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PODCAST · health

Little Teeth, BIG Smiles

by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)

Join AAPD leaders, experts in the field of pediatric dentistry and other professionals for Little Teeth, BIG Smiles. We’ll be discussing scientific, clinical and the most up-to-date, relevant information out there for anyone and everyone in the pediatric dental community. Topics include, but are not limited to SDF, Behavior Management, Practice Management, Trauma and more.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 6, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Paumier, President of the ADA

    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...

  2. Swiping Right on the Right Practice: Real Talk on Finding Your Place

    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...

  3. Protecting You and Your Team from Burnout

    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....

  4. The Latest Updates from the AAPD Research & Policy Center

    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...

  5. The Future is All Smiles: A Conversation with New AAPD CEO Dr. Jessica Y. Lee

    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…

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  6. AAPD CEO John S. Rutkauskas on the Past Quarter Century of AAPD

    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...

  7. The Impact of a Global Education

    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...

  8. Building Lasting Trust with Pediatric Patients

    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...

  9. International Trends in Pediatric Dentistry

    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...

  10. Pediatric Dentists, Orthodontists, and the Benefits of Co-Location

    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...

  11. How Innovation Can Support Prioritizing Early Oral Health Care

    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,...

  12. A Conversation with Dr. Richard Rosato, President of the ADA

    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…

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  13. What Makes the Next Big Cover Story

    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…

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  14. Get to Know the AAPD Research & Policy Center

    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...

  15. Protecting the Waterline for Infection Control

    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…

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  16. Shining a Spotlight on Minimally Invasive Care

    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...

  17. The Power of Steady Leadership

    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...

  18. The Science of Literacy

    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...

  19. Not Impossible: A Conversation with Mick Ebeling

    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…

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  20. Sedation Management and Emergency Prep

    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.…

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  21. The Search for an Inspiring Leader

    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...

  22. A Conversation with Legendary Pediatric Dentist Dr. Heber Simmons

    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,...

  23. A Focus on Fluoride

    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…

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  24. AAPD’s Impact on General Dentistry

    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...

  25. Streamlining the Talent Acquisition Pipeline

    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…

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  26. Important Considerations for Adolescent Care

    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.…

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  27. The Integration of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

    In this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Patty Medland, a pediatric dentist and orthodontist, to discuss the intersection and collaborative opportunities between the two specialties. Dr. Medland delves into the potential positive impacts to growth outcomes…

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  28. A Conversation with ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler

    In this episode of Little Teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Brett Kessler, a general dentist and the President-Elect of the American Dental Association (ADA) to discuss his extensive career and leadership roles within organized dentistry. Dr. Kessler reflects on his journey...

  29. Marketing Your Expertise and Your Practice

    Recording live at AAPD 2024, this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles features Dr. Leon Klempner joining host Dr. Joel Berg to discuss the importance of marketing to grow a practice in this digital environment. In this candid conversation, Dr. Klempner elaborates on his path to choosing to...

  30. Successful Vital Pulp Therapy in Permanent Teeth

    Recorded live at AAPD 2024, little teeth, BIG Smiles host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Matt Geneser to discuss the latest in vital pulp therapy for permanent teeth with deep caries lesions. A native Iowan now teaching at both the pre-doctoral and post-doctoral level in the Department of…

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  31. Dental Development as a Tool to Assess Age

    Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Jayakumar Jayaraman to discuss ongoing research delving into utilizing dental dentition as a tool to assess age and other health factors. Dr. Jayaraman shares details of finding thus far and how the information can be more broadly used to support the one in…

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  32. A Sneak Peek at AAPD 2024 in Toronto

    Dr. Reza Ardalan joins host Dr. Joel Berg to chat about his role as Master of Ceremonies for AAPD’s Annual Session and share some behind-the-scenes info about the exciting CE program and social events planned for May 2024 in Toronto. Listen today for a sneak peek at the all-new format for the...

  33. Answering the Pacifier Questions as a Pediatric Dentist

    What’s one topic that routinely comes up between pediatric dentists and their patients? Pacifiers. Dr. Christina Carter chats with host Dr. Joel Berg the physiological impact and pros and cons of utilizing pacifiers as a tool. She walks listeners through her thought process when counseling…

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  34. Finding Your Passion Project

    The recently “retired” Dr. David Tesini joins little teeth, BIG Smiles host Dr. Joel Berg to chat about the importance of identifying passions beyond your areas of professional expertise to stay engaged and energized in your work. Dr. Tesini shares his own personal path to passion endeavors,...

  35. Learning What It Takes to Join Pediatric Dentistry Academia

    Dr. Kevin Donly joins little teeth, BIG Smiles host Dr. Joel Berg to share his journey through pediatric dentistry academia, including how he got his start and what he would have chosen to do differently. Dr. Donly breaks down what every professional contemplating entering academia needs to...

  36. We Can’t Do It All: Learning to Stop Over-Functioning and Re-Prioritize to be Your Best Self

    Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Whitney Casares, a pediatrician and CEO/Founder of Modern Mommy Doc, who, through her podcast and coaching, helps working moms break the cycle of burnout in parenting and shift their focus to their own health and well-being so they can create work-life...

