The MAP Podcast — Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry — is Dr. Michael A. Pikos’ platform to share over 40 years of implant dentistry experience. He created this podcast to discuss real-world clinical insights, modern techniques, and lessons learned in practice, while sharing updates and education from the Pikos Institute. It’s a space for honest conversation, practical knowledge, and advancing excellence in implant dentistry.
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Why Great Implant Education Develops Thinkers, Not Just Doers
Season 1 · Episode 14
Thursday, September 3, 2026 • Duration 20:24
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 diversity
00:50 Why clinicians may approach the same case differently
01:49 Education versus indoctrination
02:23 Developing thinkers instead of doers
03:40 Looking beyond technique to anatomy and indications
05:14 Why great education develops judgment
05:47 The value of diverse faculty backgrounds
07:23 Learning multiple approaches to complications
08:22 The importance of in-depth lectures and focused Q&A
10:46 Evidence-based education with clinical relevance
12:18 Challenging established thinking and techniques
13:20 Clinical growth: how, when, and when not
14:18 Why one approach does not fit every patient
15:44 One diagnosis with multiple treatment options
16:22 Planning for complications and preparing a Plan B
Education, Confidence, and Clinical Growth with Dr. Steven Rasner
Season 1 · Episode 14
Thursday, August 20, 2026 • Duration 35:13
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 – Introduction Dr. Pikos introduces Dr. Steven Rasner and reflects on his 46-year dental career.
01:19 – An Unconventional Beginning Dr. Rasner explains why his journey did not begin at the top of his class.
02:42 – Returning Home Limited opportunities led him back to rural New Jersey to practice with his father.
03:40 – Discovering Continuing Education How CE gave Dr. Rasner a new direction and transformed his outlook.
04:30 – Learning from Dentistry’s Leading Educators Lessons and inspiration from Dawson, Spear, Kois, Misch, Pikos, and others.
06:22 – How Education Builds Confidence Dr. Pikos and Dr. Rasner discuss the connection between knowledge, confidence, and clinical growth.
The Challenge of Delivering Meaningful Education | With Dr. Michael A. Pikos
Season 1 · Episode 13
Thursday, August 6, 2026 • Duration 18:31
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 Institute
Whether 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.com
00:00 – Introduction: What is meaningful education?
01:00 – Information vs. transformation in learning
02:00 – Why competence requires structured thinking, not information overload
– Why fundamentals always matter: anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment planning
Beyond Implants: Purpose, Passion & Full-Arch Dentistry with Dr. Simon Oh
Season 1 · Episode 12
Thursday, July 23, 2026 • Duration 21:18
Purpose drives great clinicians.
In this episode of On the Mic with MAP, Dr. Michael A. Pikos welcomes Dr. Simon Oh for a discussion that goes far beyond surgical techniques.
Dr. Oh shares the personal journey that led him from professional burnout to discovering purpose through full-arch implant dentistry. Together they discuss education, mentorship, humanitarian outreach, advanced implant reconstruction, and the responsibility every clinician accepts when restoring a patient's smile.
Listeners will also hear the inspiring story behind Dr. Oh's work in Guatemala, where he is helping develop sustainable education programs that empower local surgeons to provide advanced care within their own communities.
This conversation serves as a reminder that excellent implant dentistry is about more than placing implants—it's about changing lives through education, compassion, and lifelong learning.
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
00:00 – Introduction
Dr. Michael Pikos introduces Dr. Simon Oh
Overview of Simon's accomplishments and humanitarian work
1:05 – Simon's Journey into Full-Arch Dentistry
OMS residency
Leaving residency
Building a DSO
Burnout treating routine dentistry
Discovering purpose through full-arch treatment
3:30 – Humanitarian Mission in Guatemala
Discovering the need
Bringing zygomatic implant treatment
Soft Tissue, Biology & Predictable Full-Arch Outcomes with Dr. Tomasz Kaczyński
Season 1 · Episode 11
Thursday, July 9, 2026 • Duration 36:14
Episode 11: Soft Tissue, Biology & Predictable Full-Arch Outcomes with Dr. Tomasz Kaczyński
What separates predictable full-arch clinicians from those who simply place implants?
In this episode of On the Mic with MAP: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry, Dr. Michael A. Pikos welcomes internationally recognized periodontist Dr. Thomas Kaczynski for an insightful discussion on the principles that create long-term implant success.
