Orthotown January/February 2022 - 35

Office Visit
Top Products
Dolphin Management, Imaging
and Aquarium. I've used Dolphin
Imaging since 2003 and Management
and Aquarium since 2009, and I
couldn't imagine ever changing to a
different system. The programs do
everything I need.
Interactive Communication and
Training. A customizable patient
education software program that
I've used since the mid-1990s. Great
visuals for initial exams.
Reliance Ortho FlexTech for
fixed 3-3s. No more worries about
braided or twisted wires unraveling and
causing unwanted movements.
WildSmiles brackets. Fun, shaped
(stars, hearts, Mickey Mouse, etc.)
upper anterior brackets for Phase I
patients. (Disclosure: I have a financial
interest in this company.)
Nikodem or Isoglide springs for
impactions. Light NiTi springs for
movement of impacted teeth. The light
NiTi spring creates more movement
with fewer appointments.
be a partner in their education. I think it
amounts to having the residents understand
you want them to be the very best they can
be. I try to take down the barriers that they
might have that slow the learning process.
When I meet the first-year residents at
our initial meeting, I always tell the story
about how intimidated I was as a first-year
resident-how I was afraid to ask questions
because I didn't want the instructors to
think I was stupid. So I wouldn't ask my
questions and eventually I would get things
figured out, but it slowed my learning cycle
down. I explain that if they have a question,
to not be inhibited about asking, because
I can almost guarantee that one of their
fellow residents has the same question.
I try to be approachable so the residents are
comfortable asking me whatever they want.
And I believe it has been a good approach,
because over the years, I have had many
of our past residents call or email me with
questions about orthodontics, practice
management and life in general.
You're a mentor to many,
but who are the mentors
in your life?
I have been fortunate to have had many
wonderful mentors. Dr. Arthur Dugoni was
the dean at UOP when I attended dental
school, and I still believe he was the best
ambassador that dentistry has ever had!
His list of accomplishments is legendary:
CDA president, ADA president, ABO president,
etc. He was so positive and motivating,
and made you proud of your career choice.
Paraphrasing one of my favorite quotes of
his: " At UOP we build people, and along the
way, they become doctors. " His humanistic
approach was very much appreciated and
fostered a positive learning environment in
the school. I have attempted to emulate his
positivity when teaching and in my office.
When I started the orthodontic residency
program at USC, the chair was Dr. Harry
Dougherty, and he was so smart, skilled,
experienced-just a wonderful teacher. On a
side note, he was probably the best storyteller
I've ever met. Sometimes my classmates and
I would ask him questions so he would get
orthotown.com \\ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 35
http://www.orthotown.com
Orthotown January/February 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown January/February 2022
