Everyday Oral Surgery

Becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is not an easy task. It takes years of grueling training, during which you’ll undoubtedly experience many failures and setbacks. It can be especially tough if you take an unorthodox route to becoming one. In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Ashkan Mobini to talk about the non-traditional journey he took to becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and how he found the grit to continue despite the immense obstacles he faced. When he first graduated in 2011, Dr. Mobini knew he was interested in becoming an oral surgeon but student debt and the opportunity to pay it off while working as a dentist encouraged him to delay that decision. In our conversation, Dr. Mobini explains what it was like applying for residency two years after his initial training and why this posed so many obstacles. We hear why he was no longer considered a good residency candidate in 2013, and why he pursued a non-categorical internship to become a better candidate and obtain a residency. He shares why it was one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do, how he found the strength to persevere, and why he’s so glad he did. We also discuss what it was like obtaining his residency after two years as an intern and why it’s so important to maintain a good perspective on yourself and be tenacious in your desire to become what you want to be. Tune in for an honest conversation about what it takes to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, why it’s okay to take a non-traditional journey to get there, and why perseverance pays off!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest Dr. Ashkan Mobini.Learn about Dr. Mobini’s training and how he became an oral surgeon.The obstacles that Dr. Mobini faced on the path to becoming an oral maxillofacial surgeon.The unorthodox path that Dr. Mobini followed to becoming an oral maxillofacial surgeon.Why Dr. Mobini decided not to apply to a residency after graduating in 2011.The challenges that Dr. Mobini faced due to applying for residency two years after graduation.How being a Canadian citizen affected Dr. Mobini’s studies in the US.How pursuing an internship improved Dr. Mobini’s opportunities as a residency candidate.How Dr. Mobini prepared for his CBSE and what it was like taking it.The difference between a categorical and non-categorical intern.The challenges of persevering as a non-categorical intern.Why doing a second year as a non-categorical intern helped Dr. Mobini become an excellent residency candidate.Dr. Mobini answers our rapid-fire questions.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Ashkan Mobini on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashkan-mobini-10411236/Dr. Ashkan Mobini’s email address — ashkan.mobini@gmail.comToronto Oral Facial Surgery — https://www.tofs.ca/aboutAtomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones — https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/dp/B07D23CFGREveryday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/?hl=en Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

In this episode, we do a deep dive into causes, risk factors, and recommended treatments for a variety of fibro-osseous lesions. Our guest today is Dr. Robert Marx, a recently retired oral surgeon who is now pursuing stem cell research. Robert has a wealth of knowledge on fibro-osseous lesions; from periapical cemental dysplasia and florid cemento-osseous dysplasia to fibrous dysplasia and cherubism. After listening to this episode, you’ll know when you should treat a fibro-osseous lesion and when you should “let sleeping dogs lie,” symptoms to look out for when diagnosing patients, which patients will need lifelong follow-ups, and which lesions are and are not hereditary. Fibro-osseous lesions are commonly misdiagnosed, so tune in today to prevent making that mistake!  Key Points From This Episode:An explanation of what fibro-osseous lesions are.Periapical cemental dysplasia: causes and risk factors for this type of lesion.How to treat focal cemento-osseous dysplasia.When patients with periapical cemental dysplasia or focal cemento-osseous dysplasia will experience pain.A rare problem that can occur in patients with florid cemento-osseous dysplasia.How to identify fibrous dysplasia. Advice for undertaking an osseo sculpting procedure.The potential for regrowth of fibrous dysplasia. Why a quiescent period is recommended when fibrous dysplasia is identified.An overview of the four types of fibrous dysplasia.The cause of all types of fibrous dysplasias.How cherubism got its name. Symptoms of the three different types of cherubism.