The Technology Evangelist Podcast Hosted By Dr. John Flucke

Dental career expansion is no longer a distant dream for clinicians feeling stuck, burned out, or underutilized — and Dr. Namrata Upadhyay is building the infrastructure to make it a reality. On this episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, host Dr. John Flucke sits down with the dental surgeon turned MedTech executive to explore how clinicians can bridge the gap between clinical practice and the medical device industry. Brought to you by Medidenta Digital Solutions, this conversation covers Dr. Upadhyay’s remarkable global journey, the founding of FreeDen®, and her AGD PACE-recognized training program designed to empower dentists and hygienists to thrive beyond the operatory.

Dentist coaching is changing lives inside and outside the operatory — and Dr. Alan Stern is living proof. In Episode 39 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Alan Stern, practicing dentist, ACE Certified Health Coach and Behavior Change Specialist, and founder of Better, Richer, Stronger, LLC. After 30 years of struggling in his own practice, Dr. Stern found a path to genuine prosperity by rebuilding everything around his core values — and now he dedicates his work to helping other dentists find that same clarity, purpose, and happiness in a profession he believes is truly terrific.

Digital dentures are transforming how labs and dentists work together — and nobody explains it better than someone who has lived it for over four decades. In Episode 37 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke sits down with Jimmy Stegall, Certified Dental Lab Technician, clinical educator, published author, and 2024 NADL Educator of the Year. With 35 years of growing a major dental lab and hundreds of educational events under his belt, Jimmy brings a unique lab-bench perspective to the rapidly evolving world of digital dentures.

Endocator enables rapid, chairside verification of root canal cleanliness. In Episode 35 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke talks with Dr. Randolph Cross — endodontist, biochemist, former biotech professional, inventor of Endocator, and founder of Endocator Inc.Origin Story: Biochemistry background → biotech industry → UCSF DDS (2011) → endodontic residency (2021). Frustration during residency: no reliable way to confirm disinfection → invented Endocator (ATP-based test).Endocator Explained: Chairside ATP swab detects microbial energy (ATP/ADP/AMP) in 5 seconds. Scale 1–100 (Endo-specific); low scores = clean canal. Sensitive (parts-per-billion); outperforms culture tests (anaerobes die in oxygen).How It Works: Rinse canal with water → agitate → swab sample → insert into device → result in 5 seconds. Cost: ~$7.50/test; device ~$1,900.Clinical Value: Identifies missed canals, cracks, or inadequate protocols. Guides activation (e.g., laser/sonic vs. manual). Reduces failures in complex cases (big lesions, retreats). Objective data for predictable outcomes.Philosophy: Dentistry needs verification beyond “looks clean.” Endocator adds data like perio probes or explorers — no guesswork on disinfection.Dr. Cross’s takeaway: Clean canals = better success. Endocator makes disinfection measurable, reproducible, and patient-safe.Visit vistaapex.com/endocator.com for more information.

Product innovation in dentistry from dentists improves daily workflows. In Episode 33 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke talks with Dr. Paul Moore — Irish dentist, early CBCT/CEREC adopter, CEREC trainer since 2001, and co-founder of DentalOrganiser/Steiriliu (Irish for “sterilise”).Origin Story: UK-born (Walsall), qualified Sheffield 1981; practiced Devon → Galway (20+ years); built award-winning practice (Best Dental Practice/Technology/Marketing Ireland). Now part-time prosthodontics.Tech Early Adopter: First in Europe with i-CAT CBCT; first CEREC practice in Ireland; CEREC trainer 2001. Digital transformed communication, prep, and case acceptance.Product Journey: Solved block inventory chaos → developed silicon Butler line (BurButler, BlockButler, LaminateButler, VisionButler reusable lip retractor). Focus: autoclavable, color-coded, efficient organization; reduces waste, cross-infection, and costs.Innovation Process: Concept → prototypes (silicone molding + scanning) → professional designer → regulatory/testing → small distributors → global reach (e.g., A-dec Worldwide in the US).Philosophy: Simple ideas solve big problems (e.g., flexible, visible storage; comfortable retractors). Prioritize comfort, cost savings, and environmental impact; family support is essential.Dr. Moore’s takeaway: Dentists spot inefficiencies best — turn ideas into practical tools that save time, money, and improve care.Visit steiriliu.com or dentalorganiser.com.

Digital dentistry and in-office workflows are transforming practices. In Episode 31 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke talks with Dr. Chad Duplantis, Fort Worth general dentist, key opinion leader, co-founder of Dentists IN the Know (DINK), and passionate advocate for efficient, patient-centered tech.

Dental tech adoption and oral-systemic health take center stage. In Episode 2 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke reconnects with Dr. Ed Zuckerberg 1978 NYU grad, 35-year practitioner, early tech pioneer (first office PC 1986, broadband 1996), and father of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

SmartChair.AI uses sensors to track real-time chair occupancy, unlocking productivity insights. In Episode 27 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke talks with Dr. Khamir Patel, practicing dentist, implant enthusiast, and founder of SmartChair.AI.

Dental brand growth requires authentic storytelling beyond features. In Episode 25 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke welcomes Mark Ross and Mike Ventriello — co-founders of Personify Group with 60+ combined years in dental marketing (Nobel Biocare, iTero, more).

3D printing in dentistry has transformed labs from wax-ups and lost-wax casting to instant digital workflows. In Episode 23 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke talks with Kim Solomon, Director of Business Development at Pac-Dent with 40+ years spanning dental tech, sales leadership at Nobel Biocare, iTero, and more.

AI in dentistry is no longer just radiographs — it’s transforming prosthetics and practice efficiency. In Episode 21 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke sits down with his longtime friend Dr. Pamela Maragliano, board-certified prosthodontist, Chief Editor of Dental Economics, co-host of Dentistry Unmasked, and private practitioner in Salem, MA

AI in dentistry is moving from spell-check to a full operating system. In Episode 19 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Bernard Casse — physicist, former Xerox PARC innovator, defense-tech builder, and now CEO of Trust AI — to discuss why dentistry is finally getting the intelligent infrastructure it has desperately needed.

Dental Cybersecurity is more critical than ever for modern practices. In Episode 17 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, host Dr. John Flucke sits down with Tasha Dickinson, MBA, Founder and Chief Technologist at Siligent. As a cybersecurity expert specializing in IT for dentists, Tasha draws from her engineering background at Dartmouth, product management in hardware, and personal ties to dentistry—married to a third-generation dentist with three kids in Northern Vermont.