As a general rule, things that are better quality take more time. Or so it seems.
However, there are exceptions. For example, mass production often results in standardized quality while increasing the production rate. Similarly, if a skill has been practiced until it is automatic, the result is both high quality and fast. A concert pianist does not play slow.
One of the oral surgeons who had the smallest incisions, the least trauma, and smallest amount of bone removal when removing third molars, was also one of the fastest. He knew exactly what to do and his skill matched his intent. Of course, I’ve also seen surgeons that are fast, rough, and traumatic.
Hence, the speed isn’t related to the quality.
I would argue that if you want to do amazing work, you need the ability to prep fast. This will set you up for repeatable success.
Many areas of dentistry cannot be sped up. You can’t etch faster. You can’t dry a primer that needs to sit for 15 seconds any faster without affecting strength. However, with a lot of practice, you can prep many times faster.
Having done my first full mouth rehabilitation in 2004, I know my preps are now about four times faster. I’m not rushing. I just did the prep right the first time.
This gives two huge benefits to quality work — particularly aesthetic work.
1. It reduces operator fatigue. Doing large cases with many teeth often takes a long time and as the dentist gets fatigued, their chance of mistakes increases.
2. It allows more time for important things. Things like isolation. Tissue control. Mock-ups and smile designing. Precision scans. Stump shades and so on. These things need time and attention to detail.
There is a downside. If you try to be fast without adequate training, you’ll just be fast and bad. Which is easier, but it could damage your reputation and your career. Speed that is quality takes very specific exercises, specialist coaching, and a lot of practice.
So you can have speed. And quality. In fact, you need to have both. And for that, you need hands-on training.
