Everyday Oral Surgery

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

A common saying amongst OMFs looking for a practice partner is to pair up with someone who you were in residency with. Today’s guests lend credibility to this, and we hear about their thriving practice, pearls of wisdom, and easy humor! Join us as we talk to Drs. TJ Collins and Billy Hull about all things partnership and successful practice. We discover how they ended up as residents together, where they went from there, and how they reunited a few years later. Listen in for some great tips on what to look for in a partnership, why you should always ask to see a buy-in contract, as well as how to avoid being taken advantage of! Find out how to walk the line between rewarding staff and maintaining the standard of work, and how to manage conflict within the practice. Learn what TJ's three A’s to success stand for, and tune in for a lively debate on the merits of having a spouse involved in a practice! Press “Play” now for a fun and information-filled episode.Key Points From This Episode:Welcome to Drs. TJ Collins and William Hull from Oral Surgery Michiana.How TJ and Billy met, and their road to partnering in practice. Billy’s fellowship horror story, how he was lured into practice with TJ, and why he feels his wife is a unicorn!What you should look for in a partnership: similar professional goals, appreciating each other’s training, and knowing who you are partnering with.Why TJ feels it’s key to see the buy-in contract before you commit. How TJ and Billy are financially partnered: the clauses and breakdowns based on who earns what. Billy’s advice on how to avoid being taken advantage of. Managing the operational aspect of a partnership and playing to each other's strengths!Why it's inevitable that there will be conflict, and why it's important to voice these early on in the partnership. The role of spouses in a partnership: whether to get them involved or not.The two most important aspects of marketing a practice: access and availability.TJ’s three A’s to good practice (availability, affordability, and being affable).How Grant, TJ, and Billy manage to be available over text. Maintaining referrals through monthly events, and being consistent in responding to referrals. How TJ and Billy keep staff motivated!Managing different personalities on a team, and how to toe the line between rewarding employees and not being manipulated. How TJ and Billy dress for success!Where to contact TJ and Billy. Rapid-fire questions: TJ and Billy's favorite books, movies, and quotes, how they improve their skills, and the forceps they use for teeth numbers three and 12.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. William Hull Email — hullydmd@gmail.comDrs TJ Collins and William Hull Phone — 574-272-8823Oral Surgery Michiana — https://www.oralsurgerymichiana.com/Bad Blood — https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Blood-Secrets-Silicon-Startup/Team of Rivals — https://www.amazon.com/Team-Rivals-Political-Abraham-Lincoln/Avatar — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499549/Good Will Hunting — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119217/Every Day Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Due to the lack of exposure to the field, politicians are making uninformed decisions that alter the legislature, and that affect our rights to practice. Talking to us today about what you can do to prevent situations like these, and why it’s so important to get involved, is Dr. Bill Jordan, chair of the AAOMS Committee of Government Affairs. We dive into the discussion with Bill’s journey to where he is now, and how he got involved. We hear how not connecting with those around you can be detrimental to both you and the practice, and why Bill feels that if you don’t get involved, you have no right to gripe. Bill also breaks down the role of the AAOMS in maintaining oral surgeons’ reputation and the standard of the field, and why it is also the responsibility of each surgeon to uphold the field's reputation. We wrap up the episode with how you can get involved, and some rapid-fire questions to get to know Bill a bit better. For all this and so much more, tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to Dr. Bill Jordan, surgeon and chair of the AAOMS Committee on Governmental Affairs.A brief history of Bill’s training and his journey to the board and organized oral surgery. What the day-to-day running of the Committee on Government Affairs involves, and why Bill chose to get involved. The main issue facing the OMFS today: the debate around anesthesia, and how the legislature can change practice overnight. Why membership in AAOMS is so underutilized, and the resources available!What young surgeons can do to continue to protect their rights as a surgeon. How AAOMS is working to ensure the field’s reputation is maintained. Why it’s important to educate the general population about the training involved in becoming a surgeon. The checks and evaluations that set the standards for surgeons.The misperceptions surrounding anesthetic use in dental offices. Why Bill recommends attending Day on the Hill: to gain perspective. An example from Bill about the differences in training and people’s standards of practice.Bill’s advice on the steps to take to get involved: attending Day on the Hill, and getting involved in your local community. The licensing issues facing the field, and the role of organized oral surgery in staying up to date and influencing legislature. Rapid-fire questions to Bill: Make Your Bed, yoga, his forceps of choice, and his favorite quote!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Bill Jordan Phone — 713-254-4105Dr. Bill Jordan Email — bjordan@wt.netDr. Bill Jordan Website — http://fortbendoralsurgeons.com/Day on the Hill — https://www.aaoms.org/advocacy-and-government-affairs/day-on-the-hillYellowstone — https://www.imdb.com/titleVoterVoice — https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/AAOMS/Surveys/5296/RespondMake Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World —https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Bed-Little-ThingsInky Johnson — https://www.inkyjohnson.com/Every Day Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Dr. Tony Pogrel, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, talks about his journey with coronectomy, including obstacles faced by surgeons and insurance coverage. They also discuss filling after crown removal and the controversy surrounding intentional root retention. The podcast concludes with rapid-fire questions about book recommendations, hobbies, and a favorite movie and quote.

