Happy New Year to you all!

While reviewing my calendar of 2009, I was inspired by how many learning opportunities I was afforded. The highlight was in April at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry meeting in Hawaii. The caliber of continuing education was very high due to the level of speakers, workshops, and learning venues offered. It was a very inspiring setting with dentists from all over the world and exchanging ideas on how to treat patients with the highest levels of excellence, but also how to teach that to each of our dental teams.
Always the curious thinker and consumer advocate I was reminded of an organization I was introduced to in the summer of ’09 called The Society of Technologically Advanced Dental Practices. As a result of discussions with my colleagues, I started an informal survey checklist to see just how the modern dentist delivers care. So here it is…


IS YOUR DENTIST A MODERN DENTIST?


1. Does your dentist have a clean office?

2. Does he/she take at least 50 hours of continuing education per year?

3. Does he/she have modern equipment such as digital radiographs (xrays), intraoral cameras, and/or paperless charting?

4. Does your dentist discuss implants as an option for missing teeth?

5. Is he/she involved in a study group?

6. Does the hygienist use a periodontal probe to measure your gums to evaluate the health of your gum tissue?

7. Does he/she offer an oral cancer screening test using a light?

8. Does he/she offer sedation for procedures to reduce anxiety?

9. Does he/she use ultra-modern reinforced ceramic restorations?

10. Does he/she use non-metal fillings?

11. Does he/she consistently use magnification with illumination to check your teeth and/or treat them?

12. Is there an intra-oral camera available to monitor the status of old fillings and other dental conditions?

13. If he/she says they are a cosmetic dentist, has a recent course about it been taken? Was it a “hands-on” course?

14. Does he/she have photos of their own work to show you?

15. Is your bite checked to help avoid cracks in your teeth, chips on the edges, or increased muscle tension?

16. Does he/she keep you informed about the connection between dental problems (e.g. gum disease) and the rest of the body?

Rate Your Dentist
15 – 20 – Your modern dentist is Jetson-like. Good job!
10 – 14 – Your dentist could definitely improve some things. Just ask.
0 – 9 – Your dentist make be working in the Flintstone-era.

I hope this helps keep your dental health and its care at it’s finest. As always, I look forward to your comments.

Keep smiling right.