Todd B. Engel, DDS, founder and director of the Engel Institute — which educates dentists about implant dentistry through the live patient experience — believes that general practitioners should understand the basics of implant placement in order to make informed decisions when it comes to their patients. Here are some insights he offers on how to get started.
1. Prioritize the Patient: Always begin and end with the patient’s best interest in mind, regardless of how it may or may not benefit the provider. This will set the stage for an honest, healthy, and long-lasting relationship.
2. Visualize Ideal Treatment Outcomes: Oftentimes, ambiguity exists when we’re not sure when to refer out a patient for more experienced care. It’s quite simple: We must clearly visualize the goals and have the end in mind for our patients, and then decide if we feel capable of achieving that desired result. Should either concept be unclear, a referral is definitely in order.
3. Research Technology for Proper Usage: When entering the surgical arena as a provider, consider technology as an available source and apparatus to enhance the predictability of our outcomes but not replace the necessary knowledge of the required skill set. Technology in dentistry is often presented as “plug and play” for our convenience and added profitability. We should all be cautious about this and do our due diligence in researching before we commit to its implementation.
To continue reading Dr. Engel’s advice, access the March issue of AGD Impact.
Great insights, thanks for sharing ;)
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