Everyday Oral Surgery

The purpose of a dental elevator is to break the fibers of the periodontal ligament, and if you know how to use it properly, it is a very powerful tool which can do a lot more than you think! In today’s episode, Dr. Jake Stucki, my brother, is back on the podcast. Our discussion covers how an elevator works, which elevators will likely be most effective in which circumstances, and the times when we wouldn't recommend using an elevator. A lot of my time is spent doing elevations, and as Jake advances on his journey as an oral surgeon he is realizing more and more the value that lies in these procedures. Although there are numerous elevator instruments, some of which we talk about today, we also feel that there’s something missing, which is why we are currently working on the “Stucki Elevator!” Key Points From This Episode:Some of our favorite Everyday Oral Surgery episodes. A story about car trouble which relates to the struggles we can face when taking out teeth.The purpose of a dental elevator, and an explanation of how it works. How the process of elevating can differ between patients. Some of the most difficult teeth, and how to deal with them. When a back action isn’t the way to go.Comparing the Cogswell B and the Crane as elevation tools. Examples of times when you shouldn’t elevate. How to sustain pressure when doing a dental elevation. Why some people don’t think it’s a good idea to elevate against another tooth.How to ensure you have control of the dental elevator.Power that comes with knowing how to use an elevator properly. Coming soon: The Stucki Elevator.Jake’s book recommendation for today!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Jake Stucki —Lost Connections by Johann Hari — https://thelostconnections.com/ The Second Mountain by David Brooks — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/217649/the-second-mountain-by-david-brooks/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

In the United States, aggressive pain management practices have led to an opioid crisis which is responsible for thousands of deaths every year. Among those who have lost their lives in this untimely and avoidable way was Dr. Omar Abubaker’s son. The unspeakable pain of losing a child led Omar down a path of discovery around the dangers of opioids, which are the common go-to pain management drugs for doctors of all specializations, despite their highly addictive properties. Equipped with knowledge and compassion, Omar is on a mission to educate as many people as he can on the subject of opioid addiction, and alternative ways to deal with pain, so that other people don’t have to suffer the same fate as his son. It is our responsibility as medical professionals to do what is best for our patients, and we all need to think long and hard about pain management practices that we advocate for.Key Points From This Episode:Omar’s home country, and his journey to becoming chairman of the VCU OMFS program. How Omar’s weeks are structured.The life-shattering experience that led Omar to understand the dangers of opioids.  Steps that Omar has taken to educate others about opioid addiction. Why the US population is more susceptible to opioid addiction than most other countries.What pain management should entail.None: the safe amount of drugs and alcohol to consume before the age of 20. The joy and fulfillment that Omar experiences through the work that he does. How parents’ opinions on opioids being prescribed for their children have changed. The importance of weighing up the risks and the benefits of opioids for each patient.Omar’s approach to helping patients manage their opioid addiction. Substitutes for opioids that can be used during surgical procedures. Post-narcotic hyperalgesia: a condition that can come about after being subjected to intravenous opioids. The best book that Omar has read in the past year. How teaching helps Omar to be a better surgeon. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Omar Abubaker on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-abubaker-7a965295 The Second Mountain by David Brooks — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/217649/the-second-mountain-by-david-brooks/ When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi and Abraham Verghese — https://www.amazon.com/When-Breath-Becomes-Paul-Kalanithi/dp/081298840X Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Although the crazy hours and high pressure environment that characterize hospital-based practice will not be everybody’s preference, there is nowhere else that Dr. Gabriella Tehrany would rather be utilizing her OMS skills. For the past 12 years (other than during the COVID-19 lockdown) the longest time that Gabreilla has spent away from orthognathic surgery is two weeks, and as a result, she has acquired a wealth of wisdom relating to the field, much of which she shares with us in today’s insightful episode. Gabriella offers advice around looking after your patients’ wellbeing and, just as importantly, your own. Our conversation covers a range of topics, from the value of teamwork to the protocol which led to an 88% same day discharge rate post orthognathic surgery at Gabriella’s hospital. In order to choose the direction you want to take as an oral surgeon there are numerous factors to take into consideration, and, as is Gabriella’s mantra, this episode will inspire you to “figure it out!”Key Points From This Episode:An overview of what Gabriella’s journey to becoming the Southern California Regional Chief of OMS has looked like.Perks of working as part of a Kaizer practice in a hospital setting. Factors to take into consideration before choosing the setting you are going to work in. Experiences Gabriella had in different practices while she was a resident. The importance of listening to your patients’ desires as an orthognathic surgeon.Why Gabriella never shows her patients soft tissue renderings prior to their surgery.How Gabriella looks after her body, and advice she gives to all residents coming through her practice. Gabriella’s involvement with students at UCLA.People who make up the team that Gabriella is currently working with.Value that lies in doing surgery with assistants. The protocol that Gabriella and her anaesthesiology team implemented which led to an 88% same-day discharge rate after surgery. How patients’ perceptions of being in a hospital changed after the pandemic began.Gabriella’s experience of working in a COVID ward. A rapid fire round with Gabriella.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Gabriella Tehrany Email— gabriella.m.tehrany@kp.org The Plant Paradox — https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Paradox-Dangers-Healthy-Disease/dp/006242713X How Not to Die — https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Die-Discover-Scientifically/dp/1250066115 Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

