Visualize the Case Finished Before You Start
Written by: Timothy Kosinski, DDS
My strong interest in implant dentistry dates back to my second year in dental school; I was fortunate to be mentored by skilled dentists who guided me well. After residency, I was fortunate to work with Dr. Paul Mentag in Detroit. Paul was one of the early implant pioneers and active in the AAID. I developed true skills following his path of "visualizing the case finished before ever starting." This was a lesson I lived with throughout my career. Mentoring is one of the most critical means of excelling in any field of dentistry, especially implant dentistry. Take advantage of those professionals who are willing to help you excel. Technology has advanced to such a high level and allows each practitioner to become extremely proficient and efficient in treatment. It is important for recent dentists to understand that providing implant dentistry ethically and well is a pathway that may take years to master. Education is the key to success. Communication is as important as growing bone and getting a dental implant to integrate. Meeting the patient’s expectations is paramount.
Achieving profitability in a dental practice requires a strong business sense. Educating yourself on all the nuances of implant systems is obviously important. Surrounding yourself with highly talented people who really care and have a lot of empathy, and listening to the patient’s concerns, is the beginning of positive prognoses. Selling has never worked for me; rather, my job is to educate and instruct the patient in my dental chair on the benefits and risks of any procedure. The more they understand, the better the result, regardless of what happens.
Dentistry is a hard job, but the most wonderful profession. Enjoy the ride, take care of your physical health, and continuously evolve. Invest in technology that offers an opportunity to develop diagnostic and clinical skills I spent 10 years mastering. Initially, provide treatment you are most comfortable with to get a long-term positive result.
The AAID is an organization that wants each professional member to excel, advance, and provide our patients with the most comprehensive implant dentistry. It's a great time to be a dentist!
Dr. Timothy Kosinski is an Affiliated Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. He is currently the Editor of the AGD journals General Dentistry and AGD Impact and was named editor of IMPLANTS TODAY, the implant publications of DENTISTRY TODAY. Dr. Kosinski has placed nearly 21,000 dental implants and published over 260 articles on the surgical and prosthetic phases of implant dentistry, over 140 dental editorials and was a contributor to the textbooks, Principles and Practices of Implant Dentistry, and 2010’s Dental Implantation and Technology.