Certified Dentist/Endodontist vs Dental Student/Endodontics Student
Certified Dentist/Endodontist vs Dental Student/Endodontics Student
Added: September 20, 2007 - 7:32 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Boston, MA
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Case Summary
Root Canal
Crown
Teeth:
Case Description
I need re-treatment of two root canals with post and new crowns, and was quoted $6250 by an endodonist. I could probably afford to get this work done sooner if I went to a dental school like Tufts, Harvard, or BU, but I am a bit nervous after some improper dental work in the past (the reason for needing re-treat root canals and new crowns) about the idea of students working on my teeth. How extensive is the oversight by experienced professionals? I would have no problem going to a dental school for a cleaning or even fillings, but re-treatment of root canals worries me a bit.
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Reply: Certified Dentist/Endodontist vs Dental Student/Endodontics Student
added: September 20, 2007 - 8:27 PM
Cost Estimate: $
No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
I am a full time instructor at Tufts. Were you a patient in my group, your retreatment would be done by a graduate dentist who is studying to be an endodontist. Edodontics is a very competative department. The best of the best apply for the limited number of positions. These students have little supervision, but they don''''''''t need it.One of our undergraduate dental students, a third or fourth year student would do the prosthetic treatment. These students are monitored closely. The student : teacher ratio ranges from 1:1 to 5:1. Students need many checks by specialists on their way to completing a crown. This is why a procedure that takes an hour in a dental office may take three at Tufts.It is not easy to become a student or an instructor at Tufts. Tufts can be very selective. We are the most popular dental school to apply to. Literally thousands apply every year for about 150 freshman slots. Many dentists who would love to teach at Tufts can''''''''t.If you choose to come to Tufts, you can ask for group 6. I am the group manager (Practice Coordinator) Wed - Thurs.
Reply: Certified Dentist/Endodontist vs Dental Student/Endodontics Student
added: September 23, 2007 - 8:21 AM
Cost Estimate: $
No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Dear Worried patient,Although I appreciate and respect my colleague''''s response -Tufts-, Endodontic re-treatment could be challenging even to an experienced specialist, I would suggest you look closely and do your "due diligence" before selecting your dental care provider. When you recieve your dental care in any educational setting, it will come down to how "lucky" you are. Some residents in the Post Graduate Specialty Programs are highly qualified with years of experience and outstanding clinical skills... on the other hand, some have questionable skills at best. After all, they are being "trained" to become specialists. Jerry Sienfield summerized it accurately "there is always someone graduating at the bottom of the class".Sorry but this is the reality.Dr. H
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