Having spent close to 10 years learning and the last 5 years teaching, with Dr. John Kois at the Kois Institute in Seattle, Wa., I’ve become particularly aware of the role science plays in expanding our medical and dental horizons. As John says when talking about what we do as dentists, “show me the science”. What this means to our patients is that newer technology and newer methods of treatment need to be based on scientific studies that show the actual benefits of implementing newer techniques and methodology. Just because it’s newer doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than what we already have.
In the May 2011 issue of the Harvard Health Letter, Richard Hodin, M.D. of the Harvard Health Letter Editorial Board makes the same point in his article “ ” Dr. Hodin talks about the beginning of robotic surgery almost 25 years ago and makes the point that even though it’s called robotic surgery, there is still a human hand guiding the process. He also discusses the advances in surgery made through the use of the laparoscope-a tube like surgical instrument with video cameras at the ends that uses long handled instruments that tend to be less invasive.
Dr. Hodin says some are touting robotic surgery as the next generation of laparoscopic surgery. But, in referring to prostate surgery using robotics, he says “unfortunately there is remarkably little, if any, evidence that robotic surgery helps the patient or the surgeon. “ He goes on to say that there are no scientific studies showing any real improvements in recovery time or key functional outcomes; and wonders whether the increasingly popular use of robotics at hospitals throughout the country is based more on the marketing than the science.
Dr. Hodin’s article just reinforces for me that those of us in clinical practice need to be sure that the latest technology and newer methods of practice we choose to implement are supported by the science before introducing them to our patients in our practice.
Just my thoughts, thanks for listening.
Robert M. Sorin, DMD
← Sugar: The Bitter Truth by Robert H. Lustig, MD Your Questions Answered →
Copyright © 2008 by Robert M. Sorin, DMD/PC. All Rights Reserved. – Website Design by PBHS Inc. – Web Video by Richard Carey
Home | Dental Patient Information | Dental Services New York, NY | About Our New York Dental Practice | Before & After Dentistry Photo Gallery
Dr. Sorin's Blog | Sitemap | Disclaimer