Gravity is precise in nature, governed by laws and formulas; it does not respond to individual circumstances or objectives. It’s easy because it always works. Clinical dentistry, on the other hand, is science for sure, but an inexact science at best. Inexact science requires the skill of an artist to create a consistent and predictable result, since it is not a matter of an equation; hence the “Art and Science of Dentistry.” This inexactness is something that dentists struggle with daily.

I am currently treating a patient who presented with a bunch of broken teeth. The patient is frustrated because these teeth have been “fixed” numerous times over the past few years. His previous dentist had tried to bond things here and there to keep the cost down for the patient, but they just kept breaking. The patient, an engineer, said that he even tried giving the dentist suggestions to make things “stronger”. Those suggestions only led to more failure. Predictable dentistry often requires doing things that you would rather not do.

I recently heard an ad on the radio with a famous actor talking about colon cancer screening. He describes that having a colonoscopy after age 50 is huge in finding and treating early changes that lead to colon cancer. Most people don’t want to have a colonoscopy, but also don’t want to get colon cancer, so there is a dilemma. These actions have now become inconsistent with the desired outcome, much like the patient I just described. He doesn’t want to have a complete exam and map out a precise treatment plan that will ensure a more predictable result, but he wants to save his teeth. (more…)

Your dentist may have the best technology, may have gone to a top dental school, and do great clinical work, but none of those are the primary reasons people choose to stay with a dental practice or any service provider. Generally speaking, people stay with their provider because of the relationships they have built with individuals within the office.

When we have a problem, we all like the convenience of calling someone we know and are comfortable with. Whether that problem is a broken filling or needing to change an appointment, it is nice to deal with people who know us and are eager to help with solving our dilemma.

I recently had an appointment with an office that I needed to change. The appointment was a week and a half away. When I called the office to change the appointment, I was less than thrilled with the way I was treated. While I didn’t necessarily expect to know the person on the other end of the phone, I wasn’t expecting to feel like a criminal. The first question I was asked by the grumpy person answering the phone was, “Why do you need to change your appointment?” This was quickly followed by how inconvenient it was for their office that I needed to change my appointment.

I can completely understand how difficult it is for front desk personnel to have to deal with these kinds of issues all day long. In my office, we had over 40 appointment changes last month. That is a lot of conversations about the same thing, and stressful for any staff member who deals with a busy schedule.

We all have busy lives. Things change and sometimes we have to re-manipulate our schedules to accommodate all we have to do. However, there needs to be accountability on both ends. If we have a scheduled appointment with our dentist, our hairdresser, or anyone, it is our obligation to realize that they are relying on us to be there. Giving adequate notice (preferably as far in advance as possible – like 48 hours) of the need to change an appointment is common courtesy.

On the other end, it is important for the provider’s office to realize that people have lives outside of their appointments. While it may be inconvenient for the office to have to reschedule an appointment, the request must be handled with respect and as much accommodation as possible.

An appointment is a commitment and it is important to take our commitments seriously. If you routinely have to change appointments to accommodate your busy schedule, it may make sense to make your appointments differently, such as being “on call” when you are due for an appointment vs. pre-scheduling.

Dental offices typically schedule your next dental hygienist appointment in advance. It may be 3, 4, or 6 months away. One of the reasons this is done is for patients to choose and reserve a time that usually best fits their schedule. Patients are often disappointed if they call to reschedule and the appointment time options are limited.

The need to change appointments happens. As long as it is not a frequently occurring issue, most providers’ offices understand. Mutual respect builds relationships.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com

What is your definition of oral health? Is there even a standard definition of oral health? One thing is clear; the definition of oral health is not solely the absence of pain. Pain is also not necessarily an indication of poor oral health.

It wasn’t until the year 2000 that oral health was brought to the forefront of the surgeon general’s report as a critical component to overall health. This was an important event, but unfortunately never amounted to much in terms of being incorporated into most healthcare policies. This has led to continued poor to non-existent cross-over coverage between medical and dental insurance.

In 2005 at the World Congress of Preventive Dentistry, participants from 43 countries made it clear that oral health is an integral part of general health and overall well-being. They even concluded that oral health is a basic human right.

More recently, the United Nations recognized oral disease as an integral part of other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases and cancer. This association with these other diseases was based on common social determinants such as socioeconomic status, diet, tobacco and alcohol use, and not on the basis of transmission. However, there is still no solid definition of what oral health really is. (more…)

We are all hoping for a productive and enjoyable school year for students of all ages. Here’s a quiz to help get those learning juices flowing. Good luck!

Question #1: The risk factors for gum disease are the same as for heart disease (genetics, smoking, weight, lack of exercise, and high cholesterol).

Answer: False. Genetics and smoking tobacco are major risk factors, but stress, medications, lack of proper hygiene, and systemic problems, such as diabetes, are additional risk factors. Just like heart disease, management of gum disease requires strict maintenance visits to monitor and control the disease. Taking care of your body includes taking care of your oral health. (more…)