Very Dental: The Full Arch Dilemma with Dr. Wade Pilling

It today's episode, Alan has a conversation with Dr. Wade Pilling. Wade is a "big case" guy and a renowned expert in full arch dentistry. Dr. Pilling shares his insights on the importance of mentorship, the changing landscape of dentistry, and the ethical considerations surrounding full arch implant treatment. He also discusses his own journey in dentistry and offers advice to new dentists navigating the complexities of today's dental world. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of dentistry and the importance of prioritizing patient care above all else.

Some links from the show:

• Wade's education website
• Implant Pathway

Key Takeaways 

• The Importance of Mentorship: Dr. Pilling emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship in achieving clinical excellence in dentistry, especially for complex procedures like full arch implants. He believes that mentorship fosters a commitment to quality and patient care over financial incentives.
• The Changing Landscape of Dentistry: Dr. Pilling discusses the challenges faced by new dentists due to high student debt and the increasing prevalence of DSOs. He expresses concern that the focus on money can lead to overtreatment and poor patient outcomes.
• The Full Arch Challenge: Dr. Pilling cautions against new dentists jumping into full arch implant cases too early in their careers. He stresses the importance of proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and informed consent, especially when it comes to procedures that involve irreversible bone loss.
• The Value of Experience and Continuing Education: Dr. Pilling shares his own journey of cobbling together training from various sources to become proficient in full arch dentistry. He highlights the need for ongoing learning and collaboration with experienced clinicians.
• The Future of Dental Education: Dr. Pilling suggests a shift towards a more apprenticeship-based model for dental education, where students gain more clinical experience under the guidance of mentors.
• Ethical Considerations: Dr. Pilling raises concerns about the marketing practices of some DSOs and the lack of accountability for patient outcomes. He advocates for a patient-centric approach to dentistry, where clinical excellence and informed consent are prioritized.

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