Composite or ceramic? Lithium disilicate or zirconia? This week on Dentistry Unmasked, Dr. Art Volker challenges the idea that conservative dentistry and prosthodontics are at odds. Pam and David dive deep into material selection, clinical decision-making, and how exceptional dentistry can be achieved conservatively—without compromise. A must-listen for anyone who wants clarity, confidence, and better outcomes.

This week, David Rice and Pam Maragliano are joined by the multi-talented Dr. Karla Soto, a third-generation dentist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience and educational leadership. Recorded on a Friday when everyone is finally at home, the conversation takes a laid-back but inspiring look at dentistry careers, lifelong learning, and what it takes to stay passionate and innovative in the dental field.

Key Topics Covered

1. Dr. Karla Soto’s journey & philosophy

• Transition from residency to joining her mother's startup practice in Boca Raton, Florida as a young mom
• Passion for comprehensive, patient-focused dentistry, and why she became “addicted” to continuing education
• Emphasis on saying “yes” to new opportunities and immersing fully into each experience

2. The power of continuing education (CE)

• Discussion on how the right CE can ignite passion, confidence, and new skills, especially when surrounded by like-minded peers
• Both Dr. Karla Soto and Dr. Pam Maragliano reflect on the formative impact of early mentors and immersive CE experiences.
• The challenge is that only about 4% of dentists actually implement advanced CE learnings in daily practice.

3. Making education practical (and bringing your team)

• Pam and Dr. Soto and stress the importance of practical, real-world workshops, and learning side-by-side with team members.
• Examples of how having your “ride or die” implementer (office manager or assistant) makes integration more successful.

4. Favorite tools & techniques

• Full digital workflow for consults, patient engagement, and clinical procedures
• Love for certain products: Ultradent Optrasculpt, OptiGate, Variolink cements, Ivoclar products, and Emax for ceramics
• Practical tips from mission trips—why certain tools become absolute MVPs when resources are limited, and how these experiences inform what’s essential in regular practice

5. Fostering team investment & growth

  •Dr. Karla Soto's educational platform, Key Elements, focuses on bringing whole teams together, sharing the journey, and creating retention through shared development wins.

• “When your circle is at that level, it's almost contagious—you want to keep elevating together.” —Dr. Karla Soto
• “You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable if you want to grow in this profession.” —Dr. Karla Soto
• “I love CE that inspires me to want to change how I practice.” —Pam Maragliano

• Instagram: @Dr.KarlaSoto
• Educational Platform: keyelements.co
• Dr. Karla Soto is based in South Florida and always happy to connect with curious colleagues!

This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam chat with renowned oral pathologist Dr. Ashley Clark for a powerful conversation about early detection, decisive action, and why “if you see something, say something” can truly save lives. Dr. Clark shares practical, must-know tips for identifying suspicious lesions, knowing when to biopsy, and if today’s technology is reliable to support accurate diagnosis. We also explore how oral pathologies can signal deeper systemic issues—and why timely, appropriate referrals are critical for protecting your patients’ overall health. If you’re ready to sharpen your clinical eye and elevate your standard of care, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.