Little Teeth, BIG Smiles

LTBS Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Brian Martin for a robust conversation focused on the integration of dentistry and medicine. Dr. Martin shares his unique perspective as a pediatric dentist now in hospital administration, delving into the shift to value-based care, which is a more discreet measurement of outcomes over costs, and how caries risk assessment may be impacted. The duo also discusses the commitment pediatric dentists have made to preserve access to care for all children.  Guest Bio:  Dr. Brian S. Martin is a board-certified pediatric dentist and healthcare leader with extensive experience in clinical care, population health, and pediatric healthcare delivery. He currently serves as Vice President of Population Health and Medical Director of the Akron Children’s Health Collaborative at Akron Children’s Hospital, where he leads population health strategy, quality, outcomes, and financial performance for a risk-bearing accountable care organization serving approximately 100,000 lives. He is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University, with a clinical practice focused on patients with special healthcare needs and the cleft and craniofacial population.  Previously, Dr. Martin served as Vice President of Medical Affairs at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and as President and founding member of the Pennsylvania Pediatric Health Network, a pediatric clinically integrated network managing care for approximately 230,000 pediatric lives.  Dr. Martin earned his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania, completed his pediatric dentistry residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Delivery from Dartmouth College. He is a recipient of the AAPD Lewis A. Kay National Award for Resident Education. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by American Dental Association (ADA) President Dr. Thomas Paumier for a conversation focused on the work of the ADA and how specialty practitioners can benefit from maintaining a connection with the organization. Speaking to the importance of that connection and teamwork from the AAPD 2026 Annual Session Exhibit Hall Floor, Dr. Paumier shares details of the cohesion between the ADA President and President-Elect as well as his goals for the ADA and its partnership with the AAPD as he ascends to the President role in October 2026.   Guest Bio:  Thomas M. Paumier, D.D.S. is the President-Elect of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr.  Paumier is a general dentist in private practice in Canton, Ohio.  Dr. Paumier has served the ADA in multiple leadership roles throughout his 35 years of service to the  ADA, most recently as Vice-chair for the Strategic Forecasting Committee and as an Advisor to the ADA  Budget Committee of the Board of Trustees. Previously, he also served as Chair of the Council on  Members Insurance and Retirement Programs, and the Board of Trustees Committee on Budget and  Finance. He was on the ADA Covid Recovery Task Force and has served on two Council on Scientific  Affairs expert panels which developed clinical practice guidelines related to antibiotic use.  Within the Ohio Dental Association, Dr. Paumier has held several key positions, including Treasurer and  President. He served as Chair of the Annual Sessions Committee and as Chair of the ODA Services  Corporation and as the current Chair of the Ohio Dental Association Wellness Trust. He is a past president of the Stark County Dental Society in Ohio.   Dr. Paumier is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the  Pierre Fauchard Academy and involved in numerous organizations. He is the Chair of the Cleveland  Clinic Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees, and a past Chair of the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital  Development Foundation. He is on the faculty of the “Thomas M. Paumier DDS General Practice  Residency” at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital and also lectures at Case Western School of Dental  Medicine and the NEOMED Bitonte College of Dentistry in Ohio.  Dr. Paumier earned his D.D.S. from Ohio State University College of Dentistry and resides in Canton with  his wife Christy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of little teeth BIG Smiles, Dr. Joel Berg sits down with Dr. Ann Bynum to explore what it takes to build a strong, thriving pediatric dental practice. From the power of language and creating a true team culture to transparency, mentorship, shared decision-making and fostering a growth mindset, Dr. Bynum shares practical insights from her years of experience as a practice owner, mentor and leader. The conversation offers valuable advice for pediatric dentists at every stage of their careers, discussing how to bring new doctors and team members into the culture, create clear expectations and build systems that support long-term success. Guest Bio:  Dr. Ann Bynum is a board-certified pediatric dentist originally from Ocala, Florida. She completed her undergraduate studies at Florida State University before earning her dental degree from the University of Iowa, where she met her husband, Dr. Matt Bynum. She went on to complete her specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.  In 1997, Dr. Bynum moved to Greenville, South Carolina, and opened her pediatric dental practice in Simpsonville. As a mother of three boys, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her care—deeply understanding the art and science of pediatric dentistry and parenting.   Dr. Bynum is a Diplomate and examiner of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) and an active member of several professional organizations, including the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the American Dental Association (ADA). She currently serves as the Southeastern Trustee for the AAPD.   A passionate educator and leader, Dr. Bynum has lectured nationally and authored numerous articles on topics such as customer service, marketing, leadership, teamwork, burnout, financial wellness, and pediatric airway health—including tethered oral tissues and sleep-disordered breathing.  