Professional Courtesy: TCA Today and Beyond by Dr. Thomas Giacobbi

Professional Courtesy: TCA Today and Beyond


by Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD, editorial director


This month, we have the privilege of recognizing the winners of the 2024 Townie Choice Awards. These awards highlight the very best in dental products and services, chosen by those who know them best—your colleagues. Each winner represents solutions that dentists rely on in their practices every day, providing a foundation of proven tools that make our clinical and business lives just a bit easier. (If you’re in a hurry to check out the winners, click here.)

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the Townie Choice Awards have been the quintessential expression of what Dentaltown stands for. Our goal is simple: to create a platform where dentists share best practices, honest feedback, and reliable advice so we can collectively raise the standard of care. When you think about it, the awards symbolize the heart of our community—thousands of dentists, from all walks of the profession, freely sharing what works.

Let’s face it, we all have blind spots in our practices. It’s not easy to stay ahead of every clinical advancement or management innovation, and it’s tempting to stick with what’s familiar. But sometimes, a small change can yield big rewards, whether it’s upgrading your digital imaging setup or exploring a new type of bonding material. If you haven’t reviewed this year’s winners yet, I encourage you to dive in. Perhaps some of these standout products will solve an existing challenge in your practice or point you toward a new, more efficient way of doing things.

As we reflect on the achievements of this year’s winners, it’s also a good time to look ahead. Many of you are already outlining your goals for the new year, setting plans for how to grow your practice, improve patient care, or find a better work-life balance. Here at Dentaltown, we’ve also been busy planning for 2025, with many new and innovative offerings in the works for our website and app. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and our team is dedicated to ensuring you have access to the best resources to support your success.

Another way to stay ahead in your practice is by engaging with our Dentaltown community. Active participation can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Whether you’re seeking advice on complex cases, want to learn about the latest equipment, or just need to talk through a business management dilemma, the message boards are a gold mine of collective wisdom. Share your experiences, ask questions, and give feedback—those are some of the fastest ways to propel your learning and grow your practice. You never know which discussion might spark your next great idea.

On a personal note, I’ve also been thinking about how I want to start the new year. This year, I joined my local Seattle Study Club, which has been an excellent experience. The CE programs have provided fresh perspectives and a chance to engage in meaningful conversations about the future of dentistry. Next month, I’m excited to attend the Seattle Study Club’s Clinical Symposium in Miami. The agenda looks packed with valuable content, and I can’t wait to come back inspired and ready to share some new insights. Kicking off 2025 with a renewed focus on high-quality continuing education feels like the perfect way to reset and prepare for what’s ahead.

So, what are you most looking forward to in 2025? Is it a specific goal for your practice, a new technology you’re eager to implement, or perhaps a personal milestone you hope to reach? Whatever it is, I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to mention it in the comments below or send me an email at tom@dentaltown.com. Connecting with our community is one of the greatest joys of this job, and your stories inspire not only me but your fellow Townies too.


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