Dr. Ronald E. Golden talks about esthetic care

Article Abstract:

An interview is presented with Dr. Ronald E. Goldstein, a specialist in esthetic dental care. He has authored a major text, 'Esthetics in Dentistry', and a best-selling consumer book, 'Change Your Smile'. The interview is the first of a three-part series concerning esthetic dental care. A key event in Dr. Goldstein's early years was his association with Dr. Charlie Pinkas, another proponent of acrylics in dental care and inspiration for esthetic dentistry. This meant focusing on appearance after dental care, a primary concern for most patients, but a secondary concern for dentists, who traditionally strive primarily to restore function. An initial survey in 1960 of contestants in Miss America pageants revealed that 80 percent were not satisfied with their smiles. Moreover, the women's dentists had not taken their complaints seriously. When Dr. Goldstein realized the importance of closer attention to esthetics, he found that little was known. Although the first edition of 'Esthetics in Dentistry' was published in 1976, acceptance of esthetics as a serious branch of dentistry came only after publication of the consumer book in 1984. Now, as many as 80 percent of all dentists perform esthetic procedures, but many do not perform them extremely well. While all dental schools provide some training in esthetics, most do not acknowledge that the field requires special skills. Curriculum issues and the debts dentists face early in their careers also hinder such additional training. This should include training in artistry, with emphasis on three dimensional visualization skills. Excellent video courses are now available. Dentists who want to build an esthetic practice must learn to face the reality of who their patients are and if their esthetic problems be solved. The next step is developing an internal marketing plan, so patients will not look beyond the dentist they already have. A patient history book, with before-and-after photographs, will help educate patients concerning possibilities. Newsletters can also help, although they should not be started before some results are available. A receptionist can help by sending out material about esthetic dentistry before the first visit. Communication is ultimately the most important factor in assessing what the patient says, and what he means. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Marketing, Telecommunications systems, Interview, Dentist and patient, Dentist-patient relations, Goldstein, Ronald E.

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Composite resin esthetic dentistry survey in New England

Article Abstract:

Esthetic dentistry is becoming an increasingly important part of dental practice as the use of composite resins and porcelain restorations has become popular. Some patients ask for restorations that will produce the best cosmetic result even though these restorations may not be the best treatment for them. Other patients seek cosmetic improvement when there is no dental problem that requires treatment. Since there has been a decline in caries (tooth decay) in children and adolescents, it is likely that an increasing amount of time will be spent on esthetic dentistry. A survey was conducted of dentists in the six-state New England region to determine the time spent and the income produced by providing esthetic treatment to noncarious teeth, and to survey other aspects of activities related to esthetic dentistry. Of the 385 dentists who responded, esthetic dentistry accounted for approximately 10 percent of both time and revenue of the dental practice. Approximately 15 percent of the respondents were devoting nearly one-third of their time to esthetic dentistry. Sixty percent of patients receiving this treatment were 40 years of age or younger. Posterior amalgam restorations outnumbered composite resin restorations by four to one, because of the longstanding reliability of amalgam as a restorative material. Despite the increasing demand for esthetic dentistry, and despite the likelihood that the demand will continue to increase, dental schools do not offer adequate training in this area. Most practitioners learn the techniques through continuing education programs. This void in dental school curriculum will put recent graduates at a disadvantage. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Innovations, Dental care, Oral hygiene, Dental materials

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Statement on posterior resin-based composites

Article Abstract:

The American Dental Association's Councils on Scientific Affairs and Dental Benefit Programs have issued a statement on the use of resin-based composites in dental restorations. Advances in the manufacture of these materials have increased their usefulness. They can be used to make fillings that match the color of teeth. Less tooth material needs to be removed when using these materials, which contributes to the stability of the tooth. They can be as long-lived as some amalgam fillings.

Equipment and supplies, Fillings (Dentistry), Dental fillings

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