This episode highlights oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have been awarded the AAOMS Challenge Coin in recognition of exceptional advocacy work. Guests share the efforts that led to their recognition and how meaningful advocacy can shape the future of the specialty. 

Learn more about Mark Oghalai, DDS 

Learn more about Mark Degen, DDS, MD 

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Ever feel like your practice is doing everything right, but the numbers don’t add up? From coding errors to missed billing opportunities, revenue leakage can quietly undermine a practice’s financial health. In this episode, we explore the hidden cracks in OMS practice revenue – where money slips through unnoticed – and discuss practical strategies to plug those leaks and strengthen reimbursement processes. 

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This episode explores a couple of unique patient groups served by oral and maxillofacial surgeons – specifically, prisoner populations and Amish communities. 

Learn more about Keith Schneider, DMD  

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Accurate coding and effective reimbursement strategies are essential to the success of any oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. This episode addresses how advanced educational experiences can empower practice staff to tackle complex coding scenarios, improve accuracy and support billing compliance. For surgeons, practice managers, coders and billing staff alike, this discussion offers insight to help elevate their coding confidence. 

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Dr. Anthony M. Spina joins the podcast to discuss malpractice risk for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and the benefits of OMSNIC. 

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Building relationships with and educating legislators – whether at the federal or state level – are essential components of effective advocacy. This episode offers tips for OMSs to convey a message, build rapport, and make a lasting impression while advocating for issues impacting the specialty, their practices and patients.
Learn more about Congressman Rich McCormick, MD 

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Inventory management is essential for maintaining smooth operations in oral and maxillofacial surgery practices. Dr. Paul Bhatti joins the podcast to discuss supply chain and inventory control challenges and the importance of accurate tracking. This episode addresses how technology can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs and maintain regulatory compliance. 

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This episode covers the essential elements of a smooth, strategic practice transition. Drawing from years of experience advising oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Zachary Esplund joins the podcast to discuss how to preserve value, avoid common pitfalls, and confidently map a professional transition — whether it's two or ten years away.

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The 2025-26 AAOMS President, Dr. Robert S. Clark, joins the podcast to share his priorities and vision for AAOMS in the year ahead. 

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With an unwavering commitment to patient care and advancing the OMS specialty, Dr. J. David Morrison joins the podcast to discuss his year as AAOMS president. 

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Sterilization is a fundamental part of patient safety in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This episode dives into best practices for sterilization, common compliance challenges, and how technology can support accurate tracking and monitoring of sterilization processes. 

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This podcast episode covers the evolving landscape of regulatory and legal changes that impact noncompete agreements.

Dr. Felix Amarista discusses the evolution from traditional methods to innovative techniques in minimally invasive orthognathic surgery (MIOS). Patient-specific implants (PSIs), virtual surgical planning (VSP) and surgical navigation are revolutionizing patient outcomes, streamlining procedures and expanding the possibilities in jaw surgery. For anyone interested in facial reconstruction surgery, this conversation sheds light on the innovations shaping the future of orthognathic care.

This podcast addresses ongoing drug shortages and how to find related information. 

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Several AAOMS members who serve on state dental boards discuss the critical role of the dental boards. Discover why OMSs should get involved, the challenges dental boards face and how their decisions impact the profession. Gain insight into the intersection of policy, practice and patient care in this unique space.

This podcast explores the ins and outs of taking after-hours calls from patients. Colleen Maguire of MedXCom discusses considerations such as documentation, compliance and more. 

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Dr. Deepak Kademani discusses how to successfully host an oral cancer screening event – from planning to community outreach – and shares insights on the importance of early detection.

Dr. Michael R. Markiewicz, Surgical Oncology and Reconstruction Section Editor for the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, joins the podcast to discuss innovative research published in the Journal and what it means for the future of the specialty.

Dr. Adam Pitts discusses the relationship between coding and reimbursement. Sharing his own experience participating in AAOMS coding courses with his staff, Dr. Pitts explains why he believes all OMSs need to learn how to code properly to maximize reimbursements and remain in compliance with federal regulations and managed care contracts.

Dr. Joseph Cillo, Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Section Editor for the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, joins the podcast to discuss leading research published in the Journal and what it means for the future of the specialty. 

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Dr. Deepak Krishnan discusses the recent JOMS article on anesthesia, “Do Patients With Mental Illness Undergoing Office-Based Sedation Require an Increased Propofol Dosage?”. The purpose of the study was to measure the association between mental illness and the propofol dosage necessary to achieve a satisfactory level of anesthesia. 

