Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to do the following:

1. Understand the fundamental differences between a traditional and a contemporary esthetic dental practice.
2. Recognize the advantages of practicing contemporary restorative esthetic dentistry versus traditional reparative dentistry.
3. Understand the logical approach to converting an existing traditional practice into a contemporary esthetic practice or the approach necessary to establish a new contemporary esthetic practice.
4. Be aware of the new technology and therapies needed to establish a contemporary esthetic practice.
5. Understand the different psychological approach to marketing a contemporary esthetic practice compared to that of marketing a traditional-style practice.
6. Recognize the importance of ongoing continuing education in the dental field if one wants to be successful in the contemporary esthetic arena.

Over the last decade, dentistry has undergone an unprecedented revolution in the area of materials, technology, and techniques. Unfortunately, the vast majority of dentists do not have the necessary academic, philosophic, or clinical tools required to confidently implement these new modalities into their practices. Trying to decide which of the new materials, treatments, or equipment would best fit into a particular practice can be confusing and potentially very costly if the dentist does not have sufficient and accurate information regarding the ever-expanding changes in dentistry. Just as we learned our craft by attending dental school, it is imperative for dentists today to acquire further education to become successful in the field of contemporary esthetic dentistry. The key to a successful modern esthetic dental practice is to confidently provide the contemporary esthetic and conservative therapies that patients demand and to move away from the more traditional, destructive, and non-esthetic treatments. Succeeding in this transition not only allows the practicing dentist to provide optimum functional and esthetic therapies for his/her patients without the influence or control of third parties, such as HMOs or other insurance companies, but also ultimately yields greater profits with less stress. This course discusses the fundamentals required to establish a 21st century contemporary esthetic dental practice and outlines the necessary steps to create such a practice.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction
   
   
2. Types of Dental Practices
   
   
   1. Traditional
      
      
   2. Combination
      
      
   3. Contemporary esthetic and restorative
      
      
3. Principles Required
   
   
   1. Motivation
      
      
   2. Education
      
      
   3. Skills
      
      
      1. Communication
         
         
      2. Marketing skills
         
         
      3. Physical skills
         
         
4. Summary

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6. Touati B. The Importance of Conservative Treatment. PPAD; 1998: 10:960. 
7. Niederman Ret al. Evidence-Based Esthetic Dentistry. J Esthetic Dentistry; 1998: 10:229. 
8. Kennedy JE. Education- Building on Our Accomplishments. JADA; 1999: 130:1729. 
9. Eklund SA. Clinical Care- Changing Treatment Patterns. JADA; 1999: 130:1707.