American born, European trained, and now working as the Division Chief and Program Director of OMS and dental medicine at Loyola, Dr. Stephen MacLeod has a broad scope of knowledge and experience and he joins me on today’s show for a discussion which is brimming equally with inspirational nuggets and practical tips. Stephen did a full medical degree after he completed his oral surgery training, and found nothing in it that he enjoyed as much. So, for any prospective oral surgeons who are sitting on the fence, this is your sign to take the leap. We discuss the rewarding nature of working in trauma, why practice is essential as an oral surgeon, what Stephen looks for in residents’ applications, his thoughts on externships, and more. Stephen’s philosophy is one of passion, continuous learning, and a commitment to community, and there’s a lot to be learnt from him! Key Points From This Episode:Stephen shares what his educational and professional career paths have looked like. Variation that exists between programs. The three broad clinical categories that Stephen spends the majority of his time working in.Advice from Stephen for anyone interested in the trauma field.How oral surgeons differ from other medical specialists in terms of our ability to handle trauma.Stephen explains the importance of practice when it comes to the oral surgery profession.Principles which form the foundation of the oral surgery profession. Traits that Stephen looks for when hiring residents. What your personal statement should and shouldn’t include.Changes that Stephen’s department made to their application process since the COVID-19 pandemic began.The most valuable residents to speak to. Stephen shares his thoughts about externships.Factors that Stephen doesn’t see as important in a resident’s application. How the OMS educational model differs between the United States and Europe.The “meat and potatoes” approach to OMS at Loyola.  Elements which signal the family friendly nature of Loyola. A message to anyone considering oral surgery as a career.A rapid fire round with Stephen. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Stephen MacLeod on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-macleod-5002249/ The House of God by Samuel Shem — https://www.amazon.com/House-God-Samuel-Shem/dp/0425238091 Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Many oral surgeons are likely to have a type-A personality and are often inclined to want to control, rather than delegate tasks and responsibilities. While these traits are useful to the focus required during oral surgery, it’s not always conducive to instituting a well-run practice. In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Mykle Jacobs and Consultant Bob Spiel, to discuss the keys to running a successful private practice. When Dr. Jacobs purchased his practice in March last year he only had a week before the world was hit by the COVID 19 pandemic. In our conversation, we discuss the transformative effect that Bob’s approach had on Dr. Jacobs’ practice and what it was like instituting these changes during a pandemic. Bob explains key adjustments that can revolutionize a practice, like foregoing a stop-start schedule, in favor of blocking your time off with like-by-like procedures. We also hear about Bob’s Roles to Goals method to create a more meaningful and motivating environment for staff members, and Dr. Jacobs reflects on what he’s learned from Bob, especially when it comes to delegation and understanding his leadership style. This conversation is jam-packed with indispensable insights and excellent tips so make sure you tune in to hear it all!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guests Dr. Mykle Jacobs and consultant Bob Spiel.Dr. Jacobs’ experience of acquiring his new practice a week before COVID hit.How Bob assisted Dr. Jacobs during the height of the pandemic.Some of Bob’s methods for facilitating changes for his clients’ practices.The transformative impact that Bob had on the practice.How Bob structures schedules to avoid burn-out in a dental practice.The impact that restructuring their scheduling and consultation has had on the practice.The joy and efficiency of establishing a flow in your practice.The role of a flow manager.How to empower your team so that they can support the doctor.Bob’s Roles to Goals process and how he uses it to train staff.How Dr. Jacobs incentivizes his staff to reach their goals.The importance of an effective and proactive manager upfront.The value of morning meetings and regularly communicating with your staff.Having a system mindset and how it helps your team take ownership of their actions.Why hiring Bob as a consultant was the best decision Dr. Jacobs could have made.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:La Grange Oral Surgery and Implant Centre Website — https://www.lgoralsurgerycenter.com/La Grange Oral Surgery and Implant Centre Phone — (706) 884-2655Bob Spiel Email — bob@spielconsulting.comBob Spiel Phone — 2085 206900Flip Your Focus: Igniting People, Profits and Performance through Upside-Down — https://www.amazon.com/Flip-Your-FocusDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

