Newly Erupted

Dr. Anthea Mazzawi joins host Dr. Joel Berg to share her story as a pediatric dentist, a practice-owner and a mother. She delves into how the multifaceted roles have shaped her as a professional and leader, especially the opportunities to foster a network of peer experts. Dr. Mazzawi emphasizes the importance of a willingness to learn and making your own path.

Guest Bio:  

Dr. Anthea Mazzawi is a board-certified pe...

Recorded on-site at AAPD 2025 in Denver, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by dental entrepreneur Dr. Chris Lugo for a chat on the business side of dental office management. Dr. Lugo discusses his experiences as a multi-practice owner who also mentors residents and associates in the financial background important in business. This is a must-listen if you’re considering owning your own practice. 

Guest Bio:  

Dr. Ch...

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Kathleen Schultz to talk about her specialty, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and how she translates her experience having fun with learning while a student in her own work with residents. Dr. Schultz, a lecturer for the AAPD Oral Comprehensive Exam review courses, speaks to the importance of having a strong peer network so you never feel like you’re “going it alone” when tough cases co...

On this episode of Newly Erupted, host Dr. Joel Berg talks about the keys to avoiding burnout with Dr. Trudy-Ann Frazer. Dr. Frazer shares her three-step approach to mitigating burnout, particularly for female practitioners and what steps to take once you realize burnout has taken hold – either in yourself or your team. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Trudy-Ann Frazer has experience working exclusively with children. It is her go...

Dr. Joel Berg is joined by cariology expert Dr. Brian Novy for a discussion on all there’s still to learn about dental caries. Dr. Novy delves into the importance for practitioners to understand the science of cariology, particularly when working with patients and families that may be opposed to traditional treatments, like fluoride. He also shares his personal path in evidence-based dentistry research and how this work ha...

On this episode of little teeth, BIG Smiles, host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Brittaney Hill, the 2024 recipient of the AAPD Jerome B. Miller “For the Kids” Award. As an up-and-coming practitioner, Dr. Hill shares her experience as a mentee and the impact her mentors had on her career trajectory into pediatric dentistry and the public health sphere. She also delves into how those experiences have impacted her relationsh...

Dr. Suzie Bergman joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion on her Ted Talk, “Why is healthcare disjointed” and why evidence-based treatment is imperative for unique issues like temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Dr. Bergman shares her perspective as a dentist who also suffers with TMD and what she learned from various treatments prescribed under a “one size fits all” approach. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Suzie Bergman is a ...

Dr. Lauren Yap joins host Dr. Joel Berg to chat about the upcoming AAPD Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference (POHAC) in Washington, DC. Each year, hundreds of early career pediatric dentists visit the nation’s capital to advocate for the issues impacting the profession and optimal oral health of all children with congressional staff. Dr. Yap shares her experiences as a previous POHAC attendee, as well as how she encou...

Host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by fellow Iowan and pediatric dentist Dr. Casey Goetz to discuss the importance of access to care for children in rural areas and the benefits to early career practitioners for setting up practices in these areas. Dr. Goetz shares his experience as a private practice pediatric dentist in rural Missouri serving a majority of patients with Medicaid and how he uses his own experiences to encourage...

Host Dr. Joel Berg is once again joined by Dr. Clarice Law, this time to discuss her recent move after two decades at one institution and her advice for others determining what their next steps may be. Dr. Law shares the multiple ways her career has evolved over the past three decades. Emphasizing all the opportunities the shift to academia has provided, she discusses the appeal of formally studying new tools and informati...

Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Marilyn Sandor for a discussion on the bright future for virtual care in dentistry – or “teledentistry.” With both practitioners and patients looking for convenience and efficiency, virtual care can set a practice apart. The conversation emphasizes the vital role communication plays in all patient care, but particularly when making the shift to more online visits. Dr. Sando...

Dr. Harlyn Susarla joins Newly Erupted and host Dr. Joel Berg to discuss the importance of embracing leadership opportunities, along with strategics risks, for early career pediatric dentists to effect positive change. She shares her firsthand experiences with exiting her comfort zone and how those situations built up her confidence in her own expertise and ability to ask the right questions – including one that saved a ch...

On this episode of Newly Erupted, host Dr Joel Berg is joined by Ellie Wetzel to discuss the integration of therapy animals into dental practices, highlighting the legal considerations and benefits of establishing in-office therapy animal programs. Wetzel emphasizes the importance of choosing the right animal, understanding the differences between service and emotional support animals, and the role of the Association ...

Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Hani Eid for an insightful conversation on growing a private practice to fulfill community needs. Dr. Eid shares his journey from opening a four-chair private practice in Longview, Ore. to owning five practices in neighboring communicates in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Eid discusses the impact of expansion on access to care for children in an area with high demand and need f...

Dr. Brianna Muñoz joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion on her path into pediatric dentistry – her lifelong career goal – and the pivotal role an interest in public health played in developing her ethos. In this episode, Dr. Muñoz shares how merging many of her unique interests, including biology, chemistry, and dance, along with a commitment to interprofessional care shaped her as a communicator and advocate for child...

Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Martha Wells, Chief of Dentistry at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital – and the first dentist on their faculty track. In this episode, Dr. Wells shares her day-to-day experience in a hospital faculty setting and the importance of connections she’s made, specifically with peers on a similar professional path and the nursing team at St. Jude’s. Drs. Well and Berg also e...

Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Karen Masters, a speech pathologist with almost 40 years of clinical experience related to orofacial myology to discuss orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), treatment plans, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Masters specifically delves into the importance of pediatric dentists and dental hygienists being familiar with OMDs and understandin...

Dr. Cliff Hartmann, Chair of the AAPD Political Action Committee (PAC), joins host Dr. Joel Berg to discuss the mission of the AAPD PAC and the Academy’s legislative priorities. Dr. Hartmann also delves into PAC FAQs, offering a great primer for those who may not be familiar with how political action committees identify and support candidates, who can contribute, and why PACs are so important. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Clif...

Building a business doesn’t need to be scary. Dr. Mira Albert chats with host Dr. Joel Berg about entrepreneurship and being strong enough to face your fears. Hear Dr. Albert discuss what drives her as a businessowner, as well as how her choice to pursue an MBA positively impacted her confidence and lessened her fears. She delves into the importance of entrepreneurs identifying their sense of purpose and finding trusted ad...