Ethically Increasing Acceptance and Success of Cosmetic Cases

By Dr. Rhys Spoor, D.D.S.

When I first graduated from dental school I had a vision of what it was going to be like to be in private practice. My expectations were based on the model of the dentist I went to growing up and the faculty at the dental school I attended from 1979-1983. Three principles of ethics framed the way dentistry was offered and delivered, that if beneficence, autonomy and justice. The dentistry was for the benefit of the patient, being accepted by free will and of informed consent and was equally available to all. It was a good model that I still follow today, however the real business world of running a successful and viable practice place demands that can challenge the concepts, especially when it comes to cosmetics. There is a wide area of debate as to when esthetic procedures do not correct or enhance dental health and our professional obligation to inform the patient of the risk-reward of a dental treatment. There is also debate as to whether cosmetic dentistry is even ethical and when patient demands for certain cosmetic treatments cross ethical boundaries.

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I would argue that cosmetic dentistry when, done correctly, is entirely ethical especially when viewed from the standpoint of beneficence. I have personally seen thousands of lives changed for the positive because of cosmetic dentistry, especially as patients become older. (Figure 1). The most ethical was to do cosmetics is to give patients enough information to make an informed choice and by offering your patients the best you know how to do. If you keep three things paramount, they are in the best interest of the patient and accordingly will be in the best interest of the practice. They are 10 to be absolutely honest, 2) to do your best and 3) do what is right for the patient.

The smile is a uniquely human quality that is universally recognized and transcends language, culture, race, sex, time and socioeconomic differences. The smile can communicate love, happiness, sexiness, vitality, health, friendship, compassion, trust, acceptance, and safety. It is one of our most powerful communicative avenues. Interestingly, a beautiful smile is an indication of proper and healthy function, which leads to longevity of the dentition (Figure 2).

We are able to be instrumental in enhancing the lives of our patients through improvements in the oral health that affect both the body and the mind. The impact of the effect can be readily seen in the new found happiness and increase in self-esteem shown by patients after changing the form and function of their smile. Often there is a metamorphosis in overall appearance and improved social interactions as these people find the satisfaction of knowing they really are looking their best. And for most, looking good makes them feel good. Cosmetic dentistry is the culmination of all the science and art that dentistry has to offer and many people want the benefits that state of the art dentistry has to offer. (Figures 4 and 5)

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Exceptional cosmetic dentistry is based in the concept of form following function and involves all disciplines in the dental field. Cosmetic dentistry is as much about the physical as it is about the emotions and as such, requires that the dental team clearly identify and precisely delineate the desires of a patient to be able to create a more than satisfactory result. It involves finding what the values the patient has and matching them with the skills you and the dental team possess.

Dr Rhys Spoor DDS Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry - Providing services in cosmetic and sleep dentistry to the area of Seattle, Washington.

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