Everyday Oral Surgery

Performing a sinus lift through the maxillary molar site is an intricate process. Today we sit with Dr. Michael Olabadu to talk about his techniques and the finesse required to perform a sinus lift. We open our discussion by finding out about Michael’s professional history, training, and current setup. After learning about his journey in maxillofacial surgery so far, Michael then opens up about some of the most valuable lessons he’s learned. He touches on providing comfort and knowledge to his patients in order to create the smoothest and calmest experience for them as possible. Michael also shares why he pays specific attention to referrals and communicating to ensure that no information is lost or misinterpreted. Later in the show, Michael informs listeners on how his sinus lift technique has changed. He adds further detail by describing the process behind his new technique. To become the successful and sought-after surgeon that he is today, Michael has relied on his life experiences. He mentions his own experiences as a young patient needing a tooth extraction, as well as learning the hard lesson that one tooth can kill. Concluding today’s show we ask Michael our rapid-fire questions. Join us today and find out which books are among his most influential, how he improves his practice, and who has influenced him the most.Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Michael Oladubu.Michael shares a quick breakdown of his professional history, training, and current setup.Some of Michael’s recent and most valuable lessons that he’s learned.How Michael has seen growth in his oral surgery practice.Michael touches on the intricacies involved in sinus lifts.How Michael performs his sinus lifts.Types of bone grafts used by Michael.Michael tells us his own tooth extraction experiences as a young boy.How Michael’s experience with a patient's death altered his approach forever.Hear about Micahel’s experiences becoming an American citizen.How Michael’s struggles ultimately led to fulfillment.We conclude the show with our series of rapid-fire questions.Tweetables:“Engaging patients in an informative way is something that has helped put patients at ease and helped them understand that they have a professional that is working with them.” — Dr. Michael Oladubu [0:04:11]“For patients who might otherwise need an external sinus lift, by getting some lift at the time of the extraction, you may find that you don’t need much when you come back to place the implants later.” — Dr. Michael Oladubu [0:11:40]“What I have found is that you should still have a four-wall defect. You want to make sure you have the integrity of the buckle and-or palatal walls.” — Dr. Michael Oladubu [0:15:59]“People talk about pain from a toothache. If we have never experienced it, we can empathize somewhat, but to experience is to know. It is to know the amount of suffering that that patient in the chair is experiencing.” — Dr. Michael Oladubu [0:22:07]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Howard UniversityUCLAJohns HopkinsGrit on Amazon

Despite decades of progress, diagnosing and treating nerve injuries remains a challenge for many oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Today we take a deep dive into the subject as we speak with experienced nerve microsurgeon, Dr. John Zuniga. After chatting about his professional background, we ask John how he developed his expertise in treating nerve injuries. In answering, he shares a roadmap to success that all upcoming surgeons should follow. While unpacking details about his practice, we touch on the improvements that John has seen in the field, including innovations such as nerve allografts. We then discuss the checklist that John uses when determining if a patient requires surgery. Reflecting on the difficulties surrounding nerve injuries, we talk about treatment and diagnostic limitations. Later, we focus our conversation on how John performs nerve damage surgery, with John providing added details on caring for patients with trigeminal neuralgia. We wrap up our discussion as John shares some final pearls of wisdom related to treating nerve pain, as well as dealing with damage caused by past surgeries. Tune in to benefit from his insights.Key Points From This Episode:Hear about Dr. John Zuniga’s practice and extensive experience in medicine.How John developed his interest in nerve injuries.John shares advice for upcoming oral and maxillofacial surgeons.Exploring the diagnostic improvements that John has seen over the years.  Why John is excited about the future of nerve treatment.The game-changing innovations to nerve allografts and neurotrophic factors. We unpack John’s checklist when deciding if a patient needs surgery. The factors that make neuropathic pain surgery so unique and difficult. What nerve surgery looks like for John.The type of information that can inform how well John can do his job.How John treats patients with trigeminal neuralgia.John shares his words of wisdom for treating nerve pain.Tips on being a top researcher. Dealing with medical insurers when treating nerve damage.How to handle nerve damage that has been caused by past surgeons.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. John ZunigaUT Southwestern Medical Center Parkland Hospital Tufts University School of Dental Medicine University of Rochester University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dr. Michael Han is Program Director at the University of Illinois. Although he never had his sights set on teaching, he found fulfillment in the act and enjoys helping residents refine their skills to become the leading oral maxillofacial surgeons of the future. We kick off the show by hearing from Michael on his academic and professional history. After learning how he entered the world of academia and ultimately teaching, Michael shares what he enjoys about sharing knowledge with young hopefuls. He touches on how it has made him reflect on himself as a surgeon and the ways in which it has been a synergistic journey. We then ask Michael to tell us more about how he has refined his teaching techniques. He explains the importance of not making assumptions and encouraging your students to ask questions, especially as there are many solutions to one problem. Later, Michael shares a number of clinical pearls with us and expands on attractions and molts, and the reasons why he doesn’t allow his residents to deviate from routine. To conclude the show, Michael talks about which gadgets he enjoys as well as his one rule for using them. For a handful of clinical pearls, be sure to join us today!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Michael Han.Michael shares his academic and professional history.How Michael made his decision to pursue academia.What Michael enjoys about teaching.Michael’s experiences letting his residents work on his real-life patients.How Michael has refined his teaching method.Michael’s teaching style and how it has changed recently.Michael talks about implant systems and which ones work for him.Get your fill on 3D printers and implants.Hear how Michael’s I&D technique has evolved over the years.Michael touches on his role as Program Director.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Michael HanUniversity of IllinoisUniversity of CaliforniaUniversity of SeattleUICNobel BiocareStraumannAutodesk Meshmixer

