Persistent dental pain without a clear cause can be one of the most frustrating challenges in oral surgery. In this episode, Dr. Hayley Vatcher, an Oral Medicine Specialist at Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery, unpacks the complexities of atypical odontalgia, also known as phantom tooth pain, persistent idiopathic dentoalveolar pain (PIDP), or persistent dentoalveolar pain disorder (PDPD). She explains how this neuropathic condition is often misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary dental procedures, and emphasizes the importance of identifying its characteristic features, such as constant, localized pain that persists despite normal imaging and testing. Dr. Vatcher walks through her diagnostic approach, treatment options, which range from tricyclic antidepressants to localized Botox injections, and how harnessing the power of neuroplasticity can help break the pain cycle. Tune in to learn how understanding this underrecognized condition can change outcomes and restore trust for patients living with chronic oral pain!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Exciting updates and announcements: upcoming book club and Everyday Oral Surgery blog.
• Today’s guest and topic: Dr. Hayley Vatcher discusses atypical odontalgia (AO).
• Additional terms for AO: persistent idiopathic dentoalveolar pain (PIDP) or persistent dentoalveolar pain disorder (PDPD).
• The definition of AO, PIDP, and PDPD: chronic oral pain without an identifiable cause.
• Why PIDP doesn’t respond to conventional dental treatments.
• How misdiagnosis of PIDP can lead to unnecessary procedures.
• Typical PIDP symptoms: constant, localized pain in one region of the mouth.
• Diagnosing PIDP: ruling out other causes like sinus issues, TMD, or trigeminal neuralgia.
• First-line treatment options, including tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
• The high success rate of localized Botox injections for targeted relief.
• Other treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and meditation.
• Benefits of topical compound rinses as a conservative treatment.
• Why Dr. Vatcher doesn’t recommend extractions and irreversible procedures for PIDP.
• Anatomy features and demographics that make you more likely to experience PIDP.
• Dr. Vatcher’s guide to using Botox treatment for PIDP patients.
• A breakdown of PIDP as a neuropathic pain condition.
• The important role of neuroplasticity in long-term pain relief and breaking the pain cycle.
• Helping patients feel heard and validated through proper diagnosis.
• Lifestyle tips for PIDP: anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, TMD-friendly foods, and more.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Hayley Vatcher — https://www.charlestonoralandfacialsurgery.com/hayley-vatcher

Dr. Hayley Vatcher on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/hvatcher/
Dr. Hayley Vatcher on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dr.hayleyvatcher/

Dr. Hayley Vatcher Email — hvatcher@gmail.com

Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery — https://www.charlestonoralandfacialsurgery.com/
Everyday Oral Surgery Blog — https://everydayoralsurgery.blog/
The Dichotomy of Leadership — https://www.amazon.com/Dichotomy-Leadership-Balancing-Challenges-Ownership/dp/1250195772

Bell’s Oral and Facial Pain 7th Edition — http

What do you need to do to become a good surgeon? According to today’s guest, it’s all about having a good skill set, understanding anatomy, and planning ahead. Dr. Shahrokh Bagheri is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon working in Atlanta, Georgia. In this episode, he joins us to discuss his tips for having a successful career as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, from the three most essential skills to have and core qualities to develop, to leveraging technology to better support your patients, and more. We discuss some advice for succeeding as a private surgeon, building a good surgical skill set, and working with other clinicians to achieve the best possible outcomes. Tune in for a detailed discussion about the pillars of a successful career in oral surgery and how to focus on your skills and qualities to best support your patients!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How AI has changed the OMS space in the past year.
• Essential skills and core qualities of being a good surgeon.
• How Dr. Bagheri is leveraging technology to better support his patients.
• Recommendations for surgeons and decision-making tips.
• Considerations for becoming a private surgeon.
• Keys to success in private practice.
• Perspectives on what builds a surgical skill set.
• Learning to become a good surgeon in order to navigate any issue.
• Why it’s so important to work with other clinicians.
• Dr. Bagheri’s recommendation to diagnose a patient before proceeding.
• Being mindful of the future as you build your practice and support your patients.
• The book that Dr. Bagheri wrote in the past year.
• Why he loved Gladiator 2 so much.
• His advice for ending your day to find peace.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Shahrokh Bagheri — https://drsbagheri.com/
Dr. Shahrokh Bagheri on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/bagheriomfs/

Clinical Review of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — https://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Review-Oral-Maxillofacial-Surgery/dp/0323171265
The Current Economic Landscape of Oral Surgery — https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-current-economic-landscape-of-oral-surgery-and/id1535284898?i=1000664569102

