Sir, I was somewhat perplexed by the absence of restorative dentistry as a potential career pathway in a recent promotional piece in the BDJ In Practice (Which career is right for you? BDJ In Practice No. 11, November 2015). Rather curiously, 'implant dentistry' (which is not recognised by the GDC as one of their 13 specialist areas) was featured amongst oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral surgery, paediatric dentistry and orthodontics as 'one of the fastest growing branches of dentistry'. Granted, this piece appeared to be more about quietly advertising a sponsored careers day and the promotion of certain postgraduate programmes to appeal to the next generation of dentists. 'Promotions' such as these, however, add to the increasingly worrying trend of some young dentists believing that they can practise 'implant dentistry' in isolation and apparently become 'specialists' in this area. This is despite the increasing body of evidence on the biological complications and the associated challenges involved with this treatment modality.1,2,3
Dentists considering a career in secondary care might wish to explore the option of restorative dentistry, which is recognised as a GDC specialty, as a possible career. It integrates implant dentistry as part of prosthodontic treatment, as well as providing wider training in prosthodontics, endodontics and periodontics to help manage patients who require complex multidisciplinary care. These patients include, but are not limited to, those with oral cancer, hypodontia, cleft lip and palate, those who have suffered dental trauma, and managing the complex oral healthcare needs of the increasingly ageing population. Consultants in restorative dentistry support general dental practitioners in helping to solve complex problems of various kinds and offer leadership in the delivery of appropriate restorative care. It is a varied and interesting option for those seeking to follow an established GDC recognised career pathway rather than highlighting just one facet of it such as 'implant dentistry'.
References
Derks J, Håkansson J, Wennström J L, Tomasi C, Larsson M, Berglundh T . Effectiveness of implant therapy analyzed in a Swedish population: early and late implant loss. J Dent Res 2015; 94(3 Suppl): 44S–51S.
Derks J, Schaller D, Håkansson J, Wennström J L, Tomasi C, Berglundh T . Effectiveness of implant therapy analyzed in a Swedish population: prevalence of peri-implantitis. J Dent Res 2016; 95: 43–49.
Giannobile W V, Lang N P . Are dental implants a panacea or should we better strive to save teeth? J Dent Res 2016; 95: 5–6.
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Chauhan, R. Careers: The absence of restorative dentistry. Br Dent J 220, 500 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.359
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.359
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