Calcium silicate–based (bioceramic) sealers have transformed modern endodontics, promising bioactivity, improved healing, and simplified obturation techniques. But does increased bioactivity come at the expense of long-term stability?

In this EndosKool talking-head discussion, Dr. Ali Nasseh reviews and reflects on a recent paper by Dr. Marco Versiani examining the paradox of calcium silicate sealers — where the very properties that promote biological interaction may also undermine dimensional stability over time.

Drawing on decades of clinical experience, including early work introducing hydraulic condensation and simplified obturation techniques, Dr. Nasseh explores why more bioactivity is not always better, how variability in bioceramic formulations affects outcomes, and why criticism of modern materials must always be made in comparison to historical alternatives like ZOE and epoxy sealers.

This video offers a measured, non-commercial, clinically grounded perspective on:
• Bioactivity vs sealing stability
• The limits of in-vitro testing
• Why not all “bioceramics” behave the same
• The importance of balance over hype in endodontic innovation

Sometimes in medicine, “good enough” is not settling — it’s wisdom.

Tags:
bioceramic sealer
calcium silicate sealer
endodontic obturation
hydraulic condensation
single cone technique
bioactive sealers
root canal sealer stability
endodontics education
EndosKool
Allen Ali Nasseh
Marco Versiani
bioceramics dentistry

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After stepping away from clinical dentistry, I thought retirement would stick.
It didn’t.

In this video, I explain why I’m coming out of retirement—and why I’m returning to what I love most: endodontic education, innovation, and saving teeth.

Over the past year, I explored philosophy, economics, politics, and consciousness on other platforms. It was meaningful. But nothing has ever been as fulfilling as teaching endodontics, mentoring clinicians, simplifying workflows, and helping patients keep their natural teeth.

That’s why I’m back.

I’m re-entering clinical practice part-time, continuing to teach at the Harvard postdoctoral endodontic program, and launching a new independent education and innovation hub called EndosKool – School of Endodontics.

What is EndosKool?

EndosKool is built around a simple idea:
👉 Endodontics should be predictable, efficient, practical—and accessible.

This platform is for:
• General dentists
• Endodontic residents
• Practicing endodontists
• Anyone tired of overly complex, expensive gadgets pushed by the dental industrial complex

The solution to better endodontics is rarely another expensive device.
More often, it’s better understanding, better technique, and better use of the tools we already have.

With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, 28,000+ cases, decades of teaching, and product development experience with industry, I’m returning with a mission:
• Simplify endodontics
• Improve outcomes
• Reduce unnecessary cost
• Keep care patient-centered

This next chapter is about education, innovation, and honesty—and about reminding everyone that endo is cool.

If you’re glad to see me back, let me know in the comments.
And if you care about saving teeth, simplifying endodontics, and building a smarter future for our profession—welcome to EndosKool.

👉 Subscribe for upcoming videos, workflows, techniques, and innovation.
🎓 Let’s build this community together.
🦷 Until next time—let’s save some teeth.

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In Episode 11 of The Pulp Podcast, Dr. Allen Ali Nasseh is joined by co-hosts Dr. Anne Koch, Dr. Parsa Shahidi, and D2 dental student Dr. Roene Nasr for an in-depth conversation with Dean William Giannobile of Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

We recap the HSDM Global Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry, including what stood out from global attendance, student research, hands-on workshops, and the symposium’s three major focus areas: clinical AI, AI in dental education, and regulation/bioethics. The discussion expands beyond dentistry into big-picture questions: how to create ethical guardrails, how dentistry avoids being left behind, how AI changes education through tutoring/avatars, what happens to dental office workflows, and what “ground truth” benchmarks could look like for AI tools.

If you’re a dentist, student, educator, or just trying to understand where AI is headed—this episode is a practical, high-level roadmap for thinking clearly about AI’s promise and its risks.