Dental care is an essential service, and the techniques used today are comparable across the globe. Joining us today to talk about third molar removal and coronectomies is Danish oromaxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Mads Hagen Pedersen. We start the discussion with Mads’ journey to surgery, and how Danish and American dental training differs. We next move on to third molar removal, and the key pieces of literature that define how surgeons across Denmark and the USA operate. Grant then shares his process of deciding whether or not to remove the third molar, and Mads breaks down the statistics around the operation. We also hear about coronectomies, and the considerations, contraindications, and communication necessary to make them a success. To wrap up this fascinating discussion, Mads explains dental cover in Denmark and his answers to the rapid-fire questions (like why he only drives to work one day a week!). So, for some international pearls of wisdom, and so much more, press “Play” now.  Key Points From This Episode:Welcome to Dr. Mads Hagen Pedersen, Danish dentist, researcher, and lecturer. How Mads became a dentist and the pathway to oromaxillofacial surgery in Denmark. The White paper: when removing the third molar is recommended, and how Mads’ education differs (the NICE guidelines).How the third molar and the appendix are comparable. Grant’s experience of patients putting pressure on him to extract third molars and walking the line of conservative and surgical treatment. Discussing coronectomies in the USA compared to Denmark. The factors and statistics to be considered when debating a coronectomy or a complete extraction. The technique Mads uses for a coronectomy, and the contraindications he considers. Why Mads is cautious about antibiotic use, and his schedule for follow-ups. When a coronectomy might be a problem, and how to work around these tough cases. Why Mads feels there is an oversight in the studies on surgical management of nerve injury following coronectomy.When it’s worth performing lingual smoothing. What to do with the space after a coronectomy.Why communication and keeping the patient informed are key to the patient's happiness. How dental cover works in Denmark. Mads’ advice to young dentists. Rapidfire questions: why Mads only drives one day a week, the importance of a strong core, and how what you want is what you get!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Mads Hagen Pedersen Email — madshp@live.comWhite Paper on Third Molar Data — https://www.aaoms.orgGuidance on the Extraction of Wisdom Teeth — https://www.nice.org.ukApplication and Evaluation of Coronectomy in Switzerland — https://www.swissdentaljournal.orgEvery Day Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Today’s guest is an oral maxillofacial surgeon who has not only managed to build a thriving practice in one of the most competitive parts of the country but is also the co-founder and CEO of the innovative virtual medical assistant service, MedVA. Dr. Steven Kupferman dials in from Los Angeles to talk to us about the mindboggling potential to utilize remote health care professionals to run a busy practice. We hear all about the model of MedVA, what inspired its creation, and its benefits, as we reap the consequences of COVID and the Great Recession. Tune in to hear some great pieces of advice about everything from parenting to choosing the appropriate career avenue, and discover Dr. Kupferman’s secret to successful recruitment!  Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Steven Kupferman’s training background and current practice setup.Dr. Kupferman’s specialty areas.How he built a successful practice in Los Angeles, a notoriously competitive area.Dr. Kupferman’s secret to successful recruitments.What led him to found the virtual medical assistant service, MedVA.How to hire a remote assistant through MedVA.The lessons one learns through parenting.Dr. Kupferman’s interest in theater.Advice for choosing the appropriate career avenue.What Dr. Kupferman loves about oral surgery.Host, Dr. Grant Stucki’s regrets from his early days in oral surgery.Dr. Kupferman’s book recommendation: The Checklist Manifesto.Dr. Kupferman’s favorite instruments for various procedures.The mantra that keeps him energized!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Steven Kupferman on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-b-kupferman-dmd-md-facs-75927722/Dr. Steven Kupferman Email — drkupferman@la-coms.com / drkupferman@medva.com MedVA — https://medva.com/The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande — https://www.amazon.com/Checklist-Manifesto-How-Things-Right/dp/0312430000Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

