Lee and I are heading out to Nashville for a presentation with Keystone about the services we offer for Keystone easyGuide™ software and, more importantly, treatment planning as a whole.

There seems to be a lack of understanding of the advantages of using custom designed implant abutments in restoring single tooth and multi-unit implant supported bridges. I still see request for restorations asking our lab to prep stock abutments for a crown or a bridge and often wonder why the research information about custom abutments is not being disseminated to those who most need it, the restoring dentist.

It’s fall, and this means two things: the leaves are turning and every dental specialist is offering some kind of CE program (I think we co-sponsored three yesterday). I attended one where Dr. Sam Strong from Little Rock Arkansas was the speaker and, as I had expected, I was not disappointed. I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Strong for many years and have come to think of him as a teacher, mentor and friend. One of the things that I admire most about him is his ability to relate to his audience and make them comfortable with his subject matter. He practices hometown implant dentistry and enjoys what he does and the audience can see that in his lectures.

I have just returned from a wonderful vacation with my extended family. At times there were as many as nineteen members of our family, five under the age of five, and two Scottish Terriers. This made me look at the role of a leader in a new way. Moms and dads assumed the role in their family unit (hopefully) but as the week progressed the group dynamics changed with interaction. Children sorted out into groups and leaders emerged, even the dogs learned who they had to respond to and who they could ignore.