Four dentists connected with Becker's to answer the question: "What do you hope to see from the next generation of dental leaders?"
Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Matt Carlston, DMD. Vice President of Marketing and Partner Recruitment at Comfort Dental: For the next generation of dental leaders we need dentists who will advocate for our profession and especially younger dentists. I have the opportunity to speak with many dental students and new dentists. Some of them cover their ears and close their eyes when we speak of debt that they assume to fulfill their professional goals. I was recently told by the dean of a former dental school, "We do not believe that the amount of student debt assumed is insurmountable … yet." This is an alarming statement. Many young dentists are saddled with student loan debt that may inhibit their professional future. We believe in giving students the opportunity to explore different opportunities and models that they may not have considered previously. Dental schools have the responsibility to allow their dental students to hear from all sides. In my travels to dozens of dental schools, I find some to be unwelcoming. Some will happily allow their students to assume debt but not let them hear ways that they may alleviate that debt. The next generation of dental leaders must be bold and not afraid to stand up to private equity groups and those who might put financial gain in front of the professional development of new dentists. I would also like dental schools to expand to teach more of the business side of dentistry. We have found that most young dentists have such a limited scope of business knowledge that they are unprepared to tackle the business side of dentistry.
Mladen Kralj, DMD. ORA Dental Studio (Chicago): This is without a doubt the most exciting time in dentistry. Dentistry is becoming more consumer driven than ever before, patients have options and are looking for an overall better dental experience. I want the next generation of dental leaders to understand dentistry is no longer about what procedures we provide, but rather how we provide those procedures. Improving the dental experience depends on four key components: beautiful design, cutting-edge technology, minimally invasive philosophy and memorable service. Dentists are no longer just oral healthcare professionals; we are also in the business of hospitality.
Charles Rim, DDS. Oregon State Hospital (Salem): Integrity is an attribute that I hope to see from the next generation of dental leaders. Merriam-Webster defines integrity as "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values." The dental industry promotes the highest ethical standards and quality health services in the community. When a leader faces an unpredictable event, it is critical for a leader to share accurate information and to be transparent. A person of integrity requires standard rules and values to measure what is the most appropriate approach to a specific event. An unbiased approach involves patience and going to the balcony to get a panoramic view of the scene below to assess and to reflect on all possibilities, setting direction to allocate resources properly, inspiring restorative action and being accountable for potential outcomes. Hopefully action based on important values such as integrity can spark positive changes for the dental industry. The next generation of dental leaders I hope to see walk the talk with a consistent approach to improve the system and others around them.
Paul Rotunda, DMD. Vice President and Chair of the Department of Dentistry and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery at Jersey City (N.J.) Medical Center: I would like to see an unwavering commitment to providing the best care possible to their patients. That is, always put the patient's well-being first. [I would like] to see them accomplish this by focusing on continued development of their skill sets and knowledge. Since dentistry is a lifelong learning profession, they are in a unique position to merge their proficiency and comfort with technology to the biological and physiological dental principles with the ultimate goal of achieving consistent excellence.