O Canada! The Surprising Differences in Dentistry Up North (w/Dr. Dante Carlascio)

In this episode of our podcast, we welcome back an old friend and fellow Canadian, Dr. Dante Carlascio, who was not only our vice president in dental school but also a roommate of Eric's for a year. We kick off the conversation by reminiscing about our time in dental school, particularly the unique tradition Dante started called the "Cuspid Crawl." Dante shares some hilarious anecdotes from our anatomy lab, including a memorable incident where his hair caught fire due to the overhead lights. We then transition into discussing Dante's career path after graduation, where he returned to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He reflects on his journey from being an associate in a dental practice to eventually buying his own practice, highlighting the challenges and rewards of ownership. The conversation shifts to the differences between American and Canadian dentistry, particularly in how periodontal treatments are coded and billed. Dante explains that in Canada, scaling is time-based, with specific units defined by 15-minute increments, contrasting sharply with the American system that categorizes treatments based on the number of teeth involved. We also delve into the structure of dental practices in Canada, discussing the role of restorative hygienists, who have additional training to perform certain procedures typically done by dentists in the U.S. This leads to a discussion about pay structures for hygienists and the current labor market challenges both countries are facing. As we wrap up, we have some fun with a light-hearted segment on pronunciation differences between American and Canadian English. Overall, this episode is a blend of nostalgia, professional insights, and cultural differences, making for an engaging and informative listen for anyone interested in the world of dentistry.