Early in my career, I felt conflicted about what my approach to patient care would become. After all, going from dental hygiene into prosthodontics seems like going from one dental extreme to another. And that is how I practiced for a long time; fiercely preventing disease first, and when restorations were indicated, I would rely upon tried-and-true prosthodontics. It worked, but as I approach my 20-year dental school reunion, experience has taught me many things. Here are some highlights:
- There is gray area between disease prevention and tooth restoration. I’ve seen dentistry that has lasted decades, and I’ve always wanted to provide that type of care. I thought that utilizing proven prosthodontic ideals was the key, but I’ve realized that there is more to minimal intervention than small preps, tunnels, and remineralizing early lesions. While I have not abandoned my prosthodontic ideals, I now believe that I can prolong the process or not witness the breakdown of dentition on my watch!
- I went into prosthodontics because I wanted to feel prepared to treatment plan or restore teeth for any person who walks into the practice. Prosthodontics also taught me to love and respect dental materials. If we understand how materials, teeth, hard and soft tissues, muscles, and joints work, we should be able to select materials that work long-term. The dental industry is constantly inspired to discover the next best materials; I appreciate what’s out there today and look forward to experiencing what’s to come.
- You miss out by being closed-off to new ideas, materials, and technologies. Scientific advancements have enabled us to perform better, longer-lasting dentistry. I remember being taught about the unreliability of composite restorations and that they should be reserved for class I, class V, and other small restorations. Well, after years of education and material investigation and the evolution of materials and science, I rely on bonding of restorations now more than ever. The only amalgam I use now is an amalgamation of ideas and principles that allow me to offer personalized and individualized care. Keeping an open mind gives me access to more tools and a larger skill set.
- There is value in peer-to-peer learning, but experts are experts for a reason. I chuckle to myself when I see dental practice owners seeking business, financial, or legal advice on social media. I do not claim to be a business expert, but I’m proud to offer the perspective of different thought leaders in varying aspects of practice management. Sometimes perspectives differ, and this creates a forum for discussion, raises awareness, and opens minds.
This month’s focus is on biomimetic dentistry, which has filled a large gap for me between prevention and tooth reconstruction. It tests my artistic abilities, yet allows me to take a less-is-more approach to dental care. I’ve also experienced more patient retention and growth than ever as a result. To clearly define and demystify this approach, I interviewed Dr. Pascal Magne. I hope you enjoy his take on dental care, as well as the rest of this month’s issue.
Editor's note: This article appeared in the February 2024 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary subscription. Sign up here.
