Interview with Dr Joshua Austin ahead of Midwinter Meeting

Iveta Ramonaite, Dental Tribune International

Tue. 28 January 2025

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Dr Joshua Austin is a practising restorative dentist from San Antonio in the US and speaks on practice management and clinical dentistry. In his upcoming lecture at the 2025 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, Dr Austin will tackle two critical issues: the rapid evolution of dental technology and the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by dental professionals. In this interview with Dental Tribune International, he talks about navigating these sometimes intertwined aspects of dentistry and his perspective on achieving a more balanced and sustainable approach to the dental profession.

Dr Austin, both of your upcoming lectures address challenges in the dental profession, one focusing on technology and materials, and the other on mental health. Why did you decide to focus on these two areas, and why do you believe that they are important for dental professionals?
We have to be up to date on materials and technology as dentists. It is part of our oath as professionals. This field changes so rapidly that it does not take long to be left behind. I graduated from dental school in the mid-2000s, and almost nothing that I do today is the same as I was taught to do in dental school. Change is inevitable in our profession, and we must stay up to date to offer our patients the care they deserve.

As far as mental health is concerned, dentistry is such a demanding profession, both physically and mentally. The incidence of suicide, depression and anxiety in dentistry is alarmingly high, and it is only getting worse. We must learn to dedicate time for self-improvement to make sure that we can serve those around us. As dentists, we are often of service to so many others but tend to neglect ourselves.

How do you stay current with the rapid pace of innovation in the dental industry while prioritising mental well-being?
Attending continuing education meetings, study clubs, conferences and similar activities helps us enhance our understanding and knowledge of the science of dentistry. It also helps with collegiality, networking and fellowship of being around friends, colleagues, classmates and dental professionals.

“Dentistry is such a demanding profession, both physically and mentally.”

What are some of the most exciting advancements in digital dental technology that you think will shape the future of dentistry?
The advancement of intra-oral scanners beyond just taking digital impressions is massive. Intra-oral scanners have become invaluable tools for communicating with patients, helping to understand their dental needs and encouraging them to say yes to more treatments. That is a key advancement that helps all dentists and patients. 3D printing is also advancing so quickly that it could change the entire field of dentistry. Digital smile design, clear aligners and the blossoming of aesthetic zirconia are also exciting advancements that will allow us to treat patients better.

Could you elaborate on the novel technique for provisional veneers that attendees will learn about during your lecture?
It all starts with a great wax-up and a great matrix that we make in the laboratory. That takes some specific steps and materials. The better the matrix, the better the provisionals. Next, we spot-bond in our matrix material, chairside. The technique requires careful attention to small details, but when followed, it results in aesthetic provisional veneers!

With so many options for bonding agents and direct composites, how do you recommend clinicians decide which products will best suit their needs?
I always want to keep things as simple as possible. With some of today’s universal adhesives, we can simplify our bonding technique, which makes things easier and better for everyone. Go with what works for you that has the simplest technique! For me, that usually involves universal adhesives and bulk-fill composites, especially in the posterior.

How do you envision the integration of mental health awareness and cutting-edge dental technology in shaping the future of the industry?
I would love to see technology make dentistry easier and more predictable and potentially free up dentists so that they don’t feel shackled like a ball and chain to the chair. That will give dentists more free time to do the things they love. That makes everyone’s mental health better!

Editorial note:

At the 2025 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, Dr Joshua Austin will be presenting “What’s new? Materials and tech that expedite excellence” and “The mental dental connection: The secret to being a better clinician and leader” on 20 February at 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., respectively.

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Chicago Midwinter Meeting Dental profession Dental technology Mental health

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