Is There An Appropriate Retirement Age For Dentists?

"I just realized my dentist is older than dirt! Shouldn't he retire?"  "Is it safe to see a dentist that is well past retirement age?'  

These are some of the questions I have been asked recently.  The answers are complicated.      

The average age in the U.S for a dentist to retire is 68 years, according to a study done in 2017.  That said, I have known dentists who have continued to work into their seventies.  

Following the recession in 2008, many dentists were actually forced out of retirement.  With the continued volatility of todays market in 2022, many have no choice but to work. However, many dentists simply love the work....and the income!  

There is no guideline for when a dentist should retire.  If he is able to practice at age 74, then bravo!  Many will continue to practice but at a diminished capacity, sticking to the simpler procedures.  

If you have doubts or are skeptical about getting treatment by an elderly dentist, you can always contact your local Board of Dental Examiners to see if there are any recent complaints or if his/her license is restricted.  Most often, though, they are able to perform just as well as they ever did.  Chalk that up to experience! 

Keep Smiling!

Going Cheap With A Mouthguard Could Ultimately Cost You More

With youth football season coming upon us, it is that time of year to start gathering the equipment you need to make sure that your young athlete is safe out there on the gridiron. The mouthpiece is an essential part of that equipment and for the health of your child. The mouth piece, one that is of good quality, will reduce concussions, reduce broken teeth, protect the jaw and reduce the biting of the tongue. However, not all mouth pieces are the same. Some retail stores sell them for really cheap and with the high cost of the other equipment, it is a great area to save a few bucks.

However, that cheap mouthpiece can cost you more in the long run if it does not protect your athlete's mouth the way it should. Here are some tips to make sure that you get a mouthpiece that will protect your child's head and smile.

1. A good mouthpiece will be clinically or scientifically tested.
2. A good mouthpiece should have an impact force rating of 5 joules or higher
3. A good mouthpiece should have an impact energy rating of 2.25 joules or higher
4. The mouthpiece should fit your child's mouth comfortably and not cause any mouth sores
5. The mouthpiece should cover all teeth including back molars, but not any further. If the mouthpiece goes too far back in the mouth, it could potentially block or restrict their airway.

Also, if your child wears braces, make sure that mouthpiece is designed to for braces. Braces themselves are a big investment as you already know. Protecting them with the correct mouthpiece is imperative to your child's orthodontic treatment.

When in doubt as to which mouthpiece is right for your child, check with your dentist. Some dental centers may even be able to order one the is custom fit for your athlete's mouth and that will ensure the best protection.

Lastly, make sure that your young athlete has a dental exam prior to starting the season. This will allow the dentist to check everything over and make you aware of any problems that may arise from the contact in football.