logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
36m 27s

Journey From New Dentist to Dental Exper...

Simplify Dentistry
About this episode

In the latest podcast episode featuring Dr. Mike Skramstad, a leader in digital dentistry, listeners are introduced to his unexpected journey into the field following his graduation from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2000. Skramstad shares insights into the evolution of CAD/CAM dentistry and the importance of adequate tooth preparation, advocating for preparation courses for new dentists. Additionally, he discusses cloud-based collaboration tools and various intraoral scanners, emphasizing a scanner-agnostic approach within the SPEAR curriculum. The episode also highlights Skramstad's personal interests, including a recent golf trip, and he concludes with key takeaways centered on focusing on fundamentals and investing in efficient workflows for dental practices.

🎙️ Introduction and Background 

  • Graduated from University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2000
  • Certified advanced digital dentistry trainer
  • Lectured internationally on technology, implantology, and digital dentistry
  • Leader in development of CDOCS educational program
  • Skramstad's journey into dentistry was unplanned
  • Bought first CEREC machine in 2002
  • Focused on digital dentistry throughout career
  • Became educator through online community involvement

🖥️ Digital Dentistry Evolution

  • Discussed evolution of CAD/CAM dentistry materials
  • Emphasized importance of proper tooth preparation
  • Recommended preparation courses for new dentists
  • Explained integration of digital technology in SPEAR education
  • Discussed cloud-based collaboration tools like DS Core and Smile Cloud
  • Highlighted importance of understanding treatment planning fundamentals

🔬 Technology and Education

  • Discussed various intraoral scanners (Prime Scan, 3Shape, ITERO)
  • Mentioned new A Oral Elite scanner with built-in photogrammetry
  • Emphasized scanner-agnostic approach in SPEAR curriculum
  • Talked about personal scanner preferences for clinical use
  • Discussed golf as a personal hobby and recent competitions

⛳ Personal Interests and Closing Thoughts

  • Discussed recent golf trip to Ozarks
  • Mentioned daughter's artwork of Jordan shoes

Provided key takeaway messages:

  • Slow down and focus on fundamentals
  • Don't be afraid to invest in efficient workflows
Up next
Oct 1
The Truth About Dental Growth: Marketing, Front Desk Conversions, and Practice Potential with Gary Bird
Join Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt as they sit down with Gary Bird, founder of SMC National and host of Dental Marketing GOAT. In this no-fluff conversation, Gary breaks down the real barriers that hold dental practices back from growth—from marketing missteps to f ... Show More
27m 56s
Sep 17
The Future of Dentistry: AI, Practice Culture, and Industry Trends with Dr. Pamela Maragliano
Join Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offut as they discuss the evolving landscape of dentistry with Dr. Pamela Maragliano, Chief Editor of Dental Economics. From AI implementation to practice culture and staffing challenges, this episode provides valuable insights into curr ... Show More
41m 58s
Sep 10
Membership plans: DentalHQ, Dr. Brett Wells
In this episode of Simplify Dentistry, host Dr. Richard Offutt sits down with Dr. Brett Wells of Wells Family Dental Group. Brett shares his journey of building a patient-centered, multi-location practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, while balancing growth, leadership, and family ... Show More
37m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
What’s WRONG With Modern Dentistry & How To Fix Your Mouth, Sleep & Oral Microbiome For Good, With Dr. Eniko Loud & The Whole Health Dentistry Team.
In today's episode with Dr. Eniko Loud, Dr. Ghazal Sophia Taghavi, and Catherine Staffeldt, esteemed practitioners in the field of bioesthetic dentistry, you'll get to explore the ins and outs of holistic oral care, from proper brushing and flossing techniques to the integration ... Show More
54m 12s
Feb 2025
256. Ceramic Esthetics, Diastema Closure, Resin Composite - Dr. Jason Smithson
Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com DOT - Use the Code DENTALDIGEST for 10% off Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Connect with Melissa on Linkedin Dr. Jason Smithson, DDS, is a distinguished dentist renowned for his innovative app ... Show More
42m 50s
Feb 2024
1911: Creating a Thriving Dental Business
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes focuses on tackling what he refers to as the "four horsemen" - the major challenges faced in the world of dentistry. He delves into understanding negativity bias and hedonic adaptation, and how these affect our information processing. Emphasizi ... Show More
27m 21s
Aug 21
Fall in Love with Dentistry Again – How to Feel Fulfilled as a Dentist – IC060
Are you living your career by design—or just letting it happen to you? Do you know what your ideal day as a dentist looks like? What about your ideal week? In this episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Andrea Ogden to explore how you can design a career—and a life—in dentistry that feels ... Show More
56m 31s
Jun 2024
226. Rob Stanley, DMD, MS, PhD - New Concepts in Implant Dentistry
Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Connect with Melissa on Linkedin  DOT - Use the Code DENTALDIGEST for 10% off Dr. Robert Stanley has been interested in dentistry since spending hours in his grandfather’s dental office in Chicago as ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 2025
272. Operative Dentistry Hacks [Replay] with Dr. Bob Margeas
Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Dr. Margeas was recently named on the 2024 "32 Most Influential People in Dentistry" by Incisal Edge Magazine. Click here to learn more! Dr. Margeas graduated f ... Show More
28m 23s
Dec 2024
Mid-Career Moves: How to Choose the Path for You
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 de ... Show More
20m 37s
May 2025
269. Restoring Hybrids and Overdentures with Dr. Sable Muntean
Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com Free Class II Masterclass - Click Here to Join Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Dr. Sable A. Muntean, DMD, MHSA Clinician, Educator, Mentor, and Advocate for New Dentists Dr. Sable Muntean is a ... Show More
45m 28s
Jan 2025
Insights with Pearl AI’s CEO on Dental Diagnostics
In this episode of Digital Dentistry Decoded, Dr. Ahmad Al-Hassiny interviews Ophir Tanz, CEO of Pearl AI, about the evolution and impact of artificial intelligence in dentistry. Tanz discusses Pearl's development from its 2015 inception to its current position as a leader in den ... Show More
51m 35s
Jul 2024
2030: Balancing Art, Dentistry, & Community
On today’s episode, we have Dr. Arti Jagirdar, who brings a unique and inspiring story to the podcast. Dr. Jagirdar shares her journey from being encouraged to pursue a medical career to discovering her passion for dentistry through a high school program. Her story takes a creati ... Show More
41m 55s