Together, they explore why mastering single implant therapy remains the foundation for predictable full-arch reconstruction, how proper soft tissue management influences long-term biological stability, and why clinicians should resist the temptation to shortcut their education.
The conversation also covers pterygoid implants, treatment planning philosophy, common complications, patient follow-up, mentorship, and the importance of lifelong learning in implant dentistry.
Whether you're beginning your implant journey or refining advanced protocols, this episode offers practical clinical insights that can immediately improve your decision-making.
• Transitioning from periodontics to full-arch implant therapy
• Why every clinician should master single implants first
• The role of bone grafting and soft tissue in long-term success
• Preventive surgical strategies that reduce future complications
• When to graft—and when not to
• Pterygoid implants versus zygomatic implants
• The value of structured education and mentorship
• Why long-term follow-up matters more than social media highlights
• Advice for young implant clinicians
Subscribe for future episodes featuring world-renowned educators discussing the latest concepts in implant dentistry, regenerative therapy, full-arch reconstruction, and evidence-based surgical protocols.
Beyond the Bone: Why Soft Tissue Is the Real Foundation of Full-Arch Success
Season 1 · Episode 10
Thursday, June 25, 2026 • Duration 15:35
In Episode 10 of On the Mic with MAP: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry, Dr. Michael A. Pikos explores one of the most overlooked factors in implant dentistry: soft tissue management.
While most full-arch education focuses on implant placement and bone grafting, long-term esthetic, biologic, phonetic, and restorative success is often determined by the "Z" in Dr. Pikos' All-on-XYZ™ philosophy—soft tissue.
Discover why tissue thickness, keratinized tissue, vestibuloplasty procedures, flap design, and phenotype management are critical for achieving predictable full-arch outcomes that stand the test of time.
In This Episode:
✔ Understanding the All-on-XYZ™ philosophy ✔ Why soft tissue matters more than most clinicians realize ✔ The relationship between tissue phenotype and implant longevity ✔ Surgical strategies for improving tissue stability ✔ Vestibuloplasty and soft tissue augmentation techniques ✔ Immediate provisionalization as a tissue-shaping tool ✔ Why many implant complications are actually tissue-related ✔ The future of tissue-driven full-arch treatment planning
05:47 Vestibuloplasty with Acellular Dermal Matrix
Patient-Specific Implants, Full-Arch Failures & Revision Surgery with Dr. Vishtasb Broumand
Season 1 · Episode 9
Thursday, June 11, 2026 • Duration 30:35
In Episode 9 of On The Mic with MAP: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry, Dr. Michael A. Pikos welcomes internationally respected oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Vishtasb Broumand for an insightful discussion on some of the most complex challenges in implant dentistry today.
Drawing from decades of experience in tumor reconstruction, advanced implant rehabilitation, and revision surgery, Dr. Broumand shares how he became a referral destination for some of the most difficult implant complications and catastrophic full-arch failures.
The conversation explores the rapidly evolving role of patient-specific implants (PSIs), treatment options for severely atrophic jaws, the importance of soft tissue management, and why mastering surgical fundamentals remains essential for long-term success.
Topics discussed include:
• Patient-Specific Implants (PSIs) for severe maxillary and mandibular defects
• Managing failed All-on-X and full-arch implant cases
• Soft tissue principles that drive long-term implant success
• Designing predictable custom implant frameworks
• Revision surgery strategies for complex complications
• Clinical decision-making for advanced reconstruction cases
• The importance of surgical foundations and lifelong learning
• Why social media can create unrealistic expectations for developing clinicians
One of the most memorable takeaways from the episode is Dr. Broumand's reminder that successful clinicians are built through years of experience, education, and repetition—not shortcuts.
Whether you are a general dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist, prosthodontist, or implantologist, this episode offers valuable clinical insights and practical wisdom for navigating the increasingly complex world of implant dentistry.
Remote Anchorage & Full-Arch Predictability with Dr. Pedro Moura
Season 1 · Episode 9
Thursday, May 28, 2026 • Duration 32:03
In this episode of On the Mic with MAP: Mapping the way to Predictable Implant Dentistry, Dr. Michael A. Pikos sits down with internationally recognized implant clinician and educator Dr. Pedro Moura from Porto, Portugal for a deep conversation on modern full-arch implant rehabilitation, remote anchorage strategies, and the evolution of treatment for the severely atrophic maxilla.
