Dr. Barry Freydberg, a 1968 graduate of the University Of Illinois College Of Dentistry is a full-time practicing dentist. He was named “Alumni of the Year” in 2004.
He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and a Fellow of the International Academy for Dental-Facial Esthetics.
He is a leading speaker on conservative “Prepless” esthetic dentistry and is considered a pioneer in raising dentists' awareness of the ever-growing link between high technology and practice and clinical management. And, as digital technology has matured, he also focuses on “Techsthetics”, the link between technology and diagnosing, marketing and providing better esthetic dentistry.
In 2007, Dr. Freydberg was appointed by Dr. Gordon Christensen as the Director of Technology at the new Scottsdale Center for Dentistry www.scottsdalecenter.com
Whether lecturing for the American Dental Association, the FDI, or other major dental meetings, study clubs or universities in the United States or internationally, Dr. Freydberg's speaking engagements on minimally invasive esthetic procedures, computerized marketing and management, the use of the Internet, and the acquisition and use of management and clinical technology in the dental practice, receive critical acclaim.
He is also a consultant to the ADA Council on Dental Practice.
He is often published in journals throughout the World. He was the scientific editor of Alpha Omega's Annual Scientific Journal on Technology in 2003 and 2007. Among other publications, he has also contributed to the Journal of the American Dental Association and the CRA Newsletter.
Dr. Freydberg, an active member of the Chicago Dental Society, was the 2002 Program Chairman for the Chicago Midwinter Meeting which drew over 31,000 attendees.
Barry is married to Marla, has 6 children, and three grandchildren. Non-professional hobbies include golf, skiing, travel, photography (digital of course) and the necessity of exercising.
History
Dr. Barry Freydberg, has been practicing dentistry with his partners in their Skokie, Illinois practice since February 1969. He and his original partners, Gene Mendelson and Stuart Dunn grew the practice over the years, until it became a premier general and multispecialty practice.
Presently there are 7 general dentists, two pediatric dentists, one orthodontist, a periodontist, an endodontist, an oral surgeon and 5 hygienists. A major expansion is now beginning, to add a minimum of 8 chairs so it can accommodate the needed additional providers.
The practice used technology to help it grow, when it computerized in the late 1970’s. This is prior to the development of Apple Computers and PC’s and therefore, prior to DOS, Windows, and Mac. It was the era of full blown computers and mini-computers with dumb terminals. No graphics, no color, just text. At that time monitor selection was based upon 2 choices. Green text or the new orange text.
Technology classes began with definitions of words, such as “memory”, “disc drive”,”CPU” etc. At dental meetings, we even took apart computers and looked inside. We had attendees enter new patients with extreme trepidation, fearing they would destroy the computer.
Then PC’s arrived on the scene and hundreds of dental programs were written by “ma and pa” entrepreneurs. The next shift in topics for technology courses became shopping and comparing systems and companies.
As we used computers for managing the practice, we began to talk about using the computer data to help grow the practice. Tracking incomplete dentistry and patient personal information and preferences became the norm. Reports too, became more useful for practice growth.
Then, as PC’s and software became better and less costly, we moved the computers into the treatment room. Now we needed to learn new methods of patient flow and create different staff job descriptions.
And finally, clinical capabilities and the Internet entered the picture. And now we had to learn how to shop and manage the digital practice. We needed to learn the ergonomics of technology and each technology required us to understand it and its potential cost and return on investment. Integration among management systems and the various clinical applications became the hot subject. Some clarification came when the technology industry consolidated into a few major systems.
Using digital images instead of charts led us to use those images not just for record keeping, but to help us market esthetic dentistry. With digital imaging, we could now show people the smile they wanted before we created it. They could help us design it and it would also help us with diagnosis and laboratory communication.
The resistance to esthetic dentistry has always been threefold. One, pain. Two, money. Three, irreversible damage to the teeth. So now, with products like Lumineers, we are only left with the money issue. And we all know, we find a way to get the money for what we want.
As I was always resistant to irreversibly altering teeth for better smile, before Lumineers were available, I would offer cosmetic bonding. As I gained more experience in Lumineers, I began to share my experience with “techsthetics”, the link between technology and esthetic dentistry. In addition, Denmat also hired me to teach dentists how to do Lumineers.
Now the Internet has become an integral part of a dental practice, and the isolated practice will not survive at the level a “connected” practice. E-mail consultations, sharing records with other dentists and specialists, and allowing patients access to their practice information www.sesamecommunications.com raises the level of patient service to a new high.
This is a glimpse into my bias in dental practice and education, and explains the reason for the range and combinations of courses I offer.
In 2007, my partners and I sold our practice, and we now work for the buyer. www.webdentalchicago.com. This will enable me to practice for more years, to keep my clinical skills current. But is also allows me to enjoy my passion for teaching and to develop my new role as Technology Director for the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry www.scottsdalecenter.com.