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

As the country experiences strange financial anomalies only prevalent in economic downturns, we’ve decided to show you how to prepare for the worst while still expecting to turn a profit and grow your dental practice. We are joined once again by Dr. Roger Levin, Founder of Levin Group – the leading practice management and marketing consulting firm in dentistry – and he begins today’s conversation with his thoughts on the current economic climate and how economic downturns have affected dentistry historically. Then, we discuss what dentists and surgeons should be hyper-aware of at this time of financial uncertainty, why uncertainty is the only guarantee, how financial pressure affects the way practices operate, and the undeniable importance of paying careful attention to your referral marketing program. We also unpack the three stages of success, what fee-for-service practices should be focusing on, how referral marketing helps boost ROI, and the upside of being optimistic amidst a recession. To end, Dr. Levin examines patient financing options, the correlation between staffing and economic turmoil, the dangers of cutting all expenses as a knee-jerk reaction (especially those that pertain to practice efficiency and staff morale), and why he’s willing to fully reimburse your purchase if you don’t like the books he recommends.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Roger Levin explains how previous economic downturns have affected dentistry.
• Why uncertainty reigns in the current economic climate.
• What dentists and oral surgeons should expect and look out for during these uncertain times.
• How the economy affects practice behavior and protocols – more work for general dentists.
• Why surgeons need to maximize their referral marketing potential to stay ahead.
• The three stages: Achieving success, maintaining success, and protecting success.
• How fee-for-service practices fare in economic turmoil, and what they should be focusing on.
• Strengthening relationships with referral doctors and how referral marketing boosts ROI.
• The upsides of recession and the role of optimism in succeeding in uncertain times.
• Unpacking doctor and patient behavior in economic unrest and how to avoid common pitfalls.
• A quick look at patient financing options.
• How staffing and financial instability correlate.
• The dangers of the knee-jerk reaction to immediately cut all expenses; production vs profit.
• Dr. Levin’s recommended books, and why he’s willing to reimburse unsatisfactory purchases.

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/

Levin Group, Inc. on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@LevinGroupInc

American Association of Orthodontists — https://education.aaoinfo.org/

Conquering Crisis — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217182453-conquering-crisis

The 5 Types of Wealth — https://www.the5typesofwealth.com/

Kingmaker — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203956642-kingmaker

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

What leads skilled doctors to make dangerous mistakes in OMS sedation, and what can we do to work towards putting a stop to it? In this episode, Dr. Steve Yun, a board-certified M.D. and dental anesthesiologist from Southern California, sheds light on the most high-risk sedative used in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). If you want to better understand the risks, challenges, and how to improve safety in sedation practices, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As they delve into the conversation, you’ll hear three real-life examples of OMS sedation cases gone wrong, including the tragic story of six-year-old Caleb Sears. Dr. Yun unpacks the research on ketamine, the fine print found on every manufacturer’s box, and what’s really happening when it’s used as a rescue sedative. They also discuss the safest places for the sedation provider to be during any procedure, how Caleb’s Law has reshaped sedation and anesthesia practices in California, and Dr. Yun shares details of the upcoming Snow & Sedation Conference in 2026. For all this and more, start listening now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Background, training, and current practice setup for Dr. Steve Yun.
• We dive into a discussion on the most dangerous sedatives in OMS sedation.
• Dr. Yun shares the first real-life practical example of an OMS sedation case.
• Case number two of a real-life OMS sedation case: losing the airway.
• The last example: the case of Caleb Sears, the death of a six-year-old boy.
• The most dangerous sedative in OMS sedation: Ketamine.
• Rethinking the effects of ketamine.
• Dr. Yun shares some research regarding the use and effects of ketamine.
• We look at the drug manufacturer's instructions on a box of ketamine: the small print.
• What’s happening when you use ketamine as a rescue sedative.
• Dr. Yun shares his tennis analogy: the safest places for you to be during sedation.
• How Caleb’s Law affects the practice of OMS sedation and anesthesia in California.
• Last words from Dr. Yun: Snow & Sedation Conference.
• Rapid-fire answers from Dr. Steve Yun.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Steve Yun, M.D. — https://www.dentalanesthesiamd.com/

Dr. Steve Yun, M.D. Email — yunsteve@gmail.com

Premier Sedation — http://www.premiersedation.com

Dental Board of California — https://www.dbc.ca.gov/

Snow & Sedation Conference 2026 — https://snowandsedation.com/

‘The effect of low-dose ketamine on fentanyl-induced respiratory depression’ — https://associationofanaesthetists-publications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1365-2044.1998.00519.x

