Devices and Legalities
55:33 Diagnostic and Treatment Options
56:57 CPAP: The Gold Standard for Sleep Apnea
01:08:33 Retesting Before MAD
01:14:41 Dentists Warning about DVLA Implications
01:17:18 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
01:19:19 Outro
Resources for Screening Sleep Apnea
S4S Pre-Screening Questionnaire
Mallampati Score
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
STOP BANG Questionnaire
Screening Tools
The Acupebble Device
WatchPAT as an alternative
Send your sleep test for reporting to Max Thomas – excellent service and affordable
Max Thomas’ LinkedIn
If you loved this episode, don’t miss Sleep Disordered Breathing and Dentistry – PDP139
#PDPMainEpisodes
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes A, C, and D.
AGD Subject Code: 730 ORAL MEDICINE, ORAL DIAGNOSIS, ORAL PATHOLOGY (Sleep Medicine)
Aim: This episode is aimed at empowering general dentists with the knowledge and practical steps to actively participate in the screening and co-management of sleep-disordered breathing through the integration of home sleep testing in their clinical practice.
Dentists will be able to –
Understand the role of general dentists in identifying signs and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Identify when and how to refer appropriately to sleep physicians or medical specialists after screening.
Explore collaborative workflows between dentists, sleep scientists, and GPs to ensure effective patient management.

Sep 25, 2025 • 59min
Medical Emergencies Part 2 – CORE CPD for Dentists – PDP242
Imagine your patient is choking on a rubber dam clamp…what’s the safest way to manage choking when the patient is lying flat?
Your patient’s hands are shaking and they’re drenched in sweat – is it low blood sugar, anxiety, or a cardiac event?
Do you know exactly what to do if your patient has a seizure in the chair?
This second part of the Medical Emergencies series with Rachel King Harris dives even deeper into real-life scenarios that dental teams may face. From seizures and how (and when) to give buccal midazolam, to managing choking in a dental chair, this episode is packed with practical, clear guidance.
We also explore key steps in treating diabetic hypoglycaemia, understanding glucagon vs glucose, and how to confidently manage patients with angina or previous heart attacks—when to use GTN, when to give aspirin, and when to simply wait for the ambulance.
It’s all about staying calm, being prepared, and delivering safe, effective care when it matters most.
https://youtu.be/fyIIsT0dlIc
Watch PDP242 on Youtube
Protrusive Dental Pearl: Assign a clear lead to regularly check the expiry dates and supplies of emergency medications and equipment. This isn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes — it’s about saving lives. Little checks like this can make a big difference in a true emergency.
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Highlights of this episode:
00:00 Teaser
00:44 Intro
03:09 Protrusive dental pearl
04:14 Recap from Part 1
06:58 Seizures: Personal Experiences and Practical Tips
13:45 Seizure Emergency Kit: Buccal Midazolam
21:29 Emergency Drug Kit Overview
22:10 Choking: Techniques and Guidelines
29:19 Midroll
32:40 Choking: Techniques and Guidelines
34:05 Handling Infant Choking Emergencies
36:11 Recognizing and Managing Hypoglycemia
41:11 Emergency Protocols for Hypoglycemia
47:35 Managing Cardiac Emergencies in Dental Practice
58:59 Final Thoughts and Training Recommendations
01:00:39 Outro
Stay up to date by reviewing the latest guidelines from the Resuscitation Council UK.
Grab your Anaphylaxis Summary + Medical Emergency Cheatsheets from https://protrusive.co.uk/me.
And make sure you’ve listened to Part 1 of Medical Emergencies so you don’t miss any crucial information.
#PDPMainEpisodes #CareerDevelopment #BeyondDentistry
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes C and D.
AGD Subject Code: 142 Medical emergency training and CPR
Aim: To equip dental professionals with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to recognize and effectively manage common medical emergencies in the dental setting, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Dentists will be able to:
Identify signs and symptoms of common medical emergencies in dental practice, including anaphylaxis, asthma attacks, seizures, angina, hypoglycemia, and stroke.
Describe the immediate management protocols for each emergency, including correct drug doses, routes, and timings.
Demonstrate appropriate use of emergency equipment and drugs available in the dental setting.

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
Medical Emergencies Part 1 – CORE CPD for Dentists – PDP241
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CPD for all Dental professionals – without getting bored!
Do you know exactly what to do if a patient faints in your chair?
Could you spot the early signs of anaphylaxis—before it’s too late?
