Newly Erupted

Hosted by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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May 2026

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About the show

Are you a pediatric dental resident or an early career pediatric dentist? If you feel like you’re an expert on clinical topics, but want to know more about the ins and outs on how to start in the profession, Newly Erupted is the podcast for you! Join host, Dr. Joel Berg, in AAPD’s newest podcast and learn about topics such as loan repayment, negotiations/contracts, disability insurance, dental student debt options, differing career path perspectives, advocacy and more. Each topic & guest will be decided by a group of residents, so you can be sure the episodes are relevant to you and your career path. Join us every fourth Tuesday for a new episode! For more information on AAPD and other AAPD Podcasts visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website at AAPD.org ]]>

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May 28, 202620 min

Protecting an Individualized Approach to Behavior Management

Dr. Sara Werb joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a deep dive into behavior management. The duo discusses the importance of maintaining an individualized approach to behavior management. A former teacher, Dr. Werb shares tools she’s applied to create a “curriculum” for her patients, not only educating them on oral health but also to be more comfortable in the chair. Dr. Werb also shares what she’s learned from her more recent move into lecturing, which she credits with building her community within organized dentistry.      Guest Bio:  Dr. Sara Werb was born and raised in Toronto. She completed an Honors bachelor’s in science at the University of Toronto and received her master’s in education from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. There, she conducted research in creating a high school program that allowed female students to excel in STEM. During her Master’s, she won a bet and had her dental school application to the University of Toronto paid for. She completed a pediatric dental residency at Jacobi Medical Center where she received extensive training in various behavior management techniques along with training in the treatment of special needs patients, pediatric medicine rotation, pediatric emergency room, and anesthesia.  Upon completing her residency Sara moved back to Toronto to work at various dental offices, while building her own practice WERBDentistry. In 2021 she sold her practice to Altima Dental/123 Dentist.    Dr. Sara has served on staff at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, as a clinical instructor at the Faculty of Dentistry in Toronto and as assistant professor at the University of Western Ontario. She is also on staff at Mount Sinai Hospital, both teaching and supervising dental residents.  She is a Key-Opinion Leader for NuSmile, travelling across North America teaching other dentists advanced techniques in Pediatric Dentistry   She has lectured at various dental conferences, volunteered with the Ontario Dental Association, and frequently visits classrooms and daycares to teach oral health. Dr. Werb is the outgoing President of the Ontario Society of Pediatric Dentists and on the Finance Committee for the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry     Dr. Werb has published research on dental education, and on the link of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Enamel Anomalies. In her spare time, Dr. Werb takes ballet classes, travels, builds Lego and experiments with cooking new recipes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 30, 202620 min

Residency Programs: Finding the Right Fit

Dr. Joel Berg is joined once again by Dr. Scott Schwartz, this time to tackle how candidates can best prepare for the Residency application process. Dr. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of considering the “obvious questions,” like which type of program is the best fit for your future professional aspirations and learning style. He shares ways that candidates can put their best foot forward, including a letter of recommendation from a mentor in the specialty or a unique personal experience statement that demonstrates who you are as a professional and team member – even if it’s outside the sphere of dentistry. Success is often found in the commonly overlooked details.    Guest Bio:  Scott B. Schwartz, DDS, MPH, is an Associate Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, where he also serves as Director of the Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry training program. After graduating from the University of Illinois – Chicago College of Dentistry, he completed a General Practice Residency at The Ohio State University. Continuing his journey to the Southeast, he obtained a certificate in pediatric dentistry and a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Professionally, he has a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and has served on related committees with the American Dental Education Association, the Cincinnati Children’s Graduate Medical Education DEI subcommittee, and written extensively about the topic in both editorial and research publications. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

March 26, 202621 min

Identifying Oral Lesions

Dr. Kathleen Schultz returns to Newly Erupted for a conversation on identifying oral lesions. Dr. Schultz shares her systematic approach with host Dr. Joel Berg, delving into how the consistency lessens the potential for missing something during an oral examination. She details the various presentations of lesions and ways practitioners can discuss the exam and any potential diagnoses with patients and families.  Guest Bio:  Dr. Kathleen Schultz received her dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She completed a residency in oral and maxillofacial pathology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and a residency in pediatric dental medicine at Cohen Children’s Medical Center where she served as chief resident in both specialties. She is a Fellow and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is currently a full-time attending in oral and maxillofacial pathology and pediatric dentistry at Northwell Health. In addition to managing clinical practices in pediatric dentistry and pediatric oral pathology, she also teaches residents in both disciplines and participates in the surgical pathology service. She is a participant of the Hagedorn Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team at Northwell Health and has a personal interest in the dental management and prosthodontic rehabilitation of infants and children with cleft lip and palate. Her interest is on clinical and radiographic presentations of common and uncommon oral pathology in pediatric patients, notably those with syndromes and complex medical conditions.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

