An Interview with Hawaiian Hard Drive magazine published in the July, 2001 issue.

How has technology changed your dental practice?
The integration of modern technology specifically designed for the dental industry for both diagnosis and treatment of dental problems has undoubtedly raised the clinical levels of dentistry. For my practice this means the ability to treat dental problems more quickly and effectively. And my patients benefit from the highest level of care possible.

In my practice, we use lasers for removing decay and diseased gum tissue. The laser helps halt the progress of periodontal disease, a major factor in tooth loss. Digital x-rays help reduce radiation exposure and allow computer enhanced images of digital pictures for more detailed evaluation of dental problems allowing treatment to be more precise and also reducing treatment time. We use computer controlled injection devices that minimize discomfort during this often-dreaded part of the dental appointment.

Patient education is an important aspect of my practice. With the advent of new technology, patients can watch programs on DVD and interactively learn about proposed treatment or even watch a movie while they are being treated.

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How has technology changed your dental practice?
Today's dental patient has a keen sense of what they want for their oral health. The blending of Health, Function and Beauty is a daily challenge for today's dentist. More and more patients are becoming conscious of the appearance of their teeth and smiles. Digital cameras with computer software programs are available to image patients to give them a preview of their "smile-lift" such as how they would look with whiter and straighter teeth.

There are non-metal alternatives in dentistry today. Integrating these new materials with advanced techniques allow dentists to provide patients with fillings and crowns that rival what Mother Nature could provide. 

Although silver-mercury fillings is still a viable treatment alternative there are many who seek a more natural approach to dentistry such as "bio-compatible" restorations. These restorations offer a "healthier" option in addition to function and beauty.

Computer controlled porcelain fabrication systems used by modern dental laboratories create restorations that look and feel like natural teeth and possess almost equal properties as natural teeth.

The popularity of tooth whitening has made it a routine part of dental treatment. The BriteSmile system we use is a computer driven light system that whitens teeth in an hour. Traditional take home tooth whitening systems can take up to 2 weeks. Patients can leave the office with as much as a 10-shade difference in lightening with this revolutionary new system in about an hour. Both systems work well and can be used together for even more dramatic results.

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Describe your background and the changes you have seen in your practice since you first started.
I have been in practice for 20 years and decided to change the focus of my practice about 8 years ago. I attended numerous seminars on advanced dentistry on the mainland to help define my vision. In dental school, I learned a mechanical approach to dentistry, which is focused on treating teeth but not people. These past 8 years have been devoted to improving my clinical skills and integrating new materials in my practice. I want to help patients with dental problems and design restorations that look, feel and function like natural teeth. This to me is a more comprehensive approach to dental care.

I believe dentistry is a blend of science and art and I chose cosmetic dentistry to express my artistry and create beautiful smiles for people that fit their personality and physical attributes. It has been wonderful watching patients change the way they feel about themselves and see their self-confidence soar when we help improve their smile.

I have committed part of my career to teaching other dentists how to integrate new technology and techniques in their offices so they too can experience this wonderful new opportunity. I am on faculty at what is considered the premier post-graduate dental institution in America, the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

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What is the most recent technology in your office?
I am exited about our new K-6 I computer technology designed by a group of scientists from NASA. We use this special computer to treat patients with bite problems and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain. 

The equipment uses Sonography that records sounds in the jaw joint and helps analyze potential or existing TMJ joint problems. Electromyography is used to monitor activity of the muscles for chewing to see which may be in spasm and a TENS device called a Myomonitor helps to treat muscles by allowing them to relax. 

Computerized Jaw Tracking helps us view the movement of the jaw on the computer and target the ideal biting position for the patient when they have bite problems. The computer and sophisticated software give us measurable data from which we can rehabilitate the patient to optimum health, function and beauty.

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