Dental Soundbytes: Recent Episodes
CMDA
CMDA's Dental Ministries is dedicated to encouraging and supporting dentists in living out their Christian faith in their professional and personal lives. We are an outreach that encourages and supports dental professionals and students as they strive to integrate their Christian faith into all aspects of their lives, while providing opportunities for training and equipping.
by Christian Medical & Dental Associations®
Dr. David Ciesla has found joy in responding to the Lord’s call into academic dentistry, and the fruit has stretched all the way to Uganda! As a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma, he created a pediatric dental residency program at OU School of Dentistry and is working to duplicate his efforts in Kampala, Uganda.
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by Christian Medical & Dental Associations®
Dr. Bill Claytor, recipient of the American Dental Association’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award, speaks on the critical topics of perfectionism, isolation and burnout in dentistry.
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by Christian Medical & Dental Associations®
Longtime CMDA members Dr. William Kane and Dr. T. Bob Davis were recently honored by the two most prominent US dental organizations, the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry with their respective humanitarian awards in 2025. Out of over 200,000 active dentists in the US, it’s truly amazing that both of these award winners are a part of our CDA membership. Their common goal is to honor Christ through the dental profession, and the Lord has greatly blessed their efforts in multiple areas of personal and professional ministry.
by Christian Medical & Dental Associations®
Dr. Mark Topazian joins host Dr. Bill Griffin and co-host Dr. Mike Chupp for a conversation on finding joy, faith, and fulfillment in medicine. A world-class gastroenterologist who has taught and practiced at Yale University and the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Topazian now serves with his wife, Janet, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as missionaries with SIM. Drawing from his new book, Healing Purpose: Finding Satisfaction in a Healthcare Career, Dr. Topazian explores what happens when our calling to help others meets the realities of exhaustion and spiritual fatigue, and how God’s presence transforms even the hardest days of clinical work. Through stories from academic medicine and mission service, he reveals how faith and science form one unified story of healing, and how practicing whole-person care renews both the patient and the provider. Whether you’re a student, a practitioner, or a weary soul in need of renewal, this episode will remind you that your daily work is sacred and filled with purpose.
by Christian Medical & Dental Associations®
Dr. Andre Mickel joins Dr. Mike Chupp and Dr. Bill Griffin for a conversation about what it means to boldly follow Jesus in one of the most secular corners of healthcare: academia.
What inspires Christian dental professionals to see dentistry as a means to the greater end of proclaiming Christ, and how can this be accomplished faithfully and powerfully? Hear from four dental professionals who recognize the transformative power of the Gospel, both for themselves and for those they serve.
Dr. Warren Rich reluctantly answered the call to dental missionary service in Kenya, and the Lord rewarded him with 25 years of joy-filled memories. Enjoy this recording of our first plenary session from the 2025 Great Commission Dental Conference, including the introduction given by his daughter, Elise.
Dr. Herb Gorin and dental student, Nick Greene, had a blast learning from each other and serving the dentally needy in Rwanda on a recent Global Health Outreach mission trip. The nineteen-person team treated over 2,100 patients during the five days of treatment. It was a tremendous week on several levels – clinically, spiritually, and interpersonally. Their story illustrates how God can use healthcare professionals at any stage of their careers.
It’s never too late to pursue your dreams as illustrated by Dr. Amber Thomas’ recent graduation from dental school. She had about 10 years on her classmates along with a husband and three children, yet she still found time to be an active member and officer in her CMDA student group. What she discovered was that her dream was God’s calling, and His grace was sufficient to see her through.
Few of us in dentistry would have seen dental anatomy as our favorite course in dental school, but Dr. Samer Zaky has discovered an inherent fascination with the wonders of God’s dental creativity. God’s exquisite design of teeth cannot be matched by even our best restorative materials and techniques. For this reason, preservation of natural tooth structure should be our highest clinical goal as dental professionals.
