What did you like about the All-on-4 residency?
Before even stepping foot into the classroom, I liked the fact that the All-on-4 residency curriculum was compacted into a two-weekend course. I was excited to learn as much as possible about the All-on-4 therapy in a short amount of time.
Once the course began, it was clear that the speakers were extremely knowledgeable and very good mentors. The small group size made it easy to interact with the speakers.
Dr. Priya Boinpally at an Elite Dental Group event
What were some of the most important things you learned?
I look at a patient’s mouth in a completely different way now. Identifying patients with terminal dentition has become a routine part of our new patient exams. We as a practice treatment plan differently and as a result of the course and have increased the level of care we have available to our patients.
The hands-on component to the course was very well positioned in that we got to try what we had seen in a live surgery on models. This really drove home the concepts and methods of conversion.
What aspects from the course did you end up using in the actual All-on-4 procedure?
Before the All-on-4 mini residency, the conversions that I had done were scary and frankly done mostly by the lab tech as I watched. Some part of me was relieved at that and also annoyed that I was not comfortable enough to jump in or even comment on something.
After the All-on-4 mini residency, not only do I insist on doing my own conversion but I feel like the experience of working with oral surgeons to be much more collaborative now that my knowledge base has increased. I am constantly visualizing the final result, even at the surgical level, as it pertains for a hygienic prosthesis.
Has the ongoing mentorship been helpful?
Dr. Frank and Dr. Rawal were great at answering questions about treatment planning and case work up. I am lucky enough to work with Dr. Frank regularly and always respect and value his expertise. Dr. Rawal has been great at fielding questions/doubts about treatment planning between course dates and even after.
Do you feel more comfortable talking to patients about All-on-4 now?
Not only am I more comfortable talking to patients about All-on-4, after the course, one of the first things I did for my practices was to add a few screening items to improve case selection and offer patients more options based on their needs. Also I am far more comfortable discussing material choices with patients and the pros and cons of each material selection after the course.
How has this offering set you apart from other dentists in the community?
I think that All-on-4 has certainly pick up a lot popularity in the last two or three years in our area, however, what sets us apart is how the patient feels before, during and after the procedure.
I have some patients in my practice that are in some form of a fixed implant bridge that were done elsewhere. I am generally shocked as to the lack of hygiene instructions and attention to detail given to the patient’s prosthesis and their ability to keep it clean. We make sure that we are totally transparent with our patients from start to finish and are available for them in any capacity. In short, customer service is key.
Do you think there has been more awareness of the procedure in the past few years?
Absolutely! There are not only more surgical centers geared specifically toward the procedure, but it seems as though most practices are now offering more implant retained full arch solutions, All-on-4 included.
Would you recommend this program to other dentists?
100%. This was the single most comprehensive and meaningful weekend course that I have taken in the past 11 years. I continue to practice what I learned in this mini residency and it has completely changed the way I treatment plan and practice. All-on-4 is, in my opinion, definitely the single most rewarding treatment for both patient and practitioner.
All I know is that I want to be a part of it. This residency got me to a place where I can comfortably and confidently offer this life changing therapy to my patients without hesitation.
Game changer, indeed!
The All-on-4 comprehensive mini residency is designed to motivate participants to take the first step towards delivering successful All-on-4 full-arch immediate load aesthetic prostheses for edentulous patients and those suffering from terminal dentition.
The course also aims to empower participants with well-designed tools, proven tips and tricks for successful patient consultation and creating the optimal treatment patient experience.
Sign up for the next All-on-4 mini residency program today!
