Choosing whether to pursue a fellowship is one of the biggest career decisions a young surgeon can make. In this episode, Dr. Arshad Kaleem breaks down the three key elements that shaped his own path: passion, finances, and quality of life. From his training at the University of Pennsylvania to fellowships in head and neck and microvascular reconstructive surgery, he shares how clear priorities guided his journey to a thriving full-scope practice in El Paso, Texas. He also reflects on his humanitarian work in Pakistan and Palestine, where he performs complex surgeries with limited resources. Through his story, Dr. Kaleem offers thoughtful advice for young surgeons on finding purpose, balance, and growth in their careers. Listen to the full conversation for a candid guide to building both skill and purpose in oral surgery!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Kaleem’s path from UPenn to head and neck and microvascular fellowships.
• Establishing a full-scope private practice serving El Paso and beyond.
• Details of his mission trips to Pakistan, the West Bank, and Gaza.
• Performing and planning for complex surgeries abroad with limited resources.
• Advances in virtual surgical planning and custom implants in reconstructive surgery.
• The rise of subspecialty training within oral and maxillofacial surgery.
• How technology has reduced surgery time while improving precision and planning accuracy.
• Making head and neck surgery work within private practice.
• Honest advice for residents deciding on their next step, including pursuing a fellowship.
• Key factors to weigh when considering a fellowship: passion, finances, and quality of life.
• Rapid-fire questions on hobbies, favorite shows, and more.
• Reflections on the lasting fulfillment of helping others through surgical skill.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Arshad Kaleem — https://www.aboms.org/news/dr-arshad-kaleem-head-neck-oncologic-surgeon

Dr. Arshad Kaleem on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/akmaxfaxsurgeon/

Dr. Arshad Kaleem email — [email protected]

High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery — https://www.hdofs.com/

High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery | Dr. Arshad Kaleem — https://www.hdofs.com/meet-us/meet-dr-kaleem/

High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/HDOFS/

Yellowstone — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4236770/

Horizon — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17505010/

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 — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Starting an oral surgery practice can feel like leaping into the unknown, but with the right plan, success is absolutely achievable. In this episode, Dr. Roger Levin, CEO of Levin Group, joins us again to break down the proven steps that help young surgeons launch and grow profitable, referral-driven practices. Dr. Levin shares pragmatic advice on how to break into competitive markets, build referral networks, and create strong brand messaging from day one. He explains how to identify your niche, the power of gift giving, and how to train your team to deliver world-class service. Gain insights into crafting intro letters, the value of delivering handwritten cards, and the art of the follow-up for building your reputation and patient base. Join us to discover how strategy, communication, and positive energy can transform a startup into a thriving oral surgery practice. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why referral marketing is the make-or-break factor for oral surgery startups. 
• The importance of starting your marketing plan early and how to build a brand identity. 
• Who typically opens new practices and why motivation and timing are essential.
• How to find your niche and develop cost-effective, relationship-based referral marketing.
• Unpack the common mistakes surgery startups often make and how to avoid them. 
• Steps for creating an effective marketing campaign and building professional relationships.
• Explore the foundational marketing materials every startup needs. 
• Learn why relationship building creates long-term and loyal referral partners. 
• Discover the value of engaging with the front desk for building professional relationships.
• Find out the importance of training your team on how to handle referring doctors. 
• Tips for creating an online presence, getting reviews, and follow-ups with referring offices.
• Dr. Levin’s final takeaways and why leading with positive energy is vital for success.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Roger Levin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-levin-69ab744/