Dr. Katie Musser, a 2019 graduate of CMDA’s Dental Residency [+] program, is now highly committed to giving other graduates the same opportunity to treat patients with both clinical and spiritual excellence in the U.S. and abroad.
Dr. Bill Griffin and Dr. Mike Chupp sit down to have a conversation with well-known financial advisor and author David Bahnsen to talk about his new book, Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life.
Dr. Robert Zimmerman’s five decades in dentistry have been driven by a profound zeal to address dental needs through the skills that God has given him. Whether treating missionaries in his practice, starting a local clinic for the underserved, or providing care and teaching internationally, his efforts were fueled by the love of Christ.
Dr. Kevin Aduddell strives to provide top-notch dentistry for his patients in Plano, TX. But he doesn’t stop there.His ultimate desire is to communicate the love of Christ through the care he provides. His zeal for the Gospel also inspires him to care for the dentally underserved at a local Christian clinic. Be challenged and encouraged by Dr. Aduddell’s efforts to integrate spiritual care in his private practice.
The Lord has used Dr. Van Haywood to spark a tooth-whitening revolution in the dental profession, and for three decades he has been pouring into the lives of dentists and dental students. Van’s story goes well beyond the world of academia, which has become his platform to communicate the glory of Christ. This podcast was previously released throughout CMDA as a CMDA Matters episode.
Dr. Walt Larimore is hosted by Dr. Bill Griffin and Dr. Mike Chupp in this podcast, which was previously released as a CMDA Matters episode. Dr. Larimore has been a pioneer for spiritual interventions in healthcare since 1995, when he co-led (along with Pastor Bill Peel) the Saline Solution resource. Hear how this first resource came about and how Christians in healthcare can best address their patients’ spiritual needs.
Dr. William “Bill” Sasser has enjoyed a long career as a dental missionary and has introduced many others to the excitement and blessings of short-term international mission trips. He established a dental clinic for the underserved in Charleston, SC. Additionally, he and his wife Susalee are heavily invested in the lives of dental students at the Medical University of South Carolina. The love of Christ has compelled him to serve in these and many other ways, both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Joe Bolil has had more than his share of physical challenges over the past few years, yet he continues to serve as an enthusiastic faculty member at Creighton School of Dentistry. Hear how the power of Christ has enabled faithfulness, despite the suffering he has endured.
Author and social critic Os Guinness talks about his latest book called Signals of Transcendence.
Dr. Bill Griffin shares about the exciting opportunities for dentists to use their skills on GHO mission trips.GHO Trip Calendar: https://gho.servicereef.com/events?sort=upcoming
Providing dental treatment can be a physically tedious pursuit, often leading the dental team into strenuous positions that can compromise the health of our necks, backs, wrists, etc. Dr. Matthew Mattox, a physical therapist, was able to achieve great success in treating his wife Krystal’s ergonomic issues, enabling him to collect a wealth of information that he now provides for other dental personnel. This podcast can put us all in better position for long-term clinical careers.
Dr. Thomas Lee established a successful practice in Southern California, then the Lord used a short-term mission trip to refocus his attention on the great dental needs of Rwanda.
For the past three years Dr. Caren Abraham has been working to establish the first dental clinic in a region of Kenya that is home to 350,000 people. Hear how the Lord is greatly blessing her efforts as the Gospel goes forth through the dentistry she provides.
Rather than jumping into retirement, Dr. John Ward chose to follow his private practice days with a faculty position in Cajun country at LSU School of Dentistry. Dr. Ward also serves as Campus Advisor for CMDA’s student group at LSU. His vast clinical experience over the years is now contributing to the development of the next generation of dentists and he's having a blast in the process.
About a decade ago, Dr. Mark Brunner was diagnosed with a benign inoperable brain tumor. The physical and mental challenges he faced were overwhelming, but the result has been a closer, deeper walk with his Savior, and also with his wife Stephanie.