On paper, becoming a world-class maxillofacial surgeon should be simple. The reality can be far different. Today we speak to Dr. Kevin Haddle who has found the perfect balance between work and play. We open the show by hearing from Kevin about his professional history. We learn that his entry into maxillofacial surgery was less than conventional, yet it was a friend and mentor that ultimately helped him find his vocation in life. As our conversation develops, Kevin delivers parcels of wisdom for surgeons. He touches on eliminating the fear of change, why one should try not to create outcomes, and why it isn’t worth overanalyzing things. Following this, Kevin tells us what he has learned from being his own boss and why it is important to assess what makes you happy. He tells us that he has curated his workweek in such a way that he is fed both professionally and personally. Getting in the particulars of his practice, we ask Kevin to tell us how he established his practice as “the new kid on the block.” He elaborates on the importance of interpersonal skills, sincere gifting, and the power of positivity on social media business pages. Toward the end of the show, Kevin walks us through his experiences as a mentor and teacher and shares advice with young surgeons who might be thinking of entering cosmetics. To conclude the show Kevin answers our series of rapid-fire questions. Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Kevin Haddle.Kevin breaks down his professional history.Hear about Kevin’s goal to help people through plastic surgery.The reasons doctors turned Kevin away from medical school.How Kevin achieved autonomy as his own boss.Why we should let our paths unfold before us, without forcing our futures.Some of the lessons Kevin learned from being his own boss.How Kevin built up his practice.Kevin’s involvement with teaching and what he has learned himself as a teacher.Kevin shares advice for those looking to get into cosmetics.Some of Kevin’s latest clinical revelations.Hear Kevin’s thoughts on various therapies like cryo and red light therapy.Kevin’s advice for young surgeons wanting to get into cosmetics.Kevin answers some final rapid-fire questionsLinks Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Kevin HaddleDr. Bill EvansGalderma

Developing your mental strength is critical in landing and progressing through your residency. Today we speak with Dr. Chisohlm Emeka Chukwu, a resident at Case Western whose inspiring story reveals the power of resilience and mental fortitude. Early in our conversation, Emeka shares details about his background which include leaving Nigeria at 15 and working in northern Cyprus, Turkey, Latvia, and Poland before he settled in the U.S. After discussing his upbringing in a rural town, Emeka chats about what he most appreciates about American life. We then dive into the role that resilience and discipline have played in helping Emeka excel in dental school. He discusses ways that students can stand out from their peers as well as what he did to prepare himself for residency. Later, we explore the challenges faced by residents, with Emeka providing clear advice on how to overcome them. Linked to this, Emeka highlights the need to humble yourself and put in the extra time and work to correct your weaknesses. We wrap up our conversation by asking Emeka our final rapid-fire questions. Listeners will benefit from hearing about the impactful book that he recently read, as well as how valuable his relationship to God has been for his career. Tune in to hear more about why building your mental strength is so critical to your residency progress.Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Chisohlm Emeka Chukwu.Emeka discusses the globe-trotting journey that led him to the U.S.How Emeka got his start in dentistry.Hear about the biggest things that Emeka did in dental school to land his residency.The importance of resilience and constantly seeking to improve yourself.Emeka shares his top advice on interviewing for a residency.Why Emeka accepted a residency position at Case Western. How Emeka overcame his residency challenges.Insights into how Emeka handles racist patients.The benefits that come from humbling yourself.Why you should put in the extra to strengthen your weaknesses.We ask Emeka our final rapid-fire questions.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Emeka Chukwu on InstagramArizona School of Dentistry & Oral HealthCase Western Reserve UniversityEpisode with Dr. Thomas SchlieveParkland HospitalSan Antonio Regional HospitalUAB MedicineUconn HealthDr. Petra OlivieriDr. Jake StuckiMichael JordanThings Fall Apart on AmazonThe 5 Love Languages on Amazon