The practice of oncology is constantly transforming, which is what makes it such an incredibly exciting field to get into! Joining us today is head and neck oncologic surgeon, Dr. R. Bryan Bell, to share some insights into the ins and outs of surgical oncology. Dr. Bell fills us in on the trade-offs one might have to make when choosing this path and gives a detailed description of the best training route to becoming a head and neck cancer surgeon. In this episode, you will learn about the ways in which oncology is transforming and hear some astute advice from one of the country’s finest! Tune in to find out more about this particular niche so you can gauge if it’s the right path for you and find out how best to go about becoming a head and neck oncologic surgeon yourself.   Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Bryan Bell’s medical training history and current practice setup.An overview of Dr. Bell’s involvement in the OHSU program.The history and the mission of the OHSU program.Dr. Bell’s interest and involvement in palliative surgery.Advice from Dr. Bell for those considering a career in surgical oncology.How the practice of oncology is transforming.Advantages of the traditional OMS practice.The challenge of balancing one’s surgical practice and personal life.The best route to becoming a head and neck cancer surgeon.The astounding expansion of fellowships in the country.Why Dr. Bell recommends a third year of fellowship.The relationship between fellows and residents in a good, busy program.Why Dr. Bell believes the dental program at OHSU to be the best in the country.Dr. Bell answers our four rapid-fire questions!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. R. Bryan Bell on LinkedIn — www.linkedin.com/in/r-bryan-bell-md-dds-facs-frcs-ed-860a0463/Dr. R. Bryan Bell on Twitter — @rbryanbellDr. R. Bryan Bell Email — richard.bell@providence.orgOregon Health & Science University — ohsu.eduThe Power Broker by Robert Caro — www.amazon.com/Power-Broker-Robert-Moses-Fall/dp/1847923658Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

The last 30 or so years have been a golden age for dentistry. However, this is drawing to a close, due to the growing popularity of Dental Service Organizations (DSO), and several other factors, according to Dr. James Berwick. Join us today as we learn about all things surgery and finance, from a legend in the OMFS field! Jim breaks down how he got to where he is now, from the army to private practice, and everything in between. We learn how working at unpopular hours can help boost your bottom line through the initial struggles of starting a practice, and Jim's tips on some non-surgery-related money-spinning ideas. Discover the pros and cons of joining a DSO, why Jim enjoys being part of the legal process, and how to best approach an older surgeon to take over their practice. We wrap up the episode with some sage advice on balancing economics and job satisfaction, and why self-confidence is key when thinking about making a change to your business. For all this and so much more, tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:Where you can find out more about your favorite oral surgery podcast!Welcome to Dr. James (Jim) Berwick, and his journey to where he is now from the army to private practice.Where dentistry is headed: organized dentistry, and the pros and cons.Why the last few decades were the golden age of dentistry, and the three factors contributing to its decline. How oral maxillofacial surgeons have maintained their status and way of practice, unlike general dentistry. Jim’s breakdown of the legal area of practice, and why he enjoys it. Tips on how to cover yourself legally!Jim’s advice for young surgeons on making money (establish what you want). How working at a DSO initially can be a good thing, while establishing a private practice. The benefits of working unconventional hours!Jim’s advice on approaching an older surgeon to acquire their practice. The pros and cons of working on your own, compared to working as part of a team. Balancing economics and job satisfaction. Jim’s thoughts on financial diversification and doing things outside of oral maxillofacial surgery to boost your bottom line. The importance of persistence and self-confidence, according to Jim.