Dr. Frank Neves
Bright Dental, St. Albert, AB
What have you observed to be the biggest change to the dentistry profession since you began your career?
The most significant transformation in dentistry since I started practising has been the advent of advanced technology. From chairside aesthetics and functional porcelain crowns like Zirconia or E.max to CBCT scanners, iTero Scanners, and even artificial intelligence, we are currently experiencing a golden age of dentistry. These advancements have opened up exciting possibilities for improved patient care and outcomes.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
If I were to explore another profession, I would choose cardiovascular surgery. Having worked as a registered nurse in Neuro Intensive Care, I gained a unique perspective on acute brain injuries and cranial trauma. The opportunity to contribute to saving lives through intricate cardiovascular procedures would be a fulfilling and challenging pursuit.
What is a skill that you feel would be important to teach a new practitioner that is not taught or highlighted in school?
One crucial skill that I believe should receive more emphasis in dental education is the understanding of occlusions. As a new graduate, I found my knowledge in this area to be lacking and elementary. Taking courses through reputable institutions like the Kois Centre, Spear Education, and The Pankey Institute, and applying the Neuromuscular approach can bridge this knowledge gap. It’s important for new practitioners to grasp the underlying reasons why teeth break or experience other issues to provide comprehensive and successful treatment.
What does a perfect day look like to you?
A perfect day for me would involve performing three endodontic treatments accompanied by crowns and conducting new patient exams. This allows me to diagnose malocclusion, educate patients on their condition, discuss treatment options, and perform the necessary restorative work. I find great satisfaction in improving patients’ oral health and enhancing their understanding of dental care.
What is the biggest obstacle or challenge you face today?
One of the significant challenges I encounter is finding committed team members who are eager to grow professionally. Building a team that shares the same dedication and motivation can be demanding. Additionally, another obstacle lies in the realm of education. It can be challenging to persuade older associates who have settled in their current knowledge to embrace further learning and advancements in the field.
How do you measure success?
I measure success primarily through clinical outcomes, particularly when it comes to patients suffering from migraines or headaches. Helping these patients find relief and significantly improve their quality of life is a great measure of success for me. Additionally, I consider clinical growth and continuous professional development as markers of success in my career.
Dr. Frank Neves graduated from the University of Alberta in 2007 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with a BMed Sc. He has been practising in St Albert, Alberta, for 16 years, and he is an Invisalign Diamond Level Provider. His area of study is TMD, using Invisalign, orthotics, splints and deprogrammers to achieve patient relief. His past work as a registered nurse in Neuro Intensive Care gives him a unique perspective on acute brain injury and cranial trauma.
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