Everyday Oral Surgery

As Dr. Robert (Bob) McNeill knows all too well, being on the State Dental Board means that you have to put up with a lot of mistrust from fellow medical professionals who (wrongly) believe that you have ulterior motives. Through his many years of experience on both sides of the fence, Bob has come to understand that communication is one of the most valuable skills that an oral surgeon can learn. Examples of other valuable skills that Bob advocates for are stress-relieving techniques, such as meditation, and the ability to practice hypnosis, which is especially pertinent with the anesthesiology battle that oral surgeons are currently facing. Bob has so many fields of interest, and although he sometimes struggles to balance them all, it makes for a fascinating conversation which I hope you enjoy as much as I did!  Key Points From This Episode: Bob shares an overview of what his OMS journey has looked like to date. One of the main reasons that people get reported to the board. How people often respond when they find out that Bob is on the State Dental Board. The song which helps patients and surgeons relax (and the time that it didn’t work).Benefits of working in a multispecialty practice. Post-op complications that Bob commonly sees as a member of the State Dental Board.Examples of how Bob communicates effectively with his patients. Bob’s thoughts on hypnosis, and when he likes to use this technique. Opportunities that Bob has been afforded through being a Dental Board member.What an amygdala hijack is, and how to deal with it. Different communication strategies and how to know when to use which one. The importance of self-care for oral surgeons.I share the reasons that motivated me to start the Everyday Oral Surgery podcast.Relaxation techniques that have worked wonders for Bob and I.The approximate percentage of board complaints that are related to poor communication.Why you should tend towards the minimum with regard to anesthetic drugs. A rapid fire round with Bob.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Surgical Dental Specialists — https://www.dfwdentalimplants.com/ Robert G. McNeill on LinkedIn — http://linkedin.com/in/robert-g-mcneill-dds-md-mba-facd-87012715Between Two Teeth — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4KXk4VI0STVSCM_7eDnBPw/videos?app=desktop Lifespan by Dr. David Sinclair — https://lifespanbook.com/ Headspace — https://www.headspace.com/ Calm — https://www.calm.com/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Many oromaxillofacial surgeons take their right to anesthetize their patients for granted. Recently there has been a move to rescind this right, and talking to us today about why this is a disaster for patients and oromaxillofacial surgeons alike, is Dr. Chris Viozzi. Chris returns on this episode to remind us of the vital role of anesthesia in making dental procedures painless for patients, and what the field can expect in the way of updated safety and training procedures. Find out why the anesthetizing of a patient is so much more important than the procedure itself, and what you can do to support the fight for oromaxillofacial surgeons’ anesthetic qualification. We hear how disasters are like Swiss Cheese (all the holes have to be there), and what dentistry has learned from the aviation industry. For all this, and so much more, tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:Welcome back to Dr. Chris Viozzi, discussing the debate surrounding anesthesia (a reminder that his opinions are not reflective of official bodies). The double standards applied to medical procedures compared to dental procedures, and how the media portrays tragedies. Who is qualified and able to dissect the underlying cause of an anesthetic event, How oromaxillofacial surgeons can be safe when providing anesthesia to patients.Why Chris needs to reign in his residents' pre-surgery consult talking. How to prepare patients for surgery.The power of suggestion in reassuring your patients. How the board exams help early-career oromaxillofacial surgeons become competent in anesthetics. Why the questions in the board exams are structured the way they are. The benefits of being board certified regarding medical insurance and hospital employment requirements. How to avoid medico-legal issues: establish a good rapport with your patients, do quarterly reviews or training sessions, and evaluate your practice model.  The importance of resource management in preventing disasters!What private practice and academic surgeons can do to support the fight for oromaxillofacial surgeons’ anesthetic qualification. The questions you can ask to open critics' minds to other viewpoints. Why it’s important to focus on the anesthesia first, and then the surgery itself. Chris’s thoughts on anesthesia as a kindness to dental patients. A case study of Chris's, demonstrating the unique scenarios that oromaxillofacial surgeons are exposed to when administering anesthetic, compared to hospital cases. Why disasters are like Swiss Cheese: all the holes have to be present for a disaster to happen. The links between aviation and surgery. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Chris Viozzi on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-viozzi-759605126/Dr. Chris Viozzi Phone — 507-284-2511Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Today, you’ll hear from Dr. Ole Jensen, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Ditron Dental Implants, who is known worldwide in the field of dental implants and reconstructive surgery. In this episode of Every Day Oral Surgery, Dr. Jenson shares his experience with zygomatic implants and reflects on the way we do them now and whether or not it is the best approach for our patients. He shares how his thinking about zygomatic implants has evolved over the years and, while he has no desire to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, he promotes the benefits of taking a more customized approach on a case-by-case basis. We also touch on why he suggests seeking mentorship, taking a more conservative and less invasive approach, and learning to do pterygoid implants first, as well as the benefits of constantly improving your diagnostic and technical skills. Dr. Jensen also shares a number of valuable resources, recommended organizations, and books, so make sure not to miss this detailed and highly informative episode!Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Jensen shares a brief overview of his experience with zygomatic implants.Direct vision and protection for a long-distance process like zygomatic implants.Insight into some of the main criteria that Dr. Jensen assesses to determine if a patient will benefit from zygomatic implants.How his thinking about zygomatics has evolved without ‘reinventing the wheel’.What he recommends for surgeons looking to gain more experience with these implants.The importance of learning by doing and seeking mentorship.Why Dr. Jensen promotes being more conservative and less invasive.His advice: learn to do pterygoid implants before you do zygomatic implants.Dr. Jensen shares some useful resources on pterygoid implants.The importance of working within the boundaries of your knowledge.The relationship between sinus infections or disease and zygomatic implants.Sinus grafting and zygomatics; learn more about the benefits of a ‘graftless’ technique.Dr. Jensen’s tip for younger surgeons: join the Academy of Osseointegration (AO)!Dr. Jensen shares a recommended read: Peri-implant Infection: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment by Frank Schwarz and Jürgen Becker.Some final words of advice from Dr. Jensen regarding overdenture implants.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Ole Jensen on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ole-jensen-6b871512a/Dr. Ole Jensen Email — olegjenson@icloud.comDitron Dental Implants — https://www.ditrondentalusa.com/‘Rescue implant concept: the expanded use of the zygoma implant in the graftless solutions’ — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21492800/‘The Pterygoid Plate Implant: A Solution for Restoring the Posterior Maxilla’ — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7751116/‘A ‘Graft Less’ Approach for Dental Implant Placement in Posterior Edentulous Sites’ — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31613937/‘The use of BMP around zygomatic implants’ —Academy of Osseointegration 2022 Annual Meeting — https://ao2022.osseo.org/AAOMS Dental Implant Conference — https://www.aaoms.org/meetings-exhibitions/2021-dental-implant-conferenceDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Not everybody is going to have the desire or ability to run their own laboratory when they graduate from oral surgery, but it is Dr. Simon Young’s belief that every oral surgeon should graduate with an understanding of the scientific process. Simon’s own introduction to the field of clinical research happened completely by chance when he was volunteering at a local hospital looking to enhance his CV before applying to dental school. Now, as Director of Research at The University of Texas Health Science Centre at Houston, his working life consists of 75% protected research time, with the rest divided between clinical work at a county hospital, working with residents, and even a little bit of private practice. Tune in today for a deep dive into Simon’s fascinating world, which may leave you reconsidering your choice of specialty as an oral surgeon! Key Points From This Episode:Simon’s introduction to the field of research.What Simon’s career as a researcher has looked like.The process that Simon and his team went through in order to receive the prestigious R01 grant.Some stories which highlight the importance of networking as a researcher. What Simon’s working week consists of. Advice for getting involved in research as an oral surgeon. The mentoring program for residents that Simon has integrated into his program. Why Simon believes that every oral surgeon should have an understanding of the scientific process. Values that Simon’s department prioritizes. How Simon helps students identify the field of research they are interested in. Hear more about Simon’s passions and life philosophies during our rapid fire question round. