As a part of our recent quality improvement planning, we’ve been discussing the limitations of individual judgement. We’ve found that cases where the whole team treatment planned together would often get better results, even though the work was usually more complex and lengthy. Here are some factors to ponder; Firstly, errors: Every doctor or other medical…
A Discussion of Fissure Sealants: Possible shortcomings of the current approach
Fissure Sealants are resin based sealers that are commonly applied to the fissures and pits of healthy adult teeth. They are often recommended to children as young as 6. A recent discussion with our DOF dental student Callum North prompted a deeper dive. We found two Cochrane reviews. Cochrane Review 2017, Resin‐based sealant versus no…
Dental Tourism
Over the last 12 years I’ve had an inside view to the effects of dental tourism on both patients and fellow dentists. This blog will share some of my thoughts. The obvious reason for dental tourism is saving money. Dentistry in Asia can cost a third or less of what the median fee would be…
Prospect Theory and Health Decisions
If you’re a staff member at Dental on Flinders or a long-term patient, you may have heard me worship Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky over the years. Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking Fast and Slow is a must read for anyone that makes decisions for a living. This book has had an enormous influence on my practicing…
Dentist and the shoe maker – 3 Min Read
Skip to TLDR Contrary to popular belief not every dentist is financially successful. More than a few colleagues of mine are struggling to make ends meet. Your humble author still rents a 2-bed apartment and owns no property. My only real-world asset is Dental on Flinders (and a bitcoin! ). One of the main reasons…
Dentistry and the long tail – 4 Min Read
Skip to TLDR Dentistry was a cottage industry (Small businesses of ma and pa owners). Each dentist had his or her flock of 2000 or so patients, and their various dental needs were looked after in a very intimate way. Dentist and patient relationships often lasted 30-40 years. Fast forward to 2019, and the landscape…
Cryptocurrency Accepted – Bitcoin and Alts
Dental on Flinders’ is excited to announce our new venture into the land of cryptocurrency! Not only are we one of the first dental clinics in Australia to pursue this new journey, but possibly, the first dental clinic in Victoria to implement such! As of today, we will be accepting an array of different cryptocurrencies—…
Amalgam in Your Mouth? Time to Panic?
Do we always remove them? No, but see below. But aren’t they toxic? Dozens of long term studies done over 20+ years have not found any clinically significant evidence of any systemic toxicity associated with amalgam. We rarely use them here at Dental on Flinders, but that’s not to say it isn’t safe. Are there…
FAQ
Q: How often should I get a checkup and professional clean? A: It depends on your age, current oral health and oral hygiene habits. If your teeth and gums are healthy, and your cleaning habits are good, then once a year may suffice. Otherwise once every six months is a safe option. Early diagnosis of…