Live and Practice With Intention

April 9, 2018 Michelle Lee DDS

The Pankey Institute has positively changed how I practice dentistry. My work–life ‘flow’ would not be what it is today if I had not integrated the philosophy and dental training. As Dr. LD Pankey said: “A tooth never walked in the door.”

I too have integrated my own personal touch at the practice and have said, “We don’t treat strangers in our practice.” I get a little chuckle from patients at times when I say this. I also get a warm and welcoming look because they can connect with those words. This statement is an invitation that helps them open up.  

Better Cases From a Better Practice Philosophy

My training at Pankey and learning about LD Pankey’s Practice Philosophy has given me insight into how to create, formulate, and execute my own. I strive to live that philosophy with my dental team and my patients. We have created a practice culture that allows me to do many comprehensive cases.

I integrate concepts of restorative dentistry that have resulted in a rewarding outcome for both the patient and dentist. Appreciation and gratitude from the patient along with pride and care from the team have continued to fuel me to deliver the best dentistry with my best self.

It all starts with a comprehensive exam. For the case shown in these pictures, I utilized a thorough examination complete with understanding, listening, and hearing what the patient’s goals were. This was followed by a focus on airway, occlusion, TMJ, and restorative and esthetic goals. Digital photography, mounted study casts, evaluation of occlusion, wax up, and communication with the patient and the laboratory enabled me to create a smile that the patient was very comfortable with both in function and in form.  

Treatment consisted of an occlusal equilibration to improve occlusal interferences, which had caused fremitus on #7 and instability in occlusion and discomfort. I placed a porcelain crown on #8 and veneers on #7, 9, and 10. The patient was also given take home whitening trays.  

The patient’s final comments were: “I love my new smile and my bite is comfortable” and “Oh, did I tell you that since the dental work was completed, my jaw has felt more relaxed and comfortable?”

Related Course

E4: Posterior Reconstruction and Completing the Comprehensive Treatment Sequence

DATE: November 7 2024 @ 8:00 am - November 11 2024 @ 2:30 pm

Location: The Pankey Institute

CE HOURS: 44

Dentist Tuition: $ 7300

Single Occupancy with Ensuite Private Bath (per night): $ 290

THIS COURSE IS SOLD OUT The purpose of this course is to help you develop mastery with complex cases involving advanced restorative procedures, precise sequencing and interdisciplinary coordination. Building on…

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About Author

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Michelle Lee DDS

Dr. Michelle Lee is very proud to provide all aspects of general, family, and cosmetic dentistry to the Fleetwood and Berks county areas. Dr. Lee is a 2004 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a one-year General Practice Residency program at Abington Memorial Hospital. Dr. Lee continues to keep herself abreast of dental advancements and takes hundreds and hundreds of hours of advanced dental education from the Pankey Institute and other courses for advanced dental training. She also maintains a faculty and advisor position at the Pankey Institute. Professionally, Dr. Lee is member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, and serves on a committee of the American Equilibration Society. She also volunteers to treat pediatric patients through her local dental society.

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