Dr. Katie Musser talks about how God is working to create disciples in dentistry through CMDA’s Dental Residency [+] program in Memphis, Tennessee.
The dental component of CMDA’s Women Physicians and Dentists in Christ (WPDC) has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years. Much of this growth is due to the efforts of Dr. Elisa Ghezzi, who has served CMDA in various capacities for a quarter of a century. She is passionate about connecting females in dentistry for mutual encouragement and fellowship.
Dr. Jonathan Spenn is CMDA’s new Midwest Regional Dental Coordinator, a position which will allow him to energize dental school ministry across his region. His vast experience providing dental care to the needy domestically and internationally will be a great asset as he works with students and colleagues. Hear how his zeal to care for others has taken him to 18 different countries in his 15 years as a dentist.
Drs. Timothy and Nikki Allen to talk about their work serving the underserved, especially those who are struggling with addiction on this podcast episode.
Dr. Cathie Scarbrough talks about bringing your faith into healthcare by incorporating spiritual interventions with Dr. Mike Chupp and Dr. Bill Griffin in this month’s Dental Sound Bytes podcast, which is a re-release of a prior CMDA Matters episode.
Dr. Perry Stamatiades, in addition to owning and managing a comprehensive dental practice in Asheville, NC, is a lecturer and author and the creator of a philanthropic entity, Servants of Smiles.
Dr. Terry Schmidt, who spent more than a decade playing in the NFL before becoming a dentist and CMDA member, chats with CMDA’s CEO, Dr. Mike Chupp, and CMDA’s Vice President for Dental Ministries, Dr. Bill Griffin, on this release of a recent CMDA Matters podcast.
For over four decades CMDA has held annual conferences to minister to international missionaries and their families with continuing education and encouragement. R. Bruce Templeton, DMD, is a key player in this effort drawing upon his dental experience in Canada’s far north serving the Inuit people. Hear how he and others support and strengthen healthcare missionaries around the world. Listen Now!
Greg Gilbaugh, DDS, expounds on leadership principles that can best be exercised through ownership of one’s private practice. Listen Now!
Drs. John Pfefferle and Phil Aday, GHO veteran dentists undeterred by war in Ukraine, joined forces to provide care for orphans and refugees. Listen Now!
Dr. Katrina “Kate” Brouwer, ICMDA Dental Ministry Manager of Canada, shares her vision for establishing dental ministry across Canada. Check it out – eh?
George Courtney and Jamie Mijeski of CMDA’s Stewardship Department share practical advice on financial stewardship and serving God rather than mammon.
Steve Sartori, MD, the former Director of CMDA’s Center for Well-being, shares timeless wisdom to equip us for dealing with the inevitable stresses of our profession.
Dental students Tanner “TJ” Swanson and Caroline Miller share their vision of serving Christ through dentistry, which is developing along with their clinical skills.
Be inspired as you hear how Dianne Watterson has done it all as to the Lord during her extensive career in dentistry.
Be inspired as you hear how Dr. Gary Beaudreau, CMDA’s Northeast Regional Dental Coordinator, has impacted many students both domestically and internationally, during his extensive career in private practice.
Dr. Malieka Johnson, CMDA’s Western Regional Dental Coordinator, is passionate about treating her special needs patients. When not providing dental care, she enjoys writing, singing, personal training and art. Hear how God is at work through Malieka in the Western Region.
Lee Bridgeman discusses his role as CMDA’s Southern Regional Dental Coordinator while wearing many hats as a practicing dentist, a pastor, working with Texas A&M dental students, and now overseeing CDA’s southern region.
Katie Musser discusses her role as CMDA’s Midwest Regional Dental Coordinator and her journey through the CMDA Residency+ program to now serving as a faculty member in the same program.
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Steve Cartin discusses the changes to Dentistry and how to maximize your impact for the Kingdom thru your practice.
Allen Vicars discusses the CMDA Placement Service and how they bring like minded Dentists and Dental Practices together to further God's Kingdom through dental care, caring for the underserved, missions and more.
