Everyday Oral Surgery

What leads skilled doctors to make dangerous mistakes in OMS sedation, and what can we do to work towards putting a stop to it? In this episode, Dr. Steve Yun, a board-certified M.D. and dental anesthesiologist from Southern California, sheds light on the most high-risk sedative used in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). If you want to better understand the risks, challenges, and how to improve safety in sedation practices, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As they delve into the conversation, you’ll hear three real-life examples of OMS sedation cases gone wrong, including the tragic story of six-year-old Caleb Sears. Dr. Yun unpacks the research on ketamine, the fine print found on every manufacturer’s box, and what’s really happening when it’s used as a rescue sedative. They also discuss the safest places for the sedation provider to be during any procedure, how Caleb’s Law has reshaped sedation and anesthesia practices in California, and Dr. Yun shares details of the upcoming Snow & Sedation Conference in 2026. For all this and more, start listening now!Key Points From This Episode:Background, training, and current practice setup for Dr. Steve Yun.We dive into a discussion on the most dangerous sedatives in OMS sedation.Dr. Yun shares the first real-life practical example of an OMS sedation case.Case number two of a real-life OMS sedation case: losing the airway.The last example: the case of Caleb Sears, the death of a six-year-old boy.The most dangerous sedative in OMS sedation: Ketamine.Rethinking the effects of ketamine. Dr. Yun shares some research regarding the use and effects of ketamine.We look at the drug manufacturer's instructions on a box of ketamine: the small print.What’s happening when you use ketamine as a rescue sedative.Dr. Yun shares his tennis analogy: the safest places for you to be during sedation. How Caleb’s Law affects the practice of OMS sedation and anesthesia in California.Last words from Dr. Yun: Snow & Sedation Conference.Rapid-fire answers from Dr. Steve Yun.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Steve Yun, M.D. — https://www.dentalanesthesiamd.com/ Dr. Steve Yun, M.D. Email — yunsteve@gmail.com Premier Sedation — http://www.premiersedation.com Dental Board of California — https://www.dbc.ca.gov/ Snow & Sedation Conference 2026 — https://snowandsedation.com/ ‘The effect of low-dose ketamine on fentanyl-induced respiratory depression’ — https://associationofanaesthetists-publications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1365-2044.1998.00519.x ‘Association of ketamine use during procedural sedation with oxygen desaturation and healthcare utilisation: a multicentre retrospective hospital registry study’ — https://www.bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(24)00204-6/abstract ‘Rethinking ketamine as a panacea: adverse effects on oxygenation and postoperative outcomes’ — https://www.bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(23)00747-X/pdf  UCLA Dentistry — https://dentistry.ucla.edu/ Caleb’s Law — http://www.calebslaw.org/ James —

How can residents shape the future of oral and maxillofacial surgery? In this episode, Drs. Jai Kumar Mediratta and Jeremy Figueroa-Ortiz join Dr. Grant Stucki to share how the Resident Organization of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ROAAOMS) gives residents a powerful voice within the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). They discuss the organization's work in advocating for residents’ needs, expanding mentorship opportunities, promoting diversity, and supporting wellness while going through the challenges of training. You’ll also find out how initiatives like Day on the Hill, scholarship programs, and mentorship networks are helping to connect residents, influence legislation, and strengthen the specialty’s future. Tune in to learn how early involvement with ROAAOMS can open doors, build lasting relationships, and make a real impact in oral surgery!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing Drs. Jai Kumar Mediratta and Jeremy Figueroa-Ortiz.An overview of ROAAOMS and its role within AAOMS.Ways that ROAAOMS advocates for resident needs, mentorship, and wellness.The importance of resident representation at AAOMS leadership meetings.ROAAOMS subcommittees: driving advocacy, education, wellness, and outreach.How residents and students can get involved through program liaisons and social media.Initiatives at ROAAOMS to introduce dental students to oral surgery.The role of mentorship in supporting underrepresented and diverse dental students.How promoting diversity strengthens the OMS specialty.Supporting resident wellness and burnout prevention at ROAAOMS.Mentorship programs that help residents navigate career development.How ROAAOMS promotes scholarships and conference participation.The impact of Day on the Hill and other legislative advocacy efforts.Building community, leadership skills, and lifelong connections through ROAAOMS.An overview of upcoming conferences and events.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Jai Kumar Mediratta on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaikumarmediratta/Dr. Jai Kumar Mediratta on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/jaikumarmediratta.dds.md/Dr. Jai Kumar Mediratta Email — jai.kumar.mediratta@gmail.comDr. Jeremy Figueroa-Ortiz — https://medschool.umich.edu/profile/jeremy-figueroa-ortiz-md-dmdDr. Jeremy Figueroa-Ortiz Email — jxfo@med.umich.edu The Resident Organization of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ROAAOMS) — https://aaoms.org/education-meetings/academics/oms-residents/ROAAOMS LinkTree — https://linktr.ee/roaaomsROAAOMS on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/roaaoms/ROAAOMS on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ROAAOMS/Day on the Hill — https://aaoms.org/education-meetings/meetings/day-on-the-hill/Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://ww

