2 answers
Emily
Student
Rochester, New York
2
Questions
Asked
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I will soon be attending dental school and am trying to gather information on specialties. General dentists seem to see a wide variety of cases, whereas specialists focus only on certain types of situations. In what ways do specialties, such as periodontics and endodontics, remain exciting if many of the patients present similar problems?
#dentistry #specialties
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2 answers
Steven Bornfeld
Owner, Mark and Steven Bornfeld DDS
43
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
You are thinking (of course) of clinical practice. The variety of procedures (not to mention being the primary doctor to manage the overall oral health of our patients) is one of the important reasons I decided NOT to specialize.
But there are dentists in academia, dentists in research in a variety of settings. Most research is performed by specialists.
There is plenty of time to think about this though. Going through dental school will give you a far better idea of where your interests best lie within the field. You will also have first-hand contact with these specialists. I'm sure they will each have their own particular perspectives on what attracts and keeps them interested in their specialty.
Good luck!
Luke Trimberger
Student
147
Answers
Champaign, Illinois
Updated
Luke’s Answer
You're right, general dentistry offers a broad range of procedures, while specialists focus on specific areas. However, dental specialties can still be exciting for several reasons:
Deep Dives into Specific Systems:
Intellectual Challenge: Specialties allow you to delve deeper into the intricacies of a particular system within the mouth, like the root canal system in endodontics or the periodontium (supporting tissues) in periodontics. This deep dive offers a unique intellectual challenge and mastery of a specific area.
Advanced Techniques and Technologies: Specialists often utilize advanced tools, techniques, and technologies specific to their field. Mastering these allows you to provide the most cutting-edge treatments for your patients.
Problem-Solving and Variation: Even within a specific area, patients present with a variety of problems and complexities. The challenge lies in diagnosing the root cause, customizing treatment plans, and achieving the best outcome for each unique case.
Building Expertise and Reputation:
Becoming a Known Authority: As a specialist, you develop a deep understanding of your field and gain recognition from colleagues and patients. This expertise can lead to referrals, consultations, and a sense of accomplishment in being a sought-after expert.
Patient Care Nuances:
Building Relationships: While you may see patients with similar conditions, each individual has unique needs and anxieties. Specialists often develop long-term relationships with patients undergoing complex treatments, allowing you to provide comprehensive care and build trust.
Helping Patients in Need: Dental specialists often treat patients with complex or neglected oral health issues. Successfully resolving these problems can have a significant positive impact on a patient's overall health and quality of life, which can be very rewarding.
Continuous Learning and Innovation:
Staying at the Forefront: The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging. Specialists are at the forefront of these advancements, attending conferences, participating in research, and staying updated on the latest developments.
Teaching and Mentorship: Many specialists contribute to the profession by teaching dental students or residents. Sharing your knowledge and expertise with the next generation of dentists can be a fulfilling way to give back to the field.
Variety Within Specialties:
Subspecialties: Some specialties offer subspecialties, providing even more focused areas of practice within the broader field. For example, endodontics has microsurgery as a subspecialty.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Specialists often collaborate with general dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for complex cases. This collaboration can add variety and intellectual stimulation to your practice.
Ultimately, the excitement you find in dentistry will depend on your personal preferences. But even within specialties, there's a lot to discover, learn, and master, allowing you to provide exceptional patient care and contribute to the field's advancement.
Deep Dives into Specific Systems:
Intellectual Challenge: Specialties allow you to delve deeper into the intricacies of a particular system within the mouth, like the root canal system in endodontics or the periodontium (supporting tissues) in periodontics. This deep dive offers a unique intellectual challenge and mastery of a specific area.
Advanced Techniques and Technologies: Specialists often utilize advanced tools, techniques, and technologies specific to their field. Mastering these allows you to provide the most cutting-edge treatments for your patients.
Problem-Solving and Variation: Even within a specific area, patients present with a variety of problems and complexities. The challenge lies in diagnosing the root cause, customizing treatment plans, and achieving the best outcome for each unique case.
Building Expertise and Reputation:
Becoming a Known Authority: As a specialist, you develop a deep understanding of your field and gain recognition from colleagues and patients. This expertise can lead to referrals, consultations, and a sense of accomplishment in being a sought-after expert.
Patient Care Nuances:
Building Relationships: While you may see patients with similar conditions, each individual has unique needs and anxieties. Specialists often develop long-term relationships with patients undergoing complex treatments, allowing you to provide comprehensive care and build trust.
Helping Patients in Need: Dental specialists often treat patients with complex or neglected oral health issues. Successfully resolving these problems can have a significant positive impact on a patient's overall health and quality of life, which can be very rewarding.
Continuous Learning and Innovation:
Staying at the Forefront: The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging. Specialists are at the forefront of these advancements, attending conferences, participating in research, and staying updated on the latest developments.
Teaching and Mentorship: Many specialists contribute to the profession by teaching dental students or residents. Sharing your knowledge and expertise with the next generation of dentists can be a fulfilling way to give back to the field.
Variety Within Specialties:
Subspecialties: Some specialties offer subspecialties, providing even more focused areas of practice within the broader field. For example, endodontics has microsurgery as a subspecialty.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Specialists often collaborate with general dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for complex cases. This collaboration can add variety and intellectual stimulation to your practice.
Ultimately, the excitement you find in dentistry will depend on your personal preferences. But even within specialties, there's a lot to discover, learn, and master, allowing you to provide exceptional patient care and contribute to the field's advancement.