‘Association of ketamine use during procedural sedation with oxygen desaturation and healthcare utilisation: a multicentre retrospective hospital registry study’ — https://www.bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(24)00204-6/abstract

‘Rethinking ketamine as a panacea: adverse effects on oxygenation and postoperative outcomes’ — https://www.bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(23)00747-X/pdf

UCLA Dentistry — https://dentistry.ucla.edu/

Caleb’s Law — http://www.calebslaw.org/

James —

How can residents shape the future of oral and maxillofacial surgery? In this episode, Drs. Jai Kumar Mediratta and Jeremy Figueroa-Ortiz join Dr. Grant Stucki to share how the Resident Organization of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ROAAOMS) gives residents a powerful voice within the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). They discuss the organization's work in advocating for residents’ needs, expanding mentorship opportunities, promoting diversity, and supporting wellness while going through the challenges of training. You’ll also find out how initiatives like Day on the Hill, scholarship programs, and mentorship networks are helping to connect residents, influence legislation, and strengthen the specialty’s future. Tune in to learn how early involvement with ROAAOMS can open doors, build lasting relationships, and make a real impact in oral surgery!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Drs. Jai Kumar Mediratta and Jeremy Figueroa-Ortiz.
• An overview of ROAAOMS and its role within AAOMS.
• Ways that ROAAOMS advocates for resident needs, mentorship, and wellness.
• The importance of resident representation at AAOMS leadership meetings.
• ROAAOMS subcommittees: driving advocacy, education, wellness, and outreach.
• How residents and students can get involved through program liaisons and social media.
• Initiatives at ROAAOMS to introduce dental students to oral surgery.
• The role of mentorship in supporting underrepresented and diverse dental students.
• How promoting diversity strengthens the OMS specialty.
• Supporting resident wellness and burnout prevention at ROAAOMS.
• Mentorship programs that help residents navigate career development.
• How ROAAOMS promotes scholarships and conference participation.
• The impact of Day on the Hill and other legislative advocacy efforts.
• Building community, leadership skills, and lifelong connections through ROAAOMS.
• An overview of upcoming conferences and events.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Jai Kumar Mediratta on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaikumarmediratta/

Dr. Jai Kumar Mediratta on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/jaikumarmediratta.dds.md/

Dr. Jai Kumar Mediratta Email — jai.kumar.mediratta@gmail.com

Dr. Jeremy Figueroa-Ortiz — https://medschool.umich.edu/profile/jeremy-figueroa-ortiz-md-dmd

Dr. Jeremy Figueroa-Ortiz Email — jxfo@med.umich.edu
The Resident Organization of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ROAAOMS) — https://aaoms.org/education-meetings/academics/oms-residents/

ROAAOMS LinkTree — https://linktr.ee/roaaoms

ROAAOMS on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/roaaoms/

ROAAOMS on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ROAAOMS/

Day on the Hill — https://aaoms.org/education-meetings/meetings/day-on-the-hill/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://ww

Scaling your implant practice isn’t just about technical skill. How well you communicate and educate is also key. In this episode, Dr. Grant Stucki is joined by Drs. Tom Stone and Vic Martel to discover how they built thriving oral surgery and implant referral networks using DrTalk, a software platform designed to streamline secure communication and deliver on-demand education to referring dentists. From simplifying complex procedures to delivering virtual case mentoring, they discuss how consistent outreach, operational efficiency, and trust-based relationships have become essential drivers of exponential practice growth. Whether you're an OMS, periodontist, or GP, tune in to discover how DrTalk can help you stay top-of-mind, build loyalty, and create a five-star experience that keeps patients (and referrals) coming back!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Stone’s career journey and evolution toward dental implants.
• An introduction to DrTalk as a practice growth platform.
• The shift from extractions to implant-focused care.
• Simplifying systems to enable implant practice growth.
• Supporting GPs through education to foster referral loyalty.
• Communication as the foundation of marketing and growth.
• Streamlining referrals with HIPAA-compliant tech: making your practice easy to refer to.
• Case mentoring and treatment planning to uncover hidden implant cases.
• How DrTalk delivers year-round, scalable virtual education.
• Building trust through consistent, personalized interactions.
• Patient-centric advice for surgeons trying to grow their implant practice.
• Customer experience, loyalty, and responsiveness as long-term referral drivers.
• Insight into the evolving role of AI in dental implant technology and education.
• Motivation behind our guests’ innovation and lessons learned from their setbacks.
• Recommended books, TV shows, unexpected takeaways, forceps for tooth 14, and more!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

