Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2017-03-17, 10:24:23 | version 1.38.0
“One has to have some level of passion. Things evolved and pathways opened for me and I just sort of ended up where I am, but it was always something that I was fascinated with.” INTERVIEW with — Prof. Edward A. McLaren Nathalie Schüller for Dental Tribune In- ternational: Prof. McLaren, you began your career as a general practitioner. What sparked your interest in esthetic dentistry and dental design? What were your influenc- es? Perhaps a mentor? A: I was always interested in dentistry as a child. After I became a general dentist, I gravitated toward treating more complex cases very early on and I wished to special- ize. In practicing, I really enjoyed most the artistic aspect of what I was doing and I became involved in esthetic dentistry naturally, because of the interest in that. I had the opportunity to see the work of master ceramist Willi Geller when I was in dental school; it was something I had never seen or experienced in dental school—it had not even been talked about—and it really motivated me. If I had two mentors, one would be a dentist, Dr. John Sorensen, and the other a tech- nician, Klaus Müterthies; they took me under their wings and motivated me to do what I do. But like anything, one has to have some level of passion. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and the aspect of esthetic dentistry relating to art is appealing to me. Things evolved and path- ways opened for me and I just sort of end- ed up where I am, but it was always some- thing that I was fascinated with. Q: How important is it to stay up to date with technological advancements and develop- ments in the field? What does the future hold for esthetic dentistry? A: I read a fascinating book in the early nineties about technological changes and the need to stay current. In those days, technology was revolutionizing every three to five years, and I think that it is even happening at a faster pace now. The author emphasized that adult education was im- portant to maintain one’s job and retain the ability to function as jobs evolved. Regarding the future of esthetic den- tistry, the major movement is toward a minimalistic approach. The materials are improving every day. Right now, I do not envision any fundamental changes in the short term other than incredible improve- ments in what we already have and possibly the ability to do 3-D printing of a very complex colored ceramic restoration, which will not necessarily afect dentists per se, but will afect esthetic dentistry. Chairside dentistry is growing, but we have to adapt to it, change what we do to make it work. As a doctor, our job is not to adapt to a technology; our job is to diagnose the patient and find out what is the best tech- nology available to the patient and then adapt the technology to the patient. Un- fortunately, I see it done the other way. Q: What initially prompted your involvement in the Clinical Masters™ Program, and what has encouraged you to continue your par- ticipation? What do you perceive to be the main benefits of the program for dental professionals? A: The Clinical Masters™ Program has the ability to stay current. The team behind the program work with people who have state-of-the-art institutes around the world. They have the ability to move quick- ly if certain instructors are moving up the knowledge ladder and have the ability to give more current or applicable informa- tion to practitioners. These are really the benefits of these programs. Dental Tri- bune International as a publishing company has the ability to market well. This synergy makes it work: having the right faculty, facilities, current materials, company 12 — issue 2017 Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry Interview