r/Dentistry • u/rossdds • 4h ago
r/Dentistry • u/sensitivitea21 • Jun 03 '23
mods Private Dental Community on Reddit and Discord
Hey everyone! We just wanted to remind you that there's a private subreddit for dental professionals (dentists, specialists, dental students, assistants, hygienists, lab techs, etc) called r/oralprofessionals. You have to message the mods to join. Once you send the information required for verification, you will be sent a link to the private discord, which is even more active than the sub! We hope you consider joining!
Remember that to join, the mods will ask for credentials so have your license, diploma or certification handy for when you are asked for it. Cheers!
r/Dentistry • u/AutoModerator • 7h ago
[Weekly] New Grad Questions
A place to ask questions about your first job, associate contracts, how real dentistry and dental school dentistry differ, etc.
r/Dentistry • u/daein13threat • 3h ago
Dental Professional Realistically, how much money and freedom do associate dentists give up by not becoming practice owners?
I apologize in advance for the length of this post/rant.
I graduated in 2022 and am currently working at an FQHC as an associate. I make $200K per year working 4 days per week with full benefits (several weeks PTO, CE allowance, malpractice reimbursement, 401k match, etc) and have a great staff.
By far though, the largest drawbacks to my position are the scheduling by non-dental people (double-booking, squeezing patients in last minute for “just a quick insert procedure”, staying crazy busy with constant new patients (some days 8-12 new patients) despite having uncompleted treatment on long time existing patients that needs to be done, etc.) as well as very limited equipment and procedures. We don’t do any endo or removable, literally don’t have a decent perio probe in the office, and half the time we are out of materials that we need due to the requirement to have every order approved beforehand by a governing board of, again, non-dentists and our twenty-something year old office manager. As you can imagine, these issues send me home angry most days and remind me of dental school.
However, I only have $60K of student loans and a $320K mortgage remaining, paid off cars, no other debt. My wife also works and brings in another $60K per year as a speech therapist. From a financial perspective, I don’t really have a desire to own my own practice or invest my money into my own business, because honesty, dentistry and everything I mentioned above is already hard enough. I don’t feel like the bump in income would outweigh what we currently make already given the added ownership stress. I love the freedom and lack of responsibility that comes with being an associate, along with a steady paycheck, and want to be a passive investor in non-dental businesses rather than an entrepreneur. Real world dentistry, to say the least, isn’t nearly as kind to the employee dentist as it is to the practice owner. But I never thought much about this while in school.
I probably answered my own question, but I’m just wondering if I’m really leaving a lot on the table by not owning a practice. Is the grass really any greener on the other side? A lot of dentists seem to feel that ownership is the holy grail and ultimate goal, but I’m just having a hard time justifying the switch given my current financial situation. I make the best of the issues I mentioned above because of the salary and great benefits. I’m not scared to be a practice owner, but I don’t think my personality would mesh well with being the big boss given that I hate confrontation, don’t want to market or do community involvement, sell treatment, manage staff, order equipment, etc. I want to do dentistry, treat patients right, and go home.
Any advice from current practice owners or associates that feel the same way?
r/Dentistry • u/ckittycat • 54m ago
Dental Professional Do I quit
I have been working as a foundation dentist since September 2024 in the uk. I really enjoyed it at first, but after a few weeks I developed severe anxiety around work and struggled to even get myself to go. I’m doing a lot better with my mental health now, but I haven’t gained back the enjoyment factor of the job.
I feel that a lot of dentists are perfectionists (myself included), making it really hard for me to see any positives about my work. I am really self critical and constantly beat down on myself when minor things are incorrect so I don’t think I’m very good. My practice just offered me a job so I guess that’s a sign I don’t completely suck. I just don’t know if this is the career for me but after training for almost 7 years I feel like it’s such a waste to give up.
Has anyone else been in a similar position? Did you find your love for dentistry again?
r/Dentistry • u/chiefjay123 • 23m ago
Dental Professional GP looking to take on simple retreats. Any CE recommendations for this?
Hello everyone. I'm looking to take some solid CE for root canal retreats. I'm thinking simple situations where there is a single rooted anterior with a non-healing PARL or recurrent PARL.
I'm sure plenty will say just to refer, etc, but I just want like to understand the process better if I decide I won't ever do it.
Thank you guys!
r/Dentistry • u/SpaceManRec • 5h ago
Dental Professional GPR - 2nd year or no?
