Everyday Oral Surgery

Andrew Jenzer, a Duke oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and Damian Findlay, a St. Louis trauma specialist, explore the toughest facial injuries surgeons face. They discuss panfacial fracture planning, multidisciplinary stabilization, reconstruction sequencing, virtual surgical tools, and when staged operations beat “hero surgery.” They also examine ballistic wounds, cavitation, contamination, tissue viability, and the challenges of rebuilding after gunshot injuries.

Dr. Roger Levin, dentist, healthcare consultant, and CEO of Levin Group, returns to explore what makes an exceptional implant treatment coordinator. They discuss the ITC’s five essential competencies, 19 responsibilities, patient motivation, treatment presentations, financial conversations, follow-up, clinical education, and referring-doctor relationships. A practical look at the role’s impact on patient experience and implant-focused practice growth.

Dan Powell, managing partner at Minc Law, specializes in internet defamation and online reputation protection for healthcare professionals. He explores when a negative review crosses into actionable false claims, how privacy rules shape responses, and the risks of legal threats. They also discuss refund demands, public exposure, anonymous posters, monitoring, and building a rapid-response plan for complaints.

Dr. Joshua Austin is a restorative dentist, lecturer, and advocate for clinicians’ mental health. He discusses why dental professionals face heightened risks of burnout, depression, anxiety, and addiction. The conversation explores warning signs, boundaries, delegation, therapy, trauma, and when to seek help. It also touches on sedation challenges involving marijuana and antidepressants, plus practical ways surgeons can start finding support.

Dr. Rick Akin, a Louisiana oral and maxillofacial surgeon, returns to explore “unreasonable hospitality” in oral surgery. They discuss the difference between service and hospitality, personalizing care for anxious patients, empowering teams, and using small gestures to build trust. They also rethink practice success through connection, smiles, and stronger culture rather than financial metrics alone.

Dr. Aaron Liddell, a Colorado oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in complex jaw and airway surgery, discusses orthognathic complications. Topics include atypical maxillary splits, vascular events, mandibular fractures, nerve and tooth-root injuries, condylar seating, fistulas, hardware problems, bone grafting, aesthetic expectations, and supporting patients through difficult recoveries.

Dr. Vic Martel, a general dentist and dental educator, examines the growing All-on-X dilemma. He explores aggressive bone reduction in younger patients, the long-term consequences of failed full-arch treatment, and why FP1, FP2, and segmented restorations deserve more attention. They also discuss teeth-in-a-day marketing, informed consent, bone stewardship, and stronger collaboration between surgeons and restorative dentists.

Dr. Jake Stucki, a dentist and oral surgery sedation specialist, explores ketamine’s role in oral and maxillofacial care. The discussion covers its dissociative mechanism, analgesia, bronchodilation, airway benefits, dosing, and use alongside other sedatives. They also examine emergence delirium, hypersalivation, cardiovascular effects, seizure concerns, and practical strategies for safer recovery and emergency management.

Dr. Roger Levin, dentist and founder of Levin Group, launches a series on the implant treatment coordinator. He explores why implant presentations require a sophisticated approach, the interpersonal and sales skills coordinators need, and four reasons surgeons benefit from dedicated support. The conversation also covers hiring timing, practice growth, follow-up, training, and what’s ahead in the series.

Dr. Jake Stucki, a Denver oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in office-based anesthesia, joins Dr. Grant Stucki for a deep dive into propofol. They explore its unusual history, “anesthesia milk” formulation, rapid recovery, dosing, and practical uses in oral surgery. The conversation also covers airway emergencies, cardiovascular effects, storage, allergies, and choosing appropriate patients for outpatient sedation.