Expanding Our Scope

Dentistry has come a long way since the Middle Ages when barber-surgeons performed extractions and filled holes in teeth. As we learned in school, these "dentists" also performed hair grooming services and medical procedures, such as bloodletting, minor surgeries, and sometimes amputations—quite the diverse array of offerings. Not until the mid-eighteenth century would barbers, dentists, and surgeons be separated as professions. As contemporary dentistry took shape, the much more specific roles of dentists were established; however, in the century that followed, because of how these roles were defined and somewhat limited, many people came to view dentists merely as providers of restorations rather than true doctors of the oral cavity.

As you'll read in our February cover story, today, the practice of dentistry is diversifying, and although we aren't ever getting back into bloodletting, a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind oral disease and the connection between oral and systemic health, as well as the desires of modern patients, is greatly changing the way that we practice. With dental care now being perceived as more of a necessity because of its impact on the need for medical care, state Medicaid programs and Medicare are expanding covered services, and various organizations are working to further incentivize the provision of dental care in underserved areas and for patients with disabilities. Furthermore, dentist-physician collaboration is on the rise, resulting in new models of care that range from increased referrals between dentistry and medicine to partnerships and even the co-location of practices. Some dentists are embracing patients' perceptions of them as partners in their complete care by implementing electronic health record systems as well as offering screening and other services that have traditionally been performed at physician practices, such as A1C testing for diabetic patients and the provision of vaccinations. Indeed, the practice of dentistry is diversifying, and it will be exciting to see how the profession continues to evolve to meet the oral and other healthcare needs of patients. Have any insights or feedback? I love to hear from our readers. Feel free to contact me at the address below!