Better by Association

Kent Garrick and Ross Williams | February 2010

Boost confidence by doing implants or full arch reconstruction with expert input.

In a recent Arrowhead webinar, dentists were asked, “If you had access to implant and full arch reconstruction experts, how likely would you be to pursue these types of cases?” Eighty-seven percent said “very likely’’—yet less than 30 percent nationally have attempted a full arch case. Why do so few doctors do full arch or implant dentistry regularly? Some would argue that such cases are the domain of specialists and the GP should focus on basic dentistry.

The problem is that this relegates dentists to a fairly narrow band of treatment options. It also reinforces the public’s tendency to see general dentistry as an expense and specialized dentistry as an investment. If you disagree, simply ask yourself how many $5,400 cases (the average cost of braces) you sold this week. Call your local orthodontist and ask him the same question.

5 Treatment Solutions

Dr. James Down | February 2010

Protect yourself and your patients’ oral health at the same time.

The healing arts practitioner seeks to keep the body healthy, and the dentist is no exception. The wise and careful dentist will protect patients’ oral health rather than serve merely as a “Maytag repairman” for damaged teeth. Following is my advice when asked five common treatment questions.

AD: How do you plan treatment without knowing fully what’s involved?

First, I focus on optimal outcome and prognosis for success, then I consider additional procedures.

An example of this would be multiple deteriorating crowns. I would remove the crowns and evaluate damage, such as severe decay resulting in pulpal exposure. Next, I would consider procedures such as endodontic therapy, post and core buildup, or tooth extraction with an implant replacement.

Ask the Missing Question

Megan Barker | February 2010

Never assume patients are happy with their teeth.

The first thing I notice about people is their teeth. I was born missing a tooth, which led to self-consciousness and years of orthodontic treatment to maintain the correct space. I always wondered what it would be like to have a big, beautiful smile.

Although I wore a flipper for years, I was too embarrassed to take my tooth out even if many of my friends found that cool. When I turned 18, I was prepped for a bridge. I was thrilled to finally have a fake tooth that didn’t come out every time I ate!

I was happy with the bridge, but what I really wanted was an implant that would offer the most permanent, life-like solution available. While working for a dentist in Utah, I requested an implant and crown. The crown required several shade corrections, and I grew frustrated. Even after I received an “acceptable” crown, it was the first thing I noticed each time I looked in the mirror.

McDentistry

Matthew Cook | February 2010

Shift your focus from price to potential and tap your most powerful results yet.

Not being a fan of the “fast food” that seems to permeate our culture, I asked a colleague why he always ate at a certain establishment. He stopped for a second, patted his belly, shrugged apathetically and replied, “The food fills the hole and it’s cheap.”

That comment was still in my mind later as I reflected on the decade I spent as a technology consultant in the dental industry. During that time I worked in all kinds of dental practices and witnessed all manner of practice management philosophies. In the past few years I have noticed a rather troubling trend, and I offer my latest experience as a dental patient to illustrate it.