Pedo Teeth Talk | Aapd, Pediatric Dentistry

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Juan Yepes, a distinguished professor and AAPD 2026 featured speaker, for a discussion focused on Dr. Yepes unique journey to become both a pediatric dentist and medical primary care physician. Dr. Yepes shares his stories from studying in numerous programs around the globe and how they each played a role in his growth and network, highlighting how all of the experiences and relationships have shaped him as a teacher and professional.  Guest Bio:  Juan F. Yepes DDS, MD, MPH, MS, DrPH is a full professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and the associate dean for graduate education at Indiana University School of Dentistry and an attending at Riley Children Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Juan F. is a dentist (DDS) and a physician (MD) from Javeriana University at Bogotá, Colombia. In 1999, Juan F. moved to the USA and attended the Univ

Dr. Cody Masts joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a conversation on the importance of building relationships with your pediatric patients. Dr. Mast shares his winding journey that led him to choosing dentistry and why working in pediatrics appealed to him after first treating adults. He also discusses how cultivating relationships can be even more impactful for your business, especially concerning patients utilizing Medicaid, from his perspective as the CEO of a 15-office practice group.  Guest Bio:  Dr. Cody Mast is a board-certified pediatric dentist who grew up in Bellevue, Wash. He is the son of a pediatric dentist and a dental hygienist. Everything he has learned in dentistry is a culmination of tools he took from those before him, and he owes all of his success to both them and his patient wife of almost 25 years. He graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in 2002 and completed his certificate in pediatri

On this episode, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Jorge Castillo, past president of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) to discuss Dr. Castillo’s session at AAPD 2026 in Las Vegas. The session, featuring Dr. Castillo and other international experts, delves into the global perspectives on early intervention with developing dentition and how pediatric dentistry and orthodontics intersect during that decision-making process.   Dr. Castillo also lends his voice to the ongoing little teeth, BIG Smiles discussion relating to the co-location of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, sharing his perspective on international trends, particularly in comprehensive care clinics.   Guest Bio:  Jorge L. Castillo, DDS, M Dent Sci, MSD, PhD, is a board-certified pediatric dentist and orthodontist with an extensive academic and international leadership background. He earned a Master of

This episode of Little Teeth, BIG Smiles explores how co-locating pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof advances dentistry’s version of the Triple Aim: improving patient experience, enhancing population oral health, and reducing per-capita costs. Dr. Christina Carter joins our host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion that reframes co-location not as a convenience model, but as a value-based, prevention-oriented system of care that is particularly impactful for children, families, and underserved communities.  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 L

Pediatric dentist and entrepreneur Dr. Ashley Lerman joins little teeth, BIG Smiles to chat with Dr. Berg about her company First Grin and how its unique approach to teaching families about oral health care. Dr. Lerman shares how First Grin was born out of her experience right out of residency, working in a clinic, seeing dozens of high-risk patients a day who often had little-to-no prevention knowledge. She explains the original First Grin kit designed for expectant parents to set families up for success with the tools and knowledge needed for at-home preventive care. Dr. Lerman also delves into how First Grin is finding success partnering with payers and hospital networks to flag early oral health care as a priority issue amongst medical professionals outside of dentistry.  Guest Bio:  Dr. Ashley Lerman is a board-certified pediatric dentist, public health advocate, and founder of First Grin, a digital prevention platform that brings oral health into everyday family life. Through First G

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by American Dental Association (ADA) President Dr. Richard Rosato. In this conversation, Dr. Rosato shares his journey from shifting gears from pediatric medicine to pediatric dentistry as a student and how his relationships have affected his participation in organized dentistry. Dr. Rosato shares his experience as a private practitioner and business owner, and how that mentality and passion influence the impact he hopes to have during his time as ADA President. In particular, Dr. Rosato speaks about the importance of practitioner and patient mental wellbeing. Guest Bio: Dr. Rosato is a native New Englander. He was born in Revere, MA, and raised in Danvers, MA. He moved to NH in 1986 to attend Saint Anselm College. After college, he attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and graduated in 1994. Then he was off to Chicago to the University of Illinois Medical Center, Cook County Hospital, Michael Reese Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and the West Side VA for hi

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Tim Wright on this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles for a discussion of hot topics in dentistry and how those topics make it into the profession’s academic publications. Dr. Wright also delves into his experience as Editor of JADA, the Journal of the American Dental Association. Now in his fourth year, he explains the manuscript submission and review process, as well as the topics he anticipates being the next big “cover stories” and emerging topics. Guest Bio: Tim Wright received his DDS degree from West Virginia University and completed his Pediatric Dentistry training and Master of Science Degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He currently is a Professor in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health at The Adams School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he has served as Pediatric Dentistry Department Chair and Department of Endodontics Interim Chair. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatri

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 admin

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 Assistan

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 South

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

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 Leag

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 moveme

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 expert

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 of

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 pedodonti

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

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 serve

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 DR

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 Dir