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. James Berwick Phone — 303-400-4500Every Day Oral Surgery WebsiteDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Welcome back to another episode of Every Day Oral Surgery! Today we talk to Dr. Kathleen Schultz, a specialist in pediatric dental medicine and oromaxillofacial pathology at Northwell Health. We start the discussion with an overview of Kathleen’s training and how her current practice is set up, followed by the two types of cases that she most frequently sees. Tune in to find out why asking patients questions about their general health can lead to the identification of the underlying systemic illnesses causing mouth ulcers, and the common symptoms Kathleen sees in children with Crohn’s disease. We learn why you should always be sending lesions for a biopsy, what to look out for to identify pediatric cancer patients, and how to approach cystic ameloblastomas. We also hear about several case studies from both Grant and Kathleen, how to tackle hemangiomas, and Kathleen’s tips and tricks to remember what questions to ask when trying to differentiate between dental diseases. Join us today for this fascinating episode with a pediatric expert!Key Points From This Episode:Welcome to Dr. Kathleen Schultz, specialist in pediatric dental medicine and oromaxillofacial pathology at Northwell Health. How Kathleen ended up where she is today, and her current practice setup. The types of cases Kathleen sees: random things in kids’ mouths, and the complicated cases. Why aphthous ulcers in Crohn’s disease are common but complicated cases. The questions Kathleen asks when facing someone with recurrent oral aphthous ulcers. Why you should be doing biopsies on lesions that appear to be mucoceles: Grant and Kathleen’s experiences. The common lesions Kathleen sees, and why asking about an inflamed taste-bud can solve a confusing problem. When Kathleen recommends doing a biopsy on an ulcer, and an interesting pediatric case she saw. Why it’s so important to ask systemic questions when facing pediatric lesion cases. What to look out for to detect pediatric cancer patients, and two case studies Kathleen saw. The importance of thinking outside the mouth: Kathleen’s tips on planning specific questions that reveal systemic issues. How Kathleen approaches cystic ameloblastomas, and Grant's treatment methods. The challenges of getting patients to maintain hygiene when tubes are involved in therapy. Kathleen’s advice on dealing with haemangiomas and vascular anomalies, the differences between these pathologies, and how to approach management. Why MFOS should have a vascular anomalies team at hand. The most common causes of oral anomalies.Why dental diseases are confusing to most people, and Kathleen’s pearls of wisdom on how to differentiate them (from family history to tooth shape to the teeth affected).Grant’s experience with Dentinogenesis imperfecta.How Kathleen handles pediatric extractions when the tooth root cracks, and leaving the root tip behind. Why Kathleen lives by, “When in doubt, take it out,” and a wrap up of today’s episode. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Kathleen Schultz Email — kschultz@northwell.eduDr. Kathleen Schultz on Instagram — @drkathleenschultzA Walk in the WoodsA Walk in the WoodsThe MummyDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

17 years ago, Dr. Andrew Abela and his wife joined forces to open an oral surgery practice in Winchester which has grown into an incredibly successful establishment. In today’s episode, Andrew shares what his journey of building and running this practice has looked like; from choosing an appropriate area, to creating a business proposal, applying for a loan, and the marketing strategies which have benefited him the most over the years. There is so much to learn when opening one's own business, which is why Andrew recommends doing an associateship beforehand. If you’re at the stage of your career where you’re ready to take the big leap and go out on your own, this episode is full of practical tips and motivational advice which will help you get started! Key Points From This Episode:An overview of Andrew’s educational and professional background.What motivated Andrew and his wife’s decision to open their own practice. Why they decided to open their practice in Winchester, just outside of Boston.The business mentorship that Andrew received. How Andrew and his wife acquired the funds to open their practice. Why Andrew recommends buying, rather than renting, your practice space. Andrew shares some of his most successful marketing strategies.Benefits of having more than one person in charge of the front desk at your practice. Complementary skill sets that make Andrew and his wife a great team.Advice from Andrew for getting through the challenges of residency.How Andrew has become known for his pediatric work.Andrew and his wife’s experience of balancing raising a child and running a practice.Why Andrew recommends doing an associateship before opening a practice.Advantages of getting your name out as early as possible. A selection of Andrew's favorite books.The importance of maintaining physical strength and fitness as an oral surgeon.Forceps that Andrew uses to extract tooth number 14, and why.Final words of wisdom from Andrew for overcoming tough times.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Winchester Oral Surgery — https://www.winchesteroralsurgery.com/meet-us/dr-andrew-abela/ Dr. Andrew Abela Email — Ryan Holiday — https://ryanholiday.net/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059