Click here to enlarge imageby Jerry Woolf, DDS
Like most young dentists, my initial, wobbly steps after graduating in 1977 challenged my ability to put it all together. I had to learn how to handle patients, a new staff, and the not-so-perfect physical plant, as well as my clinical efforts. This was done while trying to make enough money to keep the practice and my family afloat. Now, years later, I see how my diagnostic and clinical skill development contributed to my personal, professional, and financial growth. In addition, my Accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry marked a major turning point in the process. It is now clear to me that, when I knew less, I proposed less. This produced less revenue and generated less income, resulting in less profit. While this is a simple and reasonable progression of thinking, it is not always apparent in the moment. Hindsight has given me a perspective I wish I had some 30 years ago.
Better diagnostic skills
While I thought I was a cosmetic dentist 15 years before I earned my AACD Accreditation, I didn’t know what I had not learned until I studied with the masters and challenged myself to undertake the Accreditation process. Improved diagnostic skills enabled me to see things I previously missed. A more sophisticated diagnostic ability dramatically altered my approach to cases. I am more comprehensive and complete than ever. I approach each case with the big picture in mind rather than a single tooth or multiple-unit mindset. I have a much better sense of the causal factors that contribute to breakdown, deterioration, and disease. I understand related variables such as wear, discoloration, malocclusion, and other forms of disease. Ten years after completing Accreditation, my diagnostic mindset is broad and deep. My ability to identify clinical opportunities and options has increased dramatically. In my mind, there is no question this is the first step in creating a more productive and profitable practice.
Better clinical skills
Once I was able to identify more clinical opportunities, I was faced with the challenge of performing the dentistry. Fortunately, my AACD mentors and the Accreditation process helped me develop clinical skills as I became more diagnostically accomplished. The AACD’s Accreditation process requires the completion of only five clinical cases, yet I worked on dozens trying to perfect my clinical and diagnostic skills. I was proud of the cases I presented to the Accreditation board. But upon reflection, all of my clinical casework took a dramatic turn for the better.
During the Accreditation journey, I carefully chose continuing education to support my learning. I registered for each AACD Scientific Session and selected from among the many hands-on courses offered. Each year I learned something new, and my clinical skills reflected that learning. I heard from the masters at lectures and presentation courses and chose to pursue further training with a few of those who I thought were the best. I believe we develop an internal clinical standard. My standard was honed and sharpened as I saw the work of others and then integrated the clinical ideas I learned from my peers.
How does clinical excellence translate into a more financially sound practice? While it may seem obvious, there is no question that better clinical skills result in more predictable results, fewer redos, and less time wasted. This is in addition to larger cases that command higher fees. The opportunity to provide clinical service is reward in itself, yet greater financial returns are a welcome addition.
Better photographic and documentation skills