"Only he who proves again and again, represents a real future viability"
post blogged on Christian Krischer dental technician of puraDent dentistry from Hirschaid , courtesy of proDente eV
If a patient is satisfied by the dentist visit comes home, have several professional groups good job. Dentists, dental assistants and technicians form a team which uses its extensive knowledge to offer the patient the best quality in dental and dental care. In recent years the professions have undergone a transformation. proDente talks to Thomas Lüttke, dental technician and head of the Association of German dental technicians guilds, and Dr. Dietmar Oesterreich, dentist and vice president of the Federal Chamber of Dentists, on the causes and effects of changes in the respective profession and to patients.
? Mr. Dr.Oesterreich, the dentist has long been a priority as "Rescuers" or "repairer" to limit damage. Does this now too?
general, one can now say that the oral health of the entire population in recent years has improved significantly. Children and young people are in terms of dental health at an international top position. Even in adults and seniors we have seen a growing tooth preservation. These successes could not be reached by a marginally consistent focus on a prevention-oriented dental, oral and maxillofacial surgery. Prevention is now part of the vast range of services practices. Priorities of individual prophylaxis are professional dental cleanings, sealants, education and motivation as well as advice on oral health behavior. This means that the dentist today much more a manager of oral health as a repairman. Also in the treatment of damages occurred today much more the tooth and tissue preservation is given priority.
? To what extent, the extended self-understanding of the dentist to the patient a quality progress in the treatment?
The focus on prevention and the associated tooth preservation offers patients a significant increase in quality of life. Quality in dentistry is now very much on the measured tooth preservation. With modern micro-invasive restorative treatment, improved methods of root canal treatment, dental micro-invasive sustaining surgery, but also modern method of tooth replacement is the tooth preservation possible. In addition, the interventions for the patient are now much less stressful.
? Dentists have completed a multi-year university courses for specialist dentists are still a few years added to the training. Acquired enough knowledge to treat patients for a lifetime to the highest quality standards?
our ethical views and the legal profession are committed to the lifelong further training in the interest of promoting quality. Surveys have shown that dentists in Germany, this high on their own inner drive and out on Level do. This is the best proof that the profession is aware that the shares acquired in the education and training skills are a good basis, but not long enough for the future to treat patients at the highest standard of quality.
? Mr. Lüttke, as happens with the dental technicians? What is your profession responds to the latest medical and technological advances?
The assessment of dental health profession requires as dangerous inclined to master skills as admission requirement for the production of dental restorations in Germany. This is also a key reason that the dentures made here worldwide recognition experiences. The commercial, competing companies are masters of the guarantee that new medical and technical information quickly and comprehensively in the care practice can be found feeding. Dentists and dental technicians are also considered very training-intensive occupations. The technical and artisan mastery of new materials and technologies is therefore as it were a hallmark in the development of our profession in Germany. Only those who are in cooperation with the dentist again and again "proves" and with the best solutions for the dentist to patient is working successfully, embody genuine sustainability.
? Has become the use of modern appliances changed the profession of dental technician?
Nothing is more constant than change and this also applies to the advanced dental technicians. The dental technology has permanently changed the face of ongoing development of new digital measurement and analysis methods and computer-aided manufacturing in recent years. Instead of the diameter of the wax technician working increasingly on the computer. The final completion of the restoration is then mainly in manual work. The technical developments change while applying the latest technologies, materials and procedures, but not the profession of dental technician. It's always about dental knowledge and skills for patient-specific care solutions to best use. The dental technician is not to replace as expert knowledge of changing technologies. Despite new methods of production, the necessary complex understanding of each patient case is essential. ? Dr. Austria, the dentist with the legal sole responsibility for the patient, including on the quality of the denture. If the technician to "second"?
It is quite true that the dentist solely with the inclusion of dental prostheses is liable to the patient in all aspects. But as the production of dentures intensive cooperation between dentist and dental laboratory requires the dentist must consider not only the quality of the manufactured dental prosthesis, but also rely on his lab. For very complex and complicated dental treatments is even a vote in the run specification of the technologies and common sense, if not absolutely necessary. This often requires the immediate vote on the patients who shared personal consulting, and the close personal contact. High quality can be achieved only through mutual and reliable preliminary work, as well as trust and cooperation. The dental technician is therefore a very important cooperation partner of the dentist.
? Mr. Lüttke, as you see it?
the sole responsibility of the dentist for treatment with dental prostheses is well documented and properly. However, recently Professor Dr. Hans-Christoph Lauer, scientific director of the Board of Trustees perfect dentures, the following words: "I can not look into it as a dentist in the dental prosthesis. Since it is important to me that I can rely fully on the dental technician. His words show that in addition to the dentist, only the dental technician the safety of the medical device can take responsibility and dentures must. Quality, product safety and patient satisfaction in the dental care are always just the Result of a well-functioning partnership between dentist and dental technician. Finally, the decades of dentures in the mouth of a patient to be harmless.
? Dr. Austria, which is the role of assistants in dental practices in the successful treatment of a patient?
the basis of the legal foundations of Dentistry Act, it is possible that the dentist delegate under its responsibility, with certain parts of the treatment action. This requires that its employees have a high level of education and training. In addition, the dentist must monitor regularly the skills level of employees. Especially in the Areas of prevention have trained dental assistants is highly competent and patient acceptance. In the area of practice management and administration, there are important areas for the delegation. But the reliable cooperation in the diagnosis and treatment of patients between the dentist and assistant is of great importance for a high quality dental treatment. So we must also entitled to find that dental care is now in the best sense teamwork. Just communication skills of dental staff are crucial for a high and positive dentist-patient loyalty.
