Everyday Oral Surgery

Today, we are joined by Dr. Ian Lehrer, an oral maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Dana Point, California. In this episode, we discuss how to prepare to join a practice after you have completed your residency program. Dr. Lehrer has some valuable and practical tips to share, including the value of keeping in touch with your upper level residents and attending meetings at the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS). We also touch on contract negotiations and choosing between money, scope of practice, and location, as well as the benefits of joining group practice, proving your worth, and building relationships. Tune in today! Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to Dr. Ian Lehrer, his education, and his practice.How he figured out which practice to join after residency, starting with researching different cities and the practices in each area.The value of keeping in touch with your upper level residents after your residency.Another helpful tip: make sure to attend annual AAOMS and ACOMS meetings.Utilize all the resources that you have available to you, including courses and observerships.Advice for contract negotiations: consider your location and how much leverage you have.Different kinds of contracts you can expect, like an associateship in Dr. Lehrer’s case. Why Dr. Lehrer says defining your location is the most important thing when searching for a job; work where you want to live!Picking out one of three options: money, scope of practice, and location.The benefits of joining a group practice, including learning from the experience of others.Dr. Stucki highlights the importance of having a good work ethic and proving your worth.The value of building relationships; Dr. Lehrer encourages listeners to reach out to him.Rapid fire questions: Dr. Lehrer shares the best book he read this year and non-oral surgery skills that assist him in daily oral surgery.Ending on a note: “You can either go through life and be humble or you will be humbled.”Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Ian Lehrer on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ian-s-lehrer-865b56ab/Dr. Ian Lehrer on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drianlehrer/Dr. Ian Lehrer Email — lehrer@niguelcoastoralsurgery.comNiguel Coast Oral & Facial Surgery — https://www.niguelcoastoralsurgery.com/American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) — https://www.aaoms.org/American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS) — https://www.acoms.org/Osteo Science Foundation — https://www.osteoscience.org/Man’s Search for Meaning — https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Dr. Elda Fisher, our guest on today’s show, works with a highly disenfranchised cohort. Although transgender people make up 0.6% of the US population, they struggle with a lack of access to the kind of healthcare that Elda specializes in; facial gender affirmation surgery. As Elda explains, maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to do this type of surgery, and she is hopeful that in the future, there will be a more well-developed connection between them and the patients who are seeking to feminize or masculinize their faces. In this episode, Elda explains the life changing capacity of gender affirmation surgery, and offers examples of some simple strategies that surgeons can use to ensure that there is congruency between their patient’s face and their intended gender. As director of the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program at the University of North Carolina, Elda also shares what she loves about working in an academic setting, some of the biggest learnings she has had during her time as a teacher, and the qualities that she looks for in potential residents. Key Points From This Episode:Elda’s journey to specializing in gender affirmation surgery. The size of the transgender population in the United States. Challenges to providing gender affirmative care. Why maxillofacial surgeons are so well equipped to do gender affirmative surgeries.Gender affirmation surgeries that are covered by insurance, and those that are not.Why there are a limited number of studies which demonstrate positive effects of gender affirmative surgery. Elda shares some simple strategies that surgeons can use to feminize or masculinize a face.  The number of patients in UNC’s transgender health program.Why Elda has found it particularly rewarding working with transgender patients. How Elda navigates the psychosocial dynamics of gender affirmative surgery. The first step towards performing successful cosmetic surgery and gender affirmation surgery.Primary orthognathic surgeries that Elda does as part of her gender affirmative procedures. Learnings that Elda has had through her position as a teacher.Elda’s strategy for giving feedback to her residents. What Elda loves most about working in an academic setting. Qualities and experience that Elda looks for in potential residents. The life changing and lifesaving potential of gender affirmation surgery.