Dr. Francois Lechner
Founder of Prisma Dentistes, Montreal, Quebec
What is the one piece of technology you could not work without?
The iTero scanner with the NIRI function is the piece of equipment I couldn’t live without in 2023. It gives me the opportunity to quickly demonstrate to the patient the issues that need to be resolved and make all lab work very accurate and traceable.
What have you observed to be the biggest change to the dentistry profession since you began your career?
Digital workflow and 3D printing are for me the biggest change in my job. No more messy lab work and broken or hard-to-find models. Very precise fit of the fixed prosthesis and very few revisions or adjustments.
What steps or actions do you take to manage stress?
I manage stress by dealing with the situations before the end of the day or write a note for the next meeting if it is not urgent.
What is your favourite book (or movie) and why?
My favorite book is the Book of Proverbs of King Solomon in the Bible. I like to read one everyday in the morning.
What is a skill that you feel would be important to teach a new practitioner that is not taught or highlighted in school?
I think a new practitioner would benefit from asking questions of their mentor as issues arise, as there are so many details to cover that it would be impossible to learn them all within the 5 program years. Presenting cases, presenting estimates, demonstrating different treatment options, reviewing the consent form would probably be a good place to start.
What does a perfect day look like to you?
A perfect day would be a fully booked and confirmed hygiene day, a fully booked and confirmed dentist schedule with one opening for an emergency in the morning and one in the afternoon. All care paid in full.
What is your favourite part about being a dentist?
What I like best about being a dentist is to have the opportunity to have personal contact with the patient, to get to know them better with time, and be able to give them the treatment they need at the right time for them.
What is the biggest obstacle or challenge you face today?
The biggest challenge I face today is the lack of available staff on the market. It is hard to select for the best match as there are few applicants for an opening. There is a lot more training to do than in the past.
Dr. Francois Lechner is native to Montreal. He is a graduate of the University of Montreal, in the province of Quebec, Canada, since 1983. Dr. Lechner is a digital smile design and Invisalign adept. As an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he also has a special interest in treating patients who are good candidates for mandibular advancement devices. He proudly supports the local soccer teams and other charities.