Levin Group, Inc. — https://levingroup.com/

Giftology — https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332

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 — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Dr. Victor Martel, a general dentist practicing in Florida, is back on the Everyday Oral Surgery podcast with Dr. Stucki for another round of expert insight. This time, he’s here to talk about comprehensive treatment planning and how surgeons can work with the GP to provide excellent patient care. Tune in as Dr. Martel defines comprehensive treatment planning and big-picture dentistry, explores how it can grow your practice, and unpacks the key barriers that hold clinicians back from putting it into action. Dr. Martel deep dives into grand rounds and how they fit into this conversation, shares a key frustration he sees with All-on-X cases, and breaks down his initial comprehensive patient exam, including what he calls the ‘tour of the mouth’ at the second visit. He emphasizes the critical role of communication between GPs and specialists, and underscores the need for clinicians to invest in educating themselves and their teams on comprehensive treatment planning. Don’t miss this insightful episode and a powerful reminder that when we work together and keep the big picture in mind, that’s where the magic happens!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming back Dr. Vic Martel, a general dentist practicing in FL.
• How Dr. Martel defines comprehensive treatment planning: big-picture dentistry.
• Where generalists fail (even at the very first visit).
• How comprehensive treatment planning can grow your practice.
• We look at the barriers holding clinicians back from doing comprehensive planning. 
• Looking at patients from a comprehensive standpoint, and his definition of holistic dentistry. 
• Why he believes first-time patients should not be brought to the practice for a cleaning first. 
• His thoughts on how a specialist could help a general dentist comprehensively plan.
• We deep dive into grand rounds and how they fit into this conversation. 
• Dr. Martel shares a pet peeve: all-on-X cases.
• A tour of their mouth: a breakdown of how he structures a comprehensive dental exam and what makes it effective.
• He explains the permission statement.
• Why it’s essential to include specialists in the communication of the comprehensive plan. 
• The main summary take-home point Dr. Martel wants listeners to walk away with: learn to comprehensively plan treatment.
• Where to learn more about Dr. Martel and his courses.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Victor Martel on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-martel-dmd-91431922 

Dr. Victor Martel on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drvicmartel/ 

Dr. Victor Martel Email — [email protected]

Martel Academy — https://www.martelacademy.com/ 

The Dawson Academy — https://thedawsonacademy.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 — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

What does comprehensive treatment planning look like, and how can specialists and general dentists design it together? In this episode, Dr. Grant Stucki sits down with Florida general dentist and educator Dr. Vic Martel to unpack the ins and outs of comprehensive treatment planning. Dr. Martel explains why many dentists were never taught comprehensive planning in dental school, how this leads to a reactive mindset, and why slowing down to assess occlusion, periodontal health, joints, and restorative needs as a whole improves outcomes for patients and practices. Together, they explore real-world barriers and practical solutions to comprehensive treatment planning and the importance of surgeon-led education and interdisciplinary planning. Dr. Martel shares how he runs new-patient exams and builds trust with patients while coordinating with specialists. He also explains how investing in your referral network can help a practice grow and how a thoughtful, comprehensive treatment plan makes life easier for everyone on the team. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Comprehensive treatment planning and why many dentists are underprepared.
• The difference between “tooth fixer” dentistry and being a “physician of the mouth.”
• Learn how comprehensive treatment planning benefits patients and practices.
• Find out about the biggest barriers to comprehensive treatment planning. 
• How comprehensive planning impacts case acceptance, treatment, and patient outcomes.
• Hear how generalists and specialists can work together to design a comprehensive plan. 
• Explore the history behind grand rounds and why it is an effective educational tool.
• Important considerations around implant solutions and the risk of removal. 
• He shares his comprehensive dental exam setup and his overall approach. 
• Discover how shared plans improve coordination, referrals, and patient confidence.
• Final takeaways and why dentists should focus on educating their referral network.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Victor Martel on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-martel-dmd-91431922/ 

Dr. Victor Martel on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drvicmartel/ 

Dr. Victor Martel Email Address — [email protected] 