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/?hl=en Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Welcome to our Resident Series, where we’ll be discussing relevant topics and updates from the leaders in our field. Today, Drs. Grant and Jake Stucki delve into the recent AAOMS Position Paper on Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ), published in May 2022. We’ve discussed MRONJ in previous episodes, but today we’re taking a closer look at the changes observed by the leaders of our specialty. In this episode, we cover all the bases of what MRONJ is, what causes it, its risks, and the various treatment options. We discuss the medications associated with causing MRONJ, and what constitutes a high-risk candidate for developing the condition. We break down the three critical diagnostic criteria and the four stages of MRONJ and explain why it’s crucial to know these back to front. Tune in to find out the degrees of risk when it comes to extraction and implants, and how to reduce the risk of MRONJ before, during, and after oral surgery. And be sure to join us for the next installment of the Resident Series!Key Points From This Episode:Defining MRONJ: Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.The medications associated with causing MRONJ and what they’re used for.Which patients are at high risk for developing MRONJ.The various terms used for MRONJ in the recently updated AAOMS Position Paper.How bisphosphonates impair osteoclast function causing MRONJ.Why osteoclast function is intentionally inhibited in certain cancer patients.How long bisphosphonates can remain in the body, beyond treatment.The pathogenesis of MRONJ.The diagnostic criteria for MRONJ.The four stages of MRONJ: inexplicable pain (no exposed bone), asymptomatic exposed bone, exposed bone with pain, and pain with exposed bone and radiographic changes.The importance of knowing the stages and the diagnostic criteria for MRONJ!Factors to consider when determining a patient’s risk for developing MRONJ.Reasons for using antiresorptive medication.The risk of MRONJ following tooth extraction.How to reduce the risk of MRONJ before, during, and after oral surgery.The role of existing inflammation in causing MRONJ.Non-surgical and surgical treatment for MRONJ.Clinical scenarios: how to decide whether to extract a tooth from a patient who’s on antiresorptive medication.How Drs. Grant and Jake Stucki communicate the risk to patients.The low risk of implants causing MRONJ.The importance of informing your patients of the risk.Look out for our next Resident Series episode!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:AAOMS Position Paper on MRONJ 2022 Update — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35300956/Dr. Thomas Schlieve: Changing the way you think about MRONJ — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/podcast/Everyday Oral Surgery — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059Dr. Grant Stucki on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgeryDr. Jake Stucki — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-stucki-ab19a593/

When you start your private practice you need to choose what you want to prioritize and build your team from there. Today on the show we talk with Dr. Jason Edwards, an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery based in Tampa Florida, about his hiring practices, how to build a team based on your values and priorities, and what he learned from facing an unexpected lawsuit. Dr. Edwards is a huge fan of collaboration and it’s played a substantial role in shaping his business. In our conversation, we delve into the hiring process, how to get the most out of your interviews, and how to foster a thriving and cohesive team. Dr. Edwards explains why he looks for qualities like adaptability and care in his new hires, and how to identify particular values and traits during interviews. We also discuss the minor lawsuit Dr. Edwards had to contend with, how the case got thrown out, and the pivotal role that reviews play in any lawsuit. Today’s episode is filled with excellent recommendations on hiring, team building, the reviewing process, and much more. So make sure you tune in to learn from the best!Key Points From This Episode:Get to know today’s guest Dr. Jason Edwards, including his training, and his current office setup.What Dr. Edwards learned from his father about business and a high work ethic. Why Dr. Edwards chose to do several business classes during his undergrad.How Dr. Edwards got started in private practice and chose his team.Why Dr. Edwards isn’t afraid to fail or collaborate.Why a sophisticated system of operation is so valuable.Choosing whether to prioritize service or sales and how to hire accordingly.The qualities that Dr. Edwards looks for when hiring new team members.Recommendations on how to interview for qualities like adaptability.Why you should hire slow and fire fast based on trust and cooperation.How Dr. Edwards conducts his training and separates the front and back of his office.Why you should start your training in a stress-free environment.Tips on how to ensure that your new hire is a good fit for your team.Why you should interview your team as well as their new teammate for feedback.Details on the lawsuit against Dr. Edward’s practice and how they won.The pivotal role that reviews play in any lawsuit.How Dr. Edwards structures the review process.The benefits of separating financial compensation from the review process.Why there should always be a third-party present during the review process.Dr. Edwards answers our rapid-fire questions.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:The One Minute ManagerVoodoo in New OrleansDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

