Through the keyhole - Dr. Michael Tischler

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Dr. Michael Tischler reflects on his focus on implants, the mentors that encouraged his professional growth, and his talent for photography

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What can you tell us about your background?

I graduated from Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1989 and took the Misch Implant Institute course in 1999, and it changed my career. From that point on, I knew that implants would be the most important focus for me. Implants and grafting are a true passion. I have had 25 articles published on implant dentistry and bone grafting, and I lecture in the US and Canada on these topics. Prior to that, I was doing perio surgery and general dentistry. In 2007, I built my dream facility with 10,000 square feet and 12 operatories on 9 serene acres in Woodstock, NY. Included in that is a surgical suite with two operatories and an i-CAT® (Imaging Sciences International) CBCT machine.

When did you become a specialist and why?

I am not a specialist, but my practice is focused on dental implant surgery and prosthetics.

Is your practice limited solely to implants, or do you practice other types of dentistry?

My practice an implant practice within a general dentistry practice. I have three associates and four hygienists. We are a comprehensive care practice, with treatment planning starting from a periodontal perspective. We look at the 10-year survival rate of teeth versus implants, and treatment plan from that perspective. It often makes more sense for the patient to replace questionable teeth with implants based on the long-term picture. I am strong on bone grafting, and have great success with DFDBA putties.

Do your patients come through referrals?

From sharing my knowledge in the dental community, I have gained a referral base over the years. As a general dentist, I am firm on never stealing a patient from a referring dentist. Most of my patients are from word of mouth and my marketing outside of the practice. For doctors who want to build referrals, I recommend building a reputation as an expert in your community through lecturing and writing.

What training you have undertaken?

My training started with Dr. Carl Misch and his Implant Institute. I still feel that it is the best training available. He bases his teachings on his best-selling textbook, and it really makes sense. The availability to take your patient to the Institute and start under the guidance of his instructors is a huge advantage. I actually took the Misch prosthetic and grafting courses also. From there I took Dr. Mike Pikos’ courses, which were very helpful, and courses with Drs. Maurice Salama and David Garber, Pat Allen, and many others. Joining the implant organizations ICOI, AAID, and AAP has been very helpful through their annual meetings and journals.

Who has inspired you?

Other than my wife, children, and parents, my inspirations have been the leaders in the implant world—Drs. Carl Misch, Dennis Tarnow, Maurice Salama, David Garber, Mike Pikos, Scott Ganz, Paul Fuccazato, and many more. My good friend, Dr. Cliff Degel, was my initial inspiration for getting into implants. I am a believer in reaching out to those who know more, learning from them, and making them your friends. I also read leadership books; for instance, John Maxwell’s leadership skills series has helped me professionally. I am big on goal setting and visualizing my goals, and many of the leaders in that realm have inspired me.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your practice?

The miracle of renewing a patient’s self esteem, and the challenge to create the osseous structure and then place implants to support a fixed bridge. The fact that this is all accomplished by planning with a CBCT makes it even better. I just enjoy that entire process from the surgery to the end result. I pride myself on full-mouth reconstruction with dental implants. That process makes me feel as though I am doing something valuable with my life that really impacts others.

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Professionally what are you most proud of?

The implant practice I have created; the reputation as a nationally recognized lecturer and leader in the field, and the respect I get for that when I am at meetings. I have worked hard, and the recognition means a lot to me. I am also proud to have utilized one implant system for 12 years, BioHorizons®.

What do you think is unique about your practice?

The facility I have created is, I feel, one of the most unique and functional facilities in the United States. At least, that is what I have been told. The setting in nature and the technology that we have is very unique. The combination of the facility with the clinical results we obtain is also a unique package. If I sound like I am proud, it is because I am. I worked for 4 years to get the zoning to build my building and took great financial risks. To see it working is very rewarding.

Another unique aspect is that we are all digital and through utilizing Dentrix® (Henry Schein) are totally paperless. We use ePads for patients to sign forms, and actually use iPads for patients to sign-in and fill-out their medical histories.