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 — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Tori removal may not be the most glamorous procedure, but it’s one that demands skill, patience, and careful preparation. In this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, host Dr. Grant Stucki welcomes Dr. Richard Akin, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Baton Rouge, to explore the nuances of managing these challenging cases. Dr. Akin reflects on lessons learned from early practice with his father, the unique anatomy and patient factors that complicate these cases, and the importance of knowing when removal is truly indicated. He shares practical techniques for both maxillary and mandibular tori, from flap design to instrument choice. Dr. Akin also discusses the realities of insurance coverage and billing, and how reimbursement rarely reflects the complexity of the work. Along the way, he emphasizes patient communication, setting realistic expectations for recovery, and taking the time needed to avoid complications. Tune in to hear insights that can help you refine your approach and set patients up for better outcomes!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Dr. Richard Akin, an OMS in Baton Rouge.
• Dr. Akin’s early training with his father and transition into solo practice.
• Why tori removal remains a core responsibility of oral surgeons.
• Indications for removal, from hygiene challenges to painful ulcers.
• Preparing patients for recovery and setting realistic expectations.
• Step-by-step techniques for removing maxillary and mandibular tori.
• Managing thin tissue, closure difficulties, and post-op care.
• Instrument choices that make tori removal safer and more efficient.
• Strategies to minimize tearing and ensure proper healing.
• Recognizing rare complications such as flap necrosis.
• Why suturing technique and flap care are critical to healing.
• Dr. Akin’s range of patient stories, from food entrapment to denture challenges.
• Typical healing timelines and patient resilience after surgery.
• Insurance coverage and billing realities for tori removal cases.
• Dr. Akin’s favorite books, hobbies, and daily practices.

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 — [email protected]
Dr. Richard Akin Powerpoint — 

7 Goldman-Fox Knife — https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/dental-knives/7-goldman-fox-knife

1/2 Orban DE Knife, EverEdge™ — https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/dental-knives/1-2-orban-periodontal-knife-0

Forceps to extract tooth number five — 

Hearts in Atlantis — https://www.amazon.com/Hearts-in-Atlantis-Stephen-King-audiobook/dp/B0000547DG

Surrender — https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-40-Songs-One-Story/dp/B09ZK1XJ4X

Hidden Potential — https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Potential-Science-Achieving-Greater/dp/0593653149

The Overstory — https://www.amazon.com/Overstory-Novel-Richard-Powers/dp/039335668X

Breaking Bad — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903747/

Better Call Saul —

Some days in oral surgery feel like everything conspires against you. Your back hurts, your schedule is overbooked, and (to top it all off) your favorite assistant called in sick! In this solo episode, Dr. Grant Stucki reflects on how to find joy and purpose in those difficult moments while offering practical ways to shift your mindset. Drawing inspiration from Einstein’s theory of relativity, he compares our attitude to gravity, shaping the emotional space around us and influencing everyone we work with. Through stories from his own practice, he explores how awareness, intention, and small daily choices can transform frustration into focus. He shares simple strategies like identifying your top stressors and writing down what boosts your energy, and offers book recommendations that inspire greater mental strength and positivity. Tune in to reconnect with the purpose and positivity that keep great surgeons going!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A new series exploring lessons from everyday surgical experiences.
• Announcing Dr. Stucki’s upcoming course on PRF and Exparel in Denver.
• Today’s topic: How to find joy in surgery and maintain a positive attitude on tough days.
• Einstein’s theory of relativity as a metaphor for mindset and influence.
• How our mental “gravity” affects the people and energy around us.
• A story about Dr. Stucki’s brother and his contagious enthusiasm for surgery.
• Reflections on how surgeons can become jaded and cynical over time.
• The impact of negativity on staff, patients, and surgical outcomes.
• Being intentional about the energy and attitude brought into the workplace.
• Strategies for maintaining positive energy, including building awareness of triggers.
• Book Recommendations: On Fire, The Alter Ego Effect, and Can't Hurt Me.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Enhancing Surgical Outcomes with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Exparel in Oral Surgery Course — https://www.collectiveeducationsociety.com/products/courses/prf-and-exparel

Collective Education Society — https://www.collectiveeducationsociety.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery blog — https://everydayoralsurgery.com/blog/

