The practice of dentistry today is dramatically and rapidly changing. The reduction in the incidence of caries and the zero population growth of the 1970's and early 1980's have had a significant impact on the makeup and economic growth of General and Pediatric practices.

 

During this unpredictable economic period, most dentists realized that they must offer their patients a complete and comprehensive program of dental care.

 

In 1983, the American Dental Association, in a strategic plan called "The Future of Dentistry," recommended:

 

  • Broadening the general practitioner's clinical skills and scope of services offered to the public
  • Decreasing the number of specialists and the scope of specialty practice
  • Promoting more effective continuing education experiences to change the character of dental
  • practice
  • Developing new continuing education methodology and technology

 

In our opinion, the dental practitioner must experience personal and professional growth, maintain the integrity of the "fee for service" practice, and expand his or her health care services or all of dentistry will suffer — including the specialist.

 

Triggered by public awareness, fueled by the federal government, and directed by the governing body of dentistry, these changes, especially in the area of orthodontic treatment delivery systems, must be incorporated into the dental practice of today and tomorrow.

 

For a myriad of reasons, undergraduate dental education has failed the dentist in the area of orthodontics. At the same time, the demand for orthodontic care is increasing. Extended continuing education programs in orthodontics have been developed to fill this educational void and to meet the growing need.

 

In a survey of over 1,000 general dentists who have participated in extended continuing education in orthodontics, the answers to the question "Why orthodontics?" fell into the following six categories:

 

 

1. Better serve our patients' needs

  • "I can better inform my patients of options and alternative possibilities"
  • "Even if I choose not to do the treatment myself, I can provide more timely recognition referral"

 

2. Patients prefer one-stop dental treatment

  • "Orthodontic services help create a full-service practice"
  • "My patients prefer an environment they know and trust"
  • "Patients prefer the familiarity"
  • "Eliminates the unknown"

 

3. Skill and service improves

  • "Sharpens all dental skills"
  • "Enhances restorative and fixed prosthetic procedures"
  • "Truly esthetic dentistry"

 

4. Creates practice growth & maintenance

  • "Whole families have followed orthodontic patients into our practice"
  • "I have developed long-term service relationships with former orthodontic patients"
  • "Have become patients for life"
  • "Appreciate the value of dental treatment"

 

5. Dental practice is more enjoyable

  • "Revitalized my interest"
  • "Interesting and fun"
  • "Personally very gratifying"
  • "Helped prevent burnout"

 

6. Improves the bottom line

  • "It is very profitable"
  • "Expands treatment capabilities and improves the bottom line"
  • "Helps make cash flow more stable and predictable"
  • "Significant additional revenue"
  • "Minimal doctor time"
  • "Highly profitable due to delegation of procedures"

 

As these changes in dentistry continue to take place, you can choose one of three possible actions:

 

  1. You can make things happen
  2. You can watch things happen
  3. You can wonder, "What the heck happened?"

 

Your professional life may depend on how you prepare for tomorrow! So ask yourself: Why should I choose the F.O.R.C.E. programs for my continuing education needs?

© 2007 - Faculté for Orthodontic Research and Continuing Education, Inc. (F.O.R.C.E., Int.)
Richard A. Litt, D.D.S., M.S. - Director/President
www.forceint.com