Everyday Oral Surgery

In Today's episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, we take a look at how oral surgeons who run their own practice are uniquely positioned to benefit from the many perks and points that various credit cards have to offer. We welcome back an old friend of the show, Dr. Scott Weiskopf, who has been using credit cards in his practice for many years to save tens of thousands of dollars on first-class travel across the globe. Tuning in you’ll hear Scott share his tips on how to get started and determine which type of credit card is best suited to your goals. Scott offers useful tips and tricks for keeping track of different cards, including a handy app called AwardWallet, and explains how to earn points on a variety of expenses from dining out to acquiring office supplies. We also hear from Scott about how to split points with your business partner. He also explains some of the risks involved in using a credit card for your business and how they can easily be avoided. To find out how you can start earning free travel on existing expenses, tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:We welcome back today’s guest Dr. Scott Weiskopf.Introducing today’s topic: credit card points and how to use them in your practice.Why oral surgeons who own a business are uniquely qualified to benefit from credit card points.How to determine which credit card is best suited for your goals.How Scott uses a range of credit cards to get benefits for different expense categories.Scott shares estimates of the money he’s saved on his recent trips.How Scott manages the complicated process of managing his various cards.Why Scott prefers credit cards to airline-specific cards.How to get the most value out of a credit card for your practice.Instances where a credit card is not a good choice.Some of the risks involved in using a credit card for your practice.How Scott splits the credit card points with his business partner.Why taking out additional credit cards doesn’t make a big impact on your credit score.Get to know Scott a bit better in our lightning question round.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:The Globe Trotter Teacher — https://www.theglobetrottingteacher.com/AwardWallet — https://awardwallet.com/Scott’s email — scottweiskopf@gmail.comProject Hail Mary — https://www.amazon.com/Project-Hail-Mary-Andy-Weir-ebook/dp/B08FHBV4ZXShawshank Redemption — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/The Goonies — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are currently able to sedate patients and operate on them, although that privilege is under threat due to safety concerns. Dr. Robert Bosack, who has been a surgeon since before Mellampati scores were invented, is passionate about enhancing safety protocols for surgeons in order to preserve the right to anaesthetize and operate, and of course, to ensure minimal tragedy takes place in theatre. Problems can occur from the moment a patient is sedated until after they have walked out of surgery, and in today’s episode you’ll hear stories about a wide variety of potential issues. More importantly, you’ll hear about how to prevent these from occurring, and what to do if you run into serious trouble. Robert also shares a variety of resources where you can vastly broaden your scope of knowledge on safety in the operating room, including many that he has created himself. Key Points From This Episode:What the world of oral surgery was like when Robert graduated. How Robert’s practice is structured. Why Robert encourages all oral and maxillofacial surgeons to join the American Dental Society of Anaesthesiology. The model that oral and maxillofacial surgeons use for operating is under scrutiny. How Robert thinks safety should be measured. Dental Patient Safety Foundation; what this organization, that Robert co-founded, does. The value of role play in improving safety in surgery.Where you can access online training programs for surgery safety.How surgeons are taught to deal with impending airway obstructions, and the problem with this.Complications that occur in surgery due to human factor engineering.6 characteristics of people who are likely to have a tough airway. SSSR: Simple, Shared, Structured Responses, and an example of how these can play out in surgery.The importance of building relationships with paramedics.Airway management’s golden rule.How to test your patient’s level of sedation and understand whether or not they are in danger.Some of the challenges that surgeons can run into while their patient is sedated.Robert’s airway algorithm.When to call 911, and why you should never feel shame in doing so.Post-surgery reactions that patients may experience.The strategy Robert uses to connect with his patients. What you can expect to learn from the talk Robert is giving at the ADSA Chicago conference.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Robert Bosack — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-bosack-8473ab24/ Anaesthetic Complications in the Dental Office by Robert Bosack —  https://www.amazon.com/Anesthetic-Complications-Dental-Office-Prevention/dp/0867154489 Dental Patient Safety Foundation — https://www.dentalpatientsafety.org/ Dental Anaesthesia Online — https://www.daoce.org/ ADSA Chicago — https://www.adsahome.org/chicago Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Today’s guest is not only an oral surgeon, but an author and an MBA graduate as well. Dr. Dean DeLuke spent 30 years in private practice before transitioning to full-time academia, which is where he has spent the last 10 years. Dean explains what he loves so much about being an academic, and why he would recommend it to any oral surgeons on a part-time or full-time basis. He also shares how having an MBA benefited him in a variety of ways, and what inspired him to write Shedrow. This episode is slightly unusual in that Dean puts Grant in the hot seat for a little bit, with a few questions that will give you insight into the personal reasons that motivated him to start this podcast. Soon to be facing retirement, Dean is full of experience and wisdom, and we hope you learn as much from this episode as we did! Key