In residency, it’s easy to romanticize what your life is going to be like when you get out into the world of private practice or academia, but the reality is often different from what you would expect. This episode will ensure that you are better prepared to handle the challenges that you are likely to experience in life after residency! Joining me today are Dr. Paul Rollins, from the private practice side, and Dr. Ben Hechler from the academic side, to share the biggest shocks that they received when they left residency, and their advice for overcoming them. From the importance of communicating your mistakes with your patients (yes, mistakes are inevitable!) to how to lead a team, this episode covers (almost) everything you need to get your head around the challenges of being in practice.  Key Points From This Episode:The importance of not romanticizing life after residency too much.Why procedures that become easy during residency are a lot more challenging when you start practicing.Phases that define school, college, and residency, but not life after residency.Value in planning ahead for every procedure that you do.Why you shouldn’t place too much emphasis on speed.The importance of openly communicating the possible complications of procedures with your patients. Don’t expect to be perfect! Advice for interacting with patients. Parallels between academia and practice. How social media distorts our perception of reality, and why this is problematic. Words of encouragement for those who are struggling with self confidence after residency.What to do when you make a mistake.Why you should get your license as soon as possible after residency.Factors to take into consideration when starting out in an academic position.The importance of doing a trial period before committing your career to a particular practice or academic institution.Keys to dealing with referrals in a way that keeps everyone happy.Recommended reads for advice on running a practice.Thoughts on the digital information sharing era that we are living in, and how the impact of this changes between residency and practice. A rapid fire round with Ben and Paul. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Benjamin L. Hechler — https://www.dukehealth.org/benjamin-l-hechler-md-dds Dr. Paul Rollins — https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rollins-25248848/ Uncomplicate Business by Howard Farran — https://www.howardfarran.com/product/uncomplicate-business/ How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Cernegie — https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034 The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt — https://www.amazon.com/Righteous-Mind-Divided-Politics-Religion/dp/0307455777 Big Fish — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319061/ Inception — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/ Dare to Lead by Brené Brown — https://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

The scope of what CBCT scans can expose is unmatched, but it’s of utmost importance that we know what to look for or consult someone who does. Dr. Barett Andreasen is an oral and maxillofacial radiologist practicing in Salt Lake City Utah. He has his own practice, Radiodontics, which offers radiology reports and CBCT scan reviews to practicing dentists and oral maxillofacial surgeons. In this episode, we discuss the legal responsibility practitioners have for CBCT scan findings, and the role and responsibility of oral radiologists to ensure no dangerous pathology goes undiagnosed. Dr. Andreasen emphasizes the importance of documentation in radiology and how best to document CBCT scan findings and fills us in on when it’s best to enlist an oral radiologist to review your CBCT scans. Dr. Andreasen also has some astute advice for those reviewing their own CBCT scans and shares tips on what to look out for when dealing with vascular malfunctions, sinus issues, and more! Tune in for this insightful conversation about the invaluable niche that is oral and maxillofacial radiology.Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Barett Andreasen's in-depth training to become an oral and maxillofacial radiologist.The extensive services Dr. Andreasen offers at his practice, Radiodontics.The legal responsibility practitioners have for CBCT scan findings.Why it’s important to work with an oral radiologist and when you should have them review your CBCT scans. The scope of what CBCT scans can identify.The importance of documentation in radiology and how to document CBCT scan findings.Oral radiology fees and insurance structure.Dr. Andreasen’s thoughts on the recent news topic of a dental malpractice lawsuit.The role and responsibility of oral radiologists.What phleboliths are and why they’re important to take into account.What to look for when dealing with vascular malfunctions, if no phleboliths are detected.Why it’s so important for oral radiologists to be meticulously thorough.Dr. Andreasen’s recommendation for those viewing CBCT scans: take more time!The ineptness of panoramic radiographs for evaluating the sinuses, versus CBCT scans.Dr. Andreasen answers our rapid-fire questions.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Barett Andreasen — https://www.linkedin.com/in/barett-andreasen/Radiodontics — https://www.radiodontics.com/Dr. Barett Andreasen Email — info@radiodontics.comThe Martian — www.amazon.com/The-Martian/dp/B082BHWQCJDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

