Combining Art
and Science
The Practice of Modern Dentistry
Dentistry
today is going through a transformation brought about by rapid changes in technology. The face of dentistry also is changing due to
outside control by insurance companies and governmental regulations.
To be
successful in today’s environment, the modern dentist must be a master of both art
and science in his/her dental practice. The demands of cosmetic dentistry
require an artist’s touch for optimal appearance of a patient’s smile. However, even with all the advances in new
adhesives and tooth-colored bonding materials, the dentist must have a
scientist’s understanding of the underlying gum and tooth structure.
While a
majority of dentists still use mercury amalgam as the material of choice for
fillings, a growing segment of the population is demanding that their teeth be
restored with the new tooth-colored composite materials. These newer materials are as hard as tooth
enamel, but they require special training to apply.
Dentistry
is like other industries in that prices and services vary greatly among dental
offices. Some of these differences can
be understood better if we realize that each dental office has its own unique
way of practicing dentistry. For
example, it is more costly and takes more time and training for a dentist to
use the newer composite materials than to use mercury amalgam as a dental
filling. Consequently, the fees can be
considerably higher to have your teeth restored with the newer composites.
Prices
can vary greatly among dentists who use the newer composites exclusively. These price differences can result from the
cost of the composites used and from the skill level of the dentist. There are a number of composites available
and they vary in cost and performance.
Dentists
who use composites and attend special workshops acquire additional training in
the skills needed to apply the material to the tooth. Not all dentists have trained as intently at
applying the composites, just as all artists are not equally trained at
painting a sunset. Those with greater
skills can, and often do, charge a higher price for their services.
All of
the variables in dentistry make it difficult to compare one dentist to
another. If price is your only
criterion, then it is a simple matter to pick the lowest-priced dentist. However, given the importance of teeth to
your looks and health, price is not the most important criterion. It becomes apparent that the skills of the
dentist and his/her mastery of the art and science of dental work are more
important than price.
Comparing
dentists is like comparing auto mechanics.
Not only is the original diagnosis of the problem critical, but the
actual repair must be done with skill and knowledge. A good mechanic can charge more than others
for the same work, but he will attract a loyal following because he has earned
their trust, his quality is consistent, and he stands behind his work.
Charles E. Warlick, Jr.,
D.D.S.
Dr. Warlick has been practicing dentistry in Wimberley for 21
years. He is Managing Director for the
c: Hill Country News- Modern
Dental Practice