Have you ever had someone ask, “If you could have a dinner party with some of the most interesting people you know, who would you invite?” Well, my answer is in this month’s issue of Dental Economics. The contributors are some of the finest, most interesting, and influential clinicians, researchers, practice management and financial experts in dentistry. I whole heartedly believe that the foundation of a successful dental practice is quality dentistry, and this month’s issue is dedicated to bonded restorative dentistry.
I prefer learning from those who have mastered the balance of clinical excellence that is supported by research yet is practical enough for me to integrate into my private practice. The contributors to the February issue are some of my favorite and most inspiring educators, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share their expertise with you in this issue. One of the most profound things about influence is that this level of excellence can be woven into clinical practice, regardless of the focus of your restorative practice.
For example, if you swoon over some of the most beautiful preps, rubber dam isolation, and world-class direct composite restorations on Instagram, chances are good you’re admiring the work of a biomimetic dentist. If you’re curious about this topic, there is nobody better to introduce it to you than Dr. Pascal Magne, who has taught thousands of dentists how to restore teeth as closely as possible to their natural form and function using direct and indirect methods.
If you’re bonding lithium disilicate restorations, you may not realize that the science and best practices have been pioneered by clinicians like Drs. Kenny and Miriam Malament. Drs. Malament have the largest database of full- and partial-coverage all-ceramic restorations, and have provided statistically significant data regarding longevity, reliability, and the likelihood of needing endodontics when restoring teeth with lithium disilicate.
Are you seeking encouragement about providing long-lasting restorations in a high-risk caries patient? Dr. Brian Novy’s article discusses how his approach to patient care evolved from predominantly direct glass-ionomer-based restoratives to indirect, in-office milled restorations to restore caries-infected teeth and minimize caries risk.
Multiple approaches yielding exceptional results
One overwhelming theme that I noticed when I curated this month’s issue is the unapologetic pursuit and commitment to excellence that our authors practice and encourage. Drs. Gerry Kugel and Richard Price compare the efficacy of curing lights that can be bought online to those that are manufactured specifically for dentistry. Drs. Nate Lawson and Augusto Robles share strategies to minimize composite shrinkage. February is also an exciting month because many new products are introduced to the marketplace, and we’re featuring some of them in this month’s issue!
Long story short, don’t cut corners. Learn from the best. Explore new innovations. Find inspiration from your mentors and peers. I know I sure have.
Editor's note: This appeared in the February print edition of Dental Economics.
