⬇️ Below the Gumline
Are We Healers or Mechanics? — the eternal dentist identity struggle.
Some days, we walk out of the operatory feeling like heroes — we healed someone, got them out of pain, restored confidence. Other days, it feels more like we just tightened bolts and patched cracks in a machine. But here’s the truth: being a “mechanic” doesn’t make us less of a healer. Dentistry sits at the crossroads of art, biology, and engineering — and the best dentists master all three. This week, think about which side of that spectrum you lean toward… and whether your patients would be better served if you leaned a little the other way.
🔥 High-Speed Chatter
🦷 CBCT standards update: The ADA just released a new DICOM standards draft for CBCT systems — and they’re asking for your feedback. Want to influence how 3D imaging data is standardized nationwide? Now’s your chance. Read More >
💀 Mercury in amalgam — global phaseout? Over 140 countries are revisiting their stance on mercury use, including in dental fillings. The days of amalgam might finally be numbered. Read More >
💻 Data breach payout alert: If your dental data vendor was affected by the FCDG settlement, your office may be eligible for compensation. HIPAA compliance is expensive — this one might pay you back. Read More >
🪑 Hiring whiplash continues: The dental hiring landscape is shifting again — wages, expectations, and work-life balance are all being renegotiated in real time. If you’re still hiring “like it’s 2019,” you’re already behind. Read More >
🚫 Fluoride tablets for kids? FDA says no. The FDA is removing ingestible fluoride drug products marketed for children. The focus is shifting back to topical and controlled applications only. Read More >
🧠 AI, meet your new job title — “dental productivity coach.” One company just launched an AI assistant trained to optimize dental team performance using behavioral data. Welcome to the age of algorithmic leadership. Read More >
🧪 The Research Says
⁇ The Question: Does SDF actually stop decay for good, or is it just a temporary Band-Aid that stains teeth and buys time?
📚 The Evidence:
“SDF arrested ~81% of active lesions in primary teeth.” — Gao et al., JDR Clin & Translational Research, 2016
“SDF was 89% more effective than placebo at 12 months.” — Chibinski et al., Caries Research, 2017
The CariedAway Trial (JAMA Network Open, 2023) followed nearly 3,000 NYC kids for two years — SDF performed just as well as sealants in both caries arrest (56% vs 46%) and prevention (~81% for both). A 2024 Frontiers in Oral Health review confirmed sustained caries arrest with biannual 38% SDF use, with no decline beyond three years of data.
✅ The Answer:
Yes — SDF works long-term, provided it’s reapplied twice per year. Arrest rates consistently hover between 70–90%, matching or exceeding sealants, glass ionomer, and other non-restorative approaches.
🪥 The Application:
Use 38% SDF, applied every 6 months. Dry, isolate, apply for one minute, no rinse. Cover with glass ionomer for esthetics (the SMART technique). Educate patients about black staining, obtain consent, and reapply consistently.
SDF isn’t pretty, but it’s powerful — especially for high-risk, elderly, or medically fragile patients. It’s not a temporary fix — it’s a paradigm shift in how we manage caries.
💰 Business Bites
Weekly 1:1s with Key Staff → The simplest leadership tool most dentists ignore.
The best way to improve culture, accountability, and performance? Fifteen focused minutes per week. Schedule short, consistent one-on-one meetings with your lead assistant, front desk, and hygienist. Ask: “What’s working? What’s not? How can I help?” You’ll uncover issues early, build trust, and prevent 90% of future fires. The ROI on those 15 minutes? Massive.
🤯 Productive Pearls
Tighten Up Those V-Rings Before They Let You Down.
If your V-rings start losing tension, your Class II contacts will too. Set up a weekly system where your assistants check and tighten them. A few minutes of maintenance keeps your contacts crisp, saves frustration, and keeps your composite game dialed in.
💉 Mental Anesthesia
You’d think with all that ad budget, they could afford a better Halloween commercial… but here we are. At least it’s scary for the right reasons.
🤝 Got a Question? Got a Friend? 🤝
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