Let's Talk Teeth

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In this episode of Let’s Talk Teeth, Dr. Simon Oh shares his journey into full-arch dentistry, from his early experiences in dental school and oral surgery training into his transition into implant dentistry, business, and leadership. He discusses his role in scaling a dental group to nearly 100 offices and his eventual shift toward building Smart Arches, a DSO focused exclusively on full-arch dentistry.

He explains why he focused on fixed full-arch implant rehabilitation, the life-changing impact for patients, and the mindset of getting better daily while building skills early. Dr. Oh discusses how commoditization, marketing pressure, lower margins, and inadequate training may reduce quality in the full-arch space, and outlines his efforts to raise standards through ORCAA, Arch Ed, and Smart Mouth Technologies.

He also describes his clinical life across multiple offices, doing surgery four days a week, and his long-term goals including expanding high-complexity craniofacial and cleft care in Guatemala through training programs and a dedicated hospital. Don’t miss this conversation with Dr. Oh as he breaks down the training, ethics, and future direction of full-arch implant care! 

00:00 Meet Dr Simon Oh

01:02 From DSO to Full Arch Focus

03:15 Dental School Survival Mode

05:14 Choosing Oral Surgery Training

06:51 Why He Left Residency

10:18 No Plan Business Mindset

14:25 Early Career Extractions and Implants

17:24 Competing With Yourself

24:44 Fighting Commoditization

27:00 Quality vs Lower Costs

31:57 Balancing Clinic and Travel

37:02 Startup Risks and Advice

40:21 Long Term Goals

43:51 Building a Standard of Care

46:00 Career Advice & Closing Remarks

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On this episode of Let’s Talk Teeth, we are joined by Paul Vigario, founder of SurfCT, a company that helps dentists bring their vision for a practice to life through technology, design, branding, and strategies built for growth. Listen in as Paul discusses how his 26 years in healthcare and work with 12,000+ dental and healthcare practices shaped his approach to helping doctors define vision, increase “awareness,” and build brands and systems that let practices work for the owner rather than relying on chairside production.

Paul describes Surf CT’s evolution from a dorm-room, hospital-grade IT model to practice growth and scalability, arguing success is fundamental awareness and that business is driven by attention and compliance. He discusses moving beyond trading time for money, leveraging associates and systems, and why practice ownership matters. Don’t miss this conversation with Paul as we explore building extraordinary dental businesses, leveraging systems and AI, and creating real freedom through ownership.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:26 Paul’s Background and Mission

02:33 Day to Day and Lifestyle Design

04:50 What Surf CT Does

05:52 Defining Success as Awareness

11:00 Surf CT Origin Story

14:57 From IT to Scalable Practices

17:49 Scaling Mindset and Identity

20:53 Passion and Dental School Model

21:35 Working Less Strategy

24:16 Reverse Engineering Associates

24:38 Attention Compliance Framework

28:16 Escape Operator Trap

30:16 Building Brands Systems

32:42 Freedom Lifestyle Design

35:58 AI Ownership Future

37:42 Industry Size Mindset

40:24 Sequencing Avoiding Traps

44:28 Defining Success Freedom

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In this episode of Let’s Talk Teeth, we are joined by Dr. Steve Yusupov. Tune in as Dr. Yusupov shares his path from NYU dental school to a six-year OMFS/MD program at Kings County Hospital/SUNY Downstate, followed by a head and neck oncologic fellowship at the New York Head & Neck Institute. He explains what drew him to oral surgery after seeing major head and neck cases, and how his early associateship in a hospital-based practice shaped his surgical scope and business skills. 

Dr. Yusupov describes his journey in launching a de novo oral surgery practice on Long Island, doubling its space and adding an associate, and maintaining full-scope private practice work including orthognathic, TMJ total joint replacements, oncology, and full-arch surgery with prosthetic workflow. He discusses referral building, direct-to-consumer marketing for full-arch, digital dentistry’s impact, pathology referrals, advice on associateships and avoiding rushing into ownership, future growth plans, and closes with guidance to follow your passion and embrace change in dentistry.

Don’t miss this conversation exploring full-scope OMS training, practice-building, and the future of full-arch implant care.

00:00 Meet Dr Yusupov

00:37 Training Path to OMS

02:08 Oncology Fellowship and Dream Job

03:56 Perio vs OMS Decision

06:23 Why Head and Neck

08:06 Leaving Associateship

08:46 Building a De Novo Practice

12:15 Full Scope and Full Arch

15:53 Advice for Residents

19:14 Marketing a Referral Practice

21:57 Why Full Arch Is a Unicorn

23:32 How Full Arch Patients Find You

24:49 Restoring Full Arch Confidence

25:38 Digital Workflow Game Changer

27:32 Pathology Referrals and Competition

31:03 Learning Business After Training

35:29 Practice Growth and Hospital Goals

37:45 Wild Trauma Call Case Study

42:21 DSOs and Dentistry’s Future

47:14 Final Advice and Wrap Up

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In this episode of Let’s Talk Teeth, we are joined by Dr. James (Jim) Rutkowski, the Program Director of Jacksonville University’s Comprehensive Oral Implantology Program, one of the few programs in the country dedicated specifically to advanced implant training.