If you’ve made the (great) decision that you want to be an oral surgeon but you’re struggling to choose between the 4 year, 6 year, or the less common 5 year program, this episode is for you. My brother, Jake Stucki, and I chose different paths, and in today’s episode we talk you through the costs and benefits of the single versus dual degree options, and what these years of your life are likely to consist of. There is no one size fits all approach; don’t listen to anyone who tells you that one type of program is better than another! But it’s important to understand what you’re getting into, and there are a number of factors to take into consideration before you commit yourself to any program. After listening to today’s episode you’ll be well equipped with knowledge that will help you to make this decision, and if you’re still confused we’re just a phone call or an email away!Key Points From This Episode:Who this episode is aimed at. The amount of time that you will spend on oral surgery when doing a 6 year (i.e. dual degree) program. Off-service time that is a part of the 4 year (i.e. single degree) OMS programs. Jake explains what a six year program generally consists of. Misconceptions about the 5 year program. Benefits of doing an internship year before medical school.Differences between the costs of 4 and 6 year programs. The value of moonlighting during medical school. Money making potential of the 4 versus 6 year degrees. Reasons to do a 6 year program. Variety between 6 years programs in the amount of general surgery that forms part of the degree. Our experience of general surgery residency. Why you should take into consideration the certification that you are going to receive before choosing your program. We share our thoughts on patients’ opinions of a 6 years versus 4 year program.Circumstances where having a 6 year degree may make your life easier. The split between 4 year and 6 year programs within the 100 accredited OMFS programs in the United States. My struggle to decide between a 4 and 6 year program. Unfortunate mentalities that people hold towards one degree or the other. Why you should find out how much practical experience you are going to get during the course of your degree before you enroll. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059Dr. Jake Stucki Email — jakestucki@gmail.com 

A native of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Faisal Quereshy is a board-certified oral, maxillofacial, and facial cosmetic surgeon practicing in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as Professor and Residency Director for the Case Western Reserve University’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) Program. As today’s guest, Dr. Quereshy shares his unique perspective as a program director on interviews, externships, and ranking applicants, as well as his thoughts on running both a residency program and a successful private practice. He also shares his advice for dental students on showcasing your personality in interviews, respecting the hierarchy and etiquette within the residency program you choose, and using the externship experience to learn about the residency they want to attend. For all this and so much more, make sure to tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:A brief history of Dr. Quereshy’s training and practice setup.He shares his thoughts as a program director on running a residency program as well as a successful private practice.The financial and surgical benefits that residents gain from a part-time academic model.Learn about the fast-paced structure of the five-year OMFS program at Case Western.What Dr. Quereshy looks for in applicants: self-motivation and the ability to multitask.Power tips for interviewing well and showcasing your personality during the interview.Why Dr. Quereshy says they are not trying to fit an applicant to the current resident pool.How the theme of diversity has been stressed and prioritized in the OMFS program.Dr. Quereshy shares his applicant ranking system and the essential attributes he looks for.Why externs should use the experience to learn about the residency they want to attend.Dr. Quereshy’s advice for externs; respect the hierarchy and etiquette within the program.The value of fellowships for residents; a niche area of expertise in a sub-discipline.The educational and marketing benefits that social media can provide.Find out why Dr. Quereshy is currently pursuing an MBA and how he dodges burnout.Why Blue Ocean Strategy is the best book Dr. Quereshy has read in the past year.How daily prayer grounds his wellbeing and allows his to treat patients with honesty, sincerity, humility, and respect. Why Dr. Quereshy would use upper cowhorn forceps #88R to extract tooth number three.Ending on a quote: “You begin in the name of God, the most merciful, the most beneficent.”Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Faisal Quereshy on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-a-quereshy-md-facs-5666551b/Dr. Faisal Quereshy on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/facesurgeon/Case Western Reserve University — https://case.edu/Blue Ocean Strategy — https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Uncontested-Competition/dp/1591396190Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other types of sleep disorders can have detrimental impacts on people’s lives, young and old. Oral surgeons are extremely well positioned to diagnose and treat these disorders, and in today’s episode I’m joined by Dr. Chris Viozzi, Clinical Chair of the OMS program at the Mayo Clinic, who specializes in this field. Maxillomandibular advancement is the term that used to refer to the operation that can completely change the lives of people suffering from a sleep disorder. It is more complicated than most other types of surgery that oral surgeons perform, and it results in some long-term side effects, but it is also a whole lot more rewarding. Our conversation today covers a range of surgical and non-surgical do’s and don’ts which will supplement your already existing skills with the confidence to successfully treat this patient cohort who could really use your help! Key Points From This Episode:Chris shares his journey prior to, and in the field of, oral surgery. What Chris spends the majority of his time focusing on at the Mayo Clinic.Why oral surgeons are well positioned to diagnose sleep disorders.  The percentage of patients undergoing outpatient surgery that are likely to have a sleep disorder. Where you can learn to speak the language of sleep physicians. How to determine whether an OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) patient needs surgery. Methods which can be used to identify the site of obstruction. Examples of physical features which often signal an OSA. The more complicated nature of Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery compared to other types of reconstructive surgery. Why Chris recommends multiple pre-op visits before doing MMA surgery. How the majority of patients respond to aesthetic changes to their face after MMA surgery. Gratitude that past patients Chris’s have expressed after their MMA surgery. Why Chris strongly believes that oral surgeons should treat patients suffering from sleep disorders. Pain management strategies that Chris recommends. Reasons that orthodontics for OSA patients should be avoided. Chris shares some valuable surgical tips for MMA surgery. Dealing with long term post-surgery side effects.  Advice for how to manage patients with mental health issues coming in for MMA surgery. Problems which can be caused by OSA. A rapid fire round with Chris. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059Dr. Chris Viozzi — Dr. Chris Viozzi Phone — (507) 284-9062Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ 

