In 2021, Straumann launched the SmileAward contest to highlight precisely this fact. Dr. Anthony Mak participated in the first edition and was one of the ten winners. In this interview, he tells us what motivated him and what an experience the SmileAward has been for him and his patients.

What attracted you to participate to SmileAward?

A good friend told me about this award and how the competition wanted to connect the world to share what dentistry’s impact can have on the lives and well-being of our patients. I thought it was a very thoughtful and gratifying initiative as it recognizes our commitment and passion within the dentistry field. I wanted to participate in the Smile Awards competition to support the initiative but also to share what we are doing in our daily practice and the influence we are having on our patients, not only aesthetically, but also in regards to their health and self-confidence. It’s the perfect way to share knowledge on a global forum about the possibilities of dental implants and it’s advancements in oral health.

How did you find out about the contest?

As Above, A good friend told me about it as he was connected to the Zerodonto Facebook group.

What did you like most about the contest?

Having the opportunity to connect with my patients more in-depth. When I was interviewing my patient, hearing their testimonial and checking if the case met the criteria for the competition, I really found out exactly how the treatment emotionally impacted my patient’s life. It was a really meaningful and gratifying experience.

What did you obtain beyond the prize? Visibility? Did it impact communication with your peers/patients?

It really gave me the confidence to share realistic cases with my patients who were considering this form of treatment. It helped them become aware that they were going to go through a life changing journey.

How does it feel now to be part of the jury?

It feels wonderful having the opportunity to continue supporting this very special initiative. I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity as I feel that I can bring a new level of understanding to the jury panel regarding the complexity of case submissions and meeting the requirements of the award.

I will be really able to empathise with all of this year’s Smile Award entrants and hopefully also contribute to the Jury panel.

Where do you see the link between the purposes of both the contest and your profession?

It’s an amazing contest for our profession. It’s the perfect way for professionals to share experiences publicly with the global community on how dental implants can change the lives of our patients, ultimately improving their personal confidence and oral health. It’s something that has never been done before, it truly opens the door to a global forum that allows us to share our patients journey improving their smile. A wonderful initiative that connects dentistry, well-being, and the world together.

I truly feel everyone who enters into this contest is already a winner as they have been able to provide excellent dental care that patients ultimately feel very happy with. The whole experience just really connects the dentist with their patient, and you see the outcome in more ways than aesthetics. It’s a comforting relief for the patient who may have struggled with concerns for years.

What was the impact the contest had on the live of your patient – how did it change his or her life?

Obviously improving the patient’s dental health has been a life changing experience. Outside of the dental realm, I feel it’s given the patient confidence and satisfaction that she had excellent treatment which was recognised on a world stage. That alone had tremendous value for her, and reinforced the trust in our treatment, material, and technique. Her contribution in supporting me through the process of participating in the contest has helped and inspired other dental clinicians around the world to do the same.

About Anthony Mak
Dr Anthony Mak graduated with multiple awards from the University of Sydney in 2002. He then went on to complete his Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants). Anthony’s interest lies in dental technologies, advances in materials and techniques; and he has a unique understanding of CAD-CAM digital dentistry.Anthony runs two practices in metropolitan Sydney, focusing on quality modern comprehensive care, including aesthetic and implant dentistry. Outside of clinical practice, Anthony also sits on the Restorative Advisory Board for GC Europe, the Executive planning committee for the Graduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry (Syd Uni), an executive committee member for the Dental Alumni of the University of Sydney, and is the team leader in Australia for the renown BioEmulation Group, a global group of high achieving dental practitioners.

About the SmileAward
Show us how YOU are changing the lives of your fully edentulous patients and how dentistry can give back confidence and improve the overall well-being of individuals. Please create and submit your best patient story, together with the clinical procedure and the patient's testimonial by April 20th, 2022. All cases fulfilling the criteria will be submitted for public voting. A jury composed of world-renowned thought leaders in the field of dentistry will select the final winners who will be awarded their prizes during the EuroPerio 10 (June 15th - 18th 2022). Participate now and don't miss the opportunity to showcase the way you are impacting your patients' lives every day.

About the Straumann Group
Since our foundation many decades ago, we’ve been inspired to make people’s lives better. Our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to scientific excellence, has made us a global market leader in esthetic dentistry. We’ve transformed millions of lives. And we’ll transform millions more. Patients and professionals all over the world confirm that improved oral health increases self-confidence. It restores people’s self-esteem and unlocks their life potential. We are proud to be able to make a fundamental difference. Because what we do, goes way beyond simply restoring a smile.

About Zerodonto
With more than 300 thousand members and followers, the international Zerodonto platform aims at sharing ideas and knowledge in dentistry with health professionals. The purpose is to grow together clinically and scientifically.