On Fire — https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Choices-Ignite-Radically-Inspired/dp/1501117726

The Alter Ego Effect — https://alteregoeffect.com/

Can't Hurt Me — https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287

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 — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

What if the most potent tool for healing isn't a drug or a procedure, but the very words we choose? Today, we unlock the profound and underestimated power of language in patient care. Dr. Grant Stucki is joined once again by Dr. Jake Stucki, an OMS practicing in the Denver area. We look at how to optimize patient disclosure during the pre-operative stage, ensuring both the language and the level of information are appropriate and clear. We emphasize the benefits of shifting from simple "yes or no" questions to more open-ended inquiries to improve patient communication, and discuss the critical importance of being mindful of how we frame and communicate recovery times. The conversation also covers intra- and post-operative language, focusing on the power of positive seed-planting and careful word choice. We explore how simple communication between practitioners can significantly limit unnecessary issues, and finally, we delve into the "Second Victim" ideology, explaining why the language we use with ourselves and our team is essential for well-being. Tune in for a patient-care-focused conversation on how the words we use can ultimately impact the physical healing trajectory of our patients.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. G. Stucki introduces today’s topic of conversation: the power of the language we use.
• Do the words we use have an impact on our patients’ ability to heal?
• Pre-operative language: How can we optimize patient disclosure regarding surgical complications while ensuring the language is appropriate and clear?
• Changing our yes or no questions to more open-ended questions.
• How we approach framing and communicating recovery times.
• Intra-and post-operative language: planting positive seeds consistently and watching our word choice.
• Dr. G. Stucki shares a quick story about choosing post-operative language wisely.
• How simple communication between practitioners can limit unnecessary issues. 
• Where surgeons fall short in our patient-care communication: empathy.
• Second victim: why the language we use both with ourselves and our team is also important.
• We highlight the practical takeaways from today’s content. 

Studies Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

1. General Physician–Patient Communication and Outcomes

‘Effective physician-patient communication and health outcomes: a review.’ — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1337906/ 

‘The impact of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings: implications for medical training and practice’ — https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-025-07433-y 

2. Pre- and Postoperative Communication in Surgery

‘The Importance of Communication in the Management of Postoperative Pain’ — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3689499/ 

‘Quality communication can improve patient-centred health outcomes among older patients: a rapid review’ — https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-023-09869-8 

3. Surgical Team Communication & Safety

‘Investigating the relationship between surgical team communication and patient outcomes’ —https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384727941_INVESTIGATING_THE_RELATIONSHIP_BETWEEN_SURGICAL_TEAM_COMMUNICATION_AND_PATIENT_OUTCOMES&n

Joining Dr. Stucki again on the podcast today is Dr. Tom Stone, an OMS Surgeon practicing out of Denver, Colorado. Today, they dive into Dr. Stone’s philosophy on handling immediate implants, starting with the key role digital workflow plays in streamlining appointments and how to implement these systems without overwhelming office teams. They unpack how Dr. Stone and his team approach the complexity of emergency implants and simplify decision-making for patients. The conversation covers how Dr. Stone navigates mid-surgery changes in plan, the difference between emergency and immediate implants, and why the ability to perform an immediate implant truly sets a practitioner apart. Finally, they discuss maintaining quality control, share tips for successful outcomes in multi-rooted tooth areas, and reveal how feedback has been essential to the success of their emergency implant offerings. For all this, and more, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction and recap of our guest, Dr. Tom Stone.
• Dr. Stone discusses offering an extraction and immediate implant in one appointment. 
• The role digital workflow plays in his system of immediate implants and what they’re using currently.
• Tips on how to streamline workflow for office teams without causing overwhelm. 
• The complex part of an emergency implant and how to streamline decision-making for patients. 
• How Dr. Stone navigates a mid-surgery change in plan (giving patients a plan A and plan B as options). 
• The difference between an emergency implant and an immediate implant.
• How the ability to do an immediate implant sets you apart from other practitioners. 
• Maintaining quality control with immediate implants.
• Dr. Stone shares tips on achieving implant success in multi-rooted tooth areas. 
• How feedback has helped create an incredible patient experience with emergency implant offerings. 
• Final thoughts on the essential components for success in surgery. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Tom Stone on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-l-stone-md-dds-facs-9b387718/ 