They don’t call him “Triple D” for nothing. Dr. Thomas Shlieve is an expert in the field of osteonecrosis and has earned his nickname as the Deadbone Doctor of Dallas. Yet the reality is that osteonecrosis is a serious condition that can greatly impact the quality of life of a patient suffering from it. Thomas knows this all too well, which is why he is hugely passionate about helping patients with dead jawbone. In this episode, we explore a number of different types of osteonecrosis, how medication can affect the healing of jawbones and what methods of solution are available to doctors and sufferers. Thomas shares what to look out for and how you should discuss your findings with the patient. He touches on explanations of drugs and their uses as well as when surgery becomes an absolute necessity. Given the many nuances of dead jawbone, Thomas takes time to detail how different patients can experience the condition. Following this, Thomas shares additional information on his approach to assisting patients who are on bisphosphonate medications and talks about how literature and white papers contrast with reality. In the latter stages of the show, Thomas talks about what options are available to patients who simply won’t heal and which surgical approaches he might use as intervention. To conclude, Thomas shares parting thoughts on when surgery is and isn’t required, as well as the cautions one should take with dead jawbone. Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Thomas Shlieve.Why Thomas’ nickname is “Triple D”. Hear in simple terms, what MRONJ is.Thomas lists some of the high-risk drugs that can cause MRONJ.What sort of things to look out for and what you should be discussing with your patient.How different patients can be affected by dead jawbones.What Thomas does differently for patients who are on bisphosphonate medications.What options you have when your patient is not healing.Tips for moving toward a surgical approach.How Thomas makes his incisions on patients.Thomas shares the intricacies involved in primary closures.Hear Thomas’ parting thoughts.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Thomas ShlieveDr. Thomas Shlieve on LinkedInComplications in Neck Dissection on Amazon

Today we sit with Dr. Thomas Shlieve to talk about HPV and its impacts on our health. Diving straight into the subject matter, Thomas defines HPV as a sexually transmitted disease. He goes on to explain the various genotypes, which are cancer-causing, and what age groups face the biggest threats. We learn that although HPV is typically contracted during teen years and your twenties, the onset of cancer caused by HPV is often experienced in patients who are in their 40s and 50s. Yet, Thomas is beginning to see patients much younger in age and stresses the importance of HPV vaccination. As our conversation develops, Thomas talks to us about how the prevalence of HPV has changed throughout the decades and shares how surgeons can approach patients who have the virus. In the closing segments of the show, Thomas returns his focus to the HPV vaccine, lists the benefits, and eases patient fears about the jab. However, should you not be vaccinated against HPV, your chances of survival remain incredibly high should you be HPV positive, and successful HPV treatment can mean you’re no longer HPV positive. To get your fill on HPV and its cancer-causing effects, be sure to join us today!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Thomas Shlieve.We answer: What is HPV, how is it transmitted, and what is its link to oral cancer?Thomas talks about the genotypes of the HPV virus.Hear about the prevalence of HPV and how it has changed.Ages affected by cancer caused by HPV and who is at highest risk.What surgeons can do to help their patients avoid HPV.We look at the relationship between vaccines and HPV.Why younger children should get the HPV vaccine.What to look out for when identifying HPV in patients.Thomas tells us about the survival rate for HPV cancer.How Thomas and Grant have their patients receive IV drips.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Thomas ShlieveDr. Thomas Shlieve on LinkedIn

