718: It’s Time to Rethink TMD – Dr. Jim McKee

Every area of dentistry has evolved — except TMD! It’s time to rethink it, and Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to dispel the myths and fears around treating TMD patients. Many patients need this treatment — so stop referring them out! To learn about the opportunities that treating TMD can bring to your practice, listen to Episode 718 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. McKee:

• Send Dr. McKee an email: [email protected] 
• Join Dr. McKee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.mckee.104
• Register for Dr. McKee’s Advanced Occlusion workshop (July 25-27, 2024): https://campus.speareducation.com/workshops/advanced-occlusion/details/syllabus
• Learn about Chicago Study Club: https://chicagostudyclub.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 718: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Watch Episode 649 with Dr. McKee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX6oU7cnDQU
• Learn more about Spear Education: https://www.speareducation.com
• Learn more about the American Equilibration Society: https://www.aes-tmj.org
• Learn more about the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry: https://www.restorative-academy.com

Main Takeaways:

• TMD isn't always about pain.
• Clenching and grinding aren’t always the causes of TMD.
• Understand joint anatomy to increase confidence in your work.
• Use imaging to understand joint anatomy and anatomic risk factors.
• Treating TMD patients will open more opportunities for your practice.
• Always invest in high-quality CE. Low-quality CE won't get you very far.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:26 About AES and AARD.

5:55 Why it’s time to rethink TMD.

7:50 TMD isn't all about pain.

11:08 Clenching and grinding, explained.

15:16 Imaging changes the TMD discussion.

22:14 How to become the go-to dentist.

28:49 Increase confidence through imaging.

29:50 You don't need to do everything.

32:45 The restorative diagnostic practice, explained.

35:32 Low-quality CE won't get you very far.

37:16 Final thoughts.

39:15 About Dr. McKee’s Advanced Occlusion course.

40:37 About Chicago Study Club.

Dr. Jim McKee Bio:

Dr. Jim McKee is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society. He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.