Outside of dentistry, Dr. Bynum enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband. She is especially passionate about working on her practice—focusing on growth, systems, and team development. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Bobby Elliott returns to the podcast to chat about burnout as it relates to patient and practice management and education. He and Dr. Berg talk through solutions focused on his mantra – “Educate, don’t convince.” – that support office culture and patient/family satisfaction and trust. Dr. Elliott shares his tools for identifying work/life imbalance and building connection and investment in one another. Guest Bio:  Dr. Bobby Elliott is from Louisville, Kentucky where he graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. His pediatric dental residency was completed at the UNC School of Dentistry and UNC Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill. Dr. Elliott is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and was an Adjunct Clinical Professor at both the University of North Carolina and University of Louisville Schools of Dentistry.  Dr. Elliott lectures throughout the year to other dentists, specialists, dental team members and residents about positive office culture. In his “not so much free time”, he has founded his own pediatric dental consulting business, Pedo Springboard, Inc. to help residents and pediatric dentists successfully start their own practice. He also has co-founded a second consulting business, Pediatric Dental Directions, to help private practitioners establish legacy leadership and a positive work culture.   Dr. Elliott is a recognized authority on the development of creative and innovative office designs for pediatric dental practices and is often called upon to consult with new office construction as well as dental team development and practice. He works with his best friend & partner and 14 rockstar TEAM members and has been in private practice for 28 years in Cary, NC.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Dr. Joel Berg speaks with Dr. Chelsea Fosse, Vice President of the AAPD Research & Policy Center (RPC) on the current hot topics in public health and how the RPC is working to make an impact. Dr. Fosse delves into the impacts of federal updates on pediatric dentistry and the organizations advocating for the health of children. She shares a timeline for the anticipated impacts of H.R. 1 to families and 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 administration, evidence-based dental care, access to high quality and safe dental care, the pediatric dental workforce, and other contemporary issues in oral health, public health, and health policy. She was previously at the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute (HPI) where she led policy analysis for issues related to Medicaid and studied the oral health workforce and the industry's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before dental school, she worked in the Division of Children with Special Needs at the American Academy of Pediatrics. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors at Well Child Center, a community-based organization offering WIC, dental, and other social and health services in Elgin, IL.    Chelsea received her bachelor's from The University of Texas in 2009, DMD from Rutgers in 2017, and MPH from Columbia University in 2019. She completed a general practice residency at Helen Hayes Hospital in 2018 and a dental public health residency at Jacobi Medical Center in 2020.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Incoming AAPD CEO Dr. Jessica Y. Lee joins host Dr. Joel Berg for an engaging discussion of her goals and vision for the Academy’s future. She shares her journey through pediatric dentistry, delving into what excites her most as she shifts from academia to leader of the AAPD. In this heartfelt and genuine conversation, Dr. Lee compares taking on the CEO role to “coming home” and hopes to bring that sense of belonging to the newest generations of pediatric dentists as she takes the helm. Guest Bio:  Dr. Jessica Y. Lee is Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentist. Prior to taking on this role in June 2026, she was the Demeritt Distinguished Professor of Pediatric Dentistry and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development at the University of North Carolina, as well as a professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.  Dr Lee received her MPH and DDS degrees from Columbia University and her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and PhD in Health Policy and Management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was also a NIDCR National Research Service Award recipient.  She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and an active member of the medical staff at UNC Hospitals and practices in the Dental Faculty Practice in the School of Dentistry. She has authored over 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts and is a renowned expert in health literacy and health disparities. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between medical knowledge and patient understanding and reducing health disparities. She has led projects funded by the NIH and HRSA. Dr Lee is involved in teaching, clinical practice, and research.   In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Lee is actively involved in leadership, community outreach and education initiatives. She collaborates with healthcare providers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. She served as the President for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) from 2020-2021. She is the recipient of numerous teaching and research awards including the 2008 AAPD Jerome Miller “For the Kids” Award. In 2010, she received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientist and Engineers from President Barack Obama. In 2011, Dr Lee was named the ‘Pediatric Dentist of the Year” by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and in 2021 she received the AAPD Merle C Hunter Leadership Award. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this very special episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. John Rutkaushas on the verge of his retirement after 27 years as American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and AAPD Foundation CEO. Dr. Rutkauskas shares his personal highlights from his career, many of which made a profound impact on the profession – from elevating advocacy and education to strengthening the voice of pediatric dentists nationwide. He also reflects on the vision, dedication, and transformative leadership that helped shape the AAPD into the organization it is today, positioned to continue its mission of optimal oral health for all children.   Guest Bio:  John S. Rutkauskas, M.S., D.D.S., M.B.A., CAE, is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a position he has held since July 1999. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation. Prior to joining the AAPD, Dr. Rutkauskas served for eight years as Executive Director of the Federation of Special Care Organizations in Dentistry, which represents organizations focused on hospital dentistry, geriatric dentistry, and dentistry for persons with disabilities. He has a wealth of experience and interest in public policy related to issues of medical necessity, federally funded dental programs, residency training, and clinical care guidelines, best practices, and policies. His clinical interests include treating patients with medically compromising conditions.    Under his leadership during the past 26 years, the AAPD has significantly increased membership and focused the association’s efforts on public policy. He was instrumental in establishing the association’s first political action committee which has increased visibility in Washington of the 11,000-member organization. He oversaw the AAPD Foundation’s first successful fundraising capital campaign and coordinated the successful merger of an affiliated association. He was instrumental in creating two leadership development tracks in association with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School to meet the growing needs of the AAPD membership.    Raised in Illinois, Dr. Rutkauskas received his undergraduate degree as well as a Master of Science degree from the University of Chicago. He received his dental degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, his residency training in general practice at the University of Chicago, and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, and the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry. In June 2002, he was inducted as a fellow in the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He received the designation of CAE (Certified Association Executive) from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in June 2002. In 2012, he received the Outstanding Public Advocacy Award on behalf of the Friends of the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (FNIDCR) for being a champion for oral health care for special patient populations. The Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland bestowed fellowship on him in 2018. He is Senior International Dental Ambassador of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 University of Iowa and the University of Pennsylvania where he completed a fellowship and residency in Radiology and Oral Medicine respectively in 2002 and 2004. In 2006, Juan F. completed a Master in Public Health (MPH), and in 2011 a Doctoral Degree in Public Health (DrPH) both with emphasis in Epidemiology at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. In 2008, Juan F. completed a residency program in Dental Public Health at University of Texas, Baylor College of Dentistry. Finally, Juan F. completed a residency program and a master in pediatric dentistry at the University of Kentucky in 2012. Juan F. is board-certified by the American Boards of Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Medicine, and Dental Public Health. He is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Oral Medicine, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Indiana Dental Association, and American Dental Association. Juan F. is a fellow in dental surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons at Edinburgh. He is a member of the editorial board of Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, and Oral Radiology. Finally, Juan F. is the associate editor of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and one of the directors/examiners of the American Board of Oral Medicine. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 pediatric dentistry at Indiana University in 2004.  He is a proud father of two teenage daughters, practices clinical dentistry four days a week in Issaquah, WA, and is also the CEO of PIP Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, a large, privately owned group practice consisting of 15 locations throughout Wash. and Ore.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Dental Sciences in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science in Dentistry in Orthodontics from the University of Washington, and a PhD from the Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia.  Dr. Castillo is a Professor in the Department of Stomatology for Children and Adolescents at the Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia and serves as an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington. He is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Orthodontics.  A past President of the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry (2013–2015; 2021–2023), Dr. Castillo currently serves on the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Orthodontists (2025–2030). He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and has lectured internationally across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.