Points From This Episode:Time that Dean spent in private practice, and what he loves about working as a full-time academic currently. The book that Dean wrote, and what inspired him to write it. Elements that Dean loved about writing a book, and those that he didn’t like very much. Reasons that Dean decided to do an MBA, and how it has benefited him. The impetus behind Dean’s decision to go into full-time academics. Differentials between earnings in private practice and academia, and how these have been reduced over the years.A study that Dean and a colleague did to determine satisfaction levels of academics. Advice from Dean for young oral surgeons interested in writing. The future of Dean’s writing career.Why Dean encourages oral surgeons to enter the world of academia.Business advice for young oral surgeons.The strategy Dean recommends that graduates use to pay off student debt. What Dean would have done differently if he could go back in time. How Dean’s hobby of slalom water skiing positively impacts him professionally. Dean puts Grant into the hot seat with some questions about the podcast.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Dean DeLuke — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-deluke-631b1b19/ Shedrow by Dean DeLuke — https://www.amazon.com/Shedrow-Dean-DeLuke/dp/0983490007 Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

There is still some stigma that exists around oral surgeons performing cosmetic surgery, but not nearly as much as there once was, and that is largely due to today’s guest, Joe Niamtu. Joe developed a love for cosmetic facial surgery while doing his residency, but he had to fight for the right to pursue his dreams. Luckily Joe is not someone who takes no for an answer, and after a lawsuit and a change to the Dental Practice Act, he became the first person in Virginia to receive a cosmetic facial surgery license. Although his work has its downsides, which Joe candidly shares in today’s episode, he has never looked back, plans on never retiring, and spends a lot of his time educating others about his specialty (his eighth book is coming out next April!). According to Joe, the golden years are far from over for surgeons, and he has some valuable words of wisdom for anyone who is on the path to becoming one. Key Points From This Episode:Joe’s educational background, and his introduction to cosmetic surgery. A lawsuit that was filed against Joe, and how he fought against it by opening the Dental Practice Act.Requirements for getting a cosmetic surgery license, which Joe was the first in Virginia to acquire.The number of facelifts that Joe has done throughout his career.Educational resources that Joe has created.Advice for any oral surgeons who want to follow in Joe’s footsteps down the cosmetic surgery path.A surgeon is a surgeon, but there is still some stigma around oral surgeons performing cosmetic surgery. The positives and negatives of being a cosmetic surgeon. Why people skills are so important as a surgeon. Platforms Joe utilizes to market his services. Joe explains the variety of surgeries that he does. The flaw that Joe sees in the dental school education in America. Three fundamental elements to succeeding as a surgeon. How the paper route Joe had when he was younger has positively impacted his career as a surgeon. Always look out for the people who can’t look out for themselves. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Joe Niamtu on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joe-niamtu-b20235b/ Dr. Joe Niamtu on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCclm79ii5IyeeuZL2TfIEw Cosmetic Plastic Facial Surgery — https://www.lovethatface.com/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Oral surgeons, as our title suggests, belong in the operating room. Unfortunately, an increasing number of oral surgeons are spending more and more time in their offices and less and less time in theatre. This is something that greatly concerns today's guest, Dr. Morton Goldberg, who struggled for many years alongside other professionals to successfully lift the oral surgery profession out of the shadows. Morton’s colorful life and love for storytelling make for a fantastic episode, in which you will hear about his most influential year of education, the challenges he has faced during his career, and the achievement he is most proud of. Morton also shares what you can expect to learn if you read the book he wrote, The Humpty Dumpty Syndrome, how he came up with the name, and some stories from his 89 years around the sun that you are not likely to forget anytime soon!Key Points From This Episode:Work Morton has been doing since he retired.Morton’s experience at Harvard’s dental school. Why Morton was drawn to oral surgery.Challenges that Morton faced when he attempted to get into medical school.What Morton learned during the year that he considers the best educational experience he ever had.A question that Morton was asked during a residency interview, which had a profound impact on him.What the term, which is also the title of Morton’s book, The Humpty Dumpty Syndrome, means.The 20 year process Morton went through from conception to publication of his book. How oral surgery has advanced over the years.Morton shares one of the things he is most proud of achieving in his career.A rundown of how Morton’s book is structured, and what you can expect to learn from reading it. Concerns Morton has about the future of oral surgery.The most bizarre implant experience that Morton ever had.A very important part of resident education that isn’t being taught. Morton shares a story of a malpractice case that he was involved in. Valuable advice from Morton to all oral surgeons.