Category: Opinion & Editorial

The question caught me off guard. After a long day in our clinic in the rural town of Xenocoj, Guatemala, one of the local dentists approached me with genuine curiosity. We had just finished treating dozens of patients alongside 12 dental students from Ohio State, and he wanted to know: “How are the patients you’re seeing here different ... [continue reading]

“I can’t spend the rest of my life asking if this is AI or not.” – unknown Authenticity and automation are two words with similar etymologic origin, “autos” deriving from the Greek word for “self.”  Both words could apply to the conversation at hand regarding AI in dentistry and to AI in our broader lives. One could say that ... [continue reading]

Here at the threshold of 2026, I find myself reflecting on what truly makes a dental practice thrive. It’s not just the latest technology in our operatories or the expanded scope of our services. It’s something more fundamental, more human. The most successful practices I know share a common thread: they trust their teams to use their best ... [continue reading]

No, I won’t talk at all about Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and fluoride, Tylenol, or vaccinations! We have enough goofy stuff going on in our world that trumps his dangerous antics. Am I right or wrong on these? NIL and college sports. Really? Am I missing something or is college football nothing more than a minor league or “NFL lite?” What ... [continue reading]

After nearly four decades in dentistry, I’ve learned something counterintuitive: we spend far too much time perfecting yesterday’s decisions and not nearly enough time imagining tomorrow’s possibilities. As we close out 2025, many of us are doing what comes naturally — analyzing the year behind us! Scrutinizing our numbers, evaluating ... [continue reading]

A few months ago, during the ODA Annual Session meeting, several of us, who were going to be ADA delegates, were asked to assemble in a small meeting room at the Hilton for an announcement. Dr. Tom Paumier addressed the anticipating group. It was here he officially announced that, after the urging by several of his colleagues and the encouragement ... [continue reading]

As we approach Thanksgiving this November, I find myself reflecting on nearly four decades in dental practice — not on the procedures performed or the technologies adopted, but on the people who have made this journey meaningful. In our profession, we often focus on clinical excellence, continuing education, and practice management. But perhaps ... [continue reading]

Welcome to the second installment of our humble chronicle, detailing some of the facts and mysteries surrounding three of the ODA’s most celebrated member dentists – Dennis McTigue, Henry Fields and Paul Casamassimo. Or as I likened to describe them in my past article (I’m sure you read it!), The Hero, The Cowboy and The Friend. In Part I, ... [continue reading]

For decades, the dental profession has relied on a simple formula: clinical expertise plus professional credentials equals patient trust. Walk into any dental office today, and you’ll still see the familiar elements of this approach — diplomas on the wall, white coats and the assumption that professional authority naturally commands respect. ... [continue reading]

See below for references relevant to the central points of what follows. Those interested in understanding the known and possible effects on dentistry, directly and indirectly, can review these for a deeper dive into our future. Earlier this year, Congress and the president enacted legislation, commonly called One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), ... [continue reading]