How quickly could you find and deliver adrenaline if it really mattered?
https://youtu.be/7b2oG4g12q0
Watch PDP241 on Youtube
After six years of podcasting and creating CPD, we’re finally tackling medical emergencies the Protrusive way. In this two-part series, Jaz is joined by lead nurse and medical emergencies educator Rachel King Harris, who breaks down the real-life scenarios every dental team needs to prepare for—without the fluff or generic lecture feel.
From vasovagal syncope to adrenaline protocols, you’ll learn how to stay calm, think clearly, and take action when it matters most. By the end of this episode (and the next), you’ll not only tick the box for your GDC-required CPD—you’ll actually feel ready.
Because when emergencies happen in the chair, panic isn’t a plan. Let’s get you prepared.
Protrusive Dental Pearl: Be emergency-ready! Download a free medical emergencies cheat sheet — a quick guide for symptoms, drugs, and actions during a crisis. You can download this ready-made cheat sheet for free at protrusive.co.uk/me. Print it, laminate it, and pop it into your medical kit. Your whole team will thank you!
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Key Takeaways:
Medical emergencies in dentistry are rare but high-stakes — being prepared is essential.
Guidelines change often — regular refreshers are vital.
You don’t need to memorise everything — use validated resources and calm judgment.
Vasovagal Syncope is the most common emergency in dental settings.
If unconsciousness persists → consider other causes: meds, blood sugar, cardiac issues.
Anaphylaxis can occur even without rash — don’t wait for it.
Key signs: stridor, lip/tongue swelling, wheeze, “impending doom,” difficulty breathing.
Keep emergency drug guides visible and updated (e.g., BDA laminated sheets).
Ampules = longer shelf life, more doses than EpiPens, and more cost-effective.
Don’t wait for the rash — airway signs matter most in anaphylaxis.
Always carry two adrenaline auto-injectors — even for mild allergy patients.
Highlights of this episode:
00:00 TEASER
00:53 INTRO
04:50 Protrusive Dental Pearl
06:01 Meet Rachel King Harris: Expert in Medical emergencies
09:42 Practical Tips for Emergencies
12:05 Understanding Vasavagal Syncope
17:01 GTN Spray
20:09 Recognizing and managing Anaphylaxis
30:05 Midroll
33:26 Recognizing and managing Anaphylaxis
34:41 Allergic Reaction to Chlorhexidine Gel
37:27 What’s Inside Emergency Bag?
41:51 Adrenaline Ampules vs Auto-Injectors
52:04 Oxygen Administration In Dental Practices
57:13 Oxygen and Emergency tools
59:05 Oxygen Contraindication
1:06:37 Outro
Stay up to date by reviewing the latest guidelines from the Resuscitation Council UK.
Check out this Anaphylaxis Summary Document
Enjoyed this one? Make sure to check out PDP159 – How to Manage Children in Dental Pain, where we dive into real-life paediatric emergencies in dentistry.
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes C and D.
AGD Subject Code: 142 Medical emergency training and CPR
Aim:To improve the preparedness and confidence of dental professionals in recognising and managing common medical emergencies in the dental setting, with an emphasis on vasovagal syncope, anaphylaxis, and appropriate use of emergency medications and equipment.
Dentists will be able to –
Identify early signs and symptoms of vasovagal syncope and anaphylaxis in a dental setting.
Apply appropriate first-aid management protocols, including patient positioning, airway support, and oxygen delivery.
Understand the updated guidelines for prioritising adrenaline over antihistamines or steroids in anaphylaxis management.
#PDPMainEpisodes #BreadandButterDentistry

Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 20min
The REAL Hidden Cause of Tooth Sensitivity – Sympathetic Dental Hypersensitivity – PDP240
How on earth can a neck injection eliminate teeth sensitivity?
Can a patient’s tooth sensitivity really be linked to their occlusion?
Is occlusal adjustment ever indicated for sensitivity?
And what’s the actual mechanism behind those cases where everything looks fine — no cracks, no significant wear, no exposed dentine — yet the patient still complains their teeth are sensitive?
In this episode, Dr. Nick Yiannios shares the concept of Sympathetic Dental Hypersensitivity (SDH), a groundbreaking way of understanding sensitivity that goes beyond the usual suspects like caries, erosion, or leakage.
We dive into how the sympathetic nervous system in the pulp can drive unexplained pain, why traditional approaches often fail, and how objective tools like T-Scan and EMG can reveal what articulating paper misses.
