Benjamin Chaffee, DDS, MPH, PhDIf you practice dentistry, at some point along your career journey, you likely said that you joined this profession to help people. Indeed, it is an amazing service and privilege to alleviate pain and restore confidence behind a smile. But like any profession, daily schedules for dentists can sometimes evolve into unending lists of procedures: 9 a.m. is a crown prep, 9:45 a.m. is an examination, 10 a.m. is a tooth extraction and implant. We can all benefit from reminders of the many ways dentists can advance the health of the patients, such as:
- For millions of Americans, a dentist will be the only healthcare provider visited this year. Thus, screening for hypertension and diabetes might be the first step in connecting patients with chronic conditions to the medical care they need.
- Dental professionals must ask all patients about tobacco use, encourage and motivate tobacco users to quit, and connect them with evidence-based cessation support. It is our professional responsibility. And it works ... tobacco cessation support in dental settings helps patients live longer, healthier lives.
- Encouraging young patients to be vaccinated against HPV has long-term implications for reducing the occurrence of oral cancer.
- Dentists can be better stewards of antibiotics and analgesics to ensure they are used responsibly and effectively.
- For our student doctors, consider providing care where it is needed most. California offers a generous loan repayment program that makes it easier to start a career in a health professional shortage area.
- Be informed and active when it comes to policies affecting oral health in our communities. In the past, California dental professional organizations have supported successful efforts for taxes on tobacco and soda. This fall, California voters will decide whether to uphold a statewide ban on flavored tobacco products.
Dentists are more than gum gardeners and tooth carpenters. Dentists aim to help people, and whole populations, live healthier lives. So, next time your daily schedule is a list of procedures, try to see it differently: 2 p.m. is somebody’s mother; 2:30 p.m. is somebody’s grandson; 4 p.m. is somebody’s best friend. It might help you remember why you joined this profession.
– Benjamin Chaffee, DDS, MPH, PhD, is associate professor of Oral Epidemiology and Dental Public Health and director of the Global Oral Health Program at the UCSF School of Dentistry. His research program focuses on understanding tobacco use perceptions and behaviors among adolescents. Other research interests include dental caries prevention and interventions to promote oral health equity. He teaches population health research methodology and patient communication.