Dr. Tom Stone, CEO of Dr. Talk, and Dr. Vic Martel, a notable general dentistry consultant from Florida, share insights on transforming dental practices through effective communication and education. They discuss how Dr. Talk streamlines referrals and fosters loyalty among general practitioners by simplifying complex procedures. The duo emphasizes the importance of mentorship, trust-based relationships, and leveraging technology for growth. Additionally, they explore the evolving landscape of dental education, advocating for year-round, scalable learning opportunities.

Dr. Roger Levin, Founder and CEO of Levin Group, shares invaluable insights into advancing a surgical career. He outlines the four-level framework crucial for oral surgeons, emphasizing the pitfalls of Level 3, where many find themselves overworked. Dr. Levin illuminates how effective delegation and strong leadership can pave the way to Level 4, which promises greater efficiency and satisfaction. He also discusses the significance of proper office management and the hidden costs of inadequate marketing—essential knowledge for any aspiring or current surgeon.

The oral board exams for oral surgeons are an inevitability that can be quite daunting. But what if we told you that it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems? Today, on Everyday Oral Surgery, Drs. Ben Palla, Sebastian Graca, and Steven Licht are here to discuss how to prepare for the oral board exam. In this discussion, you’ll hear all about the Oral Comprehensive Exam (OCE), a breakdown of the three sections within it, what the test costs in total, and much more! We delve into some excellent study materials, resources, and courses before discussing the power of working in study groups when preparing for board exams. Our guests even share their top study tips and tell us why you should aim to become board-certified. Finally, they share their favorite books and top parenting tips. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming our guests, Drs. Ben Palla, Sebastian Graca, and Steven Licht. Ben tells us how you can fast-track taking the Oral Comprehensive Exam (OCE).Steven breaks down the three sections in the OCE exam. The total cost of doing the test, what is included, and what isn’t included. Sebastian shares his favorite study materials and some tips on how he prepared. The power and importance of group studying for these exams. Some courses you can take to help you prepare for board exams and the cost of them. Ben tells us about the course he is going to offer for oral surgery residents. Sebastian shares some of his best study tips for anyone preparing for their boards. The benefits of being board-certified and the dangers of not being board-certified. Our guests answer some rapid-fire questions to close off. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Ben Palla on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-palla-a563a4112/ Dr. Ben Palla Email Address — bpalla12@gmail.com Dr. Ben Palla on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/benpalla/ Dr. Sebastian Graca on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-graca-dmd-ab710a73/ Dr. Steven Licht on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-licht-dmd-45763564/ Dr. Steven Licht on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/steven.licht/ Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — https://www.amazon.com/Oral-Board-Review-Maxillofacial-Surgery/dp/3030488799 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Review — https://www.amazon.com/Oral-Maxillofacial-Surgery-Review-Study-ebook/dp/B07ZQ8958L The White Papers — https://aaoms.org/publications/position-papers/white-papers/ Oral Surgery Fight Club Season 1 Episode 1 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArypHwlBFjg St. Louis Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Review Course — https://stlomfsreview.com/ Nashville Update in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — https://www.omsreview.com/ Jacksonville Board Review Course — https://jaxboardreviewcourse.com/ How to Win Friends a

Dr. Roger Levin, Founder and CEO of the Levin Group, brings his expertise in dental practice management to the conversation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding key metrics like production, collections, and write-offs for practice growth. The discussion reveals how monitoring these numbers helps enhance operational efficiency and delegation skills. Levin also shares insights on the role of implants in boosting productivity and how maintaining a positive environment can make challenging tasks enjoyable. Dive in to discover actionable strategies that drive success!

Dr. Roger Levin, an internationally recognized dental business visionary and CEO of Levin Group, discusses the common pitfalls of referral marketing for oral surgeons. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with referring doctors and providing total support to enhance patient experiences. Dr. Levin also highlights the importance of communication, maintaining a diverse referral base, and the consequences of losing top referrers. His advice includes the 60-30-10 model and strategies for effective follow-up to ensure marketing success.

