It takes more than a weekend

Feb 19, 2009

Editor's note: Helaine Smith's column, The Mouth Physician, appears regularly on the DrBicuspid.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion.

Kudos to Dr. Allan Farman's recent Dr.Bicuspid.com column referring to the Luddite movement and the importance of modern imaging in providing better care for our patients -- especially those undergoing implant surgery or surgical removal of third molars. Dr. Farman's position is illustrated like a true mouth physician, and I commend his statement referring to the mythical "easy implant case." Things are easy when you do not know what you do not know.

I see this all the time with general dentists attempting cosmetic procedures. Too often, ignorance is bliss. This is not to belittle anyone, but it bothers me that some dentists believe taking a hands-on course for three hours means they are ready to perform complex procedures. A proper course curriculum involves live patient care under supervision of experts. Working on a cadaver or dentoform is not the same as a live patient. It whets the appetite, and hopefully the dentist will enroll in a proper learning institute to deepen his or her expertise.

To do things correctly is an investment of time and money. You must be willing to sacrifice short term to reap the long-term satisfaction of providing superior care.

I learned this lesson as I matured and developed professionally. I realized I could not do everything in dentistry, and found my niche in aesthetics. I do not perform root canal therapy, orthodontics, or implant surgery. I believe this is better left to the specialists. In medicine, almost all areas are subspecialized. This is one aspect from our physician colleagues that we need to emulate. There is too much to know in each area of dentistry to be doing it all. Plus, is it really cost-efficient?

Our profession has advanced tremendously. The previous practice of taking a course to learn about a new post and core system and implementing it upon arriving back in the office on Monday is not the same as what is being offered today. More prep work is required to safely implement much of what is being taught, such as aesthetics, sedation, and implants.

Implant dentistry is a huge revenue generator, but it is essential that our patients receive care that meets the standard provided by a specialist. This means utilizing 3D technology. Using a cement incorrectly has its downside, but placing an implant incorrectly really has its downside.

There is so much to learn as science has advanced, and being a jack-of-all-trades and master of none is not fair to our patients. It hurts us as professionals when we do procedures without the proper training. Our egos often get in the way. The need to meet financial obligations can also skew our judgment and propel us to do things we should not attempt.

The best question to ask yourself is: If I were in the dental chair as a patient, would I allow this to be performed on me? And would I want this level of skill being used on me, or would I go to a specialist? If you would allow yourself to be treated by you, then you are providing quality care. If the answer is no, you are falling short of being a mouth physician.

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.