Invaluable Tips on Dentin Bonding by a Bonding Expert

Richard A. Young, D.D.S. received his dental degree at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1985. He is an Assistant Professor of Restorative Dentistry at Loma Linda University in the under graduate dental aesthetics program, and practice management courses. His interest in dental digital photography spans the last 30 years and is recognized internationally for his contributions. A number of his methods have inspired colleagues to adopt digital photography into their practice. Dr. Young also lectures on advanced minimally invasive, tooth preserving dentistry, most recently becoming known and termed as "Biomimetic Dentistry".

Dr. Young presents a unique perspective on tooth preserving dentistry. In 1986 Dr. Young and his wife, Dr. Julie Zerne, were looking for a seminar in Hawaii and found Fifth Quarter Seminars, started by Dr. Ray Bertolotti. This seminar marked their introduction to the "Total-Etch" technique & adhesion dentistry and changed the way they practiced for the rest of their careers, as well as starting a friendship that exists to this day.

The "Total-Etch" technique was developed by Dr. Fusayama of Tokyo Medical & Dental University in 1978 and was presented by Dr. Bertolotti. After that course, they started practicing adhesive dentistry and never looked back. In 1989, at the ADA annual convention, they were among the few clinicians to personally hear Dr. Fusayama's lecture. Dr. Young says, "I was very lucky in that I heard the right people early on, believed in what they were telling us, and trusted the teaching. How was I to know at that time that the bonding techniques and technology that I started out with would end up being today's gold standards". Dr. Young maintains a private practice with his wife focusing on esthetic dentistry. He has many interests outside of dentistry, including his wife, daughter and activities centered in the outdoors