Chiropractic Dentistry
by William D. Esteb
It wasn't that long ago that dentists were perceived as bad teeth doctors. There was no reason or motivation to go to a dentist unless you had pain in your mouth. Perceived as just a notch above barbers, dentists were scorned, feared, and were only consulted as a last resort. It was time to see the dentist when the treatment was thought to be less painful than the inflammation caused from dental neglect.
Sounds a lot like chiropractic.
Dentistry changed. But it didn't happen overnight. Someone had the vision and the profession had the cohesiveness to implement a plan that changed the perception of the profession.
Most of us show up once or twice a year for maintenance (wellness) dentistry care. A teeth cleaning and examination that may or may not include X-rays is pretty standard operating procedure for most of us. And if someone were to warn us that "once you start seeing a dentist you have to go for the rest of your life," we'd all agree, "Of course." If we were told that there were certain preventive procedures we could do at home (up to three times a day) our compliance level, for most of us, would be quite high. Maybe not after every meal, but at least after most meals. Today, proper dental hygiene is commonly known and regularly practiced by the majority of the population.
The result? Today our population benefits from the healthiest teeth and gums of probably any time in history. The general public understands what causes tooth decay and how to prevent it. Dentists are thought of as real doctors and treated with respect. No one questions the educational achievements or competency of dentists. Paraprofessionals are trained, licensed, and work beside Doctors of Dentistry. Patients set specific appointments and, for the most part, honor them. Dentists are rarely the butt of jokes on TV situational comedies. Dentists have "come up in the world" in the last 20 or 30 years. What happened?
If chiropractic were to use the dentistry model as a cue to revamp its own image, it would first have to adopt a long term vision of the future. Advertising, Reader's Digest inserts, Super Bowl football star endorsements, and a lawsuit against the A.M.A. are not the solution. That's been tried. And while there's been some forward movement, it's not in the same league as the dentistry success story that's taken more than a generation to unfold. Short term solutions must be abandoned. Is the chiropractic profession ready to get behind a 10 year public relations program?
The chiropractic profession will need to have a new sense of vision and the tolerance to set aside philosophical differences. It's hard to understand the bigotry and holier-than-thou attitude held by doctors who wish to exclude, restrict, or judge the philosophy and procedures of others. It may be easier to agree on what constitutes an impacted wisdom tooth then what constitutes appropriate care for a hot low back. It may be the "art" and "philosophy" and the differences they naturally create that will ultimately preclude chiropractic from having the cohesiveness necessary to change its public perception. Certainly dentistry has its artists and philosophers too. However they were able to concentrate on what they had in common, instead of their differences. Are you big enough, self-confident enough, and trusting enough to do the same?
Let's think big. Maybe the profession could get together. If so, it will require a coordinated plan that will almost certainly have to start with children. Just like the dentistry model, you start at the beginning and work your way up. Can a profession accustomed to thinking in 90-day recovery cycles commit and follow through on a plan that may take 15 to 20 years to payoff? Can a profession that claws through the mail looking for insurance checks commit itself to helping children?
Are you prepared to launch a school education program with the same intensity that the dentists did in the elementary school I went to? After all, some other doctor may be the one to reap the rewards! Are you ready to dedicate some of your free time to explaining chiropractic to kids who respond quickly and probably aren't covered by an insurance plan? Are you equipped to explain chiropractic in terms a 10 year old can understand? Are you willing to trust an outcome that only the next generation of chiropractors will benefit from? Are you prepared to give back to your profession at the same, but different level that sent your predecessors to prison in the 1930s and '40s? Just how deep is your commitment to chiropractic?
The highest calling of any doctor is to prevent what he or she treats.
It started with free toothbrushes at school. School assemblies in which we 6th graders saw entertaining skits about the evil Sugar Monster and learned of the perils of dental neglect. Seeds were planted that took years to sprout and flourish. Are you willing to make that kind of investment in your community? Are you willing to delay the gratification? Can you assume the purity of motive to give your time and talent so the next generation of chiropractor can benefit as today's dentist is benefiting? What kind of profession will you be bequeathing to the next generation of chiropractors?
While it seems unlikely you'll go to jail for practicing chiropractic, many chiropractors today are in a different kind of prison. Probably much like the frustration that turn-of-the-century dentists experienced. Imagine what a burden it must have been to have known the value of preventive dental care and yet be sentenced to a daily grind of removing decayed teeth and being known as the deliverer of the most painful health care of last resort. To be misunderstood and unrespected creates a sense of isolation that can sabotage one's self-esteem and call into question one's purpose and chosen career.
Sound familiar?
Chiropractic needs a plan. Just who would organize and bring a plan to fruition? The national organizations? Doubtful since we can't agree on the basics. State associations and societies? Unlikely since some states have two or three battling factions. Seminar lecturers and adjusting table entrepreneurs? Interestingly, they're about the only ones who don't ask or judge one's political persuasion. Yet, they are the ones least likely to benefit from a profession that was unified!
Until a national coalition emerges, here are some ideas you might consider in planting your own seeds for a more respected profession:
1. Become comfortable adjusting children. Become familiar with the research of Towbin and Winsor that illustrates the benefits pediatric chiropractic can have. There are several seminar programs that teach diagnostic and adjusting techniques related to newborns, infants, and children. Compare notes with doctors who already have a sizable family practice. Confront your fears.
2. Make a place in your practice for children. Before more children will show up to be patients, you may need to modify your office environment and fee structure. Get a toy box and fill it with interesting toys. Get on your hands and knees and tour your office. It looks considerably different, even foreboding at this height. Child proof your office so children are safe. Make it affordable for parents to have their children checked.
3. Design an outreach program for your community. There are a million things you can do to take chiropractic to children. Offer preschool groups a tour of your office. Get involved with a school scoliosis screening program. Participate in the high school vocational day. Keep your motives clean! You do this because it's the right thing to do, not because you need or hope you'll get new patients.
4. Learn a new language. Ever try to explain chiropractic to a 10 year old? Practice ways of explaining what you do without using big words like subluxation, adjustment, and interference. After learning simpler ways to explain chiropractic it will probably help you communicate with adults!
Offices that work with kids seem to be having more fun. They have educated their patients and patients trust them. There's enthusiasm and vision that seems to reduce staff turnover. These are offices that seem to spawn a lot of chiropractic college students. There's a sense of purpose that prompts more referrals. There are a lot of patients who show up once or twice a month to enjoy the benefits of a chiropractic lifestyle. In short, it's a practice that has transcended into a form of chiropractic dentistry.
Buy the book
My Report of Findings
Originally published in 1993
240 Pages
US $24.95
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