We are very happy to welcome back Dr. Aaron Liddell to the show today, as he is a perfect candidate to talk about today's subject! In our discussion, we cover the pros and cons of the different private practice models that are available to professionals in the field. There have been a number of requests from listeners to cover this, and so we thought we would share the lessons we have learned from all of our past successes and failures! This conversation should interest anyone finishing up a residency and wondering what to pursue next, and how to best satisfy goals and preferences in the long run. We look at joining a practice as an associate, starting a solo practice, and creating a group practice, sharing good and bad points for each, based on our personalities and priorities. Themes include autonomy, tax ramifications, founders syndrome, social support, and more! So to get some clarity on these important decisions, be sure to join us.Key Points From This Episode:A brief look at Dr. Liddell's path after his time in residency. The biggest pro about joining a practice as an associate: no pressure from the business side of things. Less control and decision-making power around equipment and processes as an associate. The helpful element of having someone next door that you can call on. Financial and tax implications of being employed as an independent contractor. The potentially stressful groundwork that goes into setting up a private practice.  A look at the traditional solo practice ownership model and the control and freedoms that this entails.The marketing that goes into starting things from scratch. How running a solo practice can lead to less vacation time and pressure from your patient base. Fun and social energy in a group practice; what we like about this model. The financial drawbacks of joining a group practice.   Looking at how Dr. Liddell's group practice is run and the pros of having a third-party management system.The uncertain future and growth of partnering with outside management.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Aaron Liddell Email —  aaronliddell@gmail.comDr. Aaron Liddell — https://www.coloradooralsurgery.com/meet-us/dr-aaron-t-liddell-md-dmd-facs/U.S. Oral Surgery Management — https://www.usosm.com/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Today’s guest is dialing in all the way from Melbourne, Australia to share his OMS training and practice journey Down Under. Dr. Seth Delpachitra is an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon specializing in orthognathic and trauma surgery and, in this episode, he provides insight into the public versus private healthcare systems in Australia and explains why he chose to go the public route, despite the scarcity of opportunities. We observe the ways in which the dental and health insurance system in Australia differs from that in the US and discuss the contribution Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery makes to public care. Tune in to find out why Dr. Delpachitra thinks OMS is the best job in the world, why he went on to do an MPH, and how exercise aids his practice as an OMS!Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Seth Delpachitra’s personal, training, and practice history.Dr. Delpachitra’s choice to specialize in orthognathic and trauma surgery.Why he chose to work in the public health system, despite the scarcity of opportunities.The health and dental insurance system in Australia.Dr. Delpachitra’s love for continuous learning; why he did a Masters in Public Health.The education and advocacy required around how OMS contributes to public care.The patient experience in Australia, in terms of fees and insurance.How surgeons’ approach to public health is shifting.The benefits of taking on a public health or business degree.Dr. Delpachitra’s advice for younger surgeons: hang in there!A round of our rapid-fire questions with Dr. Delpachitra.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Seth Delpachitra — www.linkedin.com/in/sdelpachitraThe Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell — https://www.amazon.com/The-Heros-Journey-audiobook/dp/B07FPQ3WJ1/Spider-Man: No Way Home — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10872600/Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey — https://www.amazon.com/Greenlights-Raucous-stories-Academy-Award-winning/dp/1472290690Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Today we welcome to the podcast Dr. James Hupp, an oral maxillofacial surgeon. He is one of the legends in our specialty and has done so much to contribute to the progress of oral maxillofacial surgeons. Dr. Hupp, a cum laude graduate of Harvard University’s School of Dental Medicine, remains an advocate for the addition of technological advances in medical schools across the country.  