Very Dental: Planned Obsolescence & Subscription Hell with Dr. Brian Baliwas

The Very Dental Podcast Network

Alan is joined by the one and only Dr. Brian Baliwas. You might know him better as @sfdentalnerd on Instagram, where he is probably the most entertaining dental follow on the platform!

Alan and Brian have a lively discussion about the frustrations of dental insurance, the perils of planned obsolescence in dental equipment, and the importance of transparency in dentistry. They delve into the surprisingly efficient insurance model used for Dr. Baliwas's dog, Xylo and contrast it with the often opaque and frustrating world of human dental insurance.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of running a fee-for-service practice, the hidden costs of dental procedures, and the value of patient communication.

Key Takeaways:

• Dental insurance vs. pet insurance: Dr. Baliwas highlights the stark differences between the transparent and efficient claims process for his dog's insurance and the confusing world of human dental insurance. This raises questions about the role of employers, transparency, and the overall value of dental insurance plans.
• Planned obsolescence: The conversation explores the frustrating trend of planned obsolescence in dental equipment, with examples like air polishers and intraoral scanners. Dr. Baliwas shares his experience of repairing his own equipment due to a lack of available parts and discusses the push towards subscription models for dental technology.
• Fee-for-service dentistry: Brian discusses the benefits and challenges of running a fee-for-service practice, emphasizing the importance of accurate cost analysis and transparent patient communication.
• The value of hygiene: Brian and Alan discuss patient perceptions of dental hygiene and the importance of comprehensive exams in a preventive dental model. They also touch on the use of air polishers and guided biofilm therapy.
• The importance of company support: When choosing dental products and equipment Brian stresses the importance of excellent company support and customer service rather than simply focusing on the "best" brand names.

Some links from the show:

• @sfdentalnerd: Dr. Brian Baliwas's Instagram handle
• Healthy Paws: Pet insurance company
• EMS Airflow
• iTero Element: Intraoral scanner mentioned in the context of planned obsolescence
• Medit i700
• "Buy Now" Documentary

Episode Index:

• 01:26 The Role of Social Media in Dentistry

• 02:39 Emergency Dentistry and Zylo's Insurance

• 05:35 Transparency in Dental and Medical Insurance

• 19:18 In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Dental Practices

• 27:25 The Role of Hygiene in Dentistry

• 28:54 Patient Perception vs. Clinical Reality

• 29:48 Innovative Hygiene Tools and Techniques

• 31:52 The Cost and Maintenance of Dental Equipment

• 34:10 Subscription Models and Planned Obsolescence

• 37:47 The Value of Customer Support

• 42:08 Disposable vs. Durable Dental Tools

• 47:42 The Frustration of Warranties and Repairs

• 52:22 Leveraging Social Media for Dental Practice

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