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Simon Young Email — Simon.Young@uth.tmc.edu Dr. Simon Young on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-young-7a2875/ The University of Texas Health Science Centre at Houston — https://www.uth.edu/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Welcome back to another exciting installment of Every Day Oral Surgery! Today’s guest is full arch implant expert, Dr. Arshiya Sharafi. Tune in to get to know the man behind the forceps as we discuss his education history, the opportunities that lead him to specialize in arch implant cases, and where he learned his trade. From observing surgeries at every opportunity to teaching his own courses, this episode contains a wealth of information for anyone in the field of oral surgery. We find out why people often run into difficulty with full arch implants (a lack of experience), what Arshiya includes in his workup, and how he ensures his patients are attending their follow-ups. We also hear how you can reduce the time spent on full arch cases, benefitting the patient, the local dentist, and your bottom line! Don’t miss out on this engaging episode!Key Points From This Episode:Welcome to Dr. Arshiya Sharafi: where he grew up, why he studied dentistry at a state school, and how he ended up in oral surgery in California. What Arshiya spends most of his time doing nowadays (full arch cases). The lessons learned from Clear Choice: techniques, how to run a consult, how the lab works, and more!Why you can run into difficulty when you don’t do full arches regularly. Arshiya’s tips for how to reduce time and pain in full arch cases: bringing in other experts, setting a day aside for the surgery, and converting the case with assistance. Why it's so important to be efficient, for business, the dentists, and the patients!What Arshiya’s workup looks like: why he prefers analog. How to ensure you get patient follow-up.Why Arshiya doesn’t care about the number of implants you have, but rather whether they’re stable. The importance of angling implants!Why implants should be placed free-hand, but bone reduction should be guided. The main reason Arshiya sees redos. Why the phrase “graftless solution” is not something Arshiya advertises, even though he does minimal grafting. How Arshiya learned zygomas!Why it’s so crucial to know your anatomy when you’re doing zygomas. How Arshiya gets new cases: organically, through word of mouth, or advertising. Where to contact Arshiya (Email and Instagram).Rapid-fire questions and answers: Arshiya’s favorite book, why he’s addicted to golf, his unique choice of forceps, and more!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Arshiya Sharafi on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/san_diego_oralsurgery/Dr. Arshiya Sharafi’s Email — asharafidds@yahoo.comTeeth express classes by Dr. Arshiya Sharafi — https://teethxpresscourses.com/All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East TerrorKilling Geronimo: The Hunt for Osama bin LadenDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Many oral maxillofacial surgeons don't treat TMJ issues due to the lack of success following surgical intervention. Today's guest is turning this approach on its head, with a novel surgical technique he learned from the premier oral surgery hospital in China! Dr. Julian Wilson traveled to Shanghai as part of his fellowship, where he learned how to perform a new technique for disc plications. Tune in to hear how this has impacted his scope of practice and the way he thinks about TMJ surgery. We hear a step-by-step breakdown of how this surgery is performed, as well as who the ideal candidate is, and the outcomes that Julian has seen in his practice. We also get to know Julian on a more personal level through Grant's rapid-fire questions. Tune in for all this and more, today!Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to Dr. Julian Wilson, oral maxillofacial surgeon and specialist in disc plications.Julian’s journey into oral surgery: from dentistry to fellowship. How a two-week trip to a hospital in China set Julian up to specialize in temporomandibular surgery using a unique technique. How Julian approaches patients: differentiating myofascial pain from mechanical issues, and why conservative treatment is usually best initially. The shift in thinking from the treatments offered in the ‘80s and ‘90s, to disc plication from the early 2000s. How a disc plication surgery works: a step-by-step walkthrough. Why the technique that Julian uses is not a true disc plication but is closer to a discectomy. The benefits of disc plication on young patients: cartilage regeneration and addressing an issue not commonly treated.What causes TMJ issues, and when to do a disc plication.The alternative surgeries to Julian’s disc plication, and their benefits and disadvantages. The checklist that Julian goes through to decide if he will recommend a disc plication.How Julian prepares his patients’ expectations about the outcomes of surgery. Which components of the surgery contribute to pain reduction. Why Julian doesn’t operate when patients are using pain medication chronically.Where to contact Julian to ask about this technique. What Grant was taught about plication surgery, and why he was told: "It wouldn't work".The three books Julian recommends: Never Split the Difference, Fooled by Randomness, and Naked Statistics. The mantra that Julian uses to embrace complications and challenges. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Julian Wilson Email — julian.j.wilson@KP.orgNever Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On ItFooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the MarketsNaked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the DataDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Today’s guests are a trio of full-scope surgeons who together, run a fellowship in St. Louis. Tune in to hear how they each ended up doing fellowships, and why they decided to get involved in this one! We discuss the characteristics their ideal candidate has, and how becoming a full-scope surgeon will launch your career. Find out why being the only oral and maxillofacial surgery fellowship in St. Louis enables fellows to mold their own program, and what happens after the fellowship. We hear from each of today’s guests (and Dr. Stucki) about their board exam experiences, and why Drs. Findlay and Reti chose to produce the Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. For all this, and so much more, press play now!Key Points From This Episode:What today’s guests (Dr. Reti, Dr. Findlay, and Dr. Tentido) have in common. The emphasis of the fellowship: trauma, TMJ, and plastic surgery. How the fellowship works with the academic year. What the ideal candidate looks like: eager to learn with a good work ethic. The importance of preparing for the oral board, and why Drs. Reti, Findlay, and Tentido know so much about the process. The benefits of being the only academic center in St. Louis: fellows can mold their own fellowship. What happens after the fellowship, and why it’s important to become more comfortable with the full scope of oral surgery. Where you can find Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and where the inspiration for it came from. What’s coming in 2022: the launch of the Board Review Course at St. Louis.Why Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was a passion project and not a nest egg.Stories from each of these Dr’s board exam experiences: from citing papers to the authors to being asked "zebra" questions. Tips on how to answer the board questions. Damian’s experience of the fellowship, and why he’s grateful for it. How the fellowship has ensured that Robert continues to learn and stay up to date with the literature. Rapid-fire questions and answers: their favorite books, the non-oral surgery habits that help keep them sane, the forceps used to extract tooth number 12, and their favorite quotes.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Robert Reti Phone — 314-822-3322Dr. Damian Findlay Phone — 314-251-6725Dr. Gregory Tentido Phone — 636-400-6725The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeonsOral Facial Surgery Institute Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Study Guide for the Oral BoardsThe 5 AM ClubI Love You, Stinky FaceSpeechless: Controlling Words, Controlling MindsDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Welcome back to another episode of Every Day Oral Surgery! Today I talk to oral surgeon and movie maker, Dr. Eli Tabari. Tune in to find out why engaging in a passion project can be so rewarding, and the words of advice Eli has for anyone hesitating to embark on their passion project. We discuss the challenges Eli faced in making the movie, as well as why he splits his time between hospitals, trauma, and private practice. Hear case studies where Eli has learned important life lessons, and why young surgeons should learn about business finance. Get to know Eli through rapid-fire questions, and so much more in this inspirational episode!Key Points From This Episode:Welcome to Dr. Eli Tabari, where he studied and how he got into maxillofacial surgery through trauma departments. How growing up in the area where you choose to set your private practice can benefit you. Why Eli chose to make a movie and the serendipitous events that lead to its production. The challenges Eli faced to make the movie: shoestring budgets, full-time