February 26, 202619 min

Charting Your Own Path and Staying Authentic

Pediatric Dentist and Entrepreneur Dr. Tyler Hanks joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion on designing your own brand rooted in authenticity. Dr. Hanks talks about how he has found success leaning into his passions and personality in ways that put patients and parents at ease as soon as they enter his practice. He also delves into the social media side of his practice and the trial and error of finding unique and engaging ways to meet families where they are when they’re looking for expert advice.  Guest Bio:  Dr. Tyler Hanks, DMD, MPH is a board-certified pediatric dentist and the founder of Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Millcreek, Utah. Born and raised in Sandy, Utah, Dr. Hanks has deep roots in the community and a genuine passion for helping children develop lifelong healthy smiles.  Dr. Hanks began his dental journey after graduating from Brighton High School and serving a mission in Nicaragua for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and completed specialized pediatric dental residency training at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.  With over a decade of experience observing pediatric practices, Dr. Hanks believes that a child’s first dental experiences have a lasting impact on their attitudes toward oral health. This philosophy inspired him to create Happy Tooth—an intentionally welcoming, fun, and kid-friendly environment designed to make dental visits enjoyable and comfortable for families.  Dr. Hanks lives with his family in Utah and enjoys spending time with his four sons. Outside the office, he loves cheering on sports teams, playing board games, cruising around Millcreek on his OneWheel, and daydreaming about Lake Powell. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

January 29, 202619 min

The One Barrel Challenge: Supporting the AAPD Foundation

Host Dr. Joel Berg chats with Dr. Elise McCollum about how she turned a family hobby into a way to support community care. Dr. McCollum shares her journey as a dentist with an interest in wine to a full-fledged vineyard owner, and how her two passions have converged to support access to care and the AAPD Foundation.   Guest Bio:  Dr. Elise McCollum earned her DDS degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2020. Following graduation, she completed a General Practice Residency at the VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, OR, where she gained advanced clinical training in comprehensive care for medically complex patients.  After residency, Dr. McCollum worked in an oncology clinic, further deepening her experience in interdisciplinary care and patient-centered treatment with oncology patients. In 2022, she relocated to Louisiana, where she joined the faculty at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. While she valued teaching, her passion for hands-on patient care led her back to the clinic, where she began practicing at Children’s Hospital New Orleans.  Following the birth of her daughter, Dr. McCollum became a dentist for Thrive Kids, The New Orleans Children’s Hospital affiliated nonprofit dedicated to improving access to medical and dental care for underserved pediatric populations. In this role, she provided preventive care while also engaging in education and outreach initiatives focused on early oral health.  Dr. McCollum recently moved to Washington, DC, and is currently in the process of obtaining dental licensure in both Washington, DC and Maryland. She is the mother of two young children, ages four and two, and remains deeply committed to pediatric care, education, and advocacy for improved access to oral health services. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

December 25, 202521 min

Transitioning to Academia

Dr. John Liu joins Newly Erupted to share what he’s learned from making the transition from private practitioner to academician, including how his residents help him learn daily. Dr. Liu and good friend and host Dr. Joel Berg discuss what factors impacted Dr. Liu’s shift to teaching, including desire for a new work/life structure and a readiness to give back to the profession, and how impressed he is with the future of pediatric dentistry. Guest Bio: Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Dr. John Liu spent his childhood in Southern California. He graduated from Loma Linda University in La Sierra, California, with a BS degree in Biology. Dr. Liu went on to also receive his DDS degree from Loma Linda University’s School of Dentistry and was accepted into the pediatric dental residency program at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. After 30 years of private practice in Issaquah, WA, Dr. Liu recently returned to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center as an assistant professor with a faculty appointment through the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine within the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at CCHMC. While training future pediatric dentists, a primary focus of his work will be providing support to residents transitioning into the world of private practice and all it entails. Within AAPD, Dr. Liu has held a range of positions over the past decade, including as Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer, President-Elect, and 2010-2011 President. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, served as president of the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, chaired the Washington State Oral Health Coalition, and served on the boards of the Seattle Children’s Museum and the Washington Dental Service Foundation. Nominated by his peers, Dr. Liu was inducted into the American College of Dentists in 1999, the Pierre Fauchard Academy in 2007, and the International College of Dentists in 2009. In 2013, Dr. Liu was honored as the AAPD Pediatric Dentist of the Year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

