Louis Cooper, DDS, attending pediatric dentist at Greenwich (Conn.) Hospital, connected with Becker's Nov. 2 to discuss the issues the next generation of dental leaders should focus on.
Editor's note: Response has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Question: What do you hope to see from the next generation of dental leaders?
Dr. Louis Cooper: After practicing dentistry (in particular pediatric dentistry) for quite a long time, I've witnessed its evolution. Many of the advances technologically and scientifically have been incredible. However, it certainly has not been without regression in other areas. What I hope to see from the next generation of leaders is to focus on those issues that are threatening patient care quality, and the quality of the doctor's professional life.
These issues encompass the following in my view:
1. The rise of the corporate model and the decline of personalized care.
2. The increased influence and control of insurance companies on the care of patients.
3. The lack of preparedness for new graduates upon entering the real world of their chosen profession.
4. Utilizing resources in the profession that are presently underutilized.
5. Making our professional organizations less political, more open to innovation and quicker to action.