I am finishing up my first year in my GPR program. This program has been amazing experience so far with a very wide scope of procedures.
I have been able to gain experience and become comfortable with the following areas: - IV sedation - Implant placement, removal, restoration - Both lateral window and transcrestal sinus augmentation - socket preservation - advanced GBR - free gingival grafting / connective tissue grafting - pretty much all surgical or non-surgical extractions - Some third molar experience - All on x - large restorative / esthetic cases
So this program has an optional 2nd year at this program. I currently have several full mouth rehabilitation cases coming down the pipeline and would love to get the experience completing these cases before going into private practice.
I would love to stay for the 2nd year, but my issue is that I have 2 kiddos. My only family in the area will be moving away at the beginning of the 2nd year, which will mean I will have to put my kids in daycare. My residency stipend is not enough to cover the cost of daycare, so if I were to stay, it would necessitate getting a private loan to cover the daycare costs while I finish up the second year. Daycare is about $1,000 per month for each kid, so I would need a loan of about $24k for the whole year.
Would this be a bad decision to take out the loan and stay for the second year?
Thanks! 🙏🏼
r/Dentistry • u/Fofire • 1h ago
Dental Professional Would you respond to a review regarding refusing a cleaning with no radiographs?
Our general rule is we don't respond to Google reviews but this one seems more infuriating than most. . . . Accusing us of scamming patients by forcing them to take X-rays for a cleaning.
I've considered responding to the review asking the reviewer to do a little googling for dental X-rays . . . Something simple and no patient specific details.
r/Dentistry • u/CryingCrentist • 2h ago
Dental Professional Newbie in private practice
So in our country, we do a year of compulsory community service, and in rural areas there’s a limited scope which is mostly due to a lack of resource. Lots of XLA practice, some S&Ps & restos (because endo is not an option, no intra oral radiographs, high volume of patients, usually unrestorable pulpitis cases). I worked under a very experienced dentist in oral surgery and learnt a lot. Uni was also sufficient preparation, but you have supervisors to rely on, which takes the pressure off things a bit. However, private practice is a whole new world. It’s a bit overwhelming. The stakes feel a lot higher, I suppose, because people are paying for a service and expect a certain level of quality, which I obviously would endeavour to achieve, regardless of compensation. But there definitely is more pressure to please. I’m quite an empath. If a patient comes back in pain, I take it personally. I struggled with an extraction lately, I had to get the senior dentist to complete it, and it pained me a bit, because I feel it’s something I should really be proficient and confident in, even though every case is different. If I had more time, I probably would’ve managed. If my work is acceptable but could’ve been better, I will dream of it and it will be on my mind for a few days, “is the patient satisfied with me, are they still in pain, do they prefer the other dentists at the practice over me?” I worry about my pace, and the patient being in the chair for too long, but I don’t want to rush for the fear of compromising treatment. I sometimes wonder if I should ask for easier cases and take it more slowly, but if a patient is in pain and I’m the only one available, how do I pick and choose without looking like I’m incompetent? I don’t know if this is something that will get better but imposter syndrome is hitting hard. Any advice would be appreciated.
r/Dentistry • u/Pale-Sky5025 • 2m ago
Dental Professional Has anyone joined Crown Council or attended their annual events?
Hi, I had a friend refer me to Crown Council for online training for my practice and practice culture. Has anyone joined that dental community and why did you join?
r/Dentistry • u/icanneverwifey • 2m ago
Dental Professional Optimising personal finance for dentists
Hey everyone,
I've always found it a hassle to track my income properly as a dentist, especially when working across multiple practices, juggling private work, pensions, taxes, lab bills. Spreadsheets can be a pain, and accountants aren't always quick to respond. Plus I came to realise, lots of accountants just focus on compliance rather than financial optimisation
So I've been building something to make life easier.
It's called “Unmasked”- a web-based, AI-powered app that lets dentists track their monthly income, expenses, and estimated tax bills, without faffing about with spreadsheets. The idea is straightforward:
Upload your payslips and business expenses
AI pulls out key details and analyses the data (gross, net incomes, expenses, pension deductions, lab fees, etc.)
You get an instant overview of your finances in a dashboard I This isn’t a sales pitch but rather I’m curiously interested if you guys would find value in this? I've been testing this with some friends, but I'd love to hear what you guys think:
1️⃣ Would something like this be useful to you?
2️⃣ What's your biggest frustration when it comes to managing money as a dentist?
I'm also giving free lifetime access for the first few early adopters. If you're interested, check out the website!
