|
Esthetics in Dentistry - A multifactorial perspective in general practice DR. MADHU BENDRE & DR.SEEMA BENDRE The theme of this zonal convention “Dentofacial Esthetics’ gives us this opportunity to highlight “Esthetics” in dentistry from a very broad perspective and sheds light on various aspects of modern dentistry to have beneficial insights. Esthetics is omnipresent in our field. It is an integral part of every aspect of general dental practice. As for “Cosmetic” dentistry, it’s very elective branch and not at all mandatory for the general dental practices. Often it is confused with “Esthetic Dentistry”. The later is integral to dentistry while the earlier is elective for both patient & dentist. Preparing sound natural dental tissues & structures to receive most monotonous symmetry and monochromatic color is aggressive and invasive. Not justifiable many a times. From and function are believed to be in harmony in healthy masicatory system, it is mandatory to maintain form as the function is being restored. If for one reason or another the form is unappealing despite optimal function, and if that concerns our patients deeply, it is our duty to recreate form to acceptable esthetic level. Cosmetic dentistry falls short if it is not in harmony with function. One has to keep abreast of contemporary trends and cutting edge advances happening in our profession. Along with these resources one should challenge one’s own skills every now and then while creating function and form. The practitioner who chooses excellence as one’s goal will apply the fundamentals of diagnosing, planning and executing complete dentistry. There is enough information available today for general Practitioner to become competent as he/she chooses, if the commitment to excellence is strong enough. The importance of conservative treatment cannot be overstressed and one should seek complex approaches only after an orderly analysis of simpler methods fails to provide the answers Majority of patients can be treated very successfully with basic time tested procedures as long as each step is done with great care During this journey of recreating nature, one discovers several facts and intricacies of nature. Through this learning curve one evolves as a more refined professional. This grind itself is so enjoyable. In fact, this journey itself is more rewarding than the end result. The mere thought of finishing cases with concerns for beauty, biology, functions (biomimetics) and it’s forth dimension of electivity by patient and dentist bring in a lot of revolutionary concepts in general dental practice Along with restoration of form and function for esthetics a lot of factors are associated with excellence in Esthetic. 1) Effective communications and relationships: The overall goal in any situation with an unhappy patient or customer is to create a strong relationship for the future. Punctuality, respect, emotional safety, privacy, Honesty, clarity and understanding are few very vital factors at the foundation of successful practices. When patients are and feel understood, they are more open to appropriate persuasion and influence from those they respect and who thy know respect them. A relationship requires one party to believe deeply in ethics and integrity of other and to put his or her faith in others skill and intentions. With concern for function and form and for our patients personality and image aspirations, we need to mould our practices and offices to cope up with new demands. With personal choice and preferences, also come in many factors that relate to individuals taste, lifestyle, ethics Values and finances. Case presentation is seen by many practices as an activity that should be dispensed by with as quickly as possible because it takes the dentist away from the important patient who are actively being treated. This should be given importance and properly planned for. 2) Leadership skills: We as general practitioners have to be dynamic leaders, organizers and motivators. We should only work with a team that grabs our vision and shares our excitement. Leadership in dentistry deals with organizing and motivating people to effectively merge clinical, organizational & relationship expertise. Even appearances of our offices should reflect the level of expertise we offer. The greater the complexity of care, the grater the demand on leadership skills. It’s combination with clinical knowledge elevates you to peak of dentistry. The ‘consumer mentality’ has taken hold and patients are behaving like customers all the time. Sadly more patients at ‘fix-it”, drill & fill or “patch up” level are buying a commodity with modest fees and minimal risk. When patients require rehabilitative and comprehensive care, their buying decision is influenced by you and your team as well as how the proposed treatments fits in to their lives(i.e time, budget and family). We as leaders of our offices should cultivate the culture of gracious hospitality, custom tailored services And high degree of competence from everyone on our team. In Dentistry, rules for selling are simple, Straightforward and sophisticated 3) Specialist Network: We as general practitioners should train ourselves to meticulously diagnose and consult with our patients. We should develop working systems and protocols in a manner friendly to our speacialist team in very detailed, meticulous and organized pattern so that the team can analyze and plan the case well and sate a reasonable budget. This should be presented to the patient properly so as to have a successful acceptance and commitment. Our team should share our passion and dream for the entire treatment process to the end result. They should be leaders in their own speciality and should be in position to offer appropriate treatment modalities It is preferable to become a specialist in general dental practice then to be general practitioner in any specialisty. In short it’s all want to reform it. Dental laboratory should understand and support our skill level and should be able to deliver the quality we envision 4) While applying ourselves to upliftment of our professional careers we should not lose the BALANCE. Balance is tremendously important, both in terms of dentistry and in terms of life in general. Dentistry offers fantastic opportunities to live a balance life A balanced commitment to ones family should never let the career interfere with the joy of being a spouse and parent. Similarly Mastering dentistry requires commitment and integrity to every aspect of our profession. Finally, we owe our patients the very best we can give them and that even patients who have very little funds deserve at least our times to complete thorough examination and help them decide on whats best for them Confusing “Quality” dentistry for “select affluent” society is a very hollow foundation for a particular practice policy. If for one reason or another, our patients cant opt for sophisticated modalities, then we should work with them to make sure that they have every opportunity within their means to have healthiest mouth possible. It is a very “sorry and sad” state for clinicians who don’t love dentistry, because they would if they could do it predictably. That’s not an impossible goal; it can be the best hobby in the world. Being able to work with patients to develop beautiful smiles and comfortable mouths, and to enjoy the camaraderie because we get to know them very well through the years, is a Wonderful way to earn a living We as dental professionals have a marvelous opportunity to elevate the dental profession to a higher level by embracing the idea that Cosmetic Dentistry falls short if it is not in harmony with function short it it is not in harmony with function We will need to challenge opportunistic methods and false claims of superiority by being first physicians of the masticatory System who put the patient first. We are grateful to all sources of inspiration and guidance in providing us with their valuable ideas, concepts and gems: -American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|