The Technology Evangelist Podcast

Hosted by Dr. John Flucke, this weekly podcast delivers practical insights & expert conversations on the latest dental technologies - from AI and digital workflows to 3D printing & practice innovation - helping clinicians elevate care & efficiency.

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Medidenta Dental Solutions

In Episode 30 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke speaks with Dr. Gordon J. Christensen—founder and CEO of Practical Clinical Courses (PCC), former CEO of the Clinicians Report Foundation (CR), practicing prosthodontist, and globally recognized dental educator. This episode focuses on clinical research, unbiased product evaluation, and the evolving scientific direction of modern dentistry.

With decades of experience spanning academia, research, and clinical practice, Dr. Christensen offers a deep perspective on how dentistry evaluates new technologies and how evidence-based decision-making continues to evolve.

Key Takeaways from Episode 30

From Early Determination to Global Dental Leadership
Dr. Christensen shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to becoming one of dentistry’s most influential educators. His academic path includes DDS and MSD degrees from the University of Southern California and the University of Washington, along with a PhD from the University of Denver.

Founding Clinicians Report for Unbiased Product Evaluation
A major focus of the episode is the creation of the Clinicians Report Foundation, co-founded with Dr. Rella Christensen in 1976. The organization was established to provide independent, real-world evaluation of dental materials and technologies.

Real-World Clinical Research and Product Testing
Clinicians Report combines in vitro research with a global network of more than 450 clinical evaluators. Their findings often show that a significant portion of products fail to meet manufacturer claims when tested in real-world conditions.

The Four Criteria for Evaluating Dental Technology
Dr. Christensen emphasizes a practical framework for evaluating new dental technologies: they must be faster, easier, better, or less expensive. Ideally, innovations should meet multiple criteria to justify adoption in clinical practice.

Concerns About Industry Innovation and R&D Trends
The discussion highlights concerns about declining research and development investment in large companies, alongside the important role of smaller innovators in advancing meaningful clinical technology.

Shifting Understanding of Dental Disease and Microbiology
Dr. Christensen explores the evolving understanding of caries as a microbiome-driven disease rather than a single-bacteria model. This shift is influencing treatment strategies and preventive care approaches.

Bioactive Materials and Advancing Restorative Dentistry
The episode covers emerging materials such as bioactive and glass ionomer cements, emphasizing their chemical bonding properties and potential advantages in long-term restorative care.

Oral-Systemic Health and Future Diagnostic Approaches
Dr. Christensen reinforces the growing importance of oral-systemic connections and how dental research is increasingly integrating microbiology and systemic disease models.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Dentistry
A central theme is that dentistry requires continuous education, critical thinking, and active engagement with evolving science. Dr. Christensen emphasizes that professional growth does not end with formal training or retirement.

Visit pccdental.com or cliniciansreport.org. Tune in to Episode 30 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast to explore how Medidenta Digital Solutions supports evidence-based dentistry, clinical innovation, and the future of dental product evaluation.

Sponsored by Medidenta