Honest Dentistry With Dr. Amir Hadjhamou

In a dimly lit room, the aroma of rich Arabian coffee wafted through the podcast studio while a fiery discussion takes place.

International speaker, Consultant Prosthodontist and the Director of Elite Academy UAE; Dr. Amir Hadjhamou discussed what we consider the most crucial element of dentistry.

In an era dominated by social media and celebrity-driven aesthetics, it’s easy to see why patients seek picture-perfect smiles. However, not every cosmetic treatment is necessary, and sometimes, the truth can be hard to hear. Dr. Amir Hadjhamou, a Specialist Prosthodontist, advocates for an approach to dentistry that values ethics, transparency, and patient education. In a recent interview, he spoke about the importance of “honest dentistry,” a concept rooted in doing what's right for the patient, even if it means turning away business.

The Rise of Celebrity Culture in Dentistry

Patients today come in with all kinds of expectations, and many of these are influenced by celebrities and social media. Dr. Hadjhamou recounts one such instance:

"I once had a patient who came up to me and showed me a picture of Angelina Jolie and said she wanted to look like that. And I mean, what can we say—you need to refer a plastic surgeon!"

This humorous yet telling example highlights the role a dentist now plays in managing unrealistic expectations. Dentistry, unlike plastic surgery, is limited in its ability to alter someone’s overall facial structure. While a great smile can certainly improve a person’s appearance and confidence, ethical dentists must guide patients towards outcomes that align with reality, not fantasy.

The rise of platforms like Instagram has made it easy for people to believe that quick fixes or drastic changes are within reach. This presents a challenge to dentists, who must balance between offering the best possible results and helping patients understand what those results can realistically achieve. Honest dentistry involves telling patients that veneers won't give them a Hollywood smile if their oral health or facial structure won't support it.

The Role of Ethics in Dentistry

In a field where patient trust is paramount, ethical standards guide how dentists present treatments and manage expectations. A lack of transparency in the industry can lead to patients being misled about what is possible. Dr. Hadjhamou is quick to point out how some dentists make exaggerated claims to lure in patients, particularly when it comes to cosmetic procedures like veneers. He references a claim he recently saw:

"We have a mission to deliver and provide healthcare. We can't mislead our patients. I read the other day, someone saying they can give a 99-year warranty on veneers—I mean, really? Would an orthopedic surgeon claim he can warranty a hip replacement? No. How can we warranty veneers?"

This is where ethical responsibility comes into play. Dentistry, like all areas of medicine, deals with biological systems that change over time. Teeth, like other parts of the body, are subject to wear and tear, and promising a lifetime guarantee on cosmetic treatments is not just unrealistic but unethical. Dentistry, especially when it comes to elective procedures, should be transparent about the longevity and maintenance required for treatments.

A key component of honest dentistry is patient education. Dr. Hadjhamou and other responsible practitioners ensure that patients are fully informed about the limitations of any given procedure. This means explaining that veneers, while durable, have a limited lifespan and that long-term maintenance is required. Instead of pushing patients toward the most expensive option, ethical dentists provide all the necessary information to help them make the right choice for their oral health and lifestyle.

Guiding Patients Toward the Right Choices

Dentistry has evolved beyond simply treating dental issues; today’s dentist is an educator, a guide, and often a voice of reason. With Google at their fingertips, many patients come in with preconceived notions about what they need. Unfortunately, online research can lead to misinformation or unrealistic expectations. Dr. Hadjhamou emphasizes how important it is for dentists to serve as a voice of reason when patients are driven by trends:

"The age of the patient is very important. I would not hesitate to talk a patient out of veneers. I do not hesitate, and I've rejected them because they already had nice teeth. It’s not as common now, but five years ago, we had patients as young as 20 wanting veneers simply because their friends had them. I say no because it is wrong, especially if they have perfectly aligned teeth. I want them to understand—it’s not needed."

This approach reflects the ethical duty of dentists to protect their patients from making decisions that could harm their long-term oral health. In some cases, younger patients request veneers because they see friends or influencers getting them, without realizing that veneers require the removal of natural tooth structure. For someone with perfectly aligned, healthy teeth, this can be a detrimental choice.

Honest dentistry means standing firm against unnecessary treatments, even if it costs the dentist a sale. While it might be tempting to give in to patient demands, ethical practitioners prioritize the well-being of their patients over short-term gains. This often requires educating patients about the risks of jumping into cosmetic treatments without fully understanding the implications.

Why Honest Dentistry Matters in the Age of Misinformation

With the rise of self-diagnosis via the internet, dentists today have an added responsibility: correcting misinformation. Dr. Hadjhamou’s commitment to honest dentistry is an essential part of this. Patients often come into dental clinics with "knowledge" gathered from online sources or influenced by social media trends. This "knowledge" is not always accurate, and it falls on the dentist to clarify the facts.

Ethical dentists, like Dr. Hadjhamou, take the time to explain the realities of dental procedures—what they can and cannot do, the potential risks involved, and the importance of maintaining oral health before pursuing cosmetic enhancements. This honest, transparent communication builds trust with patients, ensuring that they make informed decisions based on their individual needs, rather than being swayed by popular trends or misconceptions.

The Future of Honest Dentistry

As dentistry continues to evolve, the role of the dentist must be about more than providing a service; it must also be about guiding patients with honesty, transparency, and ethical consideration. Dr. Amir Hadjhamou’s approach to patient care exemplifies this philosophy, showing that true success in dentistry comes from prioritizing the patient’s best interests, even when that means saying “no” to unnecessary or potentially harmful procedures.

In the age of social media, Google diagnoses, and a booming cosmetic industry, the value of honest dentistry cannot be overstated. Patients need to know they can trust their dentist not just to perform a procedure, but to act in their best interest, delivering healthcare, not just a service. Honest dentistry is about integrity, education, and above all, the well-being of the patient.

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