This could completely change the way you diagnose and manage those “mystery” sensitivity cases that just don’t add up.
https://youtu.be/a2Mg72Y_zkw
Watch PDP240 on Youtube
Protrusive Dental Pearl: When fitting a resin-bonded bridge (RBB), if you’re unsure about the fit and cement gap, use light-bodied PVS on the intaglio surface of the wing. After setting and peeling it away, the thickness of the PVS shows you the expected cement layer. Ideally, it should be thin and even; a thicker area highlights where your gap is excessive.
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Key Takeaways:
The T-scan technology revolutionizes occlusal analysis.
Sensitive teeth can be linked to occlusion and bite adjustments.
Frictional dental hypersensitivity (FDH) is a key concept in understanding sensitivity.
Sympathetic responses may contribute to dental hypersensitivity.
Innovative treatments include laser therapy and ozone application.
Addressing root causes is essential for long-term solutions.
Dentists should explore literature for new insights and techniques.
Critical thinking is vital in dental practice.
Advanced technology can enhance patient care and outcomes. Objective data is essential for effective occlusal adjustments.
Understanding joint function is crucial for dental health.
Differentiating between types of dental hypersensitivity is important.
The sympathetic nervous system plays a significant role in dental pain.
Educating patients about their conditions fosters better outcomes.
The beaker of pain concept helps in understanding patient symptoms.
Continuous learning is vital for dental professionals.
Objective metrics are necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Highlights of this episode:
00:00 Teaser
00:39 Intro
03:51 Protrusive Dental Pearl
05:42: Dr. Nick Yiannios’ Journey and Innovations
07:46 T-Scan and Digital Occlusal Analysis
08:29 FIRST INTERJECTION
13:46 T-Scan and Digital Occlusal Analysis
14:07 Discovery of Occlusion–Sensitivity Link
20:44 Second interjection
24:25 Student Case – Sensitivity from a Bridge
26:04 Dentine Hypersensitivity
28:39 Cervical Dentine Hypersensitivity
30:44 The Role of Lasers and Ozone in Dental Treatment
35:24 Alternatives for Dentists Without Lasers
43:12 Alternatives for Dentists Without Lasers
44:00 Frictional Dental Hypersensitivity Explained
47:15 The Importance of T-Scan in Dentistry
50:57 Neck Blocks and Sympathetic Responses.
58:24 Third interjection
01:00:01 Neck Block Mechanism
01:12:34 The Beaker of Pain Concept
01:14:38 Fourth interjection
01:16:23 The Beaker of Pain Concept
01:16:59 Community and Collaboration
1:20:57 Outro
Curious to dive deeper?You can explore more of Dr. Nick’s work and insights through these resources:
Upcoming course: CNO6 – Sympathetics in Dentistry: The Missing Link in General & Specialty Practice
AES (American Equilibration Society) – check out their upcoming conference for world-class learning in occlusion and TMD.
CNO – Center for Neural Occlusion
Facebook community: Neural Occlusion
YouTube channel: Dr. Nick DDS – packed with case examples, lectures, and protocols.
CNO YouTube playlist
Studies & Resources
Sympathetic Dental Hypersensitivity – An Alternative Etiology for Dental Cold Hypersensitivity
Greater Auricular Nerve Block Reduces Dental Hypersensitivity to Intraoral Cold Water Swish Challenge: A Retrospective Study
Dr. Mark Piper Lecturing at the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain: Sympathetics & CRPS1
If this episode helped you, check out PDP199: How to Eliminate Sensitivity During Teeth Whitening
#PDPMainEpisodes #OcclusionTMDandSplints #BreadandButterDentistry
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes C.
AGD Subject Code: 180 OCCLUSION
Aim: To provide dentists with an updated understanding of tooth sensitivity, highlighting the role of sympathetic nervous system involvement, occlusion, and modern treatment approaches beyond traditional desensitizers.
Dentists will be able to –
Explain the concept of Sympathetic Dental Hypersensitivity (SDH) and its link to occlusion and cervical nerves.
2. Identify diagnostic tools (e.g., T-Scan, JVA, imaging) that provide objective data for managing sensitivity.
3. Evaluate treatment options, including laser-ozone therapy, occlusal adjustments, and neck block techniques.

27 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 57min
Dental Photography – RIP DSLR? Why Mirrorless Cameras Are the Future – PDP239
Join Dr. Ashish Soneji, a dentist and photography mentor from Southwest England, as he discusses the evolving world of dental photography. Discover why mirrorless cameras are taking over from DSLRs and when you should consider making the switch. Soneji shares tips on which lenses to invest in, the significance of lighting, and even introduces a 21-day photography challenge for beginners to improve their skills. Whether you're upgrading your gear or sticking with what you have, this conversation is packed with valuable insights!