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Elda Fisher — https://dentistry.unc.edu/people/elda-fisher/ Dr. Elda Fisher Email — elda.fisher@unc.edu Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Today we are joined by oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Myron Tucker. Dr. Tucker had a private practice in North Carolina for 18 years before he stepped away from full time surgery in 2009. Our guest has had a prolific career on the research side of the business, publishing a number of textbooks and offering his experience to support to students of the science. In our conversation, we get to hear Dr. Tucker's perspectives on building a successful practice, the patience and planing this requires, the benefits of pairing with someone more experienced, and how an open attitude to continual learning is the best stance to adopt. We also talk about why disability insurance is always a good idea, and Dr. Tucker's personal experience of this during his retirement. Listening in, you will get a real sense of a true professional, someone who has stayed invested and engaged in the work he loves, so make sure to join us for this inspiring conversation!Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Tucker's history in the dentistry field and the different positions he has filled over the years. The passion that has kept Dr. Tucker involved after his supposed retirement. Advice about pursuing a career in orthognathic surgery.  The importance of patience when building a successful practice.Common mistakes made by new surgeons; tips from Dr. Tucker for those starting out. The end of Dr. Tucker's career and practice and the lessons he learned going into retirement. Why Dr. Tucker strongly recommends getting disability insurance! The best book that Dr. Tucker has read this year: Say Nothing. Dr. Tucker's passion for woodworking and how this aided his work as a surgeon. The tools Dr. Tucker preferred for tooth extraction!  The love that our guest has for sailboats and being on the water; some of the beautiful boats he has owned. A quote about mistakes that has always resonated with Dr. Tucker!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059Dr. Myron Tucker — https://www.linkedin.com/in/myron-tucker-19ab80127Osteo Science Foundation — https://www.osteoscience.org/Stryker — https://www.stryker.com/Say Nothing — https://www.amazon.com/Say-Nothing-Murder-Northern-Ireland/dp/0385521316The Jackal — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jackal

In Today's episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, we take a look at how oral surgeons who run their own practice are uniquely positioned to benefit from the many perks and points that various credit cards have to offer. We welcome back an old friend of the show, Dr. Scott Weiskopf, who has been using credit cards in his practice for many years to save tens of thousands of dollars on first-class travel across the globe. Tuning in you’ll hear Scott share his tips on how to get started and determine which type of credit card is best suited to your goals. Scott offers useful tips and tricks for keeping track of different cards, including a handy app called AwardWallet, and explains how to earn points on a variety of expenses from dining out to acquiring office supplies. We also hear from Scott about how to split points with your business partner. He also explains some of the risks involved in using a credit card for your business and how they can easily be avoided. To find out how you can start earning free travel on existing expenses, tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:We welcome back today’s guest Dr. Scott Weiskopf.Introducing today’s topic: credit card points and how to use them in your practice.Why oral surgeons who own a business are uniquely qualified to benefit from credit card points.How to determine which credit card is best suited for your goals.How Scott uses a range of credit cards to get benefits for different expense categories.Scott shares estimates of the money he’s saved on his recent trips.How Scott manages the complicated process of managing his various cards.Why Scott prefers credit cards to airline-specific cards.How to get the most value out of a credit card for your practice.Instances where a credit card is not a good choice.Some of the risks involved in using a credit card for your practice.How Scott splits the credit card points with his business partner.Why taking out additional credit cards doesn’t make a big impact on your credit score.Get to know Scott a bit better in our lightning question round.