Oral Pathology Puzzler: Do You See What I See?

to own their own practice. We recognized that freedom and money comes along with ownership. Why in such a relatively short time has the desire to own a practice faded?

I feel for these young dentists with their unprecedented student debt. Because of their huge financial burden, many of them are less likely to choose the owner-doctor practice style. This debt alters their vision and dreams of the future.

I feel that dental school education debt has gotten way out of hand over the last decade. Many other people at the ADA feel this way as well and have desires to help fix this, but no substantial resolutions have yet been passed to help with this situation. As a result, I see more dental students making their practicing decisions based on student loan debts rather than job satisfaction or future goals. We need to do something about it, but we need more of you involved to help us with it.

Currently in Utah, the majority of dental practices are solopractitioner owner-dentist offices. My friends and colleagues from other states are calling this style of practice “cottage style” and don’t feel that it is a viable business model any more. I, however, do not feel that way. I love the the variety of practices that can exist in the dental field and I feel that it is important to fight for every dentist and to let each dentist decide what type of practice is right for them.

I don’t have an issue with dentists working for DSO’s or other large group practices, but I do have a problem with the fact that most new dentists are choosing this form of practice mostly because their student debt forces them to.

How we can fix the profession together

That, as well as many other problems we are facing as dentists, is why organized dentistry is so important for all of us. It would be easy to just sit and let others continue to fight these battles for us, but your ideas and effort are needed to help solve situations like this one.

The UDA Board has the best interests of the dentists of Utah in mind. However, they can not do it alone. We need your help. We need you to get more involved. We need you to share your opinions on what needs you have and how we can help you with those needs.

I’m asking for your help to run for leadership positions at the local and state level. We need you to be willing to fight for what you feel dentistry should be for your family, your patients, your dental team and you (the old you from before dental school who had dreams of making the world a better place). As Jack London stated “The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” Let us not waste our time.

Thank you for all that you do for our profession. Thank you for deciding to join this great profession. I invite you to continue your ADA membership. I encourage you to become more active with your local chapters and I encourage you to get involved with local and state leadership. It is what is needed to continue to help Utah remain a great place to practice.

Dr Rodney Thornell UDA Secretary

PRACTICE

ORAL PATHOLOGY PUZZLER: DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

Case History: A patient presents to her dentists office for restorative treatment when the lesion was noted by the clinician. Asymptomatic. 4mm x 4mm yellow, non-uclerated papule or left tonsillar pillar region.

Which of the following represents the best diagnosis for the clinic findings:

a) Lipoma b) Oral Lymphoepithelial

Cyst c) Abscess d) Tonsillolith

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