November 27, 202520 min

Connecting the Global Pediatric Dentistry Community

Dr. Anne O’Connell joins Newly Erupted for a conversation focused on dental trauma education within the global community. She shares her unique perspective as a European clinician who received American training, underscoring the importance of being adaptable as the global ideology and resources evolve. As a leading voice in this area and an editor of the recently released 6th Edition Handbook of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. O’Connell emphasizes the need for continued available professional resources for pediatric dentists worldwide, particularly relating to pediatric dental trauma. Guest Bio: Anne O’Connell is currently the Professor/ Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. She is a Board-certified Pediatric Dentist and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and a Fellow of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Anne trained as a Paediatric dentist at the Eastman Dental Center, New York with a further degree in Cariology from the University of Rochester, New York, USA. She continued as a faculty member in USA at Eastman Dental Center, the University of Maryland and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, USA. Anne returned to Ireland in 2000 as Head of Paediatric Dentistry, Trinity College Dublin and established a 3-year full time specialty training program as well as a Trauma clinic. She also ran a private practice until 2022 and maintains clinical duties at the Children’s Hospital and the University. Anne has completed 2 terms as President of the International Association of Dental Traumatology and remains active on the Board. She has continued to be involved with AAPD as International Consultant on the Scientific Committee as well as on the Editorial Board. Anne also is active within the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry, where she was a Board member and Honorary Editor and currently serves on the Education Committee. Her areas of interest include cariology, traumatic oral injuries, infant oral health and developmental defects of the dentition, and she is a renowned speaker and actively publishes on these topics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

October 30, 202517 min

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Tips for the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Application Process

Dr. Scott Schwartz joins Newly Erupted to speak directly to the prospective pediatric dentists going through the residency application process. Dr. Schwartz shares his experience and perspective as a program director, along with best practices for putting your best foot forward as a candidate. He emphasizes the importance of preparedness and an understanding that the interview is mutual – consider if this is the best program or location for you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone going through – or even considering – a pediatric dentistry residency program. Guest Bio: Scott B. Schwartz, DDS, MPH, is an Associate Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, where he also serves as Director of the Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry training program. After graduating from the University of Illinois – Chicago College of Dentistry, he completed a General Practice Residency at The Ohio State University. Continuing his journey to the Southeast, he obtained a certificate in pediatric dentistry and a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Professionally, he has a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and has served on related committees with the American Dental Education Association, the Cincinnati Children’s Graduate Medical Education DEI subcommittee, and written extensively about the topic in both editorial and research publications.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

September 25, 202521 min

Doing it All as a Pediatric Dentist

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 pediatric dentist who has practiced dentistry for almost 20 years. Raised along the gulf coast of Florida, she earned a B.S. degree in Developmental Biology from Florida State University and a D.M.D. degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She then completed a residency in pediatric dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is currently in private practice with her husband, Dr. Miles Mazzawi, who is also a pediatric dentist. Their practice, Cherokee Children’s Dentistry, has been serving the needs of children in the greater Atlanta area since 2007. Mazzawi is passionate about working with children and serving as an advocate for all child related issues.  Mazzawi has been heavily involved with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and organized dentistry throughout her career. She served as the president of The College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2018 and has also been a part of several committees and councils for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Currently, she is the chairman of the Scientific Program Committee for the Annual Session. She also serves chairman of the Greater Atlanta Dental Foundation Gala Committee (an event that raises funds to meet the needs of several free/reduced fee clinics in Atlanta), and the secretary for the GA Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.  Mazzawi is excited to serve as a trustee on the board of trustees for the AAPD. She looks forward to working with her colleagues, specifically the federal service membership, to promote for our profession and advance optimal oral health for all children. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 28, 202521 min

The Business of Dentistry

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. Christopher Lugo brings over 20 years of experience as a pediatric dentist, healthcare leader, and strategic business consultant. As CEO of Dynamic Dental Management and owner of Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lugo has built a highly successful network of pediatric dental practices across the Pacific Northwest. Known for his expertise in practice operations, revenue growth, and team development, he has become a sought-after consultant for practices looking to scale efficiently while delivering outstanding patient care. A graduate of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Lugo also holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, combining clinical knowledge with business acumen to navigate the complexities of modern dental practice management. His unique perspective has made him a respected voice in the industry, including his role as an expert defense witness and his current position as a Clinical Professor at UT Houston. Dr. Lugo's work exemplifies a commitment to advancing pediatric dentistry and supporting the next generation of dental professionals. Whether in the classroom, chairside, or boardroom, he remains dedicated to elevating standards in patient care and practice management. Currently based in Houston, Texas, he continues influencing the field through his leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.