How mastering the fundamentals can transform your dentistry

Quality record-keeping matters

Creating comprehensive, detailed patient records is an act that will inform the majority of the treatment journey. However, while taking a basic history is relatively straightforward, it’s important to consider certain factors. For example, patients may be nervous and unwilling to divulge details of their medical history, so building trust is essential to ensure that they are as honest and open as possible. There may also physical signs that can indicate relevant details to a clinician when a patient arrives for their appointment. For instance, if a patient comes in smelling of cigarette smoke or has any signs of decay or wear on their teeth as a result of lifestyle habits or medical conditions – creating a detailed history isn’t necessarily achieved just through initial conversation. It is for this reason that a high-quality clinical assessment is also vital.

What about dental photography? Introducing photography into your clinical assessment instantly makes it much simpler to assess and plan a case. Plus, the visual nature of this step can be used to better communicate with patients, helping them to gain a deeper understanding of their oral health and any proposed treatments. Taking good quality dental photographs doesn’t have to be difficult, and a course will be worthwhile to ensure that when you take these photos, they not only capture the relevant detail but are also well lit and properly framed.

Throughout all of this initial contact time, communication is essential. It can be difficult to communicate with patients effectively during short appointment times, but there are certain tips you can try to help patients open up. For instance, asking open questions, ensuring that you listen to what they’re saying are basic ways to help foster trust – but these small adjustments in how you speak to patients can make all the difference in the long run.

Treatment planning that goes further

Treatment planning is so much more than simply detailing what procedures are recommended for a patient. The process is also about communication and building trust, helping patients to understand your vision and also having the willingness to listen to their concerns and adjust the plan where necessary.

A fantastic treatment plan is a journey of multiple steps. Regardless of the case in hand, patients need to be given a selection of detailed treatment options that can genuinely work with the timeframe, budget and desired outcomes.

To help improve treatment acceptance clinicians can also learn how to create 3D diagnostic wax-ups. This way, patients will be able to see what their smiles will realistically look like after treatment, which will inspire them to say yes and choose the option that is best suited to their aesthetic and functional needs. Digital smile design is also a great way to communicate with dental technicians and ensure that you are both on the same page.

Make sure your skills are gold-standard

For most clinicians, everyday dentistry is the bread and butter of their practice. Treatments such as providing composite fillings or crowns are generally simpler compared to complex orthodontics or dental implant placement, but that doesn’t mean that they are less significant to your patients.

Elevating your everyday dentistry can include honing your clinical skills in areas such as learning design-driven restoration techniques, how to make matrices from diagnostic wax ups and figuring out the adhesive systems that work best for you. On the other hand, it could also mean taking a closer look at areas such as communication with your lab or exploring options such as learning how to create chairside restorations – having the skills to work your way and produce outstanding results for you and your patients is vital.

Become the complete GDP

But how do you hone these skills? The Complete GDP course from IAS Academy is an excellent choice for any clinician who wants to master the fundamentals and take their dentistry further. Starting with a pre-course webinar for a theoretical overview, this course includes hands-on training that spans multiple two-day modules that cover topics such as records and splints, treatment planning and aesthetic and restorative principles. This in-depth programme also includes online mentoring for a patient case of your choice, helping you to build confidence and achieve excellent clinical outcomes.

Better dentistry starts today

The importance of mastering the fundamentals of dentistry cannot be overstated. By learning how to master the basics, you can elevate your standard of dentistry from the foundations upwards, benefitting both your patients and your practice.

For more information on upcoming IAS Academy training courses, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 01932 336470 (Press 1)

Dr Tif Qureshi founder and a clinical director of IAS Academy

Dr Tif Qureshi founder and a clinical director of IAS Academy, qualified from Kings College London in 1992. He is a Past President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an International faculty that provides mentored education for general dentists on a pathway from appropriate simple to comprehensive orthodontics.

Tif has a special interest in simple orthodontics and truly minimally invasive dentistry. He has committed his life’s work to empowering dentists to provide important alternative techniques. He offers a wide variety of treatments to many more patients, while always respecting the fundamental precepts of orthodontics.

Tif also pioneered the concept of Progressive Smile Design through Alignment, Bleaching, Bonding – a course that combines tooth alignment, composite bonding and teeth whitening to produce superior smiles using techniques with the absolute minimum of invasiveness available today.