work, and finding locations. How the name “Back in The NO” came about. What motivated Eli to make the movie: the love he has for oral surgery. Words of advice for others with passions outside of oral surgery: “Go for it”, and “If you can, do it now”. How Eli got actors and actresses to work for free or experience. Why Eli focuses on infections in the hospital, and why it's so important to build relationships with anesthesiologists. Case studies where the role of the oral surgeon and the anesthesiologist overlap. The pros and cons of dividing your time between hospitals, private practice, and trauma. Why Eli admires Every Day Oral Surgery as a passion project. Advice to young surgeons getting out of school: enjoy every minute, and learn about business finances. Rapid-fire questions: hobbies that sustain Eli ('80s music and book writing), his favorite movie (Back to the Future), the forceps used to extract tooth number 14 and so much more!Books that Eli and Grant enjoyed, and why. Why Eli loves the episode of Seinfeld where they traveled to LA, and the well-written episode of The Office addressing racism. How you can contact Eli.Another book (and movie!) recommendation: Ready Player One.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Eli Tabari Email — oralsurgery@hotmail.comDr. Eli Tabari Phone — 559-246-1303Back in The NOThe House of GodReady Player OneDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Today I’m welcoming back Dr. Mark Engelstad to the podcast, a man from whom everyone can learn a great deal about the technical and non-technical sides of being an oral surgeon. Our discussion today covers the complex and controversial realm of condyle fractures, an innovative, ‘gentlemanly’ technique for treating orbital fractures, and the problem with how the oral surgery profession deals with trauma calls. Borrowing from The Beginning of Infinity, Mark sees problems as inevitable and solvable, and feels passionately that every single patient, regardless of the reason they are being operated on, deserves the very best care.Key Points From This Episode:Why condylar fractures are different from other types of facial fractures.What makes condylar fractures complicated. Advice from Mark for how to decide what to do about a condylar fracture as an oral surgeon. The importance of treating orbital fractures correctly the first time around. Mark explains the technique he uses for orbital fracture operations.Benefits of working in the maxillary sinus when doing an orbital implant. Problems with the way trauma calls are handled.How Mark’s perspective on trauma patients differs from many other medical professionals.The book which changed Mark’s view on the world. An explanation of knowledge graphs and why Mark finds them so useful to his work.A quote which Mark has carried with him throughout his career. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:The Beginning of Infinity — https://www.thebeginningofinfinity.com/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Today’s guest specializes in the treatment of facial injuries, cleft jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery, and the education of the upcoming generations of oral surgeons. Dr. Mark Engelstad’s passion for teaching is palpable and his approach inspiring. He has recently stepped back slightly from his program director role to focus on another exciting project; the development of a database for medical professionals to keep track of everything that they have done during their careers. Mark is a firm believer in the value of fellowships and that the thing that matters most at your graduation is what you’ve done in the years leading up to that day; regardless of whether you’ve done a double degree or a single degree, or where you did it. Our conversation also covers Mark’s view on diversity, and the approach that we should be taking to increase it within the field of OMS.Key Points From This Episode:Mark shares what attracted him to the field of oral surgery.What Mark’s main surgery areas of focus are.The software startup that Mark is in the process of developing. Why Mark is a huge supporter of fellowships. What the purpose of a fellowship is, and why it differs from residency.The minimum experience requirement to become accredited as an oral surgeon.Reasons that people choose not to do fellowships. Mark’s passion for surgical education, and his approach to helping his students thrive.Why Mark believes that nobody should be a program director for more than 10 years. When it makes sense to go the double-degree route, and when it doesn't. The factor that matters most on graduation day. Variations amongst the double-degree programs that exist. A comparison of the general surgery requirements of different medical specialities. Mark shares his opinion on the importance of diversity in the OMS field, and the approach that he advocates for achieving this.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059