Top 5 Topics:

- The Harsh Reality of Resident Paychecks

- Dental School Debt & Regret Crisis

- Mental Health & Survival in Residency

- The Truth About Dental Insurance & Medicaid

- TMJ Surgery & Patient Trust Explained

Top 8 Viewers on this Episode on TikTok LIVE #80 Q&A:

1st - Goober, @matheusmaximiliantheiii

2nd – J, @jabaratheo

3rd – @asddenominator

4th – Stas Sheshnev, @stassheshnev

5th – Mirgela, @mirgela7

6th - @leviswifey96

7th - Meryn Blair Schraier, @omgitzmern

8th - @toothsuperstar

Quotes & Wisdom:

[07:55] “Don’t get bogged down by one exam—use it as fuel for the next one. Aim for only A’s and B’s across the course.”

[08:45] “People overestimate what doctors make in training—residency can feel like $7.50 an hour. It’s a grind, not a goldmine.”

[10:58] “Debt is real—tuition and cost of living climbed faster than reimbursements. Make decisions with eyes wide open.”

[13:55] “Most TMJ care starts conservative. Once you open that joint, you’re more likely to need more surgery later—choose wisely.”

[16:30] “Protect your peace: finish work, step away, see your friends/family, and keep a nightly wind-down routine you don’t negotiate.”

[21:55] “Start with what you actually like doing daily. If you love it and you’re good at it, specialization is worth exploring.”

[24:25] “There’s no hack for the CBSE—make time for it, adjust your schedule, and push.”

[27:31] “OMFS needs a strong presence in dental schools—own the space, protect training, and keep standards high.”

[30:39] “Tell patients everything they need to know. Clarity builds trust—and safer care.”

[16:50] “You won’t hit every workout in residency—don’t spiral. Miss one, hit the next. Consistency beats perfection.”

[08:20] “We should incentivize hard work, innovation, and excellence—patients deserve the best prepared clinicians.”

Questions:

[02:34] “Is there any way to surgically lower the ramus / decrease the gonial angle?”

[07:50] “I just got my first C—how do I recover?”

[08:12] “How much are you making a year now—and why does it vary so much by region?”

[10:48] “Would you still choose dental school with ~$600K in loans (24 DAT, lower GPA, doing a master’s)?”

[13:48] “Tips for TMJ—when is conservative care enough and who is a surgical candidate?”

[16:20] “How do you keep yourself sane in residency—time for family, friends, health, budgeting?”

[21:47] “Is specializing (e.g., Endo vs staying GP) worth it?”

[24:19] “How do you study for the CBSE during dental school?”

[25:40] “Which OMFS programs are best if you want to do lots of implants and All-on-X?”

[28:50] “Downsides of a 4-year OMFS track versus a 6-year MD track?”

Now available on:

- Dr. Gallagher’s Podcast & YouTube Channel

My watch in this episode = Tag Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 16 Chrono

- 10.2025

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