There are few oral surgeons who have done as many interviews as my brother, Dr. Jake Stucki, and I’ve done my fair share too. With the interview season starting now, we thought that it would be a good time to share our top tips for one of the key elements which will determine whether you will get into an OMS residency program. From your favorite Tupac song, to the way you want to impact the oral surgery profession, you have to be prepared for the unexpected when it comes to OMS residency interviews. In this episode you’ll hear about the questions we found the most challenging, how you can guide the conversation in a way that suits you, approaches to the post-interview follow up, the importance of being honest, and more! We hope that today’s episode helps put you at ease if you’re heading into this season of your life. Key Points From This Episode:16 and 9; the number of interviews Jake and Grant have done. The important role of interviews in getting an OMS residency. Why Jake recommends speaking to people who have gone through the interview process at the program you are applying to.Examples of some of the questions that Jake was asked during interviews. The most challenging question that was posed to Jake. Some questions we have been asked which are completely unrelated to oral surgery. Jake shares why he chose to do a dual degree program, and how he responded when he was asked why he went down this route. How Jake responded when asked about why he had chosen the program that he was interviewing for. The importance of being honest in interviews.Examples of stories that are helpful to share, and those not to share, in your personal essay. Our thoughts on crying during an interview. The importance of the pre-interview dinner that some programs offer.Our thoughts on how to choose where you do your externship. Different approaches to following up post-interview. What you can learn about a program from interacting with residents who are already there. A question that Grant used to ask when he was interviewing potential residents. The importance of confidence, and the danger of arrogance, in an interview. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ 

Today’s guest is the first surgeon I’ve had on the podcast who has a completely hospital-based practice. Many surgeons have concerns about having a practice of this type; if you are one of them, you might have your mind changed today! For Dr. Jackson Morgan, the ever-changing, incredibly rewarding nature of his role as a hospital-based surgeon is exactly what he wanted out of his career. It is not without its challenges, but then again, nothing is, and for Jackson, the positives far outweigh any negatives that may arise. Whether you're interested in pursuing this path or not, you’ll walk away from this conversation with a broadened perspective on the range of possibilities that exist for oral surgeons. Key Points From This Episode:What makes today's guest, Jackson Morgan, different from all the other guests we’ve had on the show.Jackson shares what his professional journey has consisted of. Why Jackson decided to be a purely hospital-based surgeon. Challenges of the route Jackson has chosen. What Jackson’s role consists of, and how he feels about his job. Jackson puts to rest a common fear that surgeons have about hospital-based practice.The variety of ways that Jackson is compensated for his work. Contributions that Jackson has made to the Atrium Health OMS program.  Benefits that Jackson receives through the hospital system. Advice from Jackson to anyone interested in having a hospital-based practice. Why Jackson likes being in academia. Tips from Jackson on how to maintain a balanced lifestyle when working in a hospital-based practice. A rapid fire round with Jackson.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059