Interdisciplinary collaboration: an approach to optimize outcomes for patients with compromised dental esthetics.

base of the dental profession in terms of both the art and science of practice has significantly expanded. The amount of information and the application of treatment for patients are often overwhelming. Despite the convenient access to knowledge in the modern world, it has become increasingly difficult for single clinicians to address all the needs of their patients. Within dentistry, the benefit of collaboration between dental professionals to treat patients through an interdisciplinary approach is not a new concept. Moreover, it is usually rewarding for the clinician and can produce optimal results for the patient. Today, a broader approach to patient care is recognized. As research progresses in dental therapy, and more is known about the oral–systemic connection and tissue engineering, interdisciplinary collaboration is paramount for the continued development of both dentistry and medicine.6-8 Certainly, challenges often arise when working as part of a team, and research and clinical experience have revealed some of these challenges.9-11 Therefore, the need to understand how best to learn from each other and to share knowledge is fundamental to a successful interdisciplinary relationship. With this greater understanding, the elements of communication, commitment, mutual trust, and respect allow for greater acceptance of the responsibilities of each discipline. In this article, information is presented that is valuable to all members of the dental team so they can effectively participate in collaborative treatment. Certain esthetic dilemmas may be simple, while others are more complex. Some of the significant treatment challenges include malproportioned, injured or nonrestorable teeth; ectopically positioned or missing teeth; and altered periodontal attachment or ridge form. The shared interdisciplinary process of planning, design, communication, coordination, and execution of treatment for the esthetically compromised dental patient is reviewed in this article. Interdisciplinary collaboration: an approach to optimize outcomes for patients with compromised dental esthetics