Out of your comfort zone, to become an even better dentist
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 22nd January 2021
These past 18 months or so, many dentists have had to step out of their comfort zones.
How you responded to a landscape that was suddenly reshaped by forces out of everyone’s control will depend on various factors and we have all moved forward in our own, unique way.
Maybe you saw an opportunity to adapt your practice. Even before 2020, dentistry was changing, and GDPs would have been aware of the growing need to embrace new ideas and different perspectives. We are seeing more skill-mix in practices, for example, also a greater focus on prevention and inceptive solutions, as well as more adult patients choosing to improve their smile with conservative restorative treatments and orthodontics.[i]
If you hadn’t yet explored ways to meet the challenges of modern dentistry – because of time, or because your “comfort zone” was a thriving practice that you didn’t feel the need to change – recent events have underlined how important it is to be willing to diversify and keep adding to your skills and experiences. Even if the present is going well, a dentist who is committed to ongoing learning will be prepared for the future, too. Learning keeps you inspired and motivated while ensuring you are able to meet patients’ expectations.
The key to professional and personal fulfilment
Is now a good time for GDPs to upskill? Yes! Whatever stage you’re at in your career, embarking on quality education and training is always fulfilling, on a professional and personal level. Be the dentist who can offer more and help more patients. Via ongoing learning, you’ll discover the latest techniques, how to deliver and when to use them. You can also engage with likeminded professionals who will grow your network and support you on your journey.
Patients will pay for dental treatment that is delivered efficiently, and that endures. A beautiful smile is what patients desire, but they also want one that looks natural. Modern restorative-orthodontic treatments also offer solutions to problems like tooth wear, of which we are seeing more cases, and which can lead to functional as well as aesthetic problems, if left unchecked. If you are able to offer these treatments, this is immensely satisfying, not least because of the range of issues you will now be able to solve. You will be constantly challenged and will evolve as a clinician, using the cutting-edge techniques, materials and equipment that put you ahead of the curve.
Not all learning is equal
Quality training is the route to quality dentistry, so seek out the very best. As well as comprehensive, relevant content, look for options that include mentoring. This means you’ll become connected to a dynamic community, rather than simply to a training provider. Professionals who are experienced in the field can not only offer guidance, but will also be able to advise if a case is beyond your current competency. Dental treatment must always be safe and correct; avoiding a complaint, or worse, is a priority. But don’t let the fear of complaints stop you from stepping out of your comfort zone either as the best programmes will give you the confidence to deliver appropriate treatment for every patient.
The ability to offer a minimally invasive solution, which preserves the integrity of the tooth or teeth, is the gold-standard of modern dentistry. This is one reason why adult orthodontics has grown in popularity – it offers a conservative alternative to something like veneers, with stunning results. Or maybe your patient hadn’t considered orthodontics – if you are able to wax lyrical about why it could be right for them, because you have knowledge of the benefits and can assure them you have the level of skill needed for a successful outcome, this will encourage acceptance.
For learning that will allow you to meet the highest clinical requirements, your patients’ expectations and engage you with a dynamic community of professionals, consider joining IAS Academy. The Academy is well-established and offers exceptional education and training whether you’re a beginner to orthodontic-restorative dentistry, or you are on a more advanced pathway. With membership, you will get savings on courses and ongoing mentoring from leading clinicians, guiding you from diagnosis, to treatment planning and execution. Support is constant too, thanks to an innovative online portal.
With so much uncertainty, now is the time to learn, to expand your skill set, your treatment repertoire and your network. Dentistry has always been a progressive industry, but the day-to-day demands of working in a busy practice sometimes make it hard to step back, assess and consider a different focus. A dentist who can provide world-class orthodontics and restorative treatment, that is safe, ethical, successful and beautiful will be able to solve a range of issues and will always be in demand. To stay motivated and inspired, focussed on patient satisfaction and a fulfilling future, a commitment to learning is key.
For more information on IAS Academy membership and upcoming training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1)
[i] British Orthodontic Society. News and Events. New British Orthodontic Society survey reveals the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment in the UK remains high, August 2019. Link: https://www.bos.org.uk/News-and-Events/News (accessed October 2020).
