5 questions I get asked the most about…
specializing in Periodontics and Implant Surgery
Hello friends,
I hope you enjoy this short blog post focusing on why I decided to specialize in perio, this post is honestly long over due. (sorry)
I have compiled a list of the top 5 questions that I am asked the most from predoc, predent, and GP’s all 3 with the commonality of having developed an inkling or curiosity about periodontics and implant surgery.
I hope you enjoy this short post,
Happy Scaling!
Much love Dr. Yvette (Princess)
When did you decide to specialize ?
I was honestly so late in deciding to specialize. I did not apply until end of my D4 year. I lucked out when one prospective student dropped out and I was able to secure that spot and not take a “gap” year. I grew up in a small town, and my father who is a generalist does a lot of specialty work. I assumed most GP’s practiced in the same manner, and had no idea that specialties even existed or what they entailed. Once I learned that my dental school had almost every program, I began to shadow.
Why did you chose to specialize in perio ?
I started to develop an interest which turned into a passion for perio my D2 year. I did well in the classes, the etiology and pathophysiology made sense to me and I loved surgery. Sometimes a few people ask why not OMS (oral maxillofacial surgery) and the answer is always the same. I cannot deal emotionally with trauma cases (gunshot wounds, trauma, stabbings etc.) mad props for what they do, but perio is a very controlled and organized residency program.
Where do you see the future of perio, do you think its a dying profession ?
No. No. No. My answer is always no. I understand why people ask this, I understand that a lot of generalists are placing dental implants. So is OMS, so are some endodontists, there are also implant residencies and mini programs. I have always had the mentality that we should all as a profession grow together.
I feel that patients will always value me, my services, and my education. Though other practitioners will understand implants, I understand implants as well as saving teeth. I always tell patients that implants are great BUT when they go wrong we don’t have a predictable way of fixing them.
I don’t think we are a dying profession, people have said this for years, people always say the same thing about endo, and look where we are now. Specialists are not going anywhere.
Do you regret choosing perio ?
No…no…no…never…no. Again no. This is a mind blowing question, but it’s asked frequently. I have NEVER met a periodontists that says I should have done THIS instead. At least in my circle, we (perio’s) are all passionate about our field, dentistry, saving teeth, and surgery. There is so much to love about perio, and dentistry in general. On the contrary, I would have regretted NOT specializing. I would have always been left with the “What If” in my mind had I not specialized.
What is a normal day at work for you ?
I plan on doing a VLOG day in the life once COVID is not as crazy. But pre covid… my normal day is an 8-5 day with anywhere from 2-4 surgeries a day. Usually I work 4-5 days a week and run a relaxed schedule. It is also very possible to run a busier schedule or a less busy schedule. In both general and specialty offices, I feel that you have the power to make the schedule how you want. I also teach occasionally and that can be anywhere from 2-4 days a month or no days a month, depending on the season (fall, summer, etc. ).. Stay tuned for more on this!
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am feeling beyond grateful for recent speaking engagements and academic opportunities. Part of why I enjoy perio is that I enjoy speaking to students and prospective residents because over all, I have had a very positive dental experience and journey despite major health issues and traumatic experiences (see blog post on “the day where it all changed” and “living with lupus”). I plan to talk about academia in the next blog post and possibly bring on a few guests who enjoy it as much as I do.
Stay safe and healthy,
much love Yvette (Princess).