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:The Globe Trotter Teacher — https://www.theglobetrottingteacher.com/AwardWallet — https://awardwallet.com/Scott’s email — scottweiskopf@gmail.comProject Hail Mary — https://www.amazon.com/Project-Hail-Mary-Andy-Weir-ebook/dp/B08FHBV4ZXShawshank Redemption — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/The Goonies — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are currently able to sedate patients and operate on them, although that privilege is under threat due to safety concerns. Dr. Robert Bosack, who has been a surgeon since before Mellampati scores were invented, is passionate about enhancing safety protocols for surgeons in order to preserve the right to anaesthetize and operate, and of course, to ensure minimal tragedy takes place in theatre. Problems can occur from the moment a patient is sedated until after they have walked out of surgery, and in today’s episode you’ll hear stories about a wide variety of potential issues. More importantly, you’ll hear about how to prevent these from occurring, and what to do if you run into serious trouble. Robert also shares a variety of resources where you can vastly broaden your scope of knowledge on safety in the operating room, including many that he has created himself. Key Points From This Episode:What the world of oral surgery was like when Robert graduated. How Robert’s practice is structured. Why Robert encourages all oral and maxillofacial surgeons to join the American Dental Society of Anaesthesiology. The model that oral and maxillofacial surgeons use for operating is under scrutiny. How Robert thinks safety should be measured. Dental Patient Safety Foundation; what this organization, that Robert co-founded, does. The value of role play in improving safety in surgery.Where you can access online training programs for surgery safety.How surgeons are taught to deal with impending airway obstructions, and the problem with this.Complications that occur in surgery due to human factor engineering.6 characteristics of people who are likely to have a tough airway. SSSR: Simple, Shared, Structured Responses, and an example of how these can play out in surgery.The importance of building relationships with paramedics.Airway management’s golden rule.How to test your patient’s level of sedation and understand whether or not they are in danger.Some of the challenges that surgeons can run into while their patient is sedated.Robert’s airway algorithm.When to call 911, and why you should never feel shame in doing so.Post-surgery reactions that patients may experience.The strategy Robert uses to connect with his patients. What you can expect to learn from the talk Robert is giving at the ADSA Chicago conference.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Robert Bosack — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-bosack-8473ab24/ Anaesthetic Complications in the Dental Office by Robert Bosack —  https://www.amazon.com/Anesthetic-Complications-Dental-Office-Prevention/dp/0867154489 Dental Patient Safety Foundation — https://www.dentalpatientsafety.org/ Dental Anaesthesia Online — https://www.daoce.org/ ADSA Chicago — https://www.adsahome.org/chicago Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Today’s guest is not only an oral surgeon, but an author and an MBA graduate as well. Dr. Dean DeLuke spent 30 years in private practice before transitioning to full-time academia, which is where he has spent the last 10 years. Dean explains what he loves so much about being an academic, and why he would recommend it to any oral surgeons on a part-time or full-time basis. He also shares how having an MBA benefited him in a variety of ways, and what inspired him to write Shedrow. This episode is slightly unusual in that Dean puts Grant in the hot seat for a little bit, with a few questions that will give you insight into the personal reasons that motivated him to start this podcast. Soon to be facing retirement, Dean is full of experience and wisdom, and we hope you learn as much from this episode as we did! Key Points From This Episode:Time that Dean spent in private practice, and what he loves about working as a full-time academic currently. The book that Dean wrote, and what inspired him to write it. Elements that Dean loved about writing a book, and those that he didn’t like very much. Reasons that Dean decided to do an MBA, and how it has benefited him. The impetus behind Dean’s decision to go into full-time academics. Differentials between earnings in private practice and academia, and how these have been reduced over the years.A study that Dean and a colleague did to determine satisfaction levels of academics. Advice from Dean for young oral surgeons interested in writing. The future of Dean’s writing career.Why Dean encourages oral surgeons to enter the world of academia.Business advice for young oral surgeons.The strategy Dean recommends that graduates use to pay off student debt. What Dean would have done differently if he could go back in time. How Dean’s hobby of slalom water skiing positively impacts him professionally. Dean puts Grant into the hot seat with some questions about the podcast.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Dean DeLuke — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-deluke-631b1b19/ Shedrow by Dean DeLuke — https://www.amazon.com/Shedrow-Dean-DeLuke/dp/0983490007 Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

