Should I see an Old Dentist or a Young Dentist?

I worked with a dentist who had more than 30 years of experience and I still was able to teach him something new. The latest dental crowns are made of a ceramic that is so hard, it is more difficult to cut through than metal. One time I watched this doctor become frustrated as he dulled multiple burrs while trying to remove one of these hard ceramic crowns. I told him to try and use the finest grit diamond burr, which is counterintuitive. This was a trick I learned in dental school for cutting through ceramic. Now Dr S. uses my trick every time he needs to remove hard ceramic crowns. Old dentists and young dentists have their own strengths and work well together. 

Some people think that a great dentist is an old dentist. There is some truth to this. The doctors I have worked with that are past their 50’s usually have experience in putting together treatment plans that both maximize value per dollar spent and provide lasting dental work. Older dentists get into a rhythm of delivering treatments they have had success with, knowing first hand what has failed over the years and what has lasted. At the same time, older dentists are at risk of becoming out of touch with the latest research and guidelines in the field.

In contrast, a young dentist can shine by drawing from their recent dental school and residency experience. Since younger dentists are closer chronologically to their formal dental education, which is based on contemporary academic research, they are in a favorable position to understand how to work with the most current dental materials and practice according to contemporary clinical guidelines.

If you find yourself in an office with an old dentist and a young dentist, you're in good hands. You’re probably in a better situation than if you were seeing either one of them alone. 

Written by Dr. Jonathan Josephs 1/18/2024