  37. Unveiling the Ripple Effects: Generational Conversations that Shape Your Patients, Team, and Practice

    Miscommunication can wreak havoc on the day-to-day operation of your practice, as well as its potential. Generational differences can be a major factor in miscommunication. Guest Lisa Copelands walks host Dr. Berg through the four generations potentially in the office every day, their strengths…

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  38. AAPD Returns to Toronto 25 Years After Celebrating the New Millenium

    The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has held its Annual Session outside of the United States just once – in 1999 in Toronto, Canada. Now, 25 years later AAPD is excited to return to Toronto for AAPD 2024! In 1999, Dr. Paul Andrews was the Local Arrangements Chair, and he’s excited to...

  39. Navigating Craniofacial Issues as a Pediatric Dentist

    Craniofacial and pediatric oral surgeon Dr. John Caccamesechats with host Dr. Joel Berg about all things relating toconcerns that can arise within the specialties, including head, neck, and jaw tumors, cysts, and pathology; cleft lip and palate; speech issues; and bite problems relating to…

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  40. Dental Environments and Their Effects on Autistic Children

    What is the effect of a sensory-adapted dental environment (SADE), compared with a regular dental environment (RDE), on the physiological stress of autistic children? Listen to superstar clinician scientist Dr. Leah Stein Duker detail her great work with her Tailored Environmental Modifications...

  41. Pedo Teeth Talk is now Little Teeth BIG Smiles from AAPD, Brought to you by Hu Friedy Group.

    Here you’ll find every episode from the archives of Pedo Teeth Talk, and every new episode of Little Teeth, Big Smiles with your host, Dr. Joel Berg. Little Smiles, BIG Teeth is brought to by AAPD and sponsored Hu Friedy Group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California…

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  42. Pharmacist Turned Pediatric Dentist – Great Combo – Especially Regarding OCS!

    Hear Dr. Scott Papineau talk about trends in different areas of the country that impact the need for oral conscious sedation, as well as different commonly used sedation combinations- some states have dictated no polypharmacy for pediatric dentists-basically limits to midazolam (short duration)....

  43. Meet the New President of the ADA – and Her Inspiring Journey into the New Leadership Role

    Listen in to ADA President-Elect Dr. Linda Edgar, as she shares her journey from her former career as an educator, and her decision to go into dentistry as a career. Her story is inspiring to others. She will share her view of the importance of being an ADA member and a member of your specialty...

  44. A Pediatric Dentist, an Anesthesiologist, and an EMT. All in One colleague!

    Listen in to Dr. Michael Webb, tell us how and why he became an EMT, even before he went to dental school. Now, a pediatric dentist, anesthesiologist and academic, Mike share’s his life as an EMT and describes the wonderful opportunities therein. He also shares who being an EMT is exceptionally...

  45. Have you heard of EPAs?

    Welcome to the May Pedo Teeth Talk! This month’s podcast focuses on resident education and assessments.Delivering safe and effective patient care begins with education, especially during residency. Joining us today on the podcast is Dr. Jennifer Cully, a board-certified pediatric dentist, talks...

  46. Cariology Update – hear/learn from our Expert, Dr. Fontana

    Tune in to one of our favorite guests, Dr. Margherita Fontana as she updates us on the core of a pediatric dentist’s science-base pertinent to clinical practice based cariology. Hear her philosophy and strategies for primary and secondary prevention, as well as an update on the important focus on...

  47. “Is There Really a Shortage of Drugs We Most Often Need?”

    Listen to this intriguing and informative podcast with Dr. Amy Dunleavy, pharmacist at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Hear how Amy ended up taking a job as a full-time pharmacist at a dental school, and what role she plays in a variety of things from dental education, dispensing…

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  48. A Wonderful Career Practicing Pediatric Dentistry and Now a Professional Photographer

    Listen to this enlightening podcast with colleague Dr. Jed Best as he shares his passion for photography. You will learn of the similarity between dentistry and photography, as well as what got Jed interested in photography. Learn how photography can motivate ones perfection of another art (and...

  49. Trouble getting your patients into the Hospital OR?  Help is on the way!

    With pandemic creating focus on the long-term problem gaining access to hospital ORs to treat our most vulnerable patients under general anesthesia, the AAPD, Julie and her team helped identify the specific coding challenges and reimbursement limits that are at the heart of this problem…

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  50. The Future of Dental Insurance

    Think you know what’s ahead regarding of compensation, quality etc. in the dental world? Maybe not. Listen in to this enlightening podcast with Mary Lee Conicella, Chief DentalOfficer of CVS Heath. Hear her speak about innovative work that will improve oral health and shape the way we all…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Join AAPD leaders, experts in the field of pediatric dentistry and other professionals for Little Teeth, BIG Smiles. We’ll be discussing scientific, clinical and the most up-to-date, relevant information out there for anyone and everyone in the pediatric dental community. Topics include, but are not limited to SDF, Behavior Management, Practice Management, Trauma and more.

HOSTED BY

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Little Teeth, BIG Smiles have?

Little Teeth, BIG Smiles currently has 120 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Little Teeth, BIG Smiles about?

Join AAPD leaders, experts in the field of pediatric dentistry and other professionals for Little Teeth, BIG Smiles. We’ll be discussing scientific, clinical and the most up-to-date, relevant information out there for anyone and everyone in the pediatric dental community. Topics include, but are...

How often does Little Teeth, BIG Smiles release new episodes?

Little Teeth, BIG Smiles publishes regularly with 120 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Little Teeth, BIG Smiles?

You can listen to Little Teeth, BIG Smiles on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Little Teeth, BIG Smiles?

Little Teeth, BIG Smiles is created and hosted by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
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