VLOG - Every Day’s a School Day – Why I’m Bringing Back the Try-In Sign-Off

Every day’s a school day—even after 32 years.

I’ve just had one of those classic learning moments that keeps me humble, grounded—and slightly grumbly.

A patient I’ve thoroughly enjoyed treating completed her full denture journey recently. She had Mark I immediate dentures, then definitive Mark II dentures, and adapted beautifully to them. Everyone—myself, Claire, and Rowan—thought the end result was technically and aesthetically excellent. In fact, we thought they looked fantastic.

We’d done two try-in appointments, her sister was present for both, and they both confirmed they were happy to proceed. I had explained, very clearly—and it’s all on video—that once we finished the denture, further changes would mean remaking it.

But a week later, she came back and wanted to change the lower denture because of a detail in the arch form.

Now, I used to get patients to sign a simple form at the try-in visit. It just said, “I’m happy with the appearance, and I understand that if I want changes later, it’ll require starting again and further fees.” But I stopped doing it. It felt too formal. Too rigid. We’re all signing stuff constantly—and I wanted to work on trust.

But this experience (along with two others recently) reminded me: people are human. We change our minds. Our perception shifts. Even when something’s been said and recorded, it doesn’t always stick. And sometimes, we just forget.

So after a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to reintroduce the sign-off form—not to protect myself legally, but to bring clarity and focus to a key moment in the process. It's a way to help patients pause and reflect before giving the final green light.

This case reminded me yet again how beautifully unpredictable dentistry can be—especially in removable prosthodontics. We’re working with people, not parts. And while that makes it challenging, it’s also what makes it meaningful.

Thanks for reading—and I’ve attached the updated Try-In Sign-Off Form below, in case you’d find it useful for your own practice.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Download the Try-In Sign-Off Form https://www.finlaysutton.co.uk...

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