Experiences at the Center for Special Dentistry (re: Dr. Dorfman)

Experiences at the Center for Special Dentistry (re: Dr. Dorfman)

August 2013

For some time now, I knew, and felt, that I wanted to become a dentist. I chose to intern at Dr. Dorfman’s Center for Special Dentistry, in order to gain valuable first-hand experience from general practitioners and specialists, including an orthodontist, an endodontist and a periodontist. While only having spent this second week at the Center for Special Dentistry, I have had a remarkable experience thus far. I’ve learned a great deal from Dr. Dorfman and his team in the field of dentistry, whether it be the clinical aspect or the various components involved in running a private dental practice in the heart of New York City.

In my short time at the Center for Special Dentistry, I have acquired a greater understanding of a range of dental procedures. For example, Dr. Dorfman emphasized intra and extraoral photography to clearly document the progress of cases and procedures. I learned the purpose for “etching”, used for adherence of “white fillings” or composites, as well as how to properly place and use the suction. I learned that although a cotton pellet is often used as a separator between an implant and a crown, it can harbor bacteria. Dr. Dorfman’s tip was to use blue wax to avoid contamination. From the Center for Special Dentistry’s endodontist, I understood that placing a clamp and a rubber dam during root canal procedures shields and protects the patient from a variety of small, delicate instruments and materials used for flushing and cleansing. At the same time, it provides the operator with the access he/she needs to deliver the optimum care, while keeping the patients’ comfort in mind. From discussions between Dr. Dorfman and his patients, I grasped the concept of a bridge. I learned that although both teeth (in good condition) on either side of the space can be used to support the bridge, anchoring an implant, which is by nature immobile, to a natural tooth, which is by nature flexible, will lead to “stress fractures” and ultimately to failure of the appliance. The above are samplings of the knowledge I’ve acquired while shadowing Dr. Dorfman and his team members.

From my time at the Center for Special Dentistry, I’ve observed and learned through exposure to challenging cases, including those patients whose phobia had previously prevented them from visiting a dentist, often for years. Dr. Dorfman’s concerns for his patients’ health, finances and overall well-being is reflected in his demeanor and treatment modalities, focusing above all, on quality of care. I appreciate, as well, that Dr. Dorfman devotes extensive time with his patients and despite the busyness of his schedule, it is comforting to know we can all still count on his experience and energy to answer our questions. I’ve been witness to the deep connections and relationships that Dr. Dorfman has forged with his patients, while sharing personal experiences in order to make the patient feel totally embraced. I am looking forward to continued growth during the remaining time I will spend at the Center for Special Dentistry.

– L.T.

Categorised in: Dental Student Experiences

This post was written by Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman