What does it look like to simplify bone grafting and implant surgery without cutting corners on outcomes? In this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, Dr. Grant Stucki sits down with Tennessee oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Joshua Campbell to discuss his evolution towards simpler and streamlined grafting techniques. Dr. Campbell walks through how a soft tissue tunnelling course changed the way he grafts bone, why he relies heavily on cortical–cancellous particulate and OsteoGen® Plugs, and how he stages cases to avoid risks when patients don’t heal as expected. He also delves into why the tunnelling technique for bone grafting is preferred over the flap technique, what the method involves, and what factors to consider when determining implant placement. Learn about the cone beam CT, how it works, how it can be implemented using printed guides, and why the use of complex technological tools in simpler situations is crucial. He also explains the importance of analyzing planned versus actual outcomes, different tooth extraction techniques, the importance of a lingual flap for difficult extractions, the specific instruments and suturing techniques he uses, and more. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Campbell’s background and how he found his way into oral and maxillofacial surgery.
• Hear about his early years experimenting with multiple grafting techniques.
• Learn why simplifying and streamlining grafting approaches is the best option.
• Explore how a soft tissue tunnelling course inspired him to adapt his approach.
• Unpack his concept of “stacked risk” and how this applies to bone grafting.
• Find out what essential surgical instruments are needed for his approach.
• Discover how he decides between grafting and using narrower implants.
• Important loading considerations and how a bone plate can prevent fractures.
• What guided implant surgery is and how it differs from freehand implant surgery.
• Uncover the technology and tools available to help improve implant surgery.
• He breaks down his methods for suturing, post-operative care, and graft protection.
• Dr. Campbell’s personal recommendations and final takeaways.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Joshua Campbell — https://www.farragutoralsurgery.com/meet-us/dr-joshua-campbell/

Farragut Oral Surgery and Implant Center — https://www.farragutoralsurgery.com/

The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) — https://www.utmedical.org/

Dr. Joshua Campbell Email – nmcampbell2003@gmail.com

OsteoGen® Plugs — https://www.impladentltd.com/OsteoGen-Plugs-p/op.htm

Southern Implants — https://southernimplants.com/

Simplant — https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-us/discover/discover-by-brand/simplant.html

Co-Axis® Implants — https://southernimplants.com/solutions/innovative-products/co-axis-implants/

4 Molt Surgical Curette — https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/surgical-curettes/4-molt-surgical-curette

Molt 4 — https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/surgical-curettes/4-molt-surgical-curette

Bomb Elevator — https://medcoinst

Patient fear and tension are part of everyday clinical care, and the way a clinician responds can shape a patient’s entire experience. In this episode of the Everyday Oral Surgery podcast, host Dr. Grant Stucki welcomes return guest Dr. Richard Akin, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Louisiana, for a thoughtful exploration of how trust is built in healthcare settings. Drawing on insights from behavioral psychology and years of clinical experience, Dr. Akin shares how humor, curiosity, and genuine presence can help reduce anxiety and build trust with patients. The conversation examines how small moments, from active listening and inviting patients to share their hobbies to creating a welcoming office environment, can make a meaningful difference in high-stress situations. Dr. Akin also reflects on navigating difficult encounters, ways to support your staff in challenging situations, and sustaining a sense of joy and connection amid the daily demands of running a practice. Listen in for a human-centered discussion on why connection matters in healthcare and how thoughtful responses can transform tense moments into trusting relationships!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Akin’s early interest in behavioral psychology: what it taught him about human behavior.
• Lessons about connection learned while working in the service industry before dental school.
• Reflections on how patient fear and tension can show up in everyday clinical encounters.
• How humor can reduce anxiety and help build trust more quickly with patients.
• Recognizing shame when patients delay care and responding without judgment.
• Trust and empathy as prerequisites for effective treatment conversations.
• How office culture, staff interactions, and environment influence patient comfort.
• Trust built by referring dentists: how they jump-start the patient relationship before their visit.
• Using hobbies and personal details to open meaningful conversations.
• Starting gently with touch to help patients feel safe before invasive care.
• Active listening and being present as essential tools for building trust and creating ease.
• Responding to negativity with curiosity and humor to de-escalate tense encounters.
• Reframing difficult or angry patients as fearful rather than hostile.
• Using gratitude and human connection to sustain joy in long-term practice.

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 — rick@drakin.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 — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Hiring feels harder than ever. Teams are stretched thin. Turnover is constant. So, what actually works right now? In this follow-up episode of the Everyday Oral Surgery Podcast, Dr. Grant Stucki continues his conversation with returning guest Dr. Roger Levin, founder and CEO of Levin Group. Building on their previous discussion about the office manager as chief operating officer (COO), this episode focuses on how to build the right team around that role. Dr. Levin breaks down why the office manager must take full ownership of recruiting, onboarding, and team development, and why surgeons need to delegate without disengaging. He outlines practical steps for attracting candidates, screening effectively, conducting stronger interviews, and onboarding new hires in ways that promote retention and engagement. The discussion also explores red flags to watch out for, the value of maturity and reliability, and how systems, culture, and leadership determine whether new team members succeed or fail. This episode offers clear, experience-based insights for oral surgeons and office managers looking to improve their practice. Listen in to rethink how you hire, train, and support the people who keep your practice running!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The office manager as the chief operating officer (COO) for all non-clinical practice functions.
• Why building and managing the team is a central office manager responsibility.
• The ongoing staffing crisis in dentistry and its impact on oral surgery practices.
• Recruiting as a structured process owned by the office manager, not the surgeon.
• The importance of clear, updated job descriptions before hiring begins.
• Practical recruiting channels, from online postings and team referrals to internal promotion.
• Telephone screening to save time and qualify candidates early.
• The importance of checking references before the live interview.
• Best practices for in-office interviews in a competitive labor market.
• Using longevity bonuses to reduce costly staff turnover and reward retention.
• Red flags in interviews, including punctuality and communication skills.
• Setting clear goals so team members understand how success is measured.
• Assigning a “big sister” to support and integrate new hires.
• Regular check-ins to support onboarding without formal performance reviews.
• The doctor’s role in supporting hires while still delegating management.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

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

Levin Group — https://levingroup.com/

Office Manager Practice Mastery Program — https://levingroup.com/office-manager-practice-mastery-program/

Episode 313 — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-power-tips-for-multi-office-practice-growth-with-dr/id1535284898?i=1000717140271

Episode 343 —

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