Clinical Dentistry: Should Dental Professionals Practice Botox & Dermal Fillers?

 

Clinical Dentistry: Should Dental Professionals Practice Botox & Dermal Fillers?

A lot is being talked and argued about the administration of Botox by dental professionals in India. Many dentists believe that Botox and Dermal fillers belong to dermatology and dentists should not perform these procedures; which is actually a misconception. This misbelief is because not many dentists in India are aware of the significant benefits that Botox has as an adjunct therapy in many dental procedures.

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Use of Botox in dentistry is relatively a new discovery, so probably its acceptance will take some time among Indian dental professionals. If you are a dentist practicing in India and have the same misconception then this blog is for you. I am hopeful that after reading this article your false impression will fade away to some extent.

The first thing that I want all the dentists to realize is that we are part of the medical sphere and we dentists are “real doctors.” Every time when we inject LA into a patient, we are delivering a medicinal agent into the human body that has real systemic complications. The only difference is; we have received special training and mastered to deliver local anesthetic into the human body and are comfortable in dealing with the complications. By the way, I would like share a fact that the adverse reactions and complications associated with the LA that we use every day in our dental practice are far more serious than those with Botox and Dermal fillers.

After training hundreds of dentists in India; I can say that, with proper training on Botox & Dermal fillers even you can become equally comfortable in administration of Botox like you are with local anesthetic. In fact I believe that we dentists can do it better in relation to other medical professionals when it comes to head-neck-face region as we are specialized in it.

 

Here are some dental treatments where you can use Botox & Dermal fillers:

 

1. Temporo Mandibular Joint Disorder

2. Bruxism

3. Facial Pain

4. Gummy Smile

5. Full Mouth Rehabilitation

6. Smile Designing

 

All the problems that I have mentioned above fall in the realm of dentistry and dentist. I believe, no other medical professional can do justice to such dental originated problems except a dentist. So let's not take these issues as a profession and stop letting politics get in the way of science & common sense. If you still feel that Botox and Dermal fillers are not for dentists then you seriously need to re-think!!!

 

I will share some of the cases that I have treated with Botox and Dermal Fillers in my upcoming blog posts.

Source : DentistFriend

Occupational Hazards and Prevention In Dentistry- An Overview

 

Occupational Hazards and Prevention In Dentistry- An Overview

Despite numerous technical advances in recent years, many occupational health problems still persist in modern dentistry viz. exposure to infections (including Human Immunodeficiency Virus and viral hepatitis); percutaneous exposure incidents, dental materials, radiation, noise; musculoskeletal disorders; psychological problems and dermatitis; respiratory disorders and eye insults.

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INFECTION

Dental practitioners are at the risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In dentistry, sharp injuries occur because of frequent patient movement, small operating field and the variety of sharp instruments used in dental procedure.

 

PREVENTION

Dental professionals should be aware of individual protective measures (Handwashing, Treatment gloves, overgloves, mouth masks, head caps, protective overgarments) and appropriate sterilization or other high-level disinfection utilities to control infections.

 

 

MUSCULOSKELETAL

During dentistry procedure, the dentist's posture is strained which induces stress injury on musculoskeletal system. Hand/wrist complaints, carpal tunnel syndrome, Neck and shoulder complaints, back pain are the most common.

 

PREVENTION

Dentists should follow the proper operator & patient  positions , take intervals ,keep changing positions to reduce muscle strain & fatigue.

 

 

STRESS

Not only physical impairments but also the job related psychological disorders, tension, depression, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization may affect dentist’s health.

 

PREVENTION

Stress can never be totally eliminated from dental practice. However, it can be managed by the following-

Improving the work environment at the clinic.
Become less isolated and share problems with fellow practitioners.
Working more sensible hours and taking time each day for a leisurely lunch break.
Take holidays whenever the pressures of practice starts to build.
Learn how to better handle patient's anxiety and hostility.
Adopt  program of physical exercise, such as regular work out at a local health club or by simply walking.

Most importantly, being kinder to yourself and less critical and demanding of your efforts.

