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22 | CERECDOCTORS.COM | QUARTER 3 | 2014
you can find. Fortunately, the sky is the limit in this
age of instant information. The resources are there
for any practitioner seeking to elevate their know-
ledge and scope of practice.
what’sthebestwayforclinicians
togetstartedwithimplantdentistry?
Find a good resource that begins with the founda-
tional knowledge necessary for any surgical disci-
pline: anatomy and internal medicine. A compre-
hensive return to basic anatomy utilizing cadaver
dissection is very important. The course I sponsored
was taught by Dr. Mohammed Shawary, professor
emeritus of anatomy at Georgia Health Sciences
University. Practitioners should seek a course heavily
grounded in the scientific basis of implant dentistry
before they ever pick up a scalpel or osteotomy drill.
The resources are available for those interested.
Secondly, they should partner with a mentor who
will assist them one-on-one to improve and raise
their skill set. Getting certified and comfortable
with IV sedation will open many treatment doors.
thecerecsystemnowallowscliniciansto
fabricatechairsideabutments.isthissomething
youutilizeinyourpractice?whyorwhynot?
My integration of milled CEREC abutments with the
superimposed crowns has not been a smooth tran-
sition or without frustration. The limitations of the
system have been discussed on cerecdoctors.com.
Notable has been the large size of the connecting
sprue of the abutment. However, the changes that
have been initiated recently have made improve-
ments in the process, and I am sure the changes to
come with manufacturer involvement will overcome
some of the current limitations. The use of non-
manufactured components in the restorative phase
of implant restoration can risk the elimination of
the manufacturer’s warranty of the implant, which
is certainly concerning. Like everything else in the
world of digital CAD/CAM dentistry, it will continue
to improve and become more and more seamless.
whatdoesthefutureholdforthomas
kauffman?
The future for me, personally? I am noticing lately that
more andmore patients are askingme if I plan to retire.
Since I have never hadmore fun and fulfillment profes-
sionally, I have no reason to stop doing what I love and
what is my passion. I will continue to engage, learn,
share my successes and failures, and continue to
share in the journey with my friends and colleagues
to change the world as long as I am able physically,
and able to contribute. A part of my personal mission
is to share information and reach out to our ENTand
pulmonologist colleagues. Most are unaware of the
knowledge and perspective a dentist can bring to
their team.Most of themareunaware of the informa-
tionwe can share for the benefit of their patients.
ifyoucouldgiveadvicetonewgraduates
comingoutofdentalschool,whatwoulditbe?
Support and get involved with your state and local
constituent branch of theADA. Our national profes-
sional organization is worthy of your support. Strive
and commit to become perpetual students and to
continue to learn from every resource you can find.
Choose these resources carefully, and try to find the
best out there, like the Spear Campus. Get IV seda-
tion certified and incorporate it into your practice.
This will set you apart and lead to great opportuni-
tiescaringfor fearfulpatientswhoconsistentlyavoid
routine dental care and need our help the most. Get
technologically current, andmaintain that edge.
The ROI for both the Comfort and CEREC
has been incredible. I ran the numbers, and just
in imaging fees generated with the Comfort,
we produced enough treatment to pay for both
purchases in three years.
Look for the good in all your patients, develop a
bone-deep, ethically centeredvalue systemthat puts
the best interests and health of your patients first —
always. And try to find that balance so difficult to
manage betweenwork, play, family andworship.
Be the leader your practices and families
deserve. Surround yourself with the best quality
people you can find, and separate yourself from
those who bring you down. In business and life
you cannot change people, but you can change the
people with whom you associate.
Have a sense of humor running through your
life and learn to regularly laugh at yourself.
Laughter makes the constant changes we all face
easier to embrace.
Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them,
but more importantly celebrate your many successes
personally andwith your teammembers collectively.
This is truly the golden age of dentistry. Jump in
and enjoy the ride.
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