In this episode, Dr. Moura shares his philosophy on predictable full-arch therapy, including the use of pterygoid implants, trans-sinus approaches, palatal implants, guided surgery, and how today’s minimally invasive protocols are helping clinicians avoid more aggressive zygomatic procedures whenever possible.
The discussion also dives into:
✅ FP1 vs FP3 treatment philosophies ✅ Guided surgery for complex full-arch cases ✅ The realities of complications in implant dentistry ✅ Why prosthetic complications remain the biggest challenge ✅ The importance of biomechanics and prosthetically driven treatment planning ✅ Managing bruxers and reducing cantilevers ✅ Why every clinician needs a “Plan B” during surgery ✅ Advice for young clinicians entering full-arch implant therapy
This episode delivers practical insights, real-world experience, and honest discussion around what truly creates long-term predictability in implant dentistry.
Time Stamps
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Pedro Moura 01:26 – Building a training center & clinical residency programs 03:00 – Why real clinical follow-up matters more than social media dentistry 03:56 – Growing up in a family of dental technicians 06:10 – Dr. Moura’s philosophy on full-arch rehabilitation 06:57 – FP1 vs FP3 treatment concepts 08:01 – Avoiding zygomatic implants whenever possible 09:20 – Guided surgery for pterygoid and trans-sinus implants – How modern zygomatic workflows have evolved – Why fully “brain-guided” surgery can be difficult to teach – Photogrammetry and digital workflows in full-arch therapy – The evolution of the palatal implant approach – Why exposed palatal threads are often not problematic – When palatal implants truly shine clinically – Why trans-sinus implants are more difficult than they appear – The importance of always having a Plan B – Immediate load realities and managing low torque situations – The most common complications in full-arch dentistry – Managing bruxers and minimizing cantilevers – Advice for young clinicians entering full-arch therapy – Prosthetically driven implant dentistry philosophy – Closing thoughts and where to learn more from Dr. MouraConnect with us on Social Media:
Zygomatic Implant Complications: What Most Clinicians Don't Know
Season 1 · Episode 8
Thursday, May 14, 2026 • Duration 26:59
Dr. Michael A. Pikos returns for Episode 7 of On the Mic with MAP: Mapping the Way to Predictable Implant Dentistry to discuss one of the most important and misunderstood topics in full-arch implant therapy: zygomatic implant complications.
In this episode, Dr. Pikos breaks down:
The major differences between hybrid and quad zygomatic cases
Why quad zygoma cases are in a class of their own
The “dreaded triad” of complications: ✓ Sinusitis ✓ Oroantral communication ✓ Implant failure/distress
Orbital intrusion risks and surgical anatomy considerations
Why pterygoid implants can often reduce the need for zygomatic implants
The importance of surgical experience, diagnostics, and patient selection
The progression of full-arch education from foundational concepts to advanced remote anchorage protocols
This episode is essential viewing for clinicians interested in: ✓ Full-arch implant reconstruction ✓ Remote anchorage protocols ✓ Zygomatic implants ✓ Pterygoid implants ✓ Advanced implant surgery ✓ Surgical complication prevention and management
Learn more about advanced implant education at: PikosInstitute.com
0:00 – Introduction
0:20 – Why this topic matters
1:27 – Intraoperative vs early vs late complications
2:00 – Cases that may not require zygomatic implants
2:53 – Hybrid vs quad zygomatic cases
4:07 – The “dreaded triad” of complications
6:17 – Why pterygoid implants are a game changer
7:22 – Managing sinusitis and oroantral communication
10:04 – Sinus membrane integrity and complication risk
13:08 – Orbital intrusion risks explained
15:36 – Why zygomatic implant training matters
16:05 – The Pikos Institute Full Arch Learning Ladder
22:04 – Why zygomatic implant placement is more than surgery
Peri-implantitis: Prevention, Management, Future Treatment with Dr. George Kotsakis
Season 1 · Episode 6
Thursday, April 30, 2026 • Duration 37:11
Peri-implantitis is one of the fastest-growing complications in implant dentistry—and one of the most misunderstood.
In this episode, Dr. Michael A. Pikos welcomes internationally recognized researcher Dr. George Kotsakis for a powerful discussion on the evidence, misconceptions, and future of peri-implant disease prevention and treatment.
From diagnosis and risk factors to implant surface decontamination, prosthetic design, surgical intervention, and emerging host modulation therapies, this conversation delivers practical insight every implant clinician needs now.
