Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning: Why Is This Not a Standard of Care?

Interdisciplinary treatment gives the dental team the opportunity to change, shape, or develop an individual’s appearance, character, or self-image, and at the same time provide a restoration that is functional and enduring. Too often, both general dentists and specialists are doing procedures without looking at the big picture, fully understanding the possible complexities of the case, and visualizing the final outcome. It is important that practitioners are able to identify the patient’s needs and concerns, recognize if they lack an understanding of or expertise to handle the problem, and seek assistance from specialists when it is in the best interest of their patient. The key to a successful outcome is to use a logical step-by-step process to fully understand potential treatment options before you begin, and to develop interdisciplinary relationships to provide planning or procedural support when needed.