Advancements in technology, doctor collaboration and accessibility are leading to improved patient outcomes, according to Lee Boese, Jr., DDS.
Dr. Boese is an orthodontist serving patients in Merced and Fresno, Calif. He recently spoke with Becker’s to discuss the factors driving his optimism about the future of dentistry:
Note: This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What are you optimistic about when it comes to dentistry right now?
Dr. Lee Boese: One of the greatest privileges of my career was beginning my orthodontic journey working alongside my father. Practicing with him gave me a foundation that no textbook could offer — an appreciation for craftsmanship, integrity and the responsibility we carry when patients trust us with their smiles. Three decades later, I still feel that sense of purpose, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so optimistic about where dentistry is heading.
Today, I see remarkable progress in early orthodontic intervention. When I first started, many children, especially in underserved communities, didn’t receive timely diagnosis or treatment. Now, with improved screening and clearer guidelines, we’re able to identify orthodontic problems much earlier. In my work throughout the Central Valley, I’ve witnessed how early interceptive care can prevent surgeries, reduce extractions, and truly change a child’s future. Even within Medi-Cal, where approvals can be difficult, we’re seeing more children gain access to care that once felt out of reach.
I’m also inspired by advancements in trauma dentistry. Years ago, a fully avulsed tooth had low odds of survival. Today, with refined reimplantation protocols and better public education, we routinely save teeth that once would have been lost. My own reimplantation case — viewed widely online — reminds me how far our field has come.
Clear aligners have also evolved into powerful biomechanical tools capable of correcting complex malocclusions with growing predictability. Combined with digital imaging and AI-based planning, diagnostics are more precise than ever.
Finally, what may be most encouraging is the rise of collaborative, multispecialty dentistry. Seamless communication between pediatric dentists, orthodontists and general practitioners is improving patient outcomes across entire communities.
From the lessons my father taught me to the innovations reshaping our profession today, I’ve never been more confident in the bright future of dentistry.