Many oral surgeons are not very familiar with facial fractures, and in this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, we are getting a great introduction to these treatments and repairs from an oculoplastic surgeon. Today, we are joined by Dr. Harkaran Rana to discuss Naso-Orbito-Ethmoid (NOE) and frontal sinus fracture repairs. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the different ways of diagnosing NOE and frontal sinus fractures, how to identify different kinds of fractures, surgical interventions for these injuries, and more! We delve into the treatment management for NOE and frontal sinus fractures before discussing the most common kinds of facial fractures. We even talk about where to put plates and drill holes to protect the brain. Finally, Dr. Rana tells us about the TV shows and books he’s loving right now. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming today’s guest, Dr. Harkaran Rana. Diagnosing NOE and frontal sinus fractures. Breaking down different types of these fractures. Treatment management for NOE and frontal sinus fractures. Some common mistakes during these treatments. The most common kinds of fractures. Why Dr. Rana tries to place plates as far back as possible. Protecting the brain during these procedures. Dr. Rana shares the books and shows he’s enjoying now.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Harkaran Rana on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/harkaran-rana-aa3637179/ Dr. Harkaran Rana Email Address — harkaran.s.rana@gmail.com NOE Type I — https://surgeryreference.aofoundation.org/cmf/trauma/midface/noe-type-i/definition#general NOE Type II — https://surgeryreference.aofoundation.org/cmf/trauma/midface/noe-type-ii/open-reduction-internal-fixation#selection-of-approach Empire of Pain — https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Pain-History-Sackler-Dynasty/dp/0385545681 Shoe Dog — https://www.amazon.co.za/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-NIKE/dp/1471146723 Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

During this episode, Dr. Grant Stucki is joined by Dr. Andy Loetscher, an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss Orthognathic surgery. The conversation centers around some of the nuances of Orthognathic surgery, and how to adapt it to improve airways. We start by discussing different approaches for disparate ages and concerns, before exploring how to find the ongoing balance between aesthetics and function. Next, we discuss why airway concerns must be dealt with urgently, unpack what a clinical examination can help to determine, and hear some success stories from Dr. Loetscher’s patients. This conversation also touches on how patients discover Dr. Loetscher, how he works to prevent complications, and how he prepares patients for the changes they may see in their facial structure after surgery. We touch on healing in older patients, post-op meds and anesthesia, maintaining the structures of the face, and much more. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode:Welcome to Dr. Andy Loetscher and background on how his practice has evolved in the context of Orthognathic surgery. How treatment differs between younger patients and older patients with disparate concerns.Weighing aesthetics versus airway concerns. An example of why it is so valuable to address airway issues sooner rather than later.The role of a clinical examination and clinical history in diagnosing a problem. Success stories from Dr. Loetscher’s patients and the incredible results they experience.How most patients land up in Dr. Loetscher’s chair. Avoiding complications during the healing process for older patients.Preparing patients for changes in their facial structure.Why sensation returns slower in older patients and how the blade can impact the process.His approach to post-op meds and anesthesia.Exploring different diagnostic options. Role of the septum and other facial structures. Opening up the bone to avoid structural changes in the face.A case study with a 72-year-old patient.What Dr. Loetscher is watching at the moment: Landman. Book recommendations and more. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Andy Loetscher on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-loetscher-41a352a/ Dr. Andy Loetscher Email — jawimplant@aol.comAtlanta Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Implant Center — https://www.jawimplant.com/ Landman Revenge of the Tipping PointDavid and Goliath Can’t Hurt Me Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

As cannabis use becomes more widespread, its effects on oral surgery are becoming increasingly evident, but what does this mean for oral surgeons? In this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, Dr. Grant Stucki welcomes back Dr. Robert John, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Troy, Michigan, to discuss the implications of cannabis use in oral surgery. Dr. John shares insights from a recent discussion with dentists in Michigan, where legalized marijuana has led to notable complications in dental procedures. Together, they unpack the risks associated with sedation, increased bleeding, dry mouth, and post-surgical healing difficulties. They also explore strategies for screening patients, adjusting sedation protocols, and educating individuals about the oral health risks of cannabis use. Join Dr. Stucki and Dr. John to discover practical strategies and expert insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape of oral surgery in the age of cannabis legalization. Tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Discover how cannabis causes issues with sedation during oral surgery. Find out why cannabis users experience more bleeding during surgery.Uncover the link between cannabis use and dry mouth, and why it matters.Thrush and fungal infections associated with patients who use cannabis regularly.Explore how cannabis use can affect healing and post-operation recovery.Learn the signs and signals of patients who are under the influence of cannabis. How Dr. John has adapted his protocols and surgical approach for cannabis users.Hear why understanding the complications caused by cannabis use is important. Why it is advised that patients avoid any cannabis use before a consultation.Recommendations on how to educate patients about the risks of cannabis use.Dr. John explains why the dental community needs to advocate for policy changes. The prevalence of cannabis use among teenagers and why it is a problem. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Robert John — https://www.troyoralsurgery.com/Dr. Robert John Email — info@troyoralsurgery.comDr. Robert John Phone — (248) 665-8769Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059