Guests/Hosts: Dean William Giannobile • Dr. Allen Ali Nasseh • Dr. Anne Koch • Dr. Parsa Shahidi • Dr. Roene Nasr

⸻

Timestamp chapters (copy/paste)

00:00 AI distrust, guardrails, and why this moment feels “bigger than the web”
02:04 Welcome to The Pulp Podcast + introducing Dean Giannobile
03:14 Inside the HSDM Global AI Symposium: turnout, energy, and global participation
04:36 How the symposium was designed: macro AI + dentistry-specific focus
05:22 Keynotes, student research, workshops—and the 3 focus tracks
06:53 The core concern: regulation, bioethics, and accountability (“autopilot” analogy)
09:45 Student perspective: research, global posters, hands-on learning (Roene)
11:33 Balancing excitement with caution across generations
13:35 “Don’t fall asleep at the wheel”: adopting AI without surrendering responsibility
15:29 Deepfakes, polling, and guardrails for society-wide risk
16:42 FDA, computer vision radiology, and the risk of cognitive deskilling
18:01 Dental offices and AI: what changes in 2–3 years?
19:10 Exponential change + how fast the landscape has shifted since the first symposium
20:14 Avatars and deepfake realism: the “monitor what AI produces” lesson
25:16 AI tutoring and supplemental learning: where education is heading
26:09 Preclinical assessment example: AI feedback on cavity preparations
27:17 Cybersecurity, bad actors, and protecting IP in the AI era
29:34 Who’s paying for this? investment, data centers, and the economics behind AI
35:42 Harvard’s “AI sandbox”: safer institutional tools for students
37:28 AI literacy for dentists + the idea of a Chief AI Officer
39:30 Benchmarking “ground truth”: how clinicians evaluate AI claims
41:54 Integrating AI into the curriculum: practical challenges and strategy
49:00 Cross-school partnerships: HBS, engineering, industry, and patient engagement
50:40 Access to care + reducing disparities with AI
51:35 Reality check: AI radiograph misread example and overconfidence risk
55:53 Why specialists still matter: curated data, rubrics, and domain limits
57:15 Tech predictions vs reality: a stem-cell analogy and humility about timelines
58:31 Closing recap + what comes next

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I had the privilege of attending and documenting the 2nd International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry, held right here at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. This sold-out event brought together clinicians, researchers, innovators, and industry leaders—united by a shared mission to prepare for what is inevitably coming: the profound impact of AI across every corner of healthcare and dentistry.

A special thank you to Dean William Giannobile for his leadership and vision in supporting this symposium and in positioning HSDM at the forefront of digital innovation. And thank you to all the speakers, attendees, and organizers who filled the conference with energy, insight, and a true spirit of collaboration.

This symposium wasn’t just a learning experience—it was a chance to network, exchange ideas, and help shape the future of AI in our field.

We also officially launched the AI Student Society in Healthcare at HSDM—a new initiative dedicated to educating and empowering students, residents, and faculty to understand and responsibly integrate AI into clinical practice.

If you are a student or faculty member at another dental school and would like to become part of a growing network of institutions exploring AI in dentistry, please reach out. We’d love to collaborate and build a nationwide learning community.

Here is a short 2.5-minute highlight video capturing the energy and vision of the symposium.

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This episode of The Pulp Podcast goes deep on how to get into dental school—from building a standout application to crushing the interview. Hosts Dr. Anne Koch and Dr. Parsa Shahidi sit down with Roene Nasr (D2) and Heidi Shen (D3) from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine to share actionable strategies for pre-dental students and applicants.

You’ll learn how to define your “why,” balance GPA vs. DAT, choose meaningful research/leadership/shadowing, and network your way to the right mentors and programs. We also unpack interview day do’s and don’ts (fit, honesty, coachability, culture add), what schools really look for beyond stats, and how traits like resilience, composure, empathy, and teamwork translate to success in dentistry and endodontics. Plus: study efficiency (active recall, AI tools, social media detox), women in dentistry, and picking programs that match your goals.

If you’re aiming for dental school—or curious about endo residency—this candid conversation will help you get in and thrive.

0:00 — Welcome to The Pulp Podcast: Talking All Things Dentistry

Dr. Nasseh and Dr. Shahidi introduce co-host Dr. Anne Koch and set the tone for an inspiring conversation focused on student life, admissions, and the journey to dental school and beyond.

3:03 — Meet Roene Nasr (D2) and Heidi Shen (D3): Harvard Dental Students

Our guests introduce themselves — where they’re from, their educational journeys, and what inspired them to study dentistry at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

5:21 — The Big Question: How Do You Get Into Dental School?

Roene shares why passion and authenticity matter more than following a “formula.” Her advice: do what brings joy and purpose — not just what looks good on an application.

7:10 — Finding Your Calling: How Students Discover Dentistry

Heidi recounts her path to dentistry through early service trips, showing how meaningful connections and helping others can ignite a lifelong career purpose.

10:01 — Then & Now: Dr. Koch Reflects on 1970s Dental School Admissions

Dr. Koch shares how the field has evolved from male-dominated classes and chalk carving exams to today’s competitive, inclusive, and purpose-driven dental education culture.

