By Steven A. Fishman, DDS, FADL, FICD
Among the four principles defining the Love Smile Dental Studio, the most important is utilizing dental specialists. This isn’t about “Super Generalists” in corporate dental settings, which I firmly oppose. In my opinion, an individual practitioner cannot perform all dental aspects with a high skill and expertise level. From the beginning of my career, I’ve relied on the knowledge, skill, and experience of some of Chicago’s finest dental specialists. I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing dental technicians and learning from exceptional educators worldwide.
Early Career and Influences
I began practicing with my father, Irving Fishman, at 55 E Washington St in downtown Chicago. As a dental student at Loyola University, my classmates Mark Shoger and Mark Spector would visit my father’s practice on Saturdays. Despite his 36-year gap from dental school, my father remained knowledgeable, skilled, and advanced.
Early in my career, I collaborated with legendary Chicago specialists: Endodontists Frank Weine and Chuck Necham, Periodontists Harry Staffileno and Ken Krebs, oral surgeons Howard Adilman, Bob Katin, and Bob Lubar, and orthodontist Chet Handelman. Five years of learning from my father and these specialists provided me with 20 years of experience. Returning to Loyola Dental School to teach fixed prosthodontics was a rewarding experience, allowing me to mentor future dental practitioners.
My Father’s Legacy
Although my father began as a general dentist, he specialized in restorative dentistry and dental technology, collaborating with specialists and mastering dental techniques. His contributions to dental literature and his passion for dental art and craftsmanship were profound. My father’s mentorship and expertise in restorative dentistry significantly influenced my practice.
Core Principles and Collaborative Responsibility
Utilizing specialists is central to Love Smile’s core principles, honoring the sacred trust with our patients. This trust means we provide dental care based on sound science and exceptional knowledge. We term this collaboration “collaborative responsibility,” where each dentist and specialist must perform at their best. Treatment recommendations are thorough and consider patient welfare over financial gain.
Digital Smile Design (DSD) exemplifies this collaborative approach, enhancing communication among team members and patients. Christian Coachman, DSD founder, states, “It is accurate, predictable and precise.” DSD, in the hands of dedicated dentists and specialists, represents the future of excellent dental care.
The Future of Dentistry
I am wary of a future driven by corporate practices prioritizing financial gain over patient care. Emphasizing specialists over super generalists ensures patients receive the highest quality care. Collaboration and specialization remain the bedrock of excellent dental practice.
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