Beyond the single tooth

Dental school teaches us to be technicians and to think in a linear fashion. We come out reacting to and fixing problems. Prevention has historically been limited to oral hygiene and not as frequently addressed with the condition of the entire dentition. When we practice in this manner, we are perceived as a commodity, and there is little to differentiate ourselves or our expertise. However, when we approach our patients in a comprehensive manner, our critical thinking is enhanced. We now s...