The rising number of cases in unlicensed dentistry is a top concern for this practice owner, as the lack of education is harming patients.
Dr. Catrise Austin is the owner of VIP Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry in New York City. She recently joined the Becker's Dental + DSO Review podcast to discuss some of the top issues in the dental space, one of which being the uptick in unlicensed dentistry and veneer technicians.
Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What are some of the biggest issues that you are following in the dental industry this year?
Dr. Catrise Austin: There are a few key issues that I'm following closely in the dental world. No. 1 is unlicensed dentistry that's happening all across the U.S. These unlicensed veneer techs are posing as dentists, and they're doing veneers, which is a big risk to our patients and their safety. It's just really alarming how many patients fall victim to these untrained individuals, which really lead to devastating results. I recently saw one of these patients that went to four veneer techs and spent over $20,000 only for her to have a major gum infection. I had to put her on antibiotics, and I had to undo the wrongs of her going to see someone that she trusted on social media. So that's one big issue.
Q: What do you think is behind the increasing number of unlicensed dentistry cases?
CA: I think it's the influence of social media. Social media is great when it's great, but a lot of young people are going to these veneer techs just because someone is on Instagram and they see these before and after pictures.
It really does boil down to cost because in the dental world. We're charging anywhere between $1,000 to $4,000 per tooth. So when they see these people on Instagram and Facebook and TikTok, advertising that you could get your entire mouth done for $2,000, it sounds like a good deal. And who doesn't wanna bargain if they can get similar results?
If patients aren't doing their due diligence, they are getting tricked. They're getting tricked by these people who are impersonating dentists and they're just out for the money. People look at the follower count and they are basing their credibility based off of their social media following and what they see on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. So it's all about education.