Everyday Oral Surgery

Grant Stucki - oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Have you ever been talking with other surgeons about the way they do things in their practice and you heard something that helped you out? This podcast is meant to give you an insight into the way other surgeons do things and think about things. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference in your daily routine.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Precancerous Lesions: A Paradigm Shift in Monitoring and Management, with Paras Patel (Oral Pathologist)

    What if the “wait and see” approach to suspicious oral lesions is putting patients at risk? In this episode, Dr. Paras Patel, an oral maxillofacial pathologist based in Texas, joins us to challenge outdated thinking and share a more proactive, data-driven approach to early detection and prevention. We begin with a key shift in the field: moving from the term ‘potentially malignant lesions’ to ‘precancerous lesions’, and what that change signals about risk, responsibility, and intervention. Dr. Patel unpacks how evolving diagnostic criteria, new treatment pathways, and better follow-up protocols are changing outcomes. He explains why he favors a two-week monitoring window for leukoplakia, how non-traditional risk factors like HPV and iron deficiency come into play, and why there is no single pathway to disease. The conversation also explores how biomarkers, advanced testing, and even AI can support clinicians in tracking change over time and making more informed decisions. Finally, Dr. Patel shares practical guidance on managing ulcers and tissue abnormalities and why consistent follow-up is critical, even after a patient has been referred. Key Points From This Episode: Updated terminology, from ‘potentially malignant lesions’ to ‘precancerous lesions’.How the field has evolved through updated criteria, new treatment options, and more. How Dr. Patel approaches follow-up to protect patients from developing cancer.Developments in pathology and treatment methods. Why Dr. Patel favors a two-week period to monitor leukoplakia. Non-traditional risk factors, including HPV and iron deficiency. Understanding the multiple pathways to this kind of pathology. Leveraging a variety of biomarkers and tests for direction as a clinician. How AI can support this data collection process. What Dr. Patel recommends for navigating ulcers and tissue during surgery.The platinum-based therapy he has been using with great results.Why follow up protocol is so important. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Paras Patel on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/paras-patel-6023a7a1/  Dr. Paras Patel on ResearchGate — https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Paras-B-Patel-2158422405 Center for Oral Pathology — https://www.centerfororalpathology.com/ Oral Diagnostics SDFW — oraldiagnosticsdfw@gmail.com WHO Oral Epithelial Dysplasia: Classifications — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6503768/ Yen-Chen Kevin Ko on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/yen-chen-kevin-ko-561469115/ Glenn Hanna on ResearchGate — https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Glenn-J-Hanna-2006701454 Alessandro Villa on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandrovilla-oralmedicine/ Nivolumab for Patients With High-Risk Oral Leukoplakia — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37971722/  MD Anderson — https://www.mdanderson.org/  Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Instag

    50 min
  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Management Series: The Effective Daily Business Meeting (Morning Huddle), with Dr. Roger Levin

    Meetings don’t have to drain time or energy. In fact, they can become one of the most effective tools in a well-run practice! In this episode of the Everyday Oral Surgery Podcast, Dr. Grant Stucki welcomes back Dr. Roger Levin, founder and CEO of Levin Group, for a focused discussion on conducting effective daily business meetings, also known as morning huddles. Dr. Levin challenges the idea that meetings are inherently inefficient and explains why, when done well, they’re essential for clear communication in busy oral surgery practices. He breaks down ten practical rules for running effective daily meetings, showing how short, structured check-ins help organize the day, reduce interruptions, and keep teams aligned. The conversation also clarifies what belongs in a daily meeting versus a monthly staff meeting and why office managers play a critical role in setting agendas, managing time, and maintaining focus. Tune in for practical guidance on turning daily meetings into a reliable system that supports efficiency, leadership, and teamwork in your practice! Key Points From This Episode: How meetings gained a reputation as inefficient in business.Why oral surgery practices rely on meetings more than most industries.Three essential meetings for practices: daily business, monthly staff, and annual strategy.A breakdown of Dr. Levin’s ten rules for daily business meetings.Rule 1: Start with why and a clear agenda for every meeting.Rule 2: Define the objective so everyone knows what the meeting is for.Rule 3: Invite only the people who truly need to be in the meeting.Rule 4: Start on time and end on time to show respect and leadership.Rule 5: Appoint a facilitator to run and control the meeting.Rule 6: Keep updates brief to maintain focus and momentum.Rule 7: Use a “parking lot” to keep discussions on agenda and save off-topic ideas for later.Rule 8: Encourage participation so meetings stay relevant and engaging.Rule 9: Document action items, assign them, and give deadlines.Rule 10: Follow up immediately so meetings lead to real action.Why short, consistent daily meetings outperform long, infrequent ones. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Roger Levin — https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-levin-69ab744/  Levin Group — https://levingroup.com/ Office Manager Practice Mastery Program — https://levingroup.com/office-manager-practice-mastery-program/ Episode 313 — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-power-tips-for-multi-office-practice-growth-with-dr/id1535284898?i=1000717140271 Episode 343 — Episode 346 — Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