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Today’s guest, Dr. Stephen Saxe, was the 19th oral surgeon in Nevada! During his career, Stephen has had to deal with more trauma than most oral surgeons ever will, as he was one of the surgeons on call after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. In this episode, you’ll hear about some of the physical and emotional trauma that he witnessed firsthand during the aftermath of that tragedy. Stephen is a firm believer that being an oral surgeon is about a lot more than simply removing impacted molars; it’s about maintaining a presence in one’s community, and in order to do that, oral surgeons should be doing things like responding to trauma call and imparting knowledge onto the next generation of oral surgeons. In today’s episode you’ll gain insights into what Stephen’s professional life consists of, and the journey he took to get to this point. His passion for his work is palpable and he shares advice that all oral surgeons will benefit greatly from hearing. Key Points From This Episode:A brief rundown of Stephen’s educational and professional background. Stephen’s experience of opening his own practice right after university, and why that likely wouldn’t be the experience of an oral surgeon starting out today.The 2017 Las Vegas shooting, and Stephen’s involvement in the aftermath. Examples of wounds that Stephen saw the day after the shooting.Huge amounts of emotion that Stephen had to deal with when speaking to the families of the victims.How the profession of oral surgery has evolved over the years.Stephen’s opinion on private practice doctors taking trauma call. What Stephen thinks the future holds for single operator anaesthesia. Career paths that Stephen’s three children have taken. How Stephen structured his days when his children were young. The dental school work that Stephen now does in the afternoon, and why he finds this work so fulfilling.Stephen’s unusual hobby.Additional stress that residents are now having to deal with because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Tweetables:“There was so much personalization that was necessary in order to communicate. You had to put yourself in their shoes. I was emotionally exhausted from it.” — Dr. Stephen Saxe [0:13:49]“Taking call has this socioeconomic facet where we have to maintain our presence in our community as doctors, not just dentists.” — Dr. Stephen Saxe [0:18:14]“It’s important that all of us, in our own way, maintain some kind of connection to the profession outside the doors of our office.” — Dr. Stephen Saxe [0:34:44]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Stephen Saxe — https://www.nvjawdoc.com/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Due to a gene abnormality, the World Health Organization labeled the odontogenic keratocyst as a tumor, but that is not the case. Today we are joined by an expert on the subject, Dr. Robert Marx, to discuss the nuances of diagnosing and treating odontogenic keratocysts. Dr. Marx is the Chief of oral maxillofacial surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and has a wealth of experience dealing with this particular condition. He explains that they are not tumors but in fact cysts. Tuning in, you’ll hear about what symptoms patients with odontogenic keratocysts experience, how to diagnose them, and what radiographic features distinguish them from other types of cysts. Dr. Marx discusses the difference between decompression and marsupialization, how to save the unerupted teeth associated with these cysts, and he talks about his experiences with BMP. Find out when to biopsy and nucleate at the same time, when you should try to shrink a large lesion down prior to nucleation, and how to identify signs of basal cell nevus syndrome in a patient with more than one keratocyst. For some clarification on this somewhat confusing subject, tune in today. Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to Dr. Robert Marx and his career as an oral maxillofacial surgeon.Why Dr. Marx believes that odontogenic keratocysts are cysts and not tumors and why there is confusion about this. What types of patients are high-risk for odontogenic keratocysts.The radiographic features that distinguish them from other types of cysts. The symptoms of odontogenic keratocysts and how to diagnose them.How best to treat odontogenic keratocysts to reduce the risk of recurrence. The difference between decompression and marsupialization.How to deal with unerupted teeth associated with odontogenic keratocysts. Dr. Marx’s experiences with BMP.When to biopsy and nucleate at the same time.When to try to shrink a big lesion down with a decompression tube prior to nucleation. Signs of basal cell nevus syndrome to look for in a patient with more than one keratocyst. Why you shouldn’t worry about recurrences: they are usually new primaries. Why you should do a follow-up on a yearly basis and what you should look for.Hear about Dr. Marx’s favorite quote and how cleaning fish helps him with his oral surgery skills in the four rapid-fire questions. Dr. Marx talks about the novels and the non-fiction books he’s written. Closing thoughts by Dr. Marx on the importance of oral maxillofacial surgery as a profession.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Robert Marx on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-e-marx/ Miller School of Medicine — https://med.miami.edu/Killing Crazy Horse — https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Crazy-Horse-Merciless-OReillys/dp/1627797041 Books by Dr. Robert Marx — https://www.amazon.com/Robert-E-Marx/e/B004LUVCSY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1624351335&sr=1-6 Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Until you show your patients that you care, it doesn’t matter to them how much you know; that is one of the biggest lessons that Dr. Dan Tran learned through his experience of being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer during his second-year residency. Another is that we never know how much time we have left on earth and it’s so important that we make time for the things and people we love. Although Dan has been living a close to normal life for the past three years thanks to a miracle drug he has been taking, it is unclear how long the power of the drug will last, and his future is very uncertain. As you’ll hear in today’s episode, Dan manages to stay positive amidst this uncertainty, and we can all learn a lot from his inspirational outlook, as well as his expertise as an oral surgeon and assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. Key Points From This Episode:How