 

 

RADIATIONS

Ionizing radiations can initiate genetic & carcinogenic changes. Dentists who hold the X-ray film in the patients mouth are prone to radiation dermatitis on hands or in a long run squamous cell carcinoma of the figures.
PREVENTION
Dentists should not hold the x- ray film in the patient’s mouth
Dentists should avoid direct exposure to x-ray beam
Radiation monitoring

 

 

LATEX

The etiology of latex sensitivity is based on a reaction to the plant containing allergenic proteins in natural rubber. Referred to as Type I allergy to natural rubber latex protein, allergic reactions can be severe & sometimes fatal.

 

PREVENTION

Should use non-latex gloves for activities not likely to involve contact with infectious materials.
You can request gloves that do not contain latex but still offer protection against infectious materials.
Avoid oil-based creams or lotions when using latex gloves. They may cause the gloves to break down.
Wash your hands with a mild soap and dry hands completely after using gloves.
Recognize symptoms of latex allergy (rash; hives; flushing; itching;nasal, eye, and sinus irritation; asthma; and shock).

 

 

EYE

Majority of dental procedures are accomplished with instruments being passed over or near the patient's face and with aerosols and chemicals frequently in close proximity, and hence both patients and dentists should wear eye protection. The curing lights are also a potential hazard to those who place restorative resins due to phototoxic and photoallergic reactions originating from absorbed radiation.

 

PREVENTION

A dentist must be vigilant in wearing personal protective equipment (protective glasses, Face shields) to ensure their own personal safety and thus remain healthy and active in their profession.

 

 

EAR

Dentists are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Even though hearing loss may not be symptomatic, the first complication and the reason for seeking a hearing evaluation may be tinnitus. Noise is always present during the work  due to low-speed handpieces, high-speed turbine handpieces, high-velocity suction, ultrasonic instruments, vibrators, cleaners and other mixing devices, and model trimmers.

 

 

PREVENTION

Noise monitoring should be done with noise dosimeters routinely in the dental operatory and necessary measures to reduce noise should be taken. Application of muffles, Handpieces should be well maintained, Compressors should be fitted away from the work place, Sound absorbing material wall ,Resilient floors, Sound proof acoustical ceiling, Simultaneous use of several turbines should be avoided,Dental drills should be kept 35 cm away from ear,Ear plugs and muffs, Audiography test periodically for early detection.

 

 

CONCLUSION

There is a need to educate and make the dentists aware of these hazards in dentistry and the methods of their prevention. This can be carried out by carrying various informative programs like seminars, continuing dental education programs and workshops on prevention of occupational hazards in the region. So, it is important for dentists to remain constantly up-to-date about measures on how to deal with newer strategies and dental materials and implicates the need for special medical care for this professional group.

Source : DentistFriend

How To Have A Bargaining Free Dental Practice?

 

How To Have A Bargaining Free Dental Practice?

In my last blog you saw how differentiation can help to have a competition free practice. I had also mentioned about adding "Extra Value", in this blogpost let’s see why & how to add that extra value in your practice.

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What does "Extra Value" mean? 

 

In lay man language, it means giving something extra than what is expected by the patient (not that you pull out an extra tooth. :p) It is about making the patient feel important. It is about "Branding" your practice.

 

Why do you need to do it ?

 

Giving that "Extra Value" can help you to retain your patients and there are many other things that it can do!  Again let's start with examples; Did you ever try bargaining at KFC, Dominos or Mac'D? I'm sure never. On the other hand, when it comes to a local restaurant we never hesitate to ask for discount.

 

Why do people pay happily at THE TALVALKARS GYM but groan, moan and complaint when it comes to paying a personal gym instructor? Why do they happily pay 1000 bucks for a 15 min job at TONY AND GUY and they bargain with their friendly neighborhood barber even for 100 rupees?

 

We try to bargain at places which are considered as local and the synonym for LOCAL is NON-BRANDED! So now you got to my point! You need to change your practice from Local To Branded, because a BRAND belittles the consumer. We find it inadequate to argue, but want to be a part of it, at all costs. In our mind we feel that the brand somehow glorifies us and that's actually true! That's Human Nature!This is why luxury hotels like Taj, Hyatt invest on creating their brand value? This is why they are they behind improving the user experience & building their image in people's mind.

 

I am sure you would have arrived to the conclusion yourself! This is the magic of Branding!

