Mastering the Difficult Conversation

Send us Fan MailJoin me in my final episode as host of Ain’t That the Tooth. Dr. Richard Mufson flips the script taking on host duties.It's hard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. What started as conversations about dentistry, the profession, and the many stories that connect us has become so much more. It's become a community. A place to learn, laugh, challenge ideas, and celebrate the people who make this profession extraordinary.To every listener who tuned in, shared an episode, sent a message, asked a question, or simply spent part of your day with us—thank you. Your support, encouragement, and engagement have made this journey incredibly rewarding. Knowing that our conversations reached and resonated with people across the profession has been one of the greatest honors of my career.I'm also deeply grateful to everyone behind the scenes and to my technical staff and guests who generously shared their time, expertise, and stories. You've taught me more than you know and made every recording session something I looked forward to.While I'm stepping away from the microphone, my appreciation for this community remains as strong as ever. I'll continue cheering on the success of Ain’t That the Tooth and look forward to seeing where the podcast goes next.Thank you for welcoming me into your offices, your commutes, your workouts, and your lives. It's been a privilege to be part of your journey, and I hope in some small way I've contributed to yours as much as you've contributed to mine.Until we meet again, keep learning, keep growing, keep caring for your patients and each other.From the bottom of my heart, thank you.And as always... Ain't that the tooth. - Yolanda Marrero

Send us Fan MailWhat makes dentistry so incredible? The options! You can be incredibly successful whether you build, buy, or associate long-term. The key is understanding which path is best for you.  Join us today as Dr. David Rice, CEO and founder of IgniteDDS, provides valuable insight into your options. Dr. Rice will delve deeper into this subject at the South Florida District Dental Association's Tri-Affiliate event, March 31, 2026, at the Koven's Conference Center in North Miami. Register at www.sfdda.org. Reach Dr. Rice at https://ignitedds.com/

Send us Fan MailJoin us today in a frank discussion with Drs. Chris Bulnes and James Wilson on the future of dentistry. Their article, titled the same as this podcast episode, appeared in the West Coast District Dental Association's Check-Up, its monthly newsletter, and in the ADA's Morning Huddle. It delivers a cautionary tale important for dentists today.

Send us Fan MailToday, we focus on planning and organizing participation in Dentist Day on the Hill, an advocacy event organized by the Florida Dental Association that brings dentists to the Capitol to educate legislators on dental issues. Jamie Graves, FDA Governmental Affairs Coordinator, joins to provide details on the why, what, when, and where. From logistics and scheduling meetings with legislators to the importance of building relationships and the significance of member involvement in advocacy efforts, we hope you will walk away with a better understanding of this member benefit. We hope to see you "on the hill."

Send us Fan MailMeet ADA Commons, the digital repository that collects and preserves national, state, and local publications and research for the dental community. If you’ve never heard of it, here is your chance to learn more about it with Digital Archivist & Publishing Librarian, Alisun DeKock, and Ellen Thieme, Digital Archives Assistant, ADA Library & Archives - and you might consider archiving your essential documents and research too. The South Florida District Dental Association welcomed the opportunity to place their newsletters and podcast recordings on this fantastic platform, at no cost, and is now reaching new audiences and potential new members.

Send us Fan MailJoining us today is Dr. Melissa Meincken, of the Miami Children's Surgery Center. The center is part of the Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Centers across the United States. They provide an extension of dental procedures to dentists in working with special needs pediatric patients. She will explain how they work hand in hand with dentists in the community to provide services for their patients.

Send us Fan MailJoining us today is the Executive Director of the Florida Dental Association, Drew Eason. Listen to this frank discussion on the American Dental Association’s challenge to stay relevant and why its existence is necessary.

Send us Fan MailToday, we speak with Dr. Bert Hughes, Secretary of the Florida Dental Association. Dr. Hughes speaks frankly about his experience and the path for minority dentists from dental school to practicing to taking up the mantle of leadership in organized dentistry.

Send us Fan MailMeet the Phanords, a father and twin sons dental trio who place family values, community, and mentorship at the top of their priorities, creating a welcoming environment for their patients as well as future dentists. Listen as Dr. Roger Phanord and his sons, Drs. Kevin and Kyle Phanord discuss opening their practice to aspiring dentists and providing a space where they can grow.  Find them on Instagram and Facebook - phanorddental

Send us Fan MailToday, our guest, Dr. Muhalab Al Sammarrie, will share his experiences and how he learned to work through difficult conversations. By listening to himself and opening up to understanding others, he will offer a series of thoughts and ideas that help difficult conversations end with better outcomes.