    37 min
  3. 23 FEB

    Flappy Flaps Are Crappy Flaps: Simple Tunneling Techniques for Grafting Atrophic Ridges (with Dr. Joshua Campbell)

    What does it look like to simplify bone grafting and implant surgery without cutting corners on outcomes? In this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, Dr. Grant Stucki sits down with Tennessee oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Joshua Campbell to discuss his evolution towards simpler and streamlined grafting techniques. Dr. Campbell walks through how a soft tissue tunnelling course changed the way he grafts bone, why he relies heavily on cortical–cancellous particulate and OsteoGen® Plugs, and how he stages cases to avoid risks when patients don’t heal as expected. He also delves into why the tunnelling technique for bone grafting is preferred over the flap technique, what the method involves, and what factors to consider when determining implant placement. Learn about the cone beam CT, how it works, how it can be implemented using printed guides, and why the use of complex technological tools in simpler situations is crucial. He also explains the importance of analyzing planned versus actual outcomes, different tooth extraction techniques, the importance of a lingual flap for difficult extractions, the specific instruments and suturing techniques he uses, and more. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: Dr. Campbell’s background and how he found his way into oral and maxillofacial surgery.Hear about his early years experimenting with multiple grafting techniques.Learn why simplifying and streamlining grafting approaches is the best option.Explore how a soft tissue tunnelling course inspired him to adapt his approach.Unpack his concept of “stacked risk” and how this applies to bone grafting.Find out what essential surgical instruments are needed for his approach. Discover how he decides between grafting and using narrower implants.Important loading considerations and how a bone plate can prevent fractures.What guided implant surgery is and how it differs from freehand implant surgery.Uncover the technology and tools available to help improve implant surgery.He breaks down his methods for suturing, post-operative care, and graft protection.Dr. Campbell’s personal recommendations and final takeaways. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Joshua Campbell — https://www.farragutoralsurgery.com/meet-us/dr-joshua-campbell/ Farragut Oral Surgery and Implant Center — https://www.farragutoralsurgery.com/ The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) — https://www.utmedical.org/ Dr. Joshua Campbell Email – josh@farragutoralsurgery.com OsteoGen® Plugs — https://www.impladentltd.com/OsteoGen-Plugs-p/op.htm Southern Implants — https://southernimplants.com/ Simplant — https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-us/discover/discover-by-brand/simplant.html Co-Axis® Implants — https://southernimplants.com/solutions/innovative-products/co-axis-implants/ 4 Molt Surgical Curette — https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/surgical-curettes/4-molt-surgical-curette Molt 4 — https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/surgical-curettes/4-molt-surgical-curette  Bomb Elevator — https://m

    56 min
  4. 18 FEB

    From Tension to Trust: The Science of Connection in Healthcare (with Dr. Richard Akin)

    Patient fear and tension are part of everyday clinical care, and the way a clinician responds can shape a patient’s entire experience. In this episode of the Everyday Oral Surgery podcast, host Dr. Grant Stucki welcomes return guest Dr. Richard Akin, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Louisiana, for a thoughtful exploration of how trust is built in healthcare settings. Drawing on insights from behavioral psychology and years of clinical experience, Dr. Akin shares how humor, curiosity, and genuine presence can help reduce anxiety and build trust with patients. The conversation examines how small moments, from active listening and inviting patients to share their hobbies to creating a welcoming office environment, can make a meaningful difference in high-stress situations. Dr. Akin also reflects on navigating difficult encounters, ways to support your staff in challenging situations, and sustaining a sense of joy and connection amid the daily demands of running a practice. Listen in for a human-centered discussion on why connection matters in healthcare and how thoughtful responses can transform tense moments into trusting relationships! Key Points From This Episode: Dr. Akin’s early interest in behavioral psychology: what it taught him about human behavior.Lessons about connection learned while working in the service industry before dental school.Reflections on how patient fear and tension can show up in everyday clinical encounters.How humor can reduce anxiety and help build trust more quickly with patients.Recognizing shame when patients delay care and responding without judgment.Trust and empathy as prerequisites for effective treatment conversations.How office culture, staff interactions, and environment influence patient comfort.Trust built by referring dentists: how they jump-start the patient relationship before their visit.Using hobbies and personal details to open meaningful conversations.Starting gently with touch to help patients feel safe before invasive care.Active listening and being present as essential tools for building trust and creating ease.Responding to negativity with curiosity and humor to de-escalate tense encounters.Reframing difficult or angry patients as fearful rather than hostile.Using gratitude and human connection to sustain joy in long-term practice.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Richard Akin — https://www.drakin.com/ Dr. Richard Akin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-akin-644aa932/ Dr. Richard Akin email — rick@drakin.com Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

