The strongest remain
You studied odontology in Germany, what are your memories of it?
My studies were not easy there, and I know far more people who have dropped their studies in Germany than those who completed them. The needle’s eye is very small – after the first year of studies, a vast number of students are filtered out, and there is vast competition and psychological tension, especially if you are from abroad.
Where did your academic path begin?
At Greifswald University, I finished my basic studies there, and I continued my studies in a private clinic with Doctor Reusch, one of the most well-known German dentists. Six years of study were crowned further by an aesthetic reconstructive dentistry specialist certificate. I spent six years at Frankfurt University, completing a residency in oral surgery, where I worked in the complex dentistry section, treating patients with particularly difficult problems. I completed my doctorate at Hamburg University, lecturing in the maxillofacial surgery department as well as performing scientific research.
You mentioned that you obtained certification in aesthetic reconstructive dentistry. What is special about this achievement?
This is a very broad specialisation, but only several individuals hold it. Over 20 years, only 24 doctors and four dental technicians have obtained the certification. I too am among these specialists.
Choosing Lithuania
Your links to Germany have not been severed. You live between Klaipėda and Berlin?
I have currently been invited to work at Berlin’s Charité University, where I will lecture at the prosthesis section and share my experience with future dentists. However, this is only a small part of my activities, and I spend most of my time in Lithuania. Given available technologies, there is no need to be at the location physically.
You have spent fifteen years in Germany, but we see only three certificates on your office walls.
If I brought them all out, you could paste a full 40 square-metre wall with them (laughs). I have completed over a hundred and myself led more than 300 various practical and scientific courses. However, the three most notable achievements of mine are a doctorate in medical science and the aesthetic reconstruction specialist certificate, which is a double certification: a German Association of Aesthetic Dentistry and Council of European Dentists certification. No other doctor in Lithuania has this, and these achievements are of great importance to me.
Why did you return to Lithuania? You could have worked in prestigious German clinics.
I was never an economic migrant. I travelled to Germany to study. I finally found that I now have enough knowledge and experience and so, I returned to Lithuania. Perhaps my view is old fashioned, but I believe that Lithuanians should work in their country for their country. I would probably not even call it patriotism. However, I did not want to leave Lithuania behind... I did not consider working anywhere else.
What differences do you see between Lithuanian and German dentists?
One of the biggest differences is that in Germany, a large part of the studies is comprised of learning about dental prosthesis production technology. We had to produce prostheses and dental crowns ourselves for our patients. Upon returning to Lithuania, you note how dentists rush to consult regarding prosthesis construction with a dental technologist or have no understanding of what item they received. Initially, you are surprised, but later you realise that this is due to differences in the teaching system. But in terms of the general level of dentistry, we Lithuanians, are very quick on the uptake, are very skilful, and move forward very quickly. In terms of tooth canal treatment and implantology, we have truly notable figures, and are known across Europe.
Teaching dentists around the world
Did you bring back any revolutionary treatment techniques from Germany?
The dissemination of new treatment methods proceeds at an incredible pace. However, novelties, even if they look good, aren’t necessarily such. Quality is revealed only by time. At our clinic, we have all the newest technologies – intra-oral scanners, 3D printers, and other modern equipment, but I also use tried and tested by decades techniques. The greatest filter for all novelties is responsibility for one’s work before the patient.
Your insights have even received recognition in Switzerland, tell us more about this experience.
The most famous Swiss implant manufacturer sought experts, and I was invited in the context of applying prosthesis for toothless jaws, and to explain how to correctly plan this treatment, how to prepare the patient, and how to select the correct number and positioning of the implants. Around 30 doctors from around Europe were invited and after the first meeting, I entered a team of eight experts that was formed. We drafted methodological material, which is currently used by doctors around the world.
You teach the subtleties of implantation to specialists from across the globe, but what tooth implants do you work with yourself?
I only use Swiss Premium class implants. I select implants for every patient myself, based on the patient’s anatomy, and the condition of the bone. I believe that selecting the most suitable treatment is a medic’s task.
Many dreams
How did assembling the Bokštai Dentistry Clinic team go?
This question was particularly pertinent on returning from Germany. We have some incredibly experienced doctors, and alongside such professionals, I sought new people who are skilled in various areas of dentistry. I am glad that the clinic employs only highly qualified specialists, from microsurgical endodontics, periodontology and other specialists to assistants and oral hygienists.
Let us in on a secret – do you have any other dreams you wish to fulfil?
For a long time, I lived in a 10th-century castle in Germany. On the second floor was my apartment, while on the third – my clinic. Truth be told, I got accustomed to such comfort (laughs) and perhaps in my old age, just like Axel Munthe, I too will begin to spend my remaining time in a dream palace on Capri Island. Beyond that, I have studied operatic singing. So, await the premiere – perhaps some tenor will fall ill and I am needed.
What do you plan for the future? Will you leave Lithuania?
A US general once said, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” You have to start with yourself. I have no plans of fleeing my homeland, there are ample things to do. I have many patients, some arriving even from Vilnius. As such, after lengthy considerations, I decided to launch a consultation office in the capital – the people’s faith is an obligation.
I believe that I am useful, and needed in my country.