DrTalk — https://www.drtalk.com/

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

Dr. Tom Stone Email — tstone5400@gmail.com

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

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

Dr. Vic Martel Email — martelvic@gmail.com

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

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593236599

The Peter Attia Drive Podcast — https://peterattiamd.com/podcast/

Yellowstone — https://www.netflix.com/title/80238738

1883 — https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/1883/

1923 — https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/1923/

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. G

What if the most fulfilling, profitable version of your surgical career was just a few strategic shifts away? In this episode, Dr. Grant Stuck welcomes back Dr. Roger Levin, Founder and CEO of Levin Group, to break down the Practice Career Cycle, a four-level framework that shows how oral surgeons evolve in their careers, and why most never make it to the most rewarding stage: Level 4. Dr. Levin shares why Level 3, the stage of maximum work, often becomes a trap and how Level 4 offers a path to greater efficiency, higher profits, and more enjoyment. He also explains how delegation, leadership, and having the right office manager can transform your day-to-day experience and long-term outcomes. If you're feeling stuck, overworked, or simply curious about what’s possible, this episode offers a clear and inspiring roadmap to a better practice (and a better life)!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into the four-level framework that defines a surgeon’s career.
• The first three levels: from getting started to building competence to maximum work.
• Warning signs of burnout and stagnation (and how to overcome them).
• The hidden costs of not marketing consistently.
• Reasons that most office managers aren’t equipped to lead.
• What it looks like to do only what you excel at.
• The “post-it test” and how delegation is the key to profitability and freedom.
• Viewing your office manager as the COO: hiring, training, and decision-making.
• Imagining a practice that runs without you running it.
• Ways that income reflects operational efficiency (and how to make it count!)
• Building a team and culture that empowers you to perform at your highest level.
• Customer service and relying on a team of experts as key traits of Level 4 surgeons.
• The value of continuous education and mastering the skill of learning itself.
• Actionable strategies and practical tips to help you advance to Level 4.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

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

Levin Group — https://levingroup.com/

American Association of Dental Office Management — https://www.dentalmanagers.com/

Harvard Business Review Newsletters — https://hbr.org/email-newsletters

The Dichotomy of Leadership — https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250195772

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

The oral board exams for oral surgeons are an inevitability that can be quite daunting. But what if we told you that it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems? Today, on Everyday Oral Surgery, Drs. Ben Palla, Sebastian Graca, and Steven Licht are here to discuss how to prepare for the oral board exam. In this discussion, you’ll hear all about the Oral Comprehensive Exam (OCE), a breakdown of the three sections within it, what the test costs in total, and much more! We delve into some excellent study materials, resources, and courses before discussing the power of working in study groups when preparing for board exams. Our guests even share their top study tips and tell us why you should aim to become board-certified. Finally, they share their favorite books and top parenting tips. Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming our guests, Drs. Ben Palla, Sebastian Graca, and Steven Licht.
• Ben tells us how you can fast-track taking the Oral Comprehensive Exam (OCE).
• Steven breaks down the three sections in the OCE exam.
• The total cost of doing the test, what is included, and what isn’t included.
• Sebastian shares his favorite study materials and some tips on how he prepared.
• The power and importance of group studying for these exams.
• Some courses you can take to help you prepare for board exams and the cost of them.
• Ben tells us about the course he is going to offer for oral surgery residents.
• Sebastian shares some of his best study tips for anyone preparing for their boards.
• The benefits of being board-certified and the dangers of not being board-certified.
• Our guests answer some rapid-fire questions to close off.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Ben Palla on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-palla-a563a4112/

Dr. Ben Palla Email Address — bpalla12@gmail.com

Dr. Ben Palla on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/benpalla/

Dr. Sebastian Graca on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-graca-dmd-ab710a73/

Dr. Steven Licht on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-licht-dmd-45763564/

Dr. Steven Licht on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/steven.licht/

Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — https://www.amazon.com/Oral-Board-Review-Maxillofacial-Surgery/dp/3030488799

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Review — https://www.amazon.com/Oral-Maxillofacial-Surgery-Review-Study-ebook/dp/B07ZQ8958L

The White Papers — https://aaoms.org/publications/position-papers/white-papers/

Oral Surgery Fight Club Season 1 Episode 1 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArypHwlBFjg

St. Louis Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Review Course — https://stlomfsreview.com/

Nashville Update in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — https://www.omsreview.com/

Jacksonville Board Review Course — https://jaxboardreviewcourse.com/

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