When a patient presents for esthetic and restorative dental procedures, oral healthcare professionals must be cognizant of the overall health and wellness of the patient.
“That’s one of the things we want our patients to understand. We are going to ask a lot of questions at those initial visits. However, it is in the patient's best interest. We can only provide the best treatment if we are fully aware of the challenges our patients face and the limitations we may face as providers. This case was a perfect example of why a patient's health history is so important when determining treatment options,” Brittany Moleta, a West Virginia University School of Dentistry student, said.
In June 2021, Moleta was teamed up with a 75-year-old patient who was looking for esthetic improvements.
“I want to get my two front crowns replaced or seriously looked at. I’ve had them for 53 years,” he said.
Moleta knew instantly she was not taking on a simple restorative procedure.
“Given the extensive medical history and the patient’s age, meticulous thought and planning went into his treatment,” Moleta said.
Moleta’s approach and commitment to her patient, despite the potential obstacles in his particular case, caught the eye of Colgate-Palmolive’s awards, scholarships and grants team.
Moleta was selected as one of the three winners of Colgate’s Power of a Smile Scholarship Award in March of 2022 among several dental student applicants from across the United States who shared impressive case studies for the contest.
“To be recognized for something I’m so passionate about is extremely rewarding. I’m grateful for Colgate supporting students like myself who have set out to improve the lives of others. But, the biggest reward of all is a patient walking away with the smile they’ve always desired,” Moleta said.
Her patient committed to a detailed treatment plan that entailed two extractions, fillings, root canal therapy, surgical endodontic therapy and multiple crowns. The patient had a history of cancer, radiation therapy, and diabetes.
“With those types of diagnoses coming in, I had to develop a treatment plan that took additional medical consultations with radiation oncologists and primary care physicians into consideration. These consultations help the patient avoid developing problems such as osteoradionecrosis after extractions and other invasive dental procedures. Without these consultations, negative results following treatment could occur and be life changing for the patient,” Moleta said.
Following treatment, the patient stated “I feel so much more confident in my smile. I was never able to eat an apple before because of how wiggly my front tooth was, but now I can eat almost anything I want. Thank you for helping me live out my dreams.”
Moleta will achieve one of her dreams in May 2023 when she graduates with her Doctor of Dental Surgery from WVU with plans to specialize in Prosthodontics.
Moleta was grateful for support, guidance and mentoring on the case from Dr. Matthew Harper and Dr. Lauren Godwin.