Dr Sundar Jagadeesan (Napier, New Zealand) graduated from India & the Kois Centre, USA. He holds a PG certification in Advanced Oral Implantology from Manipal University and was a former faculty for Clinical Dentistry at the same. Currently, he maintains a private practice in New Zealand. He is one of the coveted speakers at the DRDCA 202o International.
Introduction
The tooth is not in isolation, it is a part of the whole. When a patient walks in the clinic with complaints in his tooth, we must not forget that the treatment should be done keeping not only that tooth in our mind, but also the entire patient. We should avoid ‘only tooth dentistry’ and instead do ‘comprehensive tooth dentistry’!
Disadvantages of Only Tooth Dentistry.
- By default, you become “process – centered” and not “patient – centered.”
- Poor occlusal management - Keep the filling short and things will settle down.
- Poor perio – restorative interface management.
- Frequent failures of restorations.
- Frequent repeat work and poor profit margin in private practice.
Advantages of Comprehensive Treatment Planning.
- Patient – centered outcomes.
- Long term thinking required by the dentist.
- Patients gets better results, longevity of restorations.
- Be ready to accept “rejection” of option from patient.
- Be assured in yourself and your treatment planning process.
- You move from “survival” mode to “success” mode (again not meaning process –centered approach)
- Good occlusion management.
- Efficient chewing.
- Better aesthetic outcomes.
- Move towards an ORAL PHYSICIAN model.
- “HITMAN” v “HEALER” – Dr John C Kois, you become a HEALER rather than mechanically fix teeth!
How do you achieve this thought process ?
– By putting in “good clinical governance protocol.”
Good Clinical Governance Protocol
Starts from the reception area, make it look professional and quality looking. Front office staff should exude quality and professionalism in their dealings with any patient.
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