Dr. Miguel Stanley recently participated in the Geistlich Regeneration Academy webinar dedicated to the topic “Communicating the value of complex dentistry to patients”, where he discussed everything from trust and ethics to premium materials.
On July 10, 2025 Geistlich Pharma’s Regeneration Academy in Switzerland hosted a special webinar, where our founder and clinical director, Dr. Miguel Stanley, was the key speaker. Dedicated to the theme “Communicating the value of complex dentistry to patients”, he shared how trust, communication, and ethics help patients understand why doing it right truly matters.
The Real Cost of “Cheap Dentistry”
In many countries, dentistry is 100% out-of-pocket – no insurance, no subsidies. That shifts the conversation around care and, as advocates for biological and regenerative dentistry, we feel this pressure on a daily basis at the White Clinic. But Dr. Stanley’s path has been consistent: choosing quality care, using premium biomaterials, and prioritising long-term outcomes – even when it’s more demanding, both financially and clinically. As he pointed out in the webinar “In private practice, no one is watching. That’s where integrity really matters”.
Why Premium Biomaterials Matter
Patients often see bone grafts, membranes, and regenerative materials as optional extras, not essentials. It’s up to the clinician to shift that mindset by explaining the value to patients and these are Dr. Miguel Stanley’s three key reasons for always choosing top-tier materials:
- Health Impact – Skipping regenerative materials can result in bone loss, infection, or implant failure. The long-term health costs often outweigh any savings.
- Biological Compatibility – High-quality biomaterials are better integrated, safer, and more predictable in their outcomes.
- Treatment Longevity – Shortcuts may lead to re-treatments or aesthetic compromises. Done properly, complex dentistry lasts longer and functions better.
Real-Life vs. Lecture Hall Dentistry
Many of the stunning clinical cases shown at conferences are performed in idealised conditions, university clinics, research studies, or on patients who didn’t have to pay. According to Dr. Stanley, this raises the question: “What about the dentist who sees ten patients a day, works in a lower-income country, and still wants to deliver gold-standard care?”. And the answer lies at the heart of his work philosophy: “ethics, quality, and communication matter even more when no one is watching, and when every patient decision counts”.
Building Trust in the Chair
Dr. Stanley has always defended that building trust in the dental chair starts with communication and transparency. And that’s why he co-founded the Slow Dentistry Global Network – to promote patient-centred care that values safety, comfort, and education, building long-term trust and better results. This movement encourages slowing down to make time for:
- Thorough explanations of procedures and materials.
- Open discussions of costs, risks, and benefits.
- Empowering patients to make informed decisions.
- Saying “no” to shortcuts when they compromise care.
The Case for Ethics in Modern Dentistry
Ethics in dentistry isn’t just a virtue, it’s a clinical safeguard. Cutting corners may save time and money upfront, but it risks complications, reduced outcomes, and loss of patient confidence. By being transparent, ethical, and uncompromising on quality, clinicians build credibility that lasts. “It’s time we talk openly about the pressures dentists face, and it’s time we celebrate those who choose to do the right thing, even when it’s hard” says Dr. Stanley.
Conclusion
Dentistry today faces a crossroads: meet economic demands or uphold clinical excellence? Dr. Miguel Stanley’s message is very clear: “when you explain the value of complex dentistry clearly and honestly, patients understand why doing it right matters. In a world that often pushes for quick fixes, ethical and regenerative dentistry is the path forward”.
