The Dawson Academy Blog

Equilibration or reshaping of teeth is one of the procedures taught at the Dawson Academy.  The equilibration process begins with step 7 in the 10 Step 3D Treatment planning Checklist (Provide Equal Intensity Stops).  The goal of equilibration is to reshape both posterior and anterior teeth until equal intensity contacts are achieved in centric relation.  Like all other procedures, the dental assistant’s (DA) role is vital to the success of the equilibration process. 

The Concept of “Complete Dentistry” is based on the principles taught by Dr. Peter Dawson, which entail the complete understanding of the masticatory system.  The joints (TMJ), muscles (Mastication), and teeth (Occlusion) all work together in harmony.  Many of our patients often experience discord within their masticatory system.  When this occurs, we usually expect to see signs of instability.  The complete examination is the key to gathering or co-diagnosing conditions pertaining to the masticatory system.  As part of the co-diagnosis, a screening history can be very beneficial in formulating the right diagnosis.

There are two opportunities to complete a screening history.  The first is prior to the complete examination during the new patient interview.  The second opportunity is during the actual complete examination.  The right questions will open the dialogue for clues that will help assess the present condition(s), and whether a problem may be related to the TMJ and/or Muscles.

By: Dr. Neeraj Khanna

The importance of photography in dentistry cannot be underestimated. It has many purposes, like internal & external marketing or communication with specialists and laboratories. Its greatest importance, though, is to accurately diagnose conditions.  

By Dr. Neeraj Khanna, DDS

One of the greatest rewards about practicing “complete dentistry” is that we have the ability to take “complete” control of our patient’s care from start to finish. Complete dentistry requires us to examine our patient’s masticatory system as a functioning unit. This is much like a quarterback who looks at the entire field before making the right play for his/her team. The end goal is to score a touchdown or in our world a touchdown for our patient’s care.

One of the nice things about practicing complete dentistry is the ability to create a “balanced” life.  The Dawson Academy's dental ce courses teach that work, play, worship, and love are the core elements of this balance.

Regardless of what you do for a living, creating a balance is very challenging.  I was speaking with a patient during a routine hygiene examination, who is a clinical psychologist. I shared with her the concept of a balanced life and she interrupted me saying, “There is no such thing as a balanced life”.