Top 5 Topics:

- Is Dentistry Still Worth It? The Harsh Reality of Debt, Insurance & Sacrifice

- Floss Before or After Brushing? Dentists & Science Weigh In

- DSOs vs Private Practice: The Truth They Don’t Want You to Hear

- Best Parts of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency

Top 5 Viewers on this Episode on TikTok LIVE #73 Q&A:

1st - Ryocld, @liebertura

2nd – user1740920596581, @intheozon3

3rd – Youssefhakim, @youssefhakim.__

4th – Geoffferson S. Raskin, @allergic.to.vegetables

5th – mischa, @mischa.devincent

6th - Persephanie Guerrero, @persephanieguerre

7th - JoeyAKA-HOMELANDER, @batman17387

Quotes & Wisdom:

“Expect a lot of sacrifices, expect a lot of time commitments to studying, to saying no to seeing friends and family. The career path is very long, and it’s a multitude of sacrifices you need to unfortunately accept in order to get there.”

“Some of the best parts of residency were the people—your team, your support system. You’re in the trenches together, and that makes the tough times worth it.”

“All the costs of everything else have gone up over time—tuition, materials, implants—while reimbursement from insurance companies hasn’t increased since the 70s, 80s and 90s. You’re constantly fighting an uphill battle.”

“One thing I’m not a fan of is when people sell out their multi-practice to DSOs, make millions, and then say it’s the best thing ever. The next generation will never make that same money. That’s not the same reality we’re living in.”

“I love surgery. That’s why I finished residency. But when does the light at the end of the tunnel finally come? I’m waiting for life to finally get comfortable.”

“I didn’t go into this just to clock in and clock out. I want skin in the game. I want to own a practice one day, treat patients in the community, and build something lasting.”

“You’re going to be frustrated often in healthcare. I’m still waiting to finally see a winning battle. But you push forward because you believe in what you’re building.”

Questions:

(00:00) Do you floss before or after brushing, and why?

(05:39) Is dentistry still worth it given the financial and emotional sacrifices of residency and practice?

(08:15) Should general dentists rely on CE courses to learn procedures they’re uncomfortable with, or refer out?

(10:48) As a UK dental student, should you pursue a U.S. DMD conversion or an AEGD?

(13:46) How do current reimbursement rates and declining trust affect dentists today?

(16:19) What is the right balance between opioids and Tylenol with NSAIDs for post-op pain management?

(18:54) What advice would you give to a pre-dental student who wants to follow your path?

(21:22) Would you ever start your own practice instead of being an associate?

(25:40) What role do externships and GPA really play in OMFS residency acceptance?

(29:15) What was your favorite part of OMFS residency training?

Now available on:

- Dr. Gallagher’s Podcast & YouTube Channel

My watch in this episode = Citizen Promaster Diver Day Date

- 8.2025

#podcast #dentalpodcast #doctor #dentist #dentistry #oralsurgery #dental #dentalschool #dentalstudent #dentistlife #oralsurgeon #doctorgallagher