CATEGORY 104 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST BEYOND CLINICAL It seems a lifetime ago that I graduated from the Adelaide University Dental Hospital, and what an extraordinary journey of learning it has been. I have now been retired for 10 years and currently spend one day each week tutoring and supervising fifth-year students in General Practice Development at the new Adelaide University Dental Hospital. Over the years, I employed many new graduates in my practice and loved the opportunity and challenge of helping to shape their careers. Tutoring seemed a natural next step. I always felt it was my responsibility to mentor every new graduate I employed. I have loved my many years in private practice and dental management consulting. Like many of you, I discovered what a privilege it is to help patients improve their health while developing friendships and acquaintances that last a lifetime. These relationships are forged not only with our patients as we grow together, but also with the many team members who shared and enriched our journey. When I began private practice in 1974, fresh from the University of Adelaide, dentistry seemed unsophisticated by today’s standards. It was often more invasive, even brutal at times, but before the widespread benefits of fluoride much of it was necessary. Prevention was our greatest weapon then, long before the advent of adhesive dentistry, advanced endodontic techniques, and dental implants. A defining moment came in the 1970s when I attended the Australian Dental Congress and first heard the American educator Dr Ohmer Reed speak about “total dental care” and relationship building, rather than the piecemeal treatment of pain and reactive dentistry that had characterised much of my practice to that point. During the same decade, private practice embraced the first wave of dental hygienists. It was liberating for practitioners and enormously beneficial for our patients and their long-term oral health. To say that I loved living through this revolution in dentistry would be an understatement. I had the privilege of witnessing and participating in the transformation of dentistry from a largely reparative profession into one that genuinely pursued ideal oral health. Along the way, I became one of the early adopters of CAD/CAM dentistry. In the early 90’s, I attended a mind-blowing course at the University of Zurich on CEREC porcelain inlays, sponsored by Siemens. By 1994, the equipment, techniques, and procedures had become integral to my practice. It was remarkable to be involved Reflections after more than 50 years in dentistry: 1974 to the present By Ken Russell, BDS, GDDSM Ken Russell Carl Burroughs Managing Director 0416 190 000 carl@practicesales.com.au I have worked with Carl Burroughs for many years and throughout that time I have always found him to be professional, insightful, and genuinely committed to achieving the best outcome aligned with my interests. What has always stood out is Carl’s strong ethical approach. At every stage, his advice is guided by integrity, honesty, and experience. Carl brings a unique combination of strategic business understanding and practical experience garnered over decades. His advice is therefore thoughtful, commercially sound, and always delivered in a way that is approachable and easy to understand — always available when needed and consistently willing to assist. Simply, I recommend him to any practice owner seeking experienced and ethical guidance. Dr Jamie Galbraith BDS MFDS MOrth DClinDent
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3NDk3Mw==