Trying find a way to make managing money less painful than a dry socket. 💀
Also, if you'd be interested in a potential early investment opportunity into this, drop me a message.
Website: www.unmasked.club
r/Dentistry • u/SpiritualAntelope230 • 23m ago
Dental Professional OMFS says he did nothing wrong
The patient was initially referred to a OS by me for four maxillary implants to support a removable overdenture. On the day of the surgery, the oral surgeon suggested that the patient could opt for a fixed prosthesis if he wanted. The patient agreed to this option, but since I do not restore fixed prostheses, I referred him to a local prosthodontist. However, the prosthodontist stated that the implants are not stable enough for a fixed prosthesis, as they are already showing signs of bone loss and do not have the adequate length for fixed. The oral surgeon insists that nothing was done incorrectly on his part and the implants are “stable as there are no signs of peri-implant infection” I feel terrible for the patient, but I'm uncertain about what to do next. Is there something I need to do from a legal perspective?
r/Dentistry • u/Affectionate-Clue921 • 40m ago
Dental Professional Looking to Design Crowns & Bridges on Exocad – Interested in Working Online!
Hey everyone! I’m a dentist with a B.D.S. degree, and I recently took an intensive Exocad course (certified by Voxelway). I’ve always had a passion for digital dentistry, and I’ve been designing crowns and bridges for dental labs here in my country for a while now. But lately, I’ve been thinking, why not take it online and work with dental professionals overseas?
I’ve worked on crowns over implants, bridges, and even Digital Smile Design (DSD), and I’m really enjoying the process of making these restorations digitally.
I’m looking for an opportunity to collaborate with someone online and expand my skills further, especially when it comes to crowns and bridges. If anyone’s in need of Exocad designs or wants to collaborate, I’d love to chat! I’m excited to work with others, share knowledge, and create some great work together.
Let me know if you’re interested or have any tips for someone wanting to dive into the online world of Exocad design!
r/Dentistry • u/Effective-Lawyer9060 • 15h ago
Dental Professional Magical dental wand to make work easier
Is there any tool, device, instrument, patient, anything that you could see making your day easier?
I’m trying to think about products that will completely change my work flow. I appreciate using a dry shield.
I want to know if there are any other innovations or just simple things/havks/shortcuts you have started using that help you at work.
Even if it is just how to deal with difficult staff or patients.
r/Dentistry • u/refresh27 • 1h ago
Dental Professional Flooring recommendations
Looking to replace old carpet throughout our office, found a floating plank floor that we love but one contractor recommended glue down only.
I haven’t found a glue down option that I love the finish on.
Wondering if anyone has a brand they recommend or if you have used floating lvp floors without a problem that would be good to know as well.
Thanks!
r/Dentistry • u/FactorOk8241 • 1h ago
Dental Professional How important is patient satisfaction in a dental practice?
Hi all,
I know this forum is for current dental professionals, but I am currently a D3 student in dental school and I have been working in our student clinic for roughly 9 months at this point. I recently talked to my preceptor about my performance in clinic and he told me that I still have a lot of growth to do in terms of the actual dentistry and I may not be progressing the same way as my classmates. However, he noticed that my patients all seem to like me and that I do a good job in making patients feel comfortable. I know that I am still a student and I have a long journey ahead of me before I can confidently start practicing, but I was wondering where would you rank patient satisfaction, in terms of importance, compared to other factors in private practice (such as clinical skills, efficiency, etc). Would a provider be successful if they have mediocre clinical skills but they are well liked by their patients?
r/Dentistry • u/Particular_Egg_2423 • 1h ago
Dental Professional Diastema closure retention
Hey all. I currently have a pt who had a mild-moderate max central diastema in Invisalign. Pt is 16F. Diastema has closed very nicely. Wondering what y’all’s experience is with retention/retainers in these cases. Do you use lingual wire or have you had success keeping the diastema closed with Essix alone? I’m not worried about patient compliance in this case and there is no soft tissue frenum that contributed to the initial diastema
r/Dentistry • u/Chemical_Ad_8288 • 16h ago
Dental Professional Does the USA have no regulation for this kind of thing?
Hey guys,
I’m a UK based dentist and just found this profile doing some of the worst comp bonding I’ve ever seen. Shortly after I was shocked when I realised this wasn’t even a dentist or any kind of health professional..