There is still some stigma that exists around oral surgeons performing cosmetic surgery, but not nearly as much as there once was, and that is largely due to today’s guest, Joe Niamtu. Joe developed a love for cosmetic facial surgery while doing his residency, but he had to fight for the right to pursue his dreams. Luckily Joe is not someone who takes no for an answer, and after a lawsuit and a change to the Dental Practice Act, he became the first person in Virginia to receive a cosmetic facial surgery license. Although his work has its downsides, which Joe candidly shares in today’s episode, he has never looked back, plans on never retiring, and spends a lot of his time educating others about his specialty (his eighth book is coming out next April!). According to Joe, the golden years are far from over for surgeons, and he has some valuable words of wisdom for anyone who is on the path to becoming one. Key Points From This Episode:Joe’s educational background, and his introduction to cosmetic surgery. A lawsuit that was filed against Joe, and how he fought against it by opening the Dental Practice Act.Requirements for getting a cosmetic surgery license, which Joe was the first in Virginia to acquire.The number of facelifts that Joe has done throughout his career.Educational resources that Joe has created.Advice for any oral surgeons who want to follow in Joe’s footsteps down the cosmetic surgery path.A surgeon is a surgeon, but there is still some stigma around oral surgeons performing cosmetic surgery. The positives and negatives of being a cosmetic surgeon. Why people skills are so important as a surgeon. Platforms Joe utilizes to market his services. Joe explains the variety of surgeries that he does. The flaw that Joe sees in the dental school education in America. Three fundamental elements to succeeding as a surgeon. How the paper route Joe had when he was younger has positively impacted his career as a surgeon. Always look out for the people who can’t look out for themselves. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Joe Niamtu on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joe-niamtu-b20235b/ Dr. Joe Niamtu on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCclm79ii5IyeeuZL2TfIEw Cosmetic Plastic Facial Surgery — https://www.lovethatface.com/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Oral surgeons, as our title suggests, belong in the operating room. Unfortunately, an increasing number of oral surgeons are spending more and more time in their offices and less and less time in theatre. This is something that greatly concerns today's guest, Dr. Morton Goldberg, who struggled for many years alongside other professionals to successfully lift the oral surgery profession out of the shadows. Morton’s colorful life and love for storytelling make for a fantastic episode, in which you will hear about his most influential year of education, the challenges he has faced during his career, and the achievement he is most proud of. Morton also shares what you can expect to learn if you read the book he wrote, The Humpty Dumpty Syndrome, how he came up with the name, and some stories from his 89 years around the sun that you are not likely to forget anytime soon!Key Points From This Episode:Work Morton has been doing since he retired.Morton’s experience at Harvard’s dental school. Why Morton was drawn to oral surgery.Challenges that Morton faced when he attempted to get into medical school.What Morton learned during the year that he considers the best educational experience he ever had.A question that Morton was asked during a residency interview, which had a profound impact on him.What the term, which is also the title of Morton’s book, The Humpty Dumpty Syndrome, means.The 20 year process Morton went through from conception to publication of his book. How oral surgery has advanced over the years.Morton shares one of the things he is most proud of achieving in his career.A rundown of how Morton’s book is structured, and what you can expect to learn from reading it. Concerns Morton has about the future of oral surgery.The most bizarre implant experience that Morton ever had.A very important part of resident education that isn’t being taught. Morton shares a story of a malpractice case that he was involved in. Valuable advice from Morton to all oral surgeons.