13:19 — Deciding on Dentistry: Passion vs. Rational Choice

Dr. Nasseh explains why passion often follows mastery — and why making a thoughtful, rational choice based on your skills and goals leads to long-term fulfillment.

18:00 — What Makes a Great Dentist? Empathy, Resilience & Teamwork

The group breaks down the essential traits of a great dentist: empathy, composure, quick thinking, and the ability to work well under pressure — and with people.

20:56 — Manual Dexterity vs. Mindset: What Really Matters

A lively discussion on whether hand skills or attitude matter more. Spoiler: resilience, grit, and practice outweigh “born” dexterity every time.

27:14 — Mastering the Dental School Interview: Confidence, Calm & Connection

Dr. Koch, Roene, and Heidi share how to approach interviews — from being genuine and prepared to handling tough questions with authenticity and grace.

30:49 — The Interview Mindset: Personality Over Perfection

Heidi reframes interviews as personality checks — emphasizing likability, curiosity, and how well you fit into the school’s culture and community.

37:12 — Insider Tips: What Admissions Committees Really Notice

Dr. Nasseh and Dr. Koch reveal how interviewers think — from reading (or not reading!) your CV to assessing honesty, teamwork, and fit within the program’s culture.

46:44 — The Intangibles: Honesty, Curiosity & Growth Mindset

Why honesty beats over-selling yourself — and how adaptability, openness, and humility stand out more than perfect stats or overconfidence.

52:07 — Choosing the Right Residency Program: Culture, Fit & Leadership

The panel discusses how to evaluate residency programs based on leadership, mentorship, and alignment with your goals — not just reputation.

58:13 — Studying Smarter: Focus, Technology & the New Generation

Heidi talks about deleting social media to improve focus, while Roene describes how she uses AI, active recall, and multitasking strategies to study efficiently.

1:06:05 — Generational Shifts: From Chalk Carving to AI & Creativity

Dr. Koch reflects on how technology, innovation, and changing work-life balance have transformed dentistry — and why hands-on skills and creativity still matter most.

1:09:04 — Lightning Round: Key Steps to Get Into Dental School & Endo Residency

Rapid-fire advice from all guests — knowing your “why,” building leadership and research experience, networking, mastering interviews, and staying authentic.

1:18:22 — Closing Wisdom: Dentistry’s Bright Future & Women in Endodontics

Dr. Koch highlights why endodontics offers flexibility, creativity, and purpose — especially empowering for women in healthcare. The hosts wrap with gratitude and inspiration.

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Harvard School of Dental Medicine Dean William Giannobile joins Dr. Allen Ali Nasseh, Dr. Anne Koch, and Dr. Parsa Shahidi on the Pulp Podcast to talk precision dentistry, the oral–systemic connection, AI in dental education and practice, preserving the dentition vs implants, prevention, access to care, and training the next generation of leaders.

Highlights
• Why preserving the dentition should be dentistry’s north star
• Precision medicine in dentistry: genetics, salivary diagnostics, imaging, AI/ML
• Peri-implantitis and when implants are (and aren’t) the answer
• Digital dentistry, teledentistry, and tackling dental deserts
• Oral–gut microbiome, diet, sugar-sweetened beverages & public health
• Education costs, DSOs, workforce shortages, and measuring school success
• The AI in Dentistry Symposium at Harvard (Nov 14–15): Zak Kohane, Karim Lakhani, Jim Weinstein

TAGS/Keywords: Dean William Giannobile, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Pulp Podcast, precision dentistry, precision medicine, salivary diagnostics, digital dentistry, AI in dentistry, NEJM AI, Zak Kohane, Karim Lakhani, Jim Weinstein, peri-implantitis, dental implants, save teeth, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral–systemic health, oral microbiome, gut microbiome, teledentistry, dental deserts, preventive dentistry, dental education, ADEA, DAT, DSO, practice management, dental hygiene, access to care, sugar-sweetened beverages, public health, epigenetics

Hashtags: #PulpPodcast #HarvardDental #PrecisionDentistry #AIinDentistry #SaveTeeth