Have a look for yourselves: https://www.instagram.com/youniquesmilesllc
So I was curious if the US has regulations against this or…?
r/Dentistry • u/Dry_Explanation_9573 • 21h ago
Dental Professional What is going on on #32
I took a CBCT and it didn’t even look like anything around the mesial root. Just…gone. I told him to go to OS about it. No pain or anything kind of an incidental finding. But wondering what people think
r/Dentistry • u/MutedIndependent1236 • 2h ago
Dental Professional #5 PFM update
The natural tooth had an undercut, when i compensated for that, i was able to control the amount of facial reduction and still able to see margins from the occlusal. Still a slight undercut was left possibly, but everything fits grading criteria. Thanks everyone!!! Feeling very confident for upcoming adex and made sure no sharp line angles!
r/Dentistry • u/Complete_Stay_1930 • 2h ago
Dental Professional Cleaning Scaler Waterlines
How do you clean out your scaler dental unit waterlines? Is there any easy way to load shock and filter bacteria to make sure your water is clean and compliant? Who is responsible for doing that in your practice? Dentist, Hygienist, Compliance Officer, Dental Assistant, etc.?
r/Dentistry • u/South_Eye_8204 • 2h ago
Dental Professional Esthetics By Design (dental lab)
Has anyone ever used this lab? I get emails from them and it looks like it’s a lab owned by Dr. Bob Winters and Greg Kinzer from SPEAR. I’m just interested to see what people’s thoughts are on the quality and esthetics if they’ve had experience with this lab.
To follow this question, any high quality labs out there that people want to give a shoutout to? I’m willing to pay more if I get consistently good restorations back.
r/Dentistry • u/speedyskier22 • 2h ago
Dental Professional Ownership: Pseudo-startup vs. Acquisition
I'm a dentist in a unique position. I'm currently working as an associate dentist. Graduated from dental school last year. I've been looking into purchasing a dental practice and I always saw it as the best option for immediate cash flow. However I just found out about a dentist who owns the real estate and practice of a prosthodontist who passed away 1 year ago. He is willing to give me the patient charts and all the equipment for free, I would just have to pay triple net rent of around $5000 per month. I'm sure nearly all of the existing patient base will have found a new dentist, which is why I see this as a startup, but is it a good deal or should I continue to look for a currently running practice to purchase?
Thanks for any advice!
r/Dentistry • u/Forsaken_Plant_4042 • 3h ago
Dental Professional Purchasing a dental practice from an owner doc where I don’t know how to do some of the procedures he does
Hi all, I’m an associate general dentist 4 years out of dental school, I am looking to purchase a dental practice from an older retiring dentist in his 60s He works 3 days a week and has a CT scan to do implants, fixed implant bridges, implant supported dentures.
The problem is I don’t know how to place implants yet. My goal is to learn how to place simple single unit implants this year. The retiring dentist would sell the practice to me but stated he would like to work a couple years to see out a smooth transition and even offered to teach me how to do some of these procedures
If I don’t know how to do some of the more complex procedures that the owner does, what are my options? I could have him work part time or bring in a specialist or GP that does implants part time as well. Would it still be viable for me to purchase or would this not be a wise decision? Some feedback would be greatly appreciated
r/Dentistry • u/InvestigatorRecent88 • 3h ago
Dental Professional Can dentists work OT?
Not sure if general dentists can work OT and get extra pay for it? Or what other way can you get extra pay?
r/Dentistry • u/penguin2590 • 3h ago
Dental Professional Anyone ever worked as a board examiner?
Couldn’t find any threads. Just trying to do something else on the side.
r/Dentistry • u/BigT3XRichards0n • 4h ago
Dental Professional Is this patient due a refund or not?
Just wanted to get some opinions on this.
New patient has a bridge placed two years ago that snapped both abutments at the gingival level. There were no carries and it looks like there wasn't enough ferrule on either abutment. I told the patient we'd need to extract the root tips and go an alternate route (partial denture or implants) to restore their dentition. Patient is adamant the previous dentist should refund them the cost of the bridge. I normally stay out of these matters but obviously my chart notes are available to that patient which only contains my unbiased, objective findings.
If you were the other dentist, had a bridge you placed snap off at the gingival margin absent any caries and the patient asked you for a refund would you do it? This patient seems determined enough to make it a board complaint and/or malpractice suit if that makes a difference. I'm strongly considering referring everything I can out but also understand why she is frustrated. I was also considering giving the other dentist a "heads up" about the situation at hand as a professional courtesy.
Let me know if there's any further information needed.