What has been your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge so far professionally was the downward turn of the economy last year. Somehow we survived it, but I felt like I was fighting the entire world. There was so much financial negativity out there, it was difficult to run my business. I feel it has improved, but I will never be complacent again. I am thankful for my schedule and office being busy every day.

What would you have been if you didn’t become a dentist?

Well, my photography hobby almost won me over at one point in my life. I am an avid landscape photographer, and my office is my gallery. My website, www.michaeltischler.com, shows my digital work. Since my focus is dentistry, I really try not to sell my images. The practice, lecturing, and writing, keeps me busy enough.

What is the future of implants and dentistry?

The future of implant dentistry is CBCT guidance. Until a better technology comes along, that is the best we have. It amazes me how few dentists really rely on this tool. I do not place an implant without a CBCT and cannot see how it can be done as well without it. I also believe that the future is immediate loading of implants and perfecting that process so patients can have teeth right away.

What are your top tips for maintaining a successful specialty practice?

My tips for maintaining an implant-based practice is to live and breathe the importance and success of implants, and your patients will feel it. Embrace every aspect of it and feel blessed that you can provide this to our patients. Equip yourself with a cone beam CBCT machine. If you are placing 50 implants a year, you can support it because the next year you will be doing over 100 just by having it in your office. Don’t even think of the return on investment (ROI) because some of the ROI is hidden when using a CT machine.

For the staff, I have team leaders and we meet weekly, and for 15 minutes every morning to review the schedule. I am real big on staff incentive programs, and it seems to work.

Stay focused on your goals, and know they will happen. But, also have your vision spelled out and clear.

What advice would you give to a budding implantologist?

The first thing would be to see yourself where you want to be in 5 years. Then, take the appropriate steps to get there and enjoy the process. Enjoy the courses; enjoy the risks. Work hard because little is handed to you. Look for opportunities to grow toward your goals every day and allow them to come to you.

What are your hobbies and what do you do in your spare time?

Photography, as I mentioned. In my office, I have a Canon printer that allows me to print 44" by 60"canvas prints. I am a little obsessed with landscape photography and shoot where I live in the Catskill Mountains of New York. I also ski there in the winter. I prepare for my lectures and write articles. I find that keeps me on my toes. I also work a lot on my website www.tischlerdental.com. My family and two kids take up the balance of my time.

Top Ten List

1. My wife, children, and lifestyle

2. My personal goals to be my best

3. My dental practice

4. My home gym and working out

5. I-CAT® machine (Imaging Sciences International)

6. Lecturing

7. My BMW M3 and Jeep Rubicon

8. Photography and my Canon professional cameras and printers

9. Bombay Sapphire

10. Vacations

Dr. Tischler received a DDS degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry in Washington, DC, before starting private practice 1989 in Woodstock, NY. Dr. Tischler lectures throughout the country and has published over 25 articles on the principles of implant dentistry, and bone grafting in major dental journals. Dr. Tischler has been listed by Dentistry Today as a leader in continuing education since 2003 and is also on its CE Editorial Board. He is also on the Editorial Advisory Board for The Journal of Implant and Advanced Clinical Dentistry. Dr. Tischler is Director of Implant Education for DaVinci Dental Studios in West Hills, CA. He is also Director of Implant Education for the Nash Institute in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Tischler has been on the BioHorizons® Implant Systems Educational Speakers Panel for the past 10 years. He holds hands-on courses in his office and many corporate-sponsored courses on a regular basis. He was awarded the Feltman-Hunn Medal of Merit for 2007, an award given by the Third District Dental Society, a component of the New York State Dental Association and the American Dental Association that signifies exceptional leadership and dedication to the art and science of dentistry. Dr. Tischler is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry, a Diplomat and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Fellow and graduate of the Misch International Implant Institute surgical and prosthetic programs, Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Associate Member of The American Academy of Periodontology, and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.tischlerdental.com, and 845-679-3706.