0:00 – Intro & Welcome to Pulp Podcast
2:36 – Introducing Dean William Giannobile
3:30 – Harvard Connections: Classmates & Mentors
4:15 – Where Do You Get Your Energy?
5:20 – Harvard Culture & Atmosphere
5:41 – What Harvard Looks for in Applicants
7:02 – Community Service, Leadership & Empathy
9:13 – Core Values: Compassion in Dentistry
10:17 – Harvard’s History & Responsibility in Dentistry
12:03 – Training Global Leaders & Innovators
14:02 – Interdisciplinary Learning at Harvard
15:16 – Dentistry in 2065? Education, AI & Disruption
20:42 – What is Precision Medicine?
22:14 – Beyond Averages: Individualized Care
25:09 – The Future Role of Dental Auxiliaries
27:07 – Preserving the Dentition vs. Implants
29:37 – The John Gotti Implant Story
31:25 – Innovations in Restorative & Orthodontics
33:35 – Policy, Incentives & Saving Teeth
34:46 – The Importance of Preventive Dentistry
37:45 – Public Health & Global Access to Care
40:00 – Caries: The Most Preventable Disease
41:03 – Sugar, Policy & Public Education
44:21 – Innovation & Access to Care Solutions
46:04 – The Oral–Gut Microbiome Connection
47:18 – Antibiotics, Epigenetics & Obesity
51:09 – Measuring Success in Dental Education
54:01 – Gender Balance & Dentistry’s Future
57:12 – DSOs & the Future of Dental Practice
1:00:42 – Cost of Education & Loan Debt
1:03:30 – Paths in Dentistry: Clinical, Academic, Innovation
1:05:34 – The Reward of Community Outreach
1:06:39 – Faculty–Student Relationships at Harvard
1:08:04 – The Upcoming AI in Dentistry Symposium
1:11:16 – Closing Thoughts & Future Episodes

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In Episode 8 of the Pulp Podcast, Drs. Allen Ali Nasseh, Anne Koch, and Parsa Shahidi sit down with Dr. Ashraf Fouad—a leading endodontist, researcher, and educator—to explore the future of endodontics.

This deep-dive covers everything from defining treatment outcomes and the role of systemic health (like diabetes) in root canal success, to innovations such as CBCT, dental MRI, robotics, biologics, and vital pulp therapy.

🔑 Key topics discussed:
00:00 Intro Highlights
02:00 Dr. Fouad’s career & contributions to endodontics
06:00 Challenges facing the field (education, standards, patient outcomes)
19:00 Diabetes, statins, systemic health & root canal healing
30:00 Vital pulp therapy, dentin regeneration & future biologics
40:00 Trauma, pulp canal obliteration & IADT guidelines
58:00 CBCT, MRI, robotics & innovations in endodontics
1:04:00 Barriers to success and improving healing outcomes
1:23:00 Misconceptions about endodontics & overuse of antibiotics

👉 Subscribe to the Pulp Podcast for expert conversations bridging dentistry, science, and innovation.

📌 Guests & Hosts:
• Guest: Dr. Ashraf Fouad (University of Alabama at Birmingham, Endodontics Chair)
• Host: Dr. Allen Ali Nasseh
• Host: Dr. Anne Koch
• Host: Dr. Parsa Shahidi

#Endodontics #RootCanal #PulpBiology #DentalMRI #CBCT #VitalPulpTherapy #DentalResearch #AAE #EvidenceBasedDentistry #DentalPodcast

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In Episode 7 of the Pulp Podcast, Drs. Allen Ali Nasseh, Anne Koch, and Parsa Shahidi dive deep into building wealth and achieving financial freedom as a dentist or specialist. From saving 50% of your income to smart investing strategies, practice efficiency, and the pros and cons of DSOs versus private practice, this episode offers real-world advice for dentists at every stage of their career.

We explore:
• How living below your means can accelerate early retirement.
• The difference between trading vs. investing (and why most should choose the latter).
• Diversification strategies for long-term stability.
• Why patient experience and communication skills are as valuable as clinical expertise.
• Corporate dentistry vs. private ownership — and how to choose your career path.
• Practical tips to increase practice efficiency, build strong referral networks, and work with medical specialists like ENTs.

Whether you’re a dental student, new graduate, associate, or practice owner, this episode will give you the mindset and actionable tools to grow your wealth, scale your career, and define your own version of success.

📌 Subscribe for more dentistry, practice management, and financial freedom discussions.

#dentistry #wealth building, #dental finance tips, dental practice growth, dental investing strategies, dental student financial advice, DSO vs private practice, endodontist career advice, dental practice efficiency, dental referrals, ENT and dentistry collaboration, living below your means dentist, how to retire early as a dentist, dental career growth, financial planning for dentists, dental practice management podcast

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