Over the course of many GHO trips, Dr. Griffin has served hundreds of patients. His desire was to minister to others, and in the process the Lord is transforming Greg to more resemble his Savior.
How can a periodontal practice honor Christ? Listen to how the love of Christ motivates Dr. Bedichek to provide the best for his patients and staff.
Bill Reichart discusses the role CMDA plays in the lives of Dental school students plus graduate dentists with community, support, prayer and fellowship.
Caren Abraham, DDS shares about the exciting and challenging task of creating a dental clinic in Kenya.
Adam Algam shares about his journey to the Middle East as a dental missionary and what God has taught him along the way.
Michael O'Callaghan shares about the journey the Lord has taken him on as he has gone from dentist to missionary training pastors around the globe.
Learn what happens behind the scenes from CMDA Trustees Blake Westra and Tracy Liang, including some of the very cool non-dental ministries in which we share through our CMDA membership.
Hear how Dr. Van Haywood, the world recognized tooth whitening expert, has served CMDA members in multiple spheres over the years.
Mick Williams, CMDA IT Director, shares about how Cybercrime is a booming business and dental practices are attractive targets. Find out how to keep your practice and patient information safe.
Pascal Magne DMD, Ph.D., is a pioneer in his approach to restorative dentistry and is world-renowned for his clinical, research and authorship in esthetic and adhesive dentistry. He is considered to be the father or biomimetic dentistry.
Scott Phillips, MDiv, CMDA San Antonio Area Director, discusses the ministry and outreach that the medical and dental students in San Antonio, TX get to experience through the local CMDA chapter.
Bill Angus, DDS shares about his involvement in the Richmond, VA chapter of CMDA and the impact it has had on graduate doctors and students in the area.
Steve Sartori, MD shares strategies on how to avoid and manage burnout. Dr. Sartori is Director of the Center for Well-being at CMDA. He is a certified life and leadership coach who helps doctors and other healthcare professionals align with God, optimize well-being and maximize influence.
Liz Nicholson shares about her experiences at the Emerging Leaders in Dentistry Symposium and how important the CMDA local chapter is to her.
Peter Dawson, DDS shares about his book "A Better Way: The surprising path to a complete life" with David Stevens, MD.
Witt Wilkerson, DMD, shares about his focus on Health Centered Dentistry, dentistry's role in the overall health of patients.
Trish Burgess, MD shares about CMDA's Global Health Outreach short term medical & dental mission arm and about the impact that the dental component has on the spread of the Gospel.
Jeff Amstutz, DDS, discusses the CMDA Dental Residency + program, which is preparing a generation of dental disciples to go throughout the United States and the World providing excellent quality dental care to the poor in the name of Jesus.
Dr. (Colonel) Bob Meyer retired after a 30-year career in the Army, practiced comprehensive dentistry for 16 years in private practice, and in 2015 became a full-time, volunteer dental missionary. Bob became extensively involved with portable dental equipment as commander of the world’s only airborne dental unit responsible for deploying portable dental teams wherever the military was sent. Bob also directed the Army’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency program, where he prepared young dentists to function independently and competently, in often austere settings, which also helped set the stage for dental mission work. Bob has been President and is now the Executive Director of the Christian Dental Society. Dr. Bob and Diane Meyer have been married for 38 years and have three children and eight grandchildren, all active in churches. For the past 25 years, Bob and Diane have led or participated in over 60 short-term portable dental missions in 38 different countries, utilizing 18 different Christian organizations. God has uniquely prepared Bob and Diane with the knowledge, flexibility, and talents to organize, lead, teach, and provide dental care and encouragement to the less fortunate in developing countries. They have authored numerous articles, often lecture on portable dental missions, and have written three books: Truth, Teeth, and Travel Vol I and II and Dental Mission Manual for Portable, Short-term Dental Trips.