Unlocking an Important Truth About Technology

I remember when I got my first car with automatic door locks. To be more specific, I recall an incident that occurred shortly after I got that car.

My wife, Shahinool, and I were heading out one day, and as we approached the car, I used the remote to unlock the doors and headed for the driver’s side. I was opening the door to get in when I saw her standing expectantly by the curb.

“It’s open,” I said, holding up the remote in my hand. “You can get in.” She continued to stand there, glaring at me, until I got the message. I walked around and opened her door.

“I don’t want you to think you can take me for granted now,” she said as she got into her seat.

She was right, of course. For years, having me open the car door for her had been a small but meaningful gesture — a ritual act of acknowledgement — and she wasn’t about to let that go just because I now had a push button in my hand.

I’m an enthusiastic advocate for the benefits that technology has brought to our lives, and that includes technology in dentistry as well. However, that episode reminded me that we must mindfully use technology as a tool to enhance our abilities, rather than as a shortcut to bypass what should be done. Dental imaging technology, for example, is not a substitute for thoughtfully expressed case presentations; it’s a way to make great presentations even greater.

So while I encourage all dentists to embrace every technological advantage that will work for them, it’s worth noting that no technology can automatically “pop the locks” on case acceptance. You’ll always have to take the time to connect on a personal level and give them the full measure of your attention. Dentistry is a people profession after all, and no person wants to feel taken for granted.