Mindset for Improvement

Have you ever worked with a new hairstylist? I would wager that in less than 5 minutes of sitting in the chair, the stylist poses the infamous question, "Who cut your hair last?" Just like the hairstylist who presumes that whoever cut your hair was unskilled, inexperienced, or careless, technicians presented with sub-par restorations can be tempted to make similar assumptions. Our first instinct is to immediately conclude that a previous doctor or technician was less proficient or that their work was inadequate. As a colleague once recommended, we should avoid these rash judgments of others' work. Very often, we are not fully aware of the preceding circumstances or conversations between the patient and professional—such as information provided, position prepared, and materials requested—resulting in the patient's ultimate dissatisfaction with the final product. Tooth position, color, gingival architecture preparation, design, and esthetic display are all criteria for proper case planning. Taking this good or bad information into consideration to plan treatment before anything is done is key to a successful outcome.