If you place implants, restore implants, or maintain implant patients—this episode is required listening.
00:00 — Introduction to Episode 6 & Guest Introduction 00:20 — Dr. George Kotsakis Background: Greece to U.S. Dentistry Journey 03:22 — Why Curiosity Led Him into Peri-Implantitis Research 05:10 — University of Washington, Texas, and Rutgers Academic Career 10:49 — Why Peri-Implantitis Is Now a Clinical Reality 12:27 — Modern Evidence-Based Prevention & Diagnostic Frameworks 14:42 — The Biggest Modifiable Risk Factors Clinicians Overlook 15:23 — Honest Patient Communication & Treatment Reliability 17:58 — When Is It Better to Remove the Implant? 20:18 — “Less Is More” Around Implant Surface Treatment 22:05 — Why Chlorhexidine May Reduce Bone Regeneration 23:01 — Lasers in Peri-Implantitis Therapy: Promise vs Reality 25:23 — Prosthetic Design & Emergence Profile as a Risk Factor 29:05 — Full Arch Bone/Soft Tissue Considerations Often Ignored 34:01 — Future of Peri-Implantitis Treatment & Host Modulation 36:40 — Closing Thoughts🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube🔗 Explore courses at PikosInstitute.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358
Creating sustainable education
University partnerships
6:00 – Building Sustainable Healthcare
Treating patients first
Tumor reconstruction
Craniofacial care
Operation Smile collaboration
Long-term vision for Guatemala
8:25 – Learning Full-Arch Dentistry
Reading literature
Mentors
Brazil training
Importance of live surgical education
Learning from pioneers
12:50 – Building a Patient-First Full-Arch Practice
Philosophy behind his DSO
FP1 vs overdentures
Technology
Treatment planning
Patient-centered decision making
15:00 – Life Outside Dentistry
Family
Parenting
Work-life balance
Personal interests
18:00 – Advice for Young Clinicians
Responsibility of treating full-arch patients
Mentorship
Continuing education
Community learning
Never stop improving
20:00 – Final Thoughts
Commitment to education
Leadership
Lifelong learning
Closing remarks
0:00–2:00 Introduction and guest introduction
2:00–5:00 Dr. Kaczynski's journey from periodontics to full-arch surgery
5:00–9:00 Why mastering single implants comes before full-arch rehabilitation
9:00–13:00 The importance of biology, bone grafting, and soft tissue management
13:00–17:00 Preventive soft tissue protocols and minimizing secondary surgeries
17:00–20:00 Training philosophy and Full-Arch Immersion education program
20:00–24:00 Pterygoid implants vs. zygomatic implants and reducing complications
24:00–28:00 Common complications in full-arch implant therapy and long-term maintenance
28:00–31:00 Advice for young clinicians entering implant dentistry
31:00–End Final thoughts on mentorship, education, ethics, and continuous learningConnect 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
06:22 Why Many Implant Failures Are Tissue Related
06:53 The Biology of Full-Arch Success
07:43 Emergence Profiles and Tissue Health
08:45 Surgical Strategies for Soft Tissue Enhancement
09:15 Flap Design Principles for Full-Arch Cases
10:45 Tissue Preservation Techniques
11:24 Vestibuloplasty and Tissue Volume Enhancement
11:55 Immediate Provisionalization as a Tissue-Shaping Tool
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-mic-with-map-podcast-mapping-the-way/id1878393358
Learn more about advanced implant education at PikosInstitute.com
00:00 Introduction & Welcome Dr. Vishtasb Broumand 01:52 Early referral cases and professional relationship 03:03 Leaving Miami and moving to Arizona 06:38 Building a practice focused on complex revision surgery 08:31 Why difficult implant failures get referred to specialists 09:01 Introduction to Patient-Specific Implants (PSIs) 10:01 Cases where conventional implants are no longer possible 11:23 Managing severe maxillary defects and failed All-on-X cases 13:31 Risks and complications of subperiosteal implants 15:10 Evolution of PSI design and manufacturing 17:31 Why soft tissue management is critical for success 18:32 Preventing implant exposure and long-term complications 20:47 The future of patient-specific implant reconstruction 22:04 Selecting the right PSI candidates 23:16 Advice for young clinicians entering implant dentistry 24:10 Why fundamentals matter more than social media highlights 25:35 The importance of continuing education and mentorship 28:43 Lifelong learning and becoming the best clinician possible 30:14 Closing remarks
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