Dan ended up in the academic world, after always thinking he would work in private practice.Dan’s main focus at the moment, and what he loves about his work. The initial symptoms of the cancer that Dan was later diagnosed with.What finally encouraged Dan to get an MRI, and the first thing he thought when he got the results.Procedures that Dan underwent following his diagnosis.The medication that Dan has been taking for three years, and the uncertainty of his future. Lessons that Dan has learned through his cancer diagnosis, from both a doctor and patient perspective.How Dan balances the things that are important to him, knowing that he may not have long to live. A mentor of Dan’s who still hovers over him in his mind. Why working with computers and 3D printing throughout his life has helped Dan in his career. There are always a team of people behind any success story Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Dan TranVirginia Commonwealth UniversityThe White Coat Investor

 As oral surgeons, we spend a lot of our lives in positions that aren’t good for our bodies, and which can end up causing us a lot of pain. Your host, Grant Stucki, knows this all too well. Today’s episode is a lesson in what so many of us are doing wrong, and how we can start looking after ourselves better. Our guests today are Dr. Julie Chaves, an oral surgeon, and Chuck Turner, a personal trainer; the two of whom have been working together for almost 10 years in order to help Julie correct the damage that she has done to herself through her work and to educate others on how to prevent the onset of musculoskeletal disorders. Oral surgeons are so focused on helping others that we tend to neglect our own health, but this shouldn’t be the case. Julie and Chuck highlight the importance of listening to our bodies and being aware of all our movements. Whether or not you are currently experiencing back and neck pain, this episode could change your life!Key Points From This Episode:Julie’s circuitous route to becoming an oral surgeon.The journey Chuck went on to find the career that he is passionate about.Education that Chuck provided to people working in corporate settings.How Chuck and Julie’s relationship formed.A pattern that Chuck noticed amongst his clients.An example of an exercise that Chuck gives to his clients, and how it improves posture and reduces pain.The toll that oral surgery has on one’s body.Measures that can be taken by oral surgeons to prevent pain.Chuck shares some ways to make a standing position less harmful for your body.A paper that Julie and Chuck are hoping to publish soon.Why we should start treating our bodies how we treat our cars.Changes that Julie has made since the pandemic and the positive impact this has had on her.Major back issues that Grant suffers from.The importance of listening to your body and bringing awareness to your movements.A lesson from Chuck on how to do certain movements correctly.Not all exercise is good for you. Tweetables: “There’s a lot of damage that takes place over time but people think when they get injured it was an actual incident.” — Chuck Turner [0:06:40] “What I do is important but what you do and making you aware of what you do outside at work is even more important.” — Chuck Turner [0:11:48] “Strengthening ourselves in certain ways can help us to weather the storm a little bit better.” — Dr. Julie Chavez [0:16:17] “The best position at work, regardless of what you do, is the next position.” — Chuck Turner [0:20:08] “What’s the point of working hard for 30 years and retiring if you’re decrepit and in chronic pain and you can’t enjoy yourself?” — Dr. Julie Chavez [0:24:20]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:The Sustainable Surgeon Project

Owning and running your own oral surgery practice isn’t for everyone, but if you are able to handle the challenges that come along with it, it can be an extremely gratifying experience. After leaving the job he had working for someone else, Dr. Michael Goulston went out looking to buy a practice, and ended up deciding to start his own instead. Over the past six years he has acquired a huge amount of experience working with a very diverse client base, and on the show today he shares with us both the ups and the downs of his journey. We discuss the methods Michael utilized to find clients when he was starting out, the types of advertising that he finds most useful with regard to his practice, and the difficulties that sometimes arise when Michael sees patients who are culturally different to him. Michael puts a lot of effort into his relationships with his patients and his staff, and he explains some of the personal touches that he implements in order to ensure that he is keeping everyone around him happy.  Key Points From This Episode:A brief rundown of Michael’s educational and career history. Why Michael decided to start his own practice, rather than buy an existing one.Personal touches that Michael used to find clients, starting from a base of zero.The length of time it took for Michael to cover his costs. Advertising practices that Michael thinks are the most useful. Michael’s strategy for dealing with insurance. Reasons that Michael decided to leave the job he had working for someone else. Challenges that come with running your own practice. Elements of Michael’s work that he finds particularly gratifying. The experience Michael had when he brought in an office manager. Difficulties that sometimes arise when Michael sees patients who come from a different culture to his own. How Michael personalizes the experiences of his patients to make sure they are all comfortable and happy. Methods that Michael uses to ensure that he maintains healthy relationships with his staff, and an enjoyable office environment. Why Michael has moved towards using more moderate anesthetics. Golf; how this hobby positively impacts Michael’s work.Value that Michael gets out of listening to the Everyday Oral Surgery Podcast. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Michael GoulstonOral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Implant Specialists of MiddlesexDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059