 

Just imagine what can happen if somehow you could convince the patient that he is getting value for his money. Probably the patient will hesitate to bargain, he might appreciate the services he got at your clinic and it is possible that he will never ever think of visiting any other dentist in future.

 

Just like differentiation helps to build a competition proof practice; branding helps you in bulding a "Bargaining Free" practice. Apart from this it has following advantages:

 

1. It gives a hidden message describing certain feature or attributes of the practice.

 

2. It helps to filter patients and you will spend less time on convincing the treatment options.

 

3. It conveys a message about your services to patients thus creating the image of your practice.

 

4. Once you successfully establish a brand, people always associate your business with some quality/ value.

 

5. It also helps you in retaining patients.

 

 

Want to know about how to do brand your dental practice? Will share everything in detail in my next blogpost.

Source : DentistFriend

How To Deal, When You Are Asked For Guarantee On Dental Implants?

 

How To Deal, When You Are Asked For Guarantee On Dental Implants?

In initial days of my practice, one of the patients asked me “Doc, this implant would last lifetime, right?”  I was surprised with that sudden question.. I was really not used to all such bouncers but somehow I managed the situation of that time. The whole incidence had left me with the fear of facing such questions in future and that's when I decided to get answers to all such questions..

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The first thing that I tried to figure out was "Why do patients ask for guarantee of implant?" & I found the answer when I looked at the treatment option with patient’s perception. It is not that patients always ask for guarantee due the high treatment costs but sometimes it's due to the fear of surgery.

 

What patients ask is not wrong but as a clinician one should never forget that even after having best of knowledge, skills and vast experience, many things can go wrong and implants can fail. 

 

What best a clinician can do is; assure patient that things are done to the best of his knowledge, skills and experience; treatment results may last longer, subject to patient’s awareness, motivation and desire to follow clinician’s instructions and regular recall visits.

 

The word Guarantee is really dangerous.. 

 

As it literally means “promise” or “pledge”. How a doctor who is treating human body part (that is regulated by so many factors) can give LIFETIME GUARANTEE on a specific treatment.

 

"Guarantee" is fine with non-living objects but doesn't it sound weird with respect to living things?

Have you ever heard any experienced Cardiac Surgeon saying, “I have done a fantastic bypass surgery, now I guarantee you 10 years or 20 years of life”, probably you will never ever hear this. Forget about the cardiac surgeon even the Almighty has not given a guarantee of life. In my humble opinion “Guarantee” is not a word that should exist in the dictionary of a doctor. Being clinicians we all know that human body has complex mechanisms where many things are in simultaneous process. Above all every person reacts differently (Including both doctor and patient) in different situation so nobody can predict the longevity of treatment. 

 

In my practice there is absolutely no word called GUARANTEE, for your surprise some patients have even challenged me by saying, “Doctor if you can't give guarantee means you don’t trust your skills”, My polite reply to that was, "Sir I do trust my skills more than anything but what I don’t trust is YOU”. 

 

Overall studies have quoted success rate of single implants for more than 97% up to 10 years (less for implant supported full arch prosthesis), So that is what we can call life of an implant. After good surgical placement & implant prosthesis, If implant survives more than 10 years it would be all because of good maintenance and periodic recall visits kept by patient. 

 

Patients expect implant to survive till they die, which is not possible anyway. We need to make it very clear at consultation phase only that life of an implant would be up to 10 years sometimes it may be less than that (depending upon patient’s local & systemic conditions also).  I always tell my patients, “Huge amount that you are going to spend for an implant and using that implant all day for another 8 to 10 years, is a very long span, so spending on implant is completely worth; rather looking at the cost, look at the benefits like quality of oral functions you are going to get after dental implant treatment.

 

I never forget to mention that implant structure includes screw and crown, so there are equal chances of screw loosening and some damage or fracture to prosthetic structure due to wear and tear which can be managed subsequently with an additional cost. In case of an Implant failure, most suitable option at time would be suggested like an implant placement again or some alternative option with a reasonable cost. Never ever convince patients on the basis of promises that are beyond your control, be realistic and straightforward as it will give you long standing trustful relation with your patient and above all complete peace of mind. 

And last but not the least; don’t forget to tell your implant patients…

 

“Implants are lifeline but not for lifetime”. 

 

I wish you all a very Happy Implant Dentistry.

 

Source : DentistFriend