    1h 7m
  5. 16 FEB

    Recruiting and Building an Awesome Team (with Dr. Roger Levin)

    Hiring feels harder than ever. Teams are stretched thin. Turnover is constant. So, what actually works right now? In this follow-up episode of the Everyday Oral Surgery Podcast, Dr. Grant Stucki continues his conversation with returning guest Dr. Roger Levin, founder and CEO of Levin Group. Building on their previous discussion about the office manager as chief operating officer (COO), this episode focuses on how to build the right team around that role. Dr. Levin breaks down why the office manager must take full ownership of recruiting, onboarding, and team development, and why surgeons need to delegate without disengaging. He outlines practical steps for attracting candidates, screening effectively, conducting stronger interviews, and onboarding new hires in ways that promote retention and engagement. The discussion also explores red flags to watch out for, the value of maturity and reliability, and how systems, culture, and leadership determine whether new team members succeed or fail. This episode offers clear, experience-based insights for oral surgeons and office managers looking to improve their practice. Listen in to rethink how you hire, train, and support the people who keep your practice running! Key Points From This Episode: The office manager as the chief operating officer (COO) for all non-clinical practice functions.Why building and managing the team is a central office manager responsibility.The ongoing staffing crisis in dentistry and its impact on oral surgery practices.Recruiting as a structured process owned by the office manager, not the surgeon.The importance of clear, updated job descriptions before hiring begins.Practical recruiting channels, from online postings and team referrals to internal promotion.Telephone screening to save time and qualify candidates early.The importance of checking references before the live interview.Best practices for in-office interviews in a competitive labor market.Using longevity bonuses to reduce costly staff turnover and reward retention.Red flags in interviews, including punctuality and communication skills.Setting clear goals so team members understand how success is measured.Assigning a “big sister” to support and integrate new hires.Regular check-ins to support onboarding without formal performance reviews.The doctor’s role in supporting hires while still delegating management.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Roger Levin — https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-levin-69ab744/  Levin Group — https://levingroup.com/ Office Manager Practice Mastery Program — https://levingroup.com/office-manager-practice-mastery-program/ Episode 313 — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-power-tips-for-multi-office-practice-growth-with-dr/id1535284898?i=1000717140271 Episode 343 —  Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

    49 min
  6. 9 FEB

    From Indication to Execution: Zygomatic Implants with Dr. Waldemar Polido

    Few surgeons in the world combine the depth of clinical experience and academic rigor that Dr. Waldemar Polido brings. A Professor and practicing Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon in Indianapolis, he began his dentistry education in Brazil and has since built a career at the forefront of complex implant surgery. In this conversation, Dr. Polido shares his three-part implant philosophy, systematic surgical approach, and the evolution of solutions for patients with severe maxillary atrophy. We also explore common surgical complications, strategies for prevention, grafting techniques, and the post-operative processes that ensure long-term success. Packed with insights from a highly experienced and knowledgeable guest, this episode is essential listening for oral maxillofacial surgeons seeking to expand their mastery of zygomatic implants. Key Points From This Episode: Dr. Polido’s education, surgical residency, and academic background.His three-part philosophy on implantology as influenced by Brånemark. Four systematic concepts that support his approach to long-lasting implants. How Dr. Polido’s approach towards determining which solution to use has evolved. Reducing complications during zygomatic implant surgery.Where grafting typically comes in during the implant process.Post-op processes for pain control and follow-up. Foreseeing and addressing complications during surgery. Advice on how oral maxillofacial surgeons can learn more about zygomatic implants.Predictions for the next 15 years of implant dentistry.Rapid fire questions: Dr. Polido’s best read of the past year and more. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Waldemar Polido on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/waldemardpolido/ Dr. Waldemar Polido on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/prof.waldemarpolido/ Dr. Waldemar Polido Email — wdpolido@iu.edu Dr. Per-Ingvat Brånemark — https://www.branemark.se/branemarklegacy Indiana University School of Dentistry — https://www.dentistry.iu.edu/ The SAC Classification in Implant Dentistry — https://www.iti.org/the-sac-classification-in-implant-dentistry  ZAGA Centers — https://zagacenters.com/ Dr. Carlos Aparicio — https://www.apariciozygomatic.com/ E. Armand Bedrossian on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-armand-bedrossian-dds-msd-facp-7752b8184/ Pikos Institute — https://www.pikosinstitute.com/ Complexitiez — https://www.complexitiez.com/ AAOMS — https://aaoms.org/  All Physicians Lead — https://www.amazon.com/All-Physicians-Lead-Redefining-Leadership/dp/B0CN2RG5F7 Do You Feel Like I Do?  — https://www.amazon.com/Do-You-Feel-Like-Memoir/dp/0316425311 Landman — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14186672/ F1: The Movie — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16311594/ Adolescence —

