Who moved my cheese?

Dr. John Khademi discusses GentleWave^®, a paradigm shift in root canal therapy

Twenty-five years ago, Spencer Johnson wrote a best-selling business allegory describing the ways people react to change. In his parable, “Who