What 50 Years in Dentistry Teaches You

What does it take to build a meaningful career in dentistry and deliver truly exceptional patient care? Dentistry has transformed, but the fundamentals of great care haven’t. In this episode, Dr. Edgard El Chaar sits down with Dr. Michael Chesner to reflect on a career spanning more than five decades—and the lessons that only experience can teach. From the arrival of dental implants and digital technology to the rise of corporate dentistry, they explore what has changed, what hasn’t, and what the next generation of dentists should know. 

This conversation covers: 
● Why the best dentistry is collaborative, not isolated 
● The importance of mentorship, curiosity, and lifelong learning 
● How implants and technology transformed modern dentistry 
● Why knowing how to communicate with patients is as important as clinical skill 
● The parallels between dentistry, art, science, and craftsmanship 
● The growing influence of corporate dentistry—and what it could mean for patient care 
● Why the future may belong to multidisciplinary, team-based practices 

For young dentists, seasoned practitioners, or anyone thinking about the future of the profession, this episode is a reminder that great dentistry is about more than mastering procedures. It’s about continuing to learn, surrounding yourself with exceptional people, and never losing sight of the patient.