When Karyn was 13 she visited her orthodontist to get braces. Intrigued by her orthodontist’s ability to transform people's smiles and change their lives, she knew that she had found her path; and the rest, is a very successful history!
Karyn obtained a Doctorate in Medicine in Dentistry, specialising in general, cosmetic, and digital dentistry in her practice. Now almost two decades on as a practicing dentist, Karyn enjoys a thriving practice in Long Island, New York and is a lead educator for RipeGlobal's Fellowship in Restorative Dentistry.
“I love many aspects of being a dentist, especially the ability to make a difference in my patients’ lives. Whether relieving pain or discomfort, enhancing one’s appearance and confidence with cosmetic dental procedures, restoring the ability to chew comfortably with dental implants, or replacing teeth that are congenitally missing,” she said.
In addition to the way dentistry has improved through technological advances, Karyn is passionate about dentistry's artistic side, working with her hands, and enjoying the attention to detail her craft requires in order to achieve mastery.
Naturally, Karyn's approach to her cases evolved as her experience grew. “Always listen to your patients first,” she advised. “Learn and understand what their goals are regarding their dental health. Then, custom and tailor your care to individually meet your patient’s needs and wants.”
Patient satisfaction is the biggest driving force in the way I practice.
On Photography
It is an excellent tool for diagnosis and treatment planning. “Photography allows me to begin the planning process and effectively communicate and educate my patients. When I use clinical photos for case presentations, you can all see what’s “wrong,” she said. "The same clinical photos can also be used to create digital mockups to illustrate what can be. Dental photography certainly increases case acceptance."
Dental photography also provides an excellent medium for communication with my lab technician to achieve the best results in both aesthetics and function.
Photography also serves as an excellent tool for self-evaluation. Karyn shares that through clinical photo documentation of treatments, you are able to see what you like and don’t like. You can identify why certain materials and methods are successful, and understand what you can change or improve.
We asked Karyn
Why photographic skills are important?
The key to reaping all of the benefits of digital photography is in the details. Properly taken photos can be used for diagnosis, however if a photo is taken incorrectly - shooting up or down - your resulting image will be distorted. This will impact your ability to make property clinical decisions baked on this distorted photograph.
How to get started?
Karyn suggests that you have your camera nearby and ready. If it is not accessible and ready with charged batteries, a flash, and memory card, you will struggle to implement it into your workflow.
How will improving your photography benefit you?
- Increase acceptance rate with your treatment plans.
- Improve your communication with lab technicians.
- Improve the quality of your patient care through self-evaluation.
Watch Karyn’s masterclass on photography: From Zero to Hero
Karyn will give you a guided tour of a camera, then walk you through ways you can use photography in your practice.
- If you know nothing and want to get started, this masterclass is for you.
- If you already use photography but want to improve your skills, this class is also for you.
- Learn what is the best camera to use, including flashes and accessories.
- Learn what the various camera settings are and which one is the right setting to use in dentistry to achieve consistent and predictable results.
- Karyn will share with you why you need to master and implement dental photography in your daily practice.
- Learn how to shoot with digital cameras in ways that maximise the quality of your output.
After You Watch This Masterclass You Will Be Able To
- Jump into dental photography without feeling intimidated.
- Improve the quality of your dentistry using photography for self-evaluation.
- Improve your communication with patients, lab technicians, and your team.
- Increase your case acceptance rate.
There is always something new to learn and learning new things promotes growth. There are challenges to overcome and the successes are very rewarding. It never gets old.
