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804: Am I Overtreating My Patients? – Dr. Drew McDonald

Doctors treat diseases as soon as they see it. They don't wait until the final stage! So, why aren't dentists doing the same? To encourage you to start diagnosing more and treating patients early, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Drew McDonald from the Chicago Study Club to explain the consequences of waiting until it’s too late. Early diagnosis isn’t overtreating — you are setting patients up for a better, healthier, pain-free life. To learn the true value of orthodontics and how you can help more patients, listen to Episode 804 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. McDonald:

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • Not diagnosing patients is not okay.
  • Using MRI and CBCT to diagnose patients is not overtreating.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention is not overdiagnosing or overtreating.
  • You have the ability to course correct and set patients up for better health.
  • Imaging machines today have lower doses of radiation and are safer for patients.
  • Diagnose patients as early as possible so they can be treated as early as possible.
  • Orthodontists are more than just movers of teeth. You can prevent many future issues.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:28 Dr. McDonald’s background.

6:05 Why this is an important topic.

10:34 Imaging is not overdiagnosing.

14:24 The importance of early airway intervention.

18:20 Orthodontics, explained.

21:27 Challenges in understanding how to read and understand imaging.

22:54 What dentists get wrong about overtreating.

30:39 Final thoughts.

33:15 More about Dr. McDonald’s upcoming courses and Chicago Study Club.

Dr. Drew McDonald Bio:

Dr. Drew McDonald is a board-certified orthodontic specialist with a strong focus on airway and temporomandibular joint-focused treatment planning, surgically facilitated orthodontic treatment, and providing complex interdisciplinary care for patients. He lectures internationally on these topics and has contributed to literature and textbooks in these areas. He is dedicated to advancing the profession of orthodontics and dentistry as a whole.

Dr. McDonald attended dental school at the prestigious Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and intense clinical training, he received many academic accolades while at Creighton, including inductions into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (National Dental Honor Society) and Alpha Sigma Nu (Honor Society of Jesuit Universities). He also served in leadership positions as class president and student body president, and on alumni relations committees.

After graduating cum laude from Creighton, Dr. McDonald was accepted as one of only three residents nationwide into the University of Missouri-Kansas City Orthodontics program, a renowned two-and-a-half-year, full-time residency known for its clinical excellence. He graduated in December of 2016 with his certificate in orthodontics and master’s degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences. 
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