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.

In one of our most jaw-dropping episodes yet, Dr. Stacey Gividen joins us to share her real, raw, and riveting story of discovering embezzlement inside her own dental practice—an ordeal that ultimately led to an arrest and sentencing. Walking us through every step from the first unsettling suspicions to the moment justice was served, Stacey offers a cautionary tale every practice owner needs to hear. She’s joined by embezzlement expert David Harris, whose investigative work helped uncover the truth. Together, they reveal how embezzlement happens, the red flags most dentists miss, and what every practice must do to stay protected. This is an episode you won’t just want to listen to—you’ll want to take notes.

In this refreshingly real and fun episode of Dentistry Unmasked, Gina Livy joins us to break down what sustainable wellness actually looks like—no extremes, no toxic positivity, and definitely no spiraling. We dive into the everyday habits that support long-term health and career longevity, from how we eat and move to how we think and talk to ourselves. Gina shares her signature blend of honesty, humor, and science-backed strategy to help you stay on a healthy trajectory without feeling deprived or overwhelmed. If you're ready for a wellness conversation that feels doable, empowering, and a little bit sassy, you won’t want to miss this one.

How you ever wondered what the top 1% producers in dentistry know that others miss? Is it really their clinical skills? Or is it something more? Join Pam, David and Dr. Mark Hyman as they dive into how true peak performers build bigger and better relationships for the win.

Moving teeth can be tricky—especially those lateral incisors and stubborn second molars —and in clear aligner therapy, we can’t let them have the last word! This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Dr. Farah Kar as she spills the tea on proper ortho diagnosis, virtual case planning, and flawless execution. Did you know your virtual plan should never look like a perfect occlusal setup? Dr. Kar explains why—and shares other key considerations to level up your aligner outcomes. Don’t miss these pearls from one of the best in orthodontics!