Drew is an orthodontist who specializes in Invisalign. Initially, Drew, who will be a keynote speaker, describes the Seattle Study Club Symposium. The Seattle Study Club is one of the best resources for learning about dentistry. Drew has a chapter in Santa Barbra where they meet about nine times a year and bring in speakers to educate the providers, and therefore better the dental care their community receives.

Drew discusses the importance of transitioning from analog to digital, given the digital culture we live in today. He compares braces to an analog experience and Invisalign to a digital experience. He shares ways that he has gone digital in his practice, including online exams and consultations. Drew also shares that going digital enables his work with other specialists to be more efficient and accurate.

Next, Drew discusses the benefits of aligners over braces. He points out that because people are living longer and keeping their teeth longer, a lot of orthodontic work is being done on adults, and adults almost always prefer aligners. In his opinion, if a case can’t be treated with aligners, it’s because of the provider, not because it’s not possible for it to be treated with aligners. Another massive benefit to aligners is the digital aspect.

While there is usually only one diagnosis, there are multiple treatment plans. Drew shares that for him personally, he tries to learn about different specialties so that he can treatment plan more effectively.

Moving forward, Drew explains what he is excited about in the future of orthodontics. One thing he appreciates is the amount of exposure there currently is to orthodontics. Far more people are aware of the importance of orthodontic treatment for functional purposes, not just aesthetic purposes. He values all that is available currently in orthodontics and all that is coming in the future, because of the ability to improve his patients’ quality of life, not just their smile. He also shares how valuable it is to be a part of a group like Seattle Study Group Symposium, in order to be challenged and grow into a better clinician, and to stay informed about new developments within the field.

Main Takeaways

Seattle Study Club is one of the best ways to learn about dentistry

The best way to future proof your practice is by transitioning to a digital approach

Aligners are valuable because many adults need orthodontic treatment but are hesitant to receive braces

Learning more about different specialties helps you treatment plan more effectively

This is an exciting time to be in dentistry and orthodontics because of what’s here and what’s coming in the future

Key Quotes

“[Seattle Study Club] has evolved into essentially one of the best resources for learning about dentistry.” -Drew

“Everyone expects to have a digital experience at this point.” -Drew

“What’s the best way to future proof the practice from anything that’s going to happen?” -Drew

“I think a lot of times dentists, and doctors in general, we just don’t value our time as much as we should.” -Drew

“We know that patients are living longer, we know that they’re keeping their teeth longer, and we know that there’s going to be more and more of a need for restorative work.” -Drew

“My treatment planning has become better with aligners, because we are using that digital setup.” -Drew

“Just learning the different aspects of different specialties then helps me treatment plan, and then execute my cases, better.” -Drew

“It’s amazing what we can do for a patient’s quality of life that’s more than just a pretty smile.” -Drew

“In my practice, I want to provide the absolute best possible care that you can get anywhere.” -Drew

“I think a key piece to anybody’s development is just being in the right room, being in the right group.” -Kirk

“If you’re looking to just become a better, all around complete, clinician, then check this virtual Symposium out.” -Drew

Snippets

- Introduction of Seattle Study...