Episode 721

721: 14 Insights From Designing Smiles With Dr. Michael Apa & Dr. Christian Coachman – Dr. Christian Coachman

Published on: 19th April, 2024

There is more than one way to design the “perfect” smile. Recently, two of the best dentists in the world, Dr. Michael Apa and Dr. Christian Coachman, debated these concepts at the Designing Smiles event in Miami. To share some of his key insights and takeaways, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, who explains how you can achieve great dentistry with digital or analog, and the importance of building a workflow that’s best for you. To hear more about the Designing Smiles event and the debate about great dentistry, listen to Episode 721 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Coachman & Dr. Apa:

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • Whether you use digital, analog, or both, master the process in the mouth.
  • You don't get a second chance at a great first impression in smile design.
  • Focus on patient success. What does success mean for them?
  • Start with the end in mind when designing patients’ smiles.
  • Any work you do in the lab is not like in an actual mouth.
  • Impress patients with your chairside systems.
  • It’s impossible to deliver great smiles alone.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:23 The origin of Dr. Coachman and Dr. Michael Apa’s course.

13:02 1) Documentation philosophy and smile rehabilitation.

16:41 2) Diagnosis and planning.

22:16 3) Case acceptance.

24:17 4) Treatment presentation.

26:53 5) Software.

32:18 6) Motivational and technical mock-ups.

38:05 7) Branding.

40:31 8) The first appointment and first impressions.

41:17 9) The patient experience.

44:15 10) Orthodontics.

47:35 11) Artistic skills and intuition.

50:53 12) Communication.

55:17 13) Treatment execution.

1:11:51 14) Digital is the future.

1:14:38 The pressure of building this course from scratch.

1:17:42 Final thoughts.

1:24:25 About Digital Smile Design.

Dr. Christian Coachman Bio:

Combining his advanced skills, experience, and technology solutions, Dr. Christian Coachman pioneered the Digital Smile Design methodology and founded Digital Smile Design company (DSD). Since its inception, thousands of dentists worldwide have attended DSD courses and workshops, such as the renowned DSD Residency program.

Dr. Coachman is the developer of worldwide, well-known concepts such as the Digital Smile Design, the Pink Hybrid Implant Restoration, the Digital Planning Center, Emotional Dentistry, Interdisciplinary Treatment Simulation, and Digital Smile Donator. He regularly consults for dental industry companies, developing products, implementing concepts, and marketing strategies, such as the Facially Driven Digital Orthodontic Workflow developed in collaboration with Invisalign, Align Technology.

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About the Podcast

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Elevate Your Dental Practice: Insights & Strategies from Industry Leaders
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.

At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.

Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.

Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.

Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs.

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