Interview with Dr. Schafer

Why is dental care a separate expense from health care?

Dental care in the U.S. developed separately from medical care due to historical, educational, and economic factors. Dentistry started as a trade distinct from medicine, with separate training programs and licensing bodies reinforcing this divide. Different insurance models and cost structures further separated dental care, often making it less accessible.

How have advancements improved outcomes in care for patients?

Advancements in dental technology have greatly improved patient care by making treatments more precise, efficient, and accessible. Digital imaging, 3D printing, and CAD/CAM technology allow for accurate diagnoses and faster, customized restorations. AI-treatment allows for better treatment planning.

Can you discuss some programs or initiatives that can or already be implemented in low-income communities to improve access to dental care?

Several programs aim to improve dental care access for low-income communities in the U.S. Medicaid expansion and increased reimbursement rates help more adults receive care, while community and school-based programs bring dental services directly to underserved populations.

How do you think costs will be impacted by these advancements in technology to affect accessibility and affordability, especially to those in low-income communities?

Advancements in dental technology can lower costs, improve accessibility, and enhance affordability, especially for low-income communities. Digital X-rays, 3D printing, and AI-driven diagnostics make treatments more efficient and cost-effective, while tele-dentistry and mobile units bring care to underserved areas. Preventive technologies can reduce expensive treatments, but policy changes and expanded insurance coverage are needed to maximize their benefits

What are some of the barriers you witnessed in your patient population when it comes to accessing dental care?

Access to dental care is often limited by financial constraints, as treatments can be expensive and many people lack adequate insurance. Geographic barriers, like rural shortages and urban dental care deserts, further restrict availability. Language, cultural differences, and dental anxiety also discourage people from seeking treatment, while systemic issues like complex insurance navigation and long wait times create additional obstacles.

How do small steps such as applying fluoride and sealants prevent the need for expensive dental procedures in the future?

Preventive treatments like varnishes and sealants help stop or reverse the disease process that leads to more complex dental procedures. They inhibit cavity-causing bacteria, promote enamel remineralization, and strengthen tooth structure. Sealants also act as barriers, blocking bacteria from entering and causing decay. These treatments play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and reducing the need for costly interventions.

Dental anesthetics are a complex part of the field, especially when it comes to surgeries. Do advancements in anesthesia change patient care and comfort, and how so?

Advancements in anesthesia have greatly improved pain management and patient comfort in dentistry. Buffered local anesthesia and computer-controlled delivery systems reduce injection pain and provide faster, more precise numbing. Non-injectable options and sedation techniques help manage anxiety, making procedures more accessible for fearful patients. Faster-acting and longer-lasting anesthetics also improve efficiency, ensuring better treatment outcomes and a more comfortable overall experience.

Every 3 years, Michigan dentists have to renew their dental license. What role do these continued education courses you must attend help dentists catch up with new technologies and knowledge, and how does this impact patient treatment?

Continued education in dentistry not only elevates the professional capabilities of dentists but also directly translates into improved patient care, satisfaction, and health outcomes.

Give me your take on how technology and innovation in dental care can improve coverage and access

Technology and innovation have greatly improved access to and coverage of dental care by enhancing efficiency, affordability, and patient engagement. Digital records, teledentistry, and AI-driven diagnostics streamline care and make services more accessible, especially for remote or underserved populations. 3D printing and portable dental equipment reduce costs and waiting times, while VR and AR improve patient education and training for future dentists. These advancements are transforming dental care

How have improvements in the treatment affected the patient's comfort and satisfaction with the outcome?

Improvements in treatments have led to better outcomes for patients. Advances in anesthesia and technology make dental procedures more comfortable, from basic treatments to complex surgeries like wisdom tooth extractions and full-arch implants.

Does the feedback you receive from patients impact the care you give, and how so?

The feedback received from patient’s informs us and allows us to adapt for future treatments and methodologies in the future. It allows us to analyze positive and negative feedback and to adapt moving forward with future treatments and therapeutics. You also have to take into consideration that every patient and case is different and different outcomes are always expected