He spearheaded the development of the first new public dental school in the United States in the last 15 years, using innovative tools to enhance the learning potential of students at East Carolina University.  Dr. James Hupp has continually made every possible effort in increasing the diversity and efficiency of the dental schools he has worked in and others as well. Tuning in, listeners will hear from Dr. Hupp on how he became involved in editing, the benefits of being an editor, and recommendations on how to use the JOMS most efficiently. He breaks down some special sections within the JOMS and elaborates on how to find specific articles. He also shares how to become involved in and contribute to the oral maxillofacial specialty, and much more. So don’t miss out on this episode with Dr. James Hupp!Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Hupp shares his personal journey to becoming an oral maxillofacial surgeon.More on how he became so heavily involved in editing. He shares some takeaways from being the editor of JOMS.His recommendation to young surgeons on how to use the JOMS to benefit them in their daily practice.Clinical Focus in the JOMS; most relevant and timely papers on specific topics.Advice for surgeons who want to contribute to the specialty. Looking back, he shares the most memorable aspect of his career. Hear about Dr. Hupp’s family; his wife, The Carmen, and his children. We end off with some rapid-fire questions.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. James Hupp on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshupp/Dr. James Hupp on Twitter — https://twitter.com/DrJamesHuppDr. James Hupp Email — jrhupp@me.com JOMS — https://www.joms.org/ Subway Book  - https://www.amazon.com/Subway-Curiosities-Secrets-Unofficial-History/dp/0762467908/AMS Today — Carmen Hupp — https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hupp-39235351/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Welcome to another episode of Everyday Oral Surgery! Joining us in conversation today is Dr. Suzanne Stucki-McCormick, a surgeon practicing and teaching in California. Join us today to hear about Dr. Stucki-McCormick’s journey through research and practice, starting with working for NASA while she was still in high school. Hear how she followed her passion for cleft lip and palate surgery, and contributed to early research on triple A bone, after helping to discover a new strain of actinomyces while pursuing her masters studies. Today’s listeners will learn why she believes that oral surgeons are uniquely positioned to be leaders in the ERAS space, and how she integrates natural care into her surgery practice. Dr. Stucki-McCormick has also researched opioid usage and genetics, finding that certain patients are simply non-metabolizers, leaving the conundrum of trying to identify which patients are drug-seekers. She shares the story of being appointed to the dental board by Arnold Schwarzenegger, before sharing her favorite topics to teach today, and why she recommends using the phrase ‘patient agrees’. Thanks for tuning in to hear all this and more from this inspiring surgeon today! Key Points From This Episode:A warm welcome to today’s guest, Dr. Suzanne Stucki-McCormick.Her background, starting with working for NASA in high school. The story of how she discovered a new strain of actinomyces during her masters studies in West Virginia.How she followed her passion for cleft lip and palate surgery.Her early research on triple A bone, known today as BMPs.Why she believes that oral surgeons are uniquely positioned to be leaders in ERAS.Her holistic approach to patient care, including natural options for anti-inflammatories.Dr. Stucki-McCormick’s research on opioid usage and genetics.Results reflected that only 30% of patients are normal metabolizers. Non-metabolizers, drug seekers, and the many avenues for research available.Why finding best practices is clearly what is important. What they can learn from bone cuts today. Her experience being appointed to the dental board by Arnold Schwarzenegger.What she loves to teach today: describing the situation in detail.Her recommendation to add ‘patient agrees’ to the end of your notes.Ethical issues that surgeons are facing today. Dr. Grant Stucki’s issues in practice including patients coming in high on marijuana.Why documenting is such a helpful tool, especially when you are looking back.Pressures in oral surgery, including finances, expectations, and more.The beauty of elective surgery, and the importance of learning to say no.What she loves about oral surgery: you can choose what you want. The most helpful non-surgery thing she does that enriches her career: playing! Why she doesn’t know the names of any of the tools she uses.Her favorite film: the Godfather series! Why doing cleft surgery has been the most rewarding aspect of her career so far.Her quote to live by, about serendipity, and her lifelong love of purple.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Suzanne McCormick on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-mccormick-98845611/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059