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The OMS Foundation Daniel M. Laskin Award recognizes authors of the most outstanding article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery during the previous year. The Journal Editorial Board selected “Is Recreational Marijuana Use Associated With Changes in the Vital Signs or Anesthetic Requirements During Intravenous Sedation?” 

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Cyber attackers use social engineering to manipulate and trick their targets into providing sensitive information. Gary Salman, Black Talon Security CEO, discusses the current and credible cybersecurity threats to oral and maxillofacial surgery practices. 

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Drs. Gary Bouloux and Joli Chou discuss the 2024 position paper “The Contemporary Management of Temporomandibular Joint Intra-Articular Pain and Dysfunction”, which was developed by the AAOMS Special Committee on TM Joint Care (SCTMJC) and recently published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (JOMS). 

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This podcast will explore what to expect when requesting financing for your first private practice purchase or startup. 

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Dr. Jasjit Dillon, Pathology Section Editor for the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, joins the podcast to discuss cutting-edge research published in the Journal and what it means for the future of the specialty. 

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The Dental Anesthesia Assistant Certification Examination (DAANCE) provides a rigorous assessment process for certifying dental anesthesia assistants. Dr. Stanley Smith joins the podcast to discuss how DAANCE enhances safety and professional development in dental anesthesia while maintaining high certification standards.

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Simulation training in Office-Based Emergency Airway Management (OBEAM) through the AAOMS National Simulation Program is critical for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Dr. William Chung joins the podcast to discuss how OMSs can refine their airway management skills using best-practice protocols in realistic emergency scenarios to improve patient safety. 

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The OMS Foundation Dr. David Stanton Resident Research Award recognizes the author of the most outstanding resident research paper published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery during the previous year. The 2024 award recipient Dr. Corissa Chang along with Dr. Stanley Liu discuss the winning research. 

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Dr. John Zuniga, 2024 AAOMS Clinical Research Award recipient, joins the podcast to discuss his perspectives on the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and the impact of his research on both scientific understanding and patient care. 

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In this episode, we delve into the critical role of OMS faculty in fostering a culture of advocacy among residents, featuring insights and strategies from two leaders at oral and maxillofacial surgery residency programs.

Three early-career OMSs share their experience in advocacy and how the issues advocated by AAOMS impact their practices.

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In this episode, we explore the impact of substance use disorders on the dental profession and the critical need for destigmatization, featuring insights from two oral and maxillofacial surgeons who serve as state dental board regulators. 

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Federal policy changes have led to an increase in student loan debt carried by OMSs over the last decade. Jacque Chevalier Mosely provides insight into recent federal repayment options designed to provide relief.

NOTE: As of the date of this airing, enrollment in the SAVE program has been paused due to ongoing legal challenges. Visit Studentaid.gov for the most up to date information on federal student loan repayment programs.

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This episode explores the successful advocacy efforts led by AAOMS that secured pay parity for military OMSs with their medical colleagues, highlighting the challenges, strategies and impacts of this significant achievement. 

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FEDA grant recipient Dr. Mark Miller discusses his work with pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery patients. Dr. Miller is Associate Dean for Hospital Affairs, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program Director and Associate Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). 

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Dr. Deepak Kademani, ABOMS Director and 2025 Oral Certifying Examination Chair, discusses exam preparation and offers helpful tips for candidates. 

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Drs. Nicholas Callahan and Michael Miloro discuss the recent JOMS article on nerve reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional sensory recovery of immediate IAN allograft reconstruction performed during ablative mandibular resection at one year following surgery.

AAOMS, in partnership with Parkdale Center for Professionals, offers a supportive resource for members affected by substance use disorders. With privacy and anonymity of the utmost importance, some of the key components of the “AAOMS Cares: Being Well Together” program include confidential assessments, personalized treatment plans, ongoing support, education and awareness initiatives.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) topics have gained attention in dentistry and medicine in recent years. DEI does not equate to political correctness, and politics is not the focus. The foundation of DEI is to recognize differences and embrace those differences. How are racial diversity and gender equality relevant to an OMS’s success? How can efforts on individual and organizational levels be improved, and what actionable steps can be taken to enhance the OMS profession? Creating an inclusive culture can benefit a surgeon’s sense of well-being and improve surgical outcomes.

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Dr. James Hupp, Editor of AAOMS Today magazine, discusses the bimonthly publication and its benefits to AAOMS members.

