Dr. Hubert Ouvrard
Dear Officers, Trustees, and Fellows, In this message, I would like to talk with you of the evolution of Dentistry as we can see it every day. The way of thinking of our patients has changed. They don't want metal fillings like gold inlays anymore in their mouth, and yet we know it's often the best solution we can propose for them. They only ask for aesthetic ceramic or composite fillings. Are they right, are they wrong? Do we, as dentists, choose for them a gold inlay because we think it will preserve the tooth longer? Can we go against their wishes? The desire of beauty is a constant search by humankind and especially in this century where everyone wants to be young and look good.
Cosmetic dentistry is one of the most important options for our patients today and they ask more and more for such dental care. But can you imagine a doctor who tells his patient: do you prefer a treatment with or without antibiotics? If a patient needs an antibiotic therapy the dentist will order it because it is necessary. It's an ethical problem and sometimes we have to convince our patients what is the best for them, and also think of what would I prefer myself given what I know. These reflections are those of an old fashioned dentist who has been in practice over 40 years, but I hope you won't think I am out of order.
The constant evolution of dentistry also comes from the new materials proposed everyday by the Industry as the miracle solution to our problems and those of our patients. Some really are progress, but alas, some others are distributed before they have a sufficient clinical trials. Who is ultimately responsible when a product fails, clearly its the practitioner who is perceived to be responsible, never the company who manufactured the product. Last of all, there is the ethical problem: the choice between a conservative approach or a progressive approach. Once more, what would you choose for yourself? The proven material, or the new one presented as a revolution? Please ponder these reflections of an old dentist from an old country, but with many years of experience.
As your President I am also very appreciative of the chance to travel and meet our Fellows and observe firsthand how PFA Sections go about making their organization a valuable asset to their profession.
PFA President Hubert Ouvrard presenting the Fellowship certificate to Dr. Narisa Goode at the Georgia Section Meeting.
I was recently invited by Dr. Karyn Stockwell, PFA Region 3 Trustee, and Dr. Robin Reich, Georgia Section Chairman, to attend their Annual Meeting of the Georgia Section on February 4-6. I participated in a great section meeting that was very well organized. The friendly team of professionals made their 9th annual meeting a real success, starting with a dinner hosted by Dr. Robin Reich and Steve Reich on Friday evening where I had a chance to personally meet the amazing people behind this PFA Section. They set an example for us all.
On Saturday morning there was a very informative lecture and discussion with Mr. Stuart Oberman, attorney at law, on how a Dental Practice can benefit from a proactive approach to legal matters. Later that day more than 110 Fellows were present for the dinner at the Ritz Carlton Lodge in Greensboro and 16 new Fellows were inducted.
That is a perfect illustration of what I wrote in my President's message last month, that we have to recruit more new Fellows who will make the Academy grow and will be its future leaders.
Yours Truly,
Dr. Hubert Ouvrard
President of the Pierre Fauchard Academy