DrTalk — https://www.drtalk.com/ 

DrTalk App (Google) —https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drtalk.drtalkdroid&hl 

DrTalk App (Apple) — https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/drtalk-connect-share-learn/id1449673761?l 

Collective Health Society — https://www.collectivehealthsociety.com/ 

Dr. Katie Lee on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieleedds/ 

DrTalk: A Practice Growth Business Tool (with Drs. Tom Stone and Vic Martel)

— https://www.buzzsprout.com/1404670/episodes/17222537 

‘M641: The Emergency Implant: A Practice Growth Strategy’ — https://www.joms.org/article/S0278-2391(07)00802-6/fulltext 

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 —

The more we give, the happier we will be! In this episode of Every Day Oral Surgery, we are thrilled to welcome periodontist and the CEO and founder of Liberate, Dr. Robert Ferrell, to discuss why he feels the greatest crisis the world faces is the absence of connection. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about his career, the break he took to go on a mission for his church, the pros and cons of taking such a large break, the mental health struggles of oral surgeons, and so much more! We delve into why Dr. Ferrell believes the greatest crisis we face is a lack of connection before talking about how we can mitigate it. He even discusses how he empowers his team to be of service to people. Finally, Dr. Ferrell answers our rapid-fire questions. Thanks for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Robert Ferrell. 
• A brief overview of Dr. Ferrell’s career and the three-year break he took. 
• The pros and cons of taking a break from practicing dentistry. 
• A reminder of the mental health struggles oral surgeons often face. 
• Dr. Ferrel shares some tips for managing stress and crises.
• How we can create better connections and be less transactional. 
• Methods our guest uses to empower his team to be of service to the community. 
• Why giving back actually makes you a happier person. 
• Skill versus connection and how the latter makes you a healer. 
• Dr. Ferrell ends off by answering our rapid-fire questions. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Robert Ferrell on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-ferrell-4393a1102/

Dr. Robert Ferrell Email Address — [email protected]

Build then Bless — https://buildthenbless.com/

Giftology — https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332

Give and Take — https://www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986

Leaders Eat Last — https://www.amazon.com/Leaders-Eat-Last-Together-Others/dp/1591845327

The Obstacle is the Way — https://www.amazon.com/Obstacle-Way-Timeless-Turning-Triumph/dp/1591846358

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 — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

There is great power in becoming a leader as an oral surgeon at your medical center. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Dr. Liddell’s career and what his leadership role in his medical center looks like, the political side of healthcare, admin for leaders of medical centers, and more! We delve into how his exposure to leadership has changed the way he practices medicine before discussing the plethora of issues he sees in cases that have gone wrong. Dr. Liddell even shares some nuggets of wisdom he’s learned during conflict resolution and how you can get started in this area of the industry. Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions and reminds us of the importance of getting a seat at the table. Thanks for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Dr. Aaron Liddell back to the show. 
• Dr. Liddell tells us about his leadership role and how he got there. 
• The political side of healthcare and why making connections is helpful.
• What admin looks like for leaders at medical centers. 
• How his leadership position has changed the way he practices. 
• What issues Dr. Liddell sees when reviewing a case that went badly. 
• Some communication tips he has learned about conflict resolution. 
• Dr. Liddel shares advice for anyone who wants to get started in this area. 
• As always, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions to end off. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Aaron Liddell on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronliddell/ 

Dr. Aaron Liddell on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/aaronliddellmd/ 

Outlive — https://www.amazon.co.za/Outlive-Science-Longevity-Peter-Attia/dp/1785044559 

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 — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059