    49 min
  7. 2 FEB

    From Office Manager to Chief Operating Officer: What the Job Description of Your Office Manager Should Be (with Dr. Roger Levin)

    Could a more formal COO-level approach to office management be the catalyst for sustainable growth in your practice? Today on Everyday Oral Surgery, Dr. Stucki is joined again by Dr. Roger Levin, CEO of Levin Group. Dr. Levin argues that the office manager should adopt the responsibilities of a Chief Operating Officer (COO), moving beyond merely putting out fires to proactively creating systems and checklists that ensure smooth and efficient practice operations. He suggests that a great office manager grants surgeons freedom to concentrate solely on clinical excellence, patient relations, and referring doctor relationships. Ultimately leading to a significant boost in practice income and overall satisfaction. Tune in to the first episode in an upcoming series on the office manager. Today, Dr. Stucki and Dr. Levin delve into the reality of the office manager, break down the job description of the COO, outline the job responsibilities, and discuss the difficulty of managing both up and down. They talk about the responsibility of implementing systems to improve customer service, studying referral patterns, and dealing with all regulatory responsibilities. To hear more, don’t miss out on yet another impactful episode with Dr. Roger Levin.  Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to today’s guest and topic: a mini series on the office manager.Understanding the reality of office managers. Three things surgeons should be doing: clinical excellence, patient relations, and referring doctor relations.They look at the landscape of the dentistry business and why office managers may be essential.Dr. Levin breaks down the job description of an office manager: the COO. Why a solid office manager has the freedom to build a great team. Outlining the office manager’s job responsibilities and identifying the optimal balance.The hard part of the role of an office manager: managing up and down.Implementing and creating systems to improve customer service as an office manager. Studying referral patterns of referring doctors. Dealing with regulations and making sure all regulatory activities take place properly. The only caveat to today’s discussion. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Roger Levin — https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-levin-69ab744/  Dr. Roger Levin Email — rlevin@levingroup.com  Levin Group — https://levingroup.com/  Office Manager Practice Mastery Program —  ‘Performance reviews’ — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16060478/  Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

    42 min
  8. 26 JAN

    Mastering Occlusion: A Guide for Oral Surgeons on Implant Crown Success (feat. Dr. Vic Martel)

    Implant placement is one thing, but making sure those implants survive years of chewing forces is another. In this episode, Dr. Grant Stucki welcomes back Florida general dentist Dr. Vic Martel to dive deep into occlusion from an implant perspective. In today’s conversation, Dr. Martel explains why implant occlusion is often even more critical than occlusion on natural teeth, how uneven load sharing leads to problems like loose screws, chipped porcelain, bone loss, and even loss of integration, and why surgeons are ultimately at the mercy of their restoring dentists’ occlusal skills. He discusses practical guidelines for single posterior implants, angled implants in full-arch cases, maxillary second molars, anterior implants, and zirconia hybrids, as well as how to check occlusion correctly in centric, excursions, and with the patient both reclined and upright. Dr. Martel also shares how to manage bruxers, when to splint restorations, why screws need to be replaced after loosening, and ways frequent maintenance and clear patient instructions can prevent many complications before they start. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: How Dr. Martel defines occlusion as “load sharing” in the context of implant dentistry.Why occlusion is critical for natural teeth and how uneven load sharing leads to failures.Hear how to set occlusion for an implant using shim stock in normal closure and clench.Explore how to manage axial and non-axial loading on angled implants in full-arch cases.Steps for checking occlusion and why screw-retained restorations have become his standard.Discover common reasons for loose screws and why the screw often needs to be replaced.Steps for navigating microtrauma on implants, patients who brux, and splint restorations.Typical reasons why certain implants fail and guidelines for anterior implant occlusion.Find out how to distribute forces across implant-supported anterior bridges to avoid load.Unpack how the shift from acrylic hybrids to zirconia has changed occlusal schemes. Learn about the complications from occlusion and why it should be checked frequently.What to tell patients about soreness, looseness, night guards, and regular maintenance. Dr. Martel’s final takeaways for preventing occlusion-related implant problems. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Victor Martel on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-martel-dmd-fagd-91431922/  Dr. Victor Martel on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drvicmartel/  Dr. Victor Martel Email Address — vicmartel@gmail.com  Dr. Victor Martel Phone Number — 561 602 7222  Martel Academy — https://martelacademy.com/  Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

    1h 9m

About

Have you ever been talking with other surgeons about the way they do things in their practice and you heard something that helped you out? This podcast is meant to give you an insight into the way other surgeons do things and think about things. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference in your daily routine.

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