On the Mic with MAP Podcast: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry

Successful implant reconstruction requires more than rebuilding bone. Soft tissue management, clinical judgment, and complication prevention all play essential roles.In this episode of On the Mic with MAP: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry, Dr. Michael A. Pikos welcomes Dr. Jose Luis Mompell and Dr. Juan L. Chao to discuss the evolution of reconstructive oral surgery.Together, they explore autogenous bone grafting, the Khoury Split Bone Block technique, and how digital guides and 3D printed models are changing their approach to bone augmentation. They also share lessons from their own complications and explain why clinicians need a thoughtful progression from simpler cases to more demanding reconstructions.Discover why they describe soft tissue as an implant’s “seatbelt,” how portions of their digital workflow move outside the patient’s mouth, and why technology still depends on the surgeon’s hands.The conversation also previews their three-day Mastering Reconstructive Oral Surgery course at the Pikos Institute in February 2027.Explore continuing education opportunities at PikosInstitute.com.00:14 Welcome and guest introductions01:25 Background in oral surgery and bone augmentation02:14 The growing need for reconstructive treatment03:10 Integrating soft tissue and digital workflows04:43 Preview of the three-day Pikos Institute course05:15 Why soft tissue instruction comes before bone grafting06:02 Building confidence through step-by-step training08:05 Understanding the Khoury Split Bone Block technique09:25 Horizontal, vertical, and combined defects10:30 Their philosophy on autogenous tissue11:48 Soft tissue as an implant’s “seatbelt”13:04 Complications and lessons from their own cases15:56 How their reconstructive protocols evolved 17:12 Transitioning to digitally designed procedures18:37 Case selection and the learning curve22:42 How their guided digital workflow began23:09 Guides, templates, and working outside the mouth24:15 Initial skepticism and site-specific bone harvesting25:12 Shaping and transferring bone plates using a 3D printed model26:01 Why digital technology still depends on soft tissue management26:46 Dr. Pikos reflects on tissue thickness and graft protection28:23 Course preview and closing invitationConnect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/PikosInstituteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Sj8qBsxCM8az1BmWzIdUi?si=51d7a9dad5f0405dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358

Full-arch dentistry is often discussed in terms of implant positioning, immediate loading, digital workflows, prosthetic design, and clinical outcomes. But to truly go Beyond the Arch™, clinicians must recognize the person—and the story—behind every case.In this episode of On the Mic with MAP, Dr. Michael A. Pikos takes listeners Beyond the Arch™ to explore the human side of full-arch implant dentistry. Drawing on more than four decades of clinical experience, he explains why listening to the patient, rebuilding trust, and understanding what brought them to treatment are just as important as surgical and restorative excellence.Many patients arrive after years of pain, failing teeth, unsuccessful treatments, embarrassment, financial investment, and lost confidence. Going Beyond the Arch™ means understanding that treatment is not simply about replacing teeth. It can restore a patient’s comfort, dignity, confidence, ability to eat, and willingness to smile again.Dr. Pikos also discusses the responsibility of the entire dental team, the danger of allowing routine procedures to feel routine to the patient, and the importance of measuring success beyond implant survival.Can the patient eat comfortably? Are they smiling again? Do they trust their new teeth? Has their life genuinely improved?Because going Beyond the Arch™ means recognizing that clinical excellence gets the patient through the procedure—but human excellence gets them through the journey.00:20 It’s not about the arches—it’s about the people00:46 The rapid evolution of full-arch dentistry01:24 Looking beyond implants and prostheses02:01 Every patient arrives with a story03:07 Rebuilding trust before rebuilding the mouth03:35 Why clinicians must slow down and truly listen04:03 The consultation is not about selling dentistry04:59 Anatomy provides information; the patient’s story provides understanding05:25 The problem with impersonal, assembly-line care06:46 What are we really restoring?07:21 Confidence, dignity, comfort, and quality of life08:17 A routine procedure can be life-changing for the patient09:23 Never allow treatment to feel routine to the patient10:20 Preparing the entire team to understand patient fear11:10 Patients experience one team—not separate departments12:09 Clinical excellence versus human excellence12:38 The emotional moment when the patient sees the result13:20 Measuring outcomes beyond implant survival14:20 Technology should make care more personal16:00 The most important lessons are not always surgical18:30 Why Dr. Pikos continues to love what he does19:08 ClosingConnect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/PikosInstituteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Sj8qBsxCM8az1BmWzIdUi?si=51d7a9dad5f0405dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358

Mastering a surgical technique is only the beginning. True clinical growth comes from understanding why, when—and when not—to use it.In Episode 15 of On the Mic with MAP, Dr. Michael A. Pikos goes Beyond the Arch™ to explore the value of educational diversity in implant dentistry. He explains how exposure to different clinical backgrounds, philosophies, biomaterials, workflows, and approaches to complications helps clinicians develop stronger judgment and make better decisions.From full-arch treatment and remote anchorage to hard- and soft-tissue grafting, no single technique is right for every patient. Dr. Pikos discusses the importance of respecting anatomy and biology, anticipating complications, preparing a Plan B, and customizing treatment to the individual case.The goal of meaningful education is not to produce clinicians who simply follow protocols. It is to develop independent thinkers and confident decision-makers capable of delivering predictable, patient-specific care.00:20 Introducing educational diversity00:50 Why clinicians may approach the same case differently01:49 Education versus indoctrination02:23 Developing thinkers instead of doers03:40 Looking beyond technique to anatomy and indications05:14 Why great education develops judgment05:47 The value of diverse faculty backgrounds07:23 Learning multiple approaches to complications08:22 The importance of in-depth lectures and focused Q&A10:46 Evidence-based education with clinical relevance12:18 Challenging established thinking and techniques13:20 Clinical growth: how, when, and when not14:18 Why one approach does not fit every patient15:44 One diagnosis with multiple treatment options16:22 Planning for complications and preparing a Plan B18:16 Developing decision-makers—not protocol followers18:44 Creating a community of clinical excellence19:43 The question every clinician should continue asking20:08 Closing thoughtsConnect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/PikosInstituteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Sj8qBsxCM8az1BmWzIdUi?si=51d7a9dad5f0405dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358

