Many years ago, I wrote an office newsletter called Speedbumps on the Road of Life. It was a little bit about dentistry but mostly about my desire to explore the common experiences that make us human. It was also about relationships and how, once in a while, something happens to make us slow down and notice that beneath the fast pace and complexity of life we are all connected.

But that was many years ago and time marches on. This blog is the twenty-first century equivalent of my old newsletter and technology now allows my postings to turn into a conversation. Please join me.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I'm here in Utah, having just taken Gordon Christensen's "Annual Update" continuing education course. He is arguably the finest dental educator in the country, if not the world. What makes this course so valuable to me is that Gordon is a practicing dentist just like me, but he also runs an independent testing laboratory that has no tie-in or financial support from any manufacturer. 

Most people would assume that the FDA or some other federal agency tests or regulates the materials that are used in your mouth. Not true. Manufacturers do their own research and in some cases manipulate the testing to get the most favorable results. Once the product is on the market, the real testing happens "in the field" - that is to say, in patients' mouths. This is NOT a good situation. What Gordon Christensen does is perform clinical trials on real people, publish the results, and teach several courses every year to get the word out on what works and what doesn't. I have subscribed to his newsletter for many years and consider it the single most valuable resource to ensure that I am doing the right thing for my patients. 

After taking this year's edition of the course, I feel very good about what we do in the office. We are providing good value for our patients. There will be just a few incremental changes to incorporate improved products and we will consider adding some new technology that has proven benefits, but that's about it.

It's nice that this particular course was given in Utah. My only brother lives in Seattle, so we rarely see each other, but he just bought a ski house in Park City. Consequently, I can get educated, visit the family, and do a little skiing at the same time.
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2 comments:

  1. Don VerricoFebruary 12, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    I'm surprised at your advanced age that you can still be educated and ski. Seriously...those of us who have been your patients for the last 150 years appreciate that you have always adopted the latest technology and jammed your head full of leading edge dental-o-mania. I and my few remaining natural teeth appreciate it.

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  2. Dr. DaveFebruary 13, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    I know you only have a few remaining teeth, but that one big one in the front is kind of cute.

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