Dr. Rutkowski shares his unique career journey, from pharmacy school at Duquesne University to dental school at the University of Pittsburgh, followed by private practice in Pennsylvania. He later returned to Duquesne to earn a PhD in Pharmacology, and even establishing a research laboratory within his dental office focused on autogenous growth factors for oral bone regeneration.

After decades of clinical practice centered largely on implant surgery and grafting, Dr. Rutkowski retired from clinical dentistry in 2020 and now focuses on education. He gives us an inside look at Jacksonville University’s 2 Year Comprehensive Oral Implantology Program, discussing its origins, structure, didactics, EPAs, IV sedation training, tuition, stipends, and how training sites are matched with residents.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of the leaders in implant dentistry as we explore the training, philosophy, and future of oral implantology.

00:00 Meet Dr James Rutkowski

00:34 Transitioning from Pharmacy to Dentistry

01:23 Small Town Practice Move

01:43 PhD Research and Patents

03:03 Implant Focus and Retirement

04:35 Why Dentistry Rewards

06:50 Pharmacology in Modern Care

08:04 Jacksonville Program Origins

09:25 Recruited as Program Director

13:31 Program Overview and Sites

15:27 Training EPAs and Sedation

18:54 Didactics Culture and Flexibility

24:23 Applications Deadlines and Match

28:11 How the Match Works

29:26 Flexibility and New Sites

30:50 Ideal Applicant Profile

33:07 Clinical Progression and EPAs

35:02 Site Consistency and Case Volume

36:59 Mentorship and Practice Management

39:11 Program Outcomes and Recognition

40:17 How Clinics Join the Program

43:31 Stipends Discounts and Director Benefits

48:00 Final Advice and Wrap Up

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In this episode of Let’s Talk Teeth, we sit down with Dr. Carlos Parra, Graduate Program Director of Periodontics at Texas A&M. Dr. Parra shares his inspiring journey from completing his undergraduate education and dental training in Spain to pursuing advanced periodontal residency training at Tufts University in Boston, ultimately leading to his current role in Dallas.

We dive into his motivations for choosing periodontics and academia, as well as the unique strengths of Texas A&M’s Periodontics Program, including its rigorous clinical training, research opportunities, and admissions process. Dr. Parra also offers valuable advice for dental students at every stage of their journey.

Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with personal experiences, career guidance, and a comprehensive look at what it takes to excel in periodontics.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:36 Choosing a Career in Periodontics

03:21 Deciding to Stay in the US

06:01 Academia vs. Private Practice

07:45 Day-to-Day at Texas A&M

12:40 Program Highlights and Applicant Insights

16:52 Challenges in Candidate Selection

17:47 Future Goals for Texas A&M's Perio Program

18:31 Importance of Research and Clinical Competence

20:59 Diverse Procedures and Training at Texas A&M

29:41 Advice for Aspiring Perio Students

34:15 Final Thoughts and Fun Questions

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In this episode of Let’s Talk Teeth, we are joined by Dr. Waleed Zaid, the Fellowship Director of Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Surgery at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, to discuss his journey from dental school in the UAE to leading one of the top OMFS fellowship programs in the United States. Dr. Zaid delves into the nuances and challenges of oral and maxillofacial surgery, emphasizing the importance of passion in the field. He discusses advancements in digital dentistry, robotics, and AI, as well as LSU's unique oral surgery program. Additionally, Dr. Zaid offers invaluable advice for dental students and new graduates on how to stay motivated and absorb as much knowledge as possible. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the future of oral surgery and dental research.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:35 Dr. Zaid's Journey into Dentistry