Relationship-building and education are important aspects of advocacy. For OMSs, hosting a legislator is an excellent way to combine both because it provides time away from the capital to connect at the local level, showcase how OMSs practice and discuss how the actions of policymakers impact the ability to provide the best patient care.

Experienced state lobbyists who are dedicated to representing OMSs across the United States share their insider strategies and insights into the complex world of state-level advocacy, shedding light on their tireless work to champion OMSs' interests and advance the profession.

Dr. Travis Campbell joins the podcast to discuss the basics of successfully working with insurance companies and how to manage the many myths and misunderstandings that surround this complex arena of dentistry.

AAOMS works with a team of experienced federal lobbyists who represent the specialty in our nation’s capital. Learn more about them and how they navigate the current political environment in Washington, D.C., to promote the specialty and champion OMS interests.

Rob Neuner, general counsel of The Patriot Group, joins the podcast to discuss the aspects of the No Surprises Act that affect OMSs as well as when and how OMSs may balance bill their insured patients. The discussion addresses general disclosure and posting requirements (i.e., in-office, website and verbal), requirements for providing good faith estimates to uninsured and self-pay patients, and how implementation is expected to progress in the near future.

Every year states consider new laws and regulations that impact the OMS specialty. Learn more from the Chair of the AAOMS Committee on Governmental Affairs about the issues states are expected to consider in 2024. 

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Thomas J. Force, Esq., President of Patriot Group and The Force Law Firm, PC, discusses the challenges OMSs face in filing claims and/or receiving reimbursement when they are not participating in their patient’s insurance network. Topics discussed include techniques to maximize out-of-network revenue, appeals drafting, compliance and audit prevention, insurer settlement negotiation, reversal of denials, defense of refunds and recoupment attempts.

All advocacy efforts at AAOMS start with members, and grassroots advocacy involvement is crucial for OMSs. By actively engaging in grassroots efforts, OMSs can amplify their voices, directly influence policy and drive positive change within their profession and the broader healthcare landscape.

Dr. Jasjit Dillon discusses the use of antibiotics and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Drs. Tara Aghaloo and Sal Ruggiero discuss Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) and the updated AAOMS position paper published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2022.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) has more than 9,000 members across the country and serves as the national organization representing the specialty. A Board of Trustees Subcommittee was appointed to examine the Association’s member benefits. Dr. Martin Eichner discusses some of the highlights of the Subcommittee’s work, which he presented to the Reference Committee at the 2023 House of Delegates.

AAOMS is expanding its Office Anesthesia Evaluation (OAE) program. A Board of Trustees joint Subcommittee recently reviewed the OAE program and developed an implementation plan for the new components. Dr. Gregory Ness, who presented the highlights of the Subcommittee’s work to the Reference Committee at the 2023 House of Delegates, discusses these program enhancements.

AAOMS fellow Dr. Shahid Aziz, president and co-founder of Smile Bangladesh, joins OMS Foundation GIVE recipients Drs. Jessica Lee (2019) and Vickas Agarwal (2023) to discuss their experiences delivering surgical care to communities in need, and the rewards and challenges associated with providing humanitarian healthcare to underserved areas of the world.

Drs. Elie Ferneini and Jeffrey James discuss the recent JOMS article comparing pain levels after third molar extractions. The purpose of the study was to determine if liposomal bupivacaine infiltration following uncomplicated extraction of bilateral, mandibular third molars will significantly reduce postoperative pain when compared to standard bupivacaine.

Dr. Michael Han discusses the recent JOMS article on the linear accuracy of R-VBR for orthognathic surgery. The purpose of the study was to estimate the linear accuracy of R-VBR for several skeletal landmarks commonly used in orthognathic surgical planning, and to measure the correlation between angular and linear discrepancies.

Dr. William Jordan explains what it means to advocate for the specialty and how AAOMS advocacy efforts support OMS practices.

Through the award-winning Informational Campaign, AAOMS members have access to hundreds of resources they can use in their everyday practice marketing.

An important discussion about work-related neck and back pain in surgeons and how the science of ergonomics can help to prevent long-term discomfort and injury.

The decision to become a participating provider with an insurance company is an important component of a practice’s patient acquisition strategy. Understanding managed care contracts and how the delivery of dental healthcare is financed will help an OMS develop an effective business plan.

A discussion about volunteerism and the importance of volunteers to AAOMS and the OMS specialty.