Microdentistry: the new standard of care? Part 3. Is air abrasion safe?

CDS Rev. 1999 Sep;:16-22. Hamilton J.

Practicing microdentistry is not for the weak-spined dentist. It takes guts to face the possible challenges and resistance described in this report. Those who truly believe microdentistry will become the standard of care remain its best advocates. They are better equipped to manage any resistance encountered from peers, boards, insurance companies and patients. But to avoid legal and board troubles, always obtain informed consent from patients of indications, costs, risks of providing and not providing treatment, and alternative treatments and their costs. The debate over whether microdentistry will become the standard of care, replacing traditional restorative dentistry, continues. Most of those who hold onto the tried and true methods of traditional diagnosis and treatment are probably trying to err on the side of caution. Most of those who embrace microdentistry are not unscrupulous opportunists but are probably trying to provide the care that represents the highest quality in their opinion. Best case scenario, traditionalists and microdentists can coexist and dialogue peacefully within their communities and through their dental organizations to navigate the future of optimal treatment. Worst case scenario, attorneys and insurance companies will profit more than ever while the division in dentistry over microdentistry widens. The shakeout will prove interesting.