01:41 Choosing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

03:15 Training and Experience in the UAE and USA

04:38 Joining LSU and Career Path

06:17 Pursuing a Fellowship in Head and Neck Oncology

10:55 Unique Aspects of LSU's Head and Neck Program

13:55 Challenges and Passion in Oral Surgery

15:38 Evolution of Full Arch Dentistry

17:46 The Role of Digital Dentistry in Modern Surgery

18:16 Nerve Grafting and Patient Expectations

20:24 Advancements in Oral Surgery

21:01 The Future of Robotics and AI in Dentistry

21:28 The Importance of Research in Dentistry

26:36 Innovative Techniques in Oral Surgery

29:33 Final Advice for Dental Students and New Grads

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In this episode of Let's Talk Teeth, we are joined by Dr. Samir Singh, an accomplished oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Singh shares his journey through dental school at the University of Pittsburgh, his residency at Virginia Commonwealth University, and his practice at North Pittsburgh Oral Surgery since 2016. He discusses his decision-making process between the MD track versus the traditional four-year path, insights into his broad scope of practice, and the impact of mentorship on his career choices. Dr. Singh also talks about the challenges and rewards of keeping an open mind throughout his training, his experience with digital workflows, and the essential role of technology in modern dental practices. Reflecting on his career goals, he emphasizes the importance of leaving a legacy, balancing his professional life with family, and contributing to the next generation through teaching and mentorship. Tune in for a deep dive into oral surgery, professional growth, and the future of dentistry. Stay connected with Dr. Singh via his Instagram @ssingh_dmd_facs and be sure to reach out with any questions you all may have! 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Dr. Singh's Background and Education

01:12 Choosing the OMS Path

02:23 Residency Experience and Mentorship

04:14 Transition to Private Practice

09:44 Daily Life in Private Practice

15:44 Future of OMS and Personal Goals

25:39 Advice for Dental Students

27:08 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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In this episode of Let’s Talk Teeth, we are joined by Dr. Tony Urbanek, a distinguished oral maxillofacial surgeon with over 40 years of experience in the field and a renowned specialist in TMD treatment. Join us as we discuss his Dr. Tony's unorthodox journey in undergrad, his accelerated progress through dental school, and his groundbreaking research combining dental and medical training at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Tony dives deep into his focus on non-surgical treatment for TMD, explaining the physiology behind the condition and sharing insights about his patented device designed to alleviate TMD symptoms.

Feel free to reach out to Dr. Tony at [email protected], and tune into his podcast 'TMD Demystified' on YouTube and Spotify!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:18 Dr. Tony's Educational Journey

00:44 Discovering a Passion for Dentistry

01:29 Challenges and Triumphs in Dental School

02:17 Advanced Studies and Early Career

05:16 Innovative Research and Breakthroughs

07:25 A Distinguished Career in Oral Surgery

09:27 Encouragement for Aspiring Dentists

12:03 The TMJ Journey and Non-Surgical Solutions

17:44 Personal Insights and Final Thoughts

26:10 Unexpected Results in Early Cases

26:36 Understanding the Mechanism of TMD

27:57 Linking TMD to Other Conditions

29:17 Mechanisms of Pain and Inflammation

35:39 Introducing the TMJ Device

45:10 Advice for Dental Students

51:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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In this week's episode of Let's Talk Teeth, we sit down with Dr. Joe Doctora, a successful oral surgeon practicing in Nashville, TN who shares his incredible journey and insights into the field of oral surgery. Dr. Doctora discusses his educational background at Meharry Medical College, his experiences with trauma and pathology during his non-categorical year at the University of Miami, and the persistence required to succeed in his specialty. He also provides valuable advice to dental students, reflects on the challenges and rewards of starting his own practice, and offers his perspective on the future landscape of dentistry. Tune in to hear Dr. Doctora's thoughts on private equity, practice management, and the evolving  landscape of the dental industry. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:42 Journey to Oral Surgery

02:06 Residency Experiences

05:50 Starting a Practice

08:02 Challenges and Growth

12:34 Current Practice and Future Plans

13:34 Adjusting Workflow with Associates

14:36 Deciding to Hire an Associate

15:24 Characteristics of an Ideal Associate

16:23 Future Plans for the Practice

17:23 Private Equity in Dentistry

22:52 Advice for New Dental Practitioners

24:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Let’s Talk Teeth, we sit down with Jeff Hand, President of Life Dental Group, a regional DSO based in Oxford, Mississippi. Since its founding in 2018, Life Dental has grown to manage over 15 practices across the Southeast. Jeff shares the story behind that growth, beginning with early partnerships and continuing  to thrive through strategic expansion and culture building. We discuss the challenges that come with scaling, the importance of mentorship for new dentists, and how thoughtful marketing plays a critical role in attracting and retaining patients. Whether you are a dental student, recent graduate, or experienced clinician, this episode offers valuable insight into the business and operational side of dentistry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:20 Jeff Hand's Background and Life Dental Group

01:06 The Journey of Life Dental Group

02:53 Understanding DSOs and Life Dental's Unique Approach

04:37 Challenges in Scaling and Team Building

06:35 Growth Strategy and Practice Acquisitions

10:34 Employee Retention and Culture

13:09 Advice for New Dentists and Training Programs

18:30 Marketing Strategies for Dental Practices

19:01 The Role of Location and Facilities

19:22 Effective Marketing Techniques

21:09 Introducing Dr. Mike Huggins

23:20 Acquiring and Managing Dental Practices

25:54 Challenges in Practice Transitions

27:51 Future Vision for Life Dental

30:25 Advice for Dental Students

32:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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