Dr. Steven Rasner didn’t graduate at the top of his dental class or begin his career with prestigious opportunities. He returned to his rural New Jersey hometown because it was the only opportunity available—and used continuing education to completely transform his confidence, clinical skills, and future.In this episode of On the Mic with MAP: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry, Dr. Michael A. Pikos sits down with his longtime friend and colleague to discuss Dr. Rasner’s remarkable 46-year career.They explore how live continuing education helped him build a thriving fee-for-service practice in a blue-collar community, become a respected educator, and establish the Rasner Institute. Dr. Rasner also shares candid advice for younger clinicians about failure, confidence, case acceptance, lifelong learning, and taking ownership of their professional growth.This conversation is a powerful reminder that your starting point does not determine how far you can go. Invest in yourself, eliminate excuses, and never stop learning.00:20 – IntroductionDr. Pikos introduces Dr. Steven Rasner and reflects on his 46-year dental career.01:19 – An Unconventional BeginningDr. Rasner explains why his journey did not begin at the top of his class.02:42 – Returning HomeLimited opportunities led him back to rural New Jersey to practice with his father.03:40 – Discovering Continuing EducationHow CE gave Dr. Rasner a new direction and transformed his outlook.04:30 – Learning from Dentistry’s Leading EducatorsLessons and inspiration from Dawson, Spear, Kois, Misch, Pikos, and others.06:22 – How Education Builds ConfidenceDr. Pikos and Dr. Rasner discuss the connection between knowledge, confidence, and clinical growth.08:15 – The Transformation of a PracticeHow education influenced treatment planning, team development, and practice performance.09:00 – Advice for Young DentistsLive below your means—but never hesitate to invest in your education.10:05 – Confidence and Case AcceptancePresenting comprehensive care with confidence, honesty, and genuine concern for patients.11:50 – Becoming an EducatorHow a successful rural practice led Dr. Rasner to begin teaching practice management.12:00 – Building a $4 Million Solo PracticeCreating an exceptional practice through comprehensive care rather than patient volume.14:41 – “Dentistry Is My Golf”Why Dr. Rasner continues pursuing advanced education at 72 years old.16:31 – Bridging Education and Patient CareThe development and purpose of the Rasner Institute.20:44 – The Fulfillment of TeachingWhy seeing former students succeed has become one of his greatest professional honors.22:54 – Success in a Blue-Collar CommunityBuilding a thriving fee-for-service practice in an economically challenged area.23:35 – Implementation Creates GrowthWhy applying what you learn is just as important as attending the course.24:49 – The Irreplaceable Value of Live CEThe conversations, mentorship, relationships, and opportunities that cannot be replicated online.27:11 – The Limitations of Social Media EducationWhy online content may create unrealistic expectations about clinical outcomes.28:48 – Entering the “Fourth Quarter”Dr. Pikos and Dr. Rasner reflect on longevity, purpose, and continuing to grow.31:15 – Invest in YourselfDr. Rasner delivers his most important advice for younger clinicians.33:19 – Final ReflectionsDr. Pikos reinforces the importance of ownership, education, and eliminating excuses.Connect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/PikosInstituteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Sj8qBsxCM8az1BmWzIdUi?si=51d7a9dad5f0405dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358

Are lectures alone enough to create better clinicians?In this episode of On the Mic with MAP: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry, Dr. Michael A. Pikos discusses one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics in continuing education:What makes education truly meaningful?Drawing on more than three decades of teaching clinicians around the world, Dr. Pikos explains why information alone doesn't create competence. Instead, predictable clinical success comes from understanding biology, anatomy, diagnosis, critical thinking, sound decision-making, and learning from complications.Topics include:✔ Information vs. transformation✔ Why understanding "why" matters more than memorizing techniques✔ Building clinical judgment and confidence✔ The importance of anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment planning✔ Why complications are the greatest teachers✔ Lifelong learning in implant dentistry✔ The educational philosophy behind the Pikos InstituteWhether you're placing your first implant or have decades of experience, this episode offers valuable insight into becoming a more thoughtful, confident, and predictable clinician.Subscribe for future episodes of On the Mic with MAP featuring leading educators and experts in implant dentistry.Learn more about Pikos Institute live courses:https://www.PikosInstitute.com00:00 – Introduction: What is meaningful education? 01:00 – Information vs. transformation in learning 02:00 – Why competence requires structured thinking, not information overload 03:45 – Why fundamentals always matter: anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment planning 05:05 – Teaching beginners and experienced surgeons at the same time 06:10 – Moving from technician to thinker 07:40 – Developing clinical judgment through mentorship and experience 08:40 – Why complications create the greatest learning opportunities 10:40 – Lifelong learning and evaluating new technology critically 11:50 – The responsibility educators have to their students and patients 13:10 – The mission of the Pikos Institute 15:25 – Why the live course experience matters 17:10 – Final thoughts: becoming better every day Connect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikosinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikosinstitute/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikos-institute/Twitter/X: ⁠https://x.com/PikosInstituteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Sj8qBsxCM8az1BmWzIdUi?si=51d7a9dad5f0405dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358