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Today’s guest, Dr. Stephen Saxe, was the 19th oral surgeon in Nevada! During his career, Stephen has had to deal with more trauma than most oral surgeons ever will, as he was one of the surgeons on call after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. In this episode, you’ll hear about some of the physical and emotional trauma that he witnessed firsthand during the aftermath of that tragedy. Stephen is a firm believer that being an oral surgeon is about a lot more than simply removing impacted molars; it’s about maintaining a presence in one’s community, and in order to do that, oral surgeons should be doing things like responding to trauma call and imparting knowledge onto the next generation of oral surgeons. In today’s episode you’ll gain insights into what Stephen’s professional life consists of, and the journey he took to get to this point. His passion for his work is palpable and he shares advice that all oral surgeons will benefit greatly from hearing. Key Points From This Episode:A brief rundown of Stephen’s educational and professional background. Stephen’s experience of opening his own practice right after university, and why that likely wouldn’t be the experience of an oral surgeon starting out today.The 2017 Las Vegas shooting, and Stephen’s involvement in the aftermath. Examples of wounds that Stephen saw the day after the shooting.Huge amounts of emotion that Stephen had to deal with when speaking to the families of the victims.How the profession of oral surgery has evolved over the years.Stephen’s opinion on private practice doctors taking trauma call. What Stephen thinks the future holds for single operator anaesthesia. Career paths that Stephen’s three children have taken. How Stephen structured his days when his children were young. The dental school work that Stephen now does in the afternoon, and why he finds this work so fulfilling.Stephen’s unusual hobby.Additional stress that residents are now having to deal with because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Tweetables:“There was so much personalization that was necessary in order to communicate. You had to put yourself in their shoes. I was emotionally exhausted from it.” — Dr. Stephen Saxe [0:13:49]“Taking call has this socioeconomic facet where we have to maintain our presence in our community as doctors, not just dentists.” — Dr. Stephen Saxe [0:18:14]“It’s important that all of us, in our own way, maintain some kind of connection to the profession outside the doors of our office.” — Dr. Stephen Saxe [0:34:44]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Stephen Saxe — https://www.nvjawdoc.com/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Due to a gene abnormality, the World Health Organization labeled the odontogenic keratocyst as a tumor, but that is not the case. Today we are joined by an expert on the subject, Dr. Robert Marx, to discuss the nuances of diagnosing and treating odontogenic keratocysts. Dr. Marx is the Chief of oral maxillofacial surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and has a wealth of experience dealing with this particular condition. He explains that they are not tumors but in fact cysts. Tuning in, you’ll hear about what symptoms patients with odontogenic keratocysts experience, how to diagnose them, and what radiographic features distinguish them from other types of cysts. Dr. Marx discusses the difference between decompression and marsupialization, how to save the unerupted teeth associated with these cysts, and he talks about his experiences with BMP. Find out when to biopsy and nucleate at the same time, when you should try to shrink a large lesion down prior to nucleation, and how to identify signs of basal cell nevus syndrome in a patient with more than one keratocyst. For some clarification on this somewhat confusing subject, tune in today. Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to Dr. Robert Marx and his career as an oral maxillofacial surgeon.Why Dr. Marx believes that odontogenic keratocysts are cysts and not tumors and why there is confusion about this. What types of patients are high-risk for odontogenic keratocysts.The radiographic features that distinguish them from other types of cysts. The symptoms of odontogenic keratocysts and how to diagnose them.How best to treat odontogenic keratocysts to reduce the risk of recurrence. The difference between decompression and marsupialization.How to deal with unerupted teeth associated with odontogenic keratocysts. Dr. Marx’s experiences with BMP.When to biopsy and nucleate at the same time.When to try to shrink a big lesion down with a decompression tube prior to nucleation. Signs of basal cell nevus syndrome to look for in a patient with more than one keratocyst. Why you shouldn’t worry about recurrences: they are usually new primaries. Why you should do a follow-up on a yearly basis and what you should look for.Hear about Dr. Marx’s favorite quote and how cleaning fish helps him with his oral surgery skills in the four rapid-fire questions. Dr. Marx talks about the novels and the non-fiction books he’s written. Closing thoughts by Dr. Marx on the importance of oral maxillofacial surgery as a profession.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Robert Marx on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-e-marx/ Miller School of Medicine — https://med.miami.edu/Killing Crazy Horse — https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Crazy-Horse-Merciless-OReillys/dp/1627797041 Books by Dr. Robert Marx — https://www.amazon.com/Robert-E-Marx/e/B004LUVCSY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1624351335&sr=1-6 Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059