Dear Patients and Parents,
In February, my staff and I attended the Damon Forum, which took place in Orlando, Florida. The day before the forum began, I took my staff to Disney World, and we had a lot of fun. As a team, we know how to work together and play together. The weather overall was warm, and the forum was a great learning experience for everyone.
In Michigan, I have been practicing with the Damon System longest. Damon has been my standard of care since January 2000, and I have treated thousands of patients very successfully in a more comfortable and gentle manner. My initial “Damon Forum” took place in Dr. Damon’s office located in Spokane, Washington. I had the distinct privilege of training directly with Dr. Dwight Damon, and I am very appreciative of his dedication and commitment to research and development. Way back then, very few doctors were embracing the Damon Technology. As a mechanical engineer in addition to being an orthodontic specialist, I welcomed the low friction, therefore less pressure, less pain advantage to moving teeth available with the Damon System.
I am amazed at the growth and acceptance of the Damon System worldwide, which I have witnessed through the years. Today, thousands of doctors from around the world attend the Damon Forums, and Dr. Dwight Damon, who is retired from active practice, is usually the top guest speaker. It’s wonderful to catch up with him, and reminisce about the “old days,” before he was a celebrity. The celebrity comment is meant with good humor because Dr. Damon is a very humble person with a tremendous desire to help others, and I admire him greatly. My life as an orthodontist has been significantly enhanced because of his knowledge, gifts and talents. Every time I attend the Damon Forum, I get to meet other doctors and exchange ideas on how to improve the care we offer you. This year was no exception, and I have returned to the office with several new tips, which I am excitedly implementing to improve your patient experience.
One of the most important steps that I, the doctor, do for my patients involves the placement and positioning of the braces. This is an extremely important step, and one that I choose to do myself. Not even my most highly-trained staff members place braces on patient teeth. I mention this because there is a new way to place braces that is being marketed to patients called, “Insignia” or “Sure Smile.” This involves scanning the mouth and having a company place the braces on an “invisible model.” The actual braces are then shipped to the doctor’s office in small trays. The braces can then be placed on the patient’s teeth by an assistant, and not necessarily the doctor. The systems go so far as to include orthodontic wires to be used for the patient. The idea behind the marketing is a “Custom set of braces for each patient.” As your orthodontic specialist, I provide a “Custom treatment plan,” along with a customized prescription of braces for each of my patients. On a personal level, I believe this is why you have chosen my practice for the orthodontic needs of your family.
Our goal for 2013 will focus on continuing education. The staff is fulfilling requirements for becoming certified as a “Specialized Orthodontic Assistant (SOA).” The certification and qualification process and examination is very rigorous, and is sponsored and approved by the American Association of Orthodontists. I am proud to announce Judy is the first member of our team to be recognized as an “SOA.”
This year, I celebrate a milestone of 30 years as a practicing orthodontist. I recently returned from Ohio having attended a seminar with several of my staff focusing on improving efficiency, systems and production. I must admit, the general trend in orthodontics seems to be leaning toward providing orthodontic treatment in the quickest, most efficient manner possible, with production deemed the most important goal to the overall practice, or “business” as the consultants refer to it. Attending a seminar of this nature with so much emphasis on “production” and “rapidity,” makes me wonder what my profession will be in 30 years time. Times are definitely changing, and while I embrace change, which I believe beneficial for patients and staff, I wonder if the future of orthodontics won’t become a process of treatment planning designed by technology, and not necessarily doctors trained in the profession. I also wonder about the long-term stability of treatment results accomplished so “rapidly.” Time will tell, but for now, regardless of the advancements with technology, I’ll continue to provide my personal care and attention to each patient at every appointment.
Thank you for choosing my practice (I refuse to say “business”) for the orthodontic needs of your family; serving you is a pleasure, and one of the greatest blessings of my life. I am grateful for the confidence and trust you have placed in my practice, and I look forward to a future of possibilities.
Best regards,
Dr. Thomas Jusino