Today we’re taking a break from talking about cutting-edge techniques and tools to focus on another very important topic: racism. Inequality and underrepresentation are unfortunately still present in the workplace, but there is hope for change; real, lasting change. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Raza Hussain about his recently published article on racism, his own experiences with discrimination, and how an appreciation for learning and teaching can remedy this societal and systemic disease. Our discussion opens with Raza telling us about his background. He touches on life as a first-generation Pakistani-American, and how the first Gulf war and how his surname, ‘Hussain,’ impacted his upbringing in America. Delving deeper, Raza shares details on why not all racism is intentional, but rather comes from a place of ignorance. The way to cure this, says Raza, is to be a teacher. He expands on this and suggests how you can educate, and even inspire others by telling them about your own unique heritage and customs. As our conversation develops we find out from Raza about how women are also subjected to discrimination in the workplace. He talks about how women are oftentimes better performers in the oral maxillofacial surgery industry, and that their underrepresentation is a great shame but something we can change. Toward the end of the episode, we recap the most pertinent details from our discussion, like the relationship between teaching and learning, and why common ground is so beneficial. Be sure to join in on this episode and educate yourself on how you can help raise minority representation. Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Raza Hussain.Raza talks about one of his latest journal articles. Raza’s experiences as a first-generation Pakistani-American in his family.Why Raza’s experiences aren’t indicative of the experiences felt by other minority group members.Hear about Raz’s residency and how impacted him.We get into the true definition of being an academician. What a high-reliability organization looks like.How women need to have better representation in the oral maxillofacial surgery industry.Studies that show women are in demand, as per client preference.Some of the prejudice women face in residencies.Most people don’t have pure hatred and animosity in their hearts toward other people.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Raza Hussain on LinkedInAmerican Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

As today’s guest can attest, it’s never been more challenging to become an oral surgeon. And if you do have what it takes, then toxic learning cultures might discourage you from pursuing your career. In this episode, we speak to Dr. Trina Sengupta about the importance of persistence in becoming an oral surgeon. Early in our conversation, we ask Trina about her experience teaching residents who might not be committed to oral surgery. After comparing private practice with working in large institutions, Trina shares how she maintains her composure under stressful environments. Reflecting on her career, Trina highlights the incredible role that her mentors have played in helping her excel. Trina then discusses how valuable positivity is to overcoming career roadblocks. Linked to this, Trina unpacks her top tips on becoming an oral surgeon. Later, she talks about how unproductive it is to use fear to motivate residents. As she explains, fostering strong and open teamwork is key in providing the best possible care. For more insights on persisting in the face of adversity, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode:Trina shares her experiences of teaching residents.Overcoming the challenge of teaching disinterested residents.Comparing public and private medical practices.How Trina maintains her composure under trying circumstances.Trina talks about how she landed her first role in New York.Reflecting on the role that Trina’s mentors played in furthering her career.Exploring how Trina navigates hospital spaces as a woman.  Hear the top lesson that Trina imparts to residents.Tips on applying to oral surgery postings. Why it’s more difficult than ever to become an oral surgeon.How Trina strives to create a supportive work environment.The benefits of building a strong team dynamic.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Trina Sengupta on LinkedInUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Illinois ChicagoCase Western Reserve UniversityDr. Grant StuckiDr. Grant Stucki Phone Number — +1 720-775-5843

If you have a medical practice for more than a week, you will undoubtedly receive some bad patient reviews. This is a part of life as a health professional, but that doesn't mean that there are not ways to minimize the number of these or deal with them in a more suitable way. Today, we host a discussion between Dr. Stucki, Dr. Hull, and Dr. Salomon on this exact topic, looking at patient experiences, expectations, disagreements, and more! Some of the main takeaways include a proactive approach to communicating with a disgruntled patient, the importance of staff education and training, useful reward systems, and the power of empathy for a patient's difficulties. Though these situations may not always be within our control as oral surgeons, we always have control over our own responses, so finding the best ways for you, your staff, and your patients, will serve everyone's interests in the long run. We spend some time contemplating online reviews and the bias towards negative reviews that seems part of the natural human psyche. The conversation also covers the tools that can be utilized for the review process and setting these up in the most effective way. So for all that from our panel of experts, be sure to listen in today! Key Points From This Episode:The frequency of issues related to staff and elements of the patient experience. Groundwork for patient expectations around payment and waiting times.   Dealing with problems arising from other practitioners and disagreements about treatment.The importance of great communication in trying to find resolutions to issues. Questions about refunding and making up for different types of bad experiences.Handling these tough discussions and when to admit a fault or not. Why the extra effort usually pays off; with good reviews from patients. Demonstrating care to patients explicitly; diffusing situations and easing tension.How to deal with bad reviews; prevention and helpful tools and technologies.Motivating staff through rewards for good reviews!Evaluating the different review platforms and picking the ones to utilize internally.  The relationship between in-person follow-ups and reviews. Creating a great customer experience through a united approach from the whole practice.Positive reinforcement and bonuses for staff members as a means to boost employee morale.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. William HullDr. David SalomonSwellSocial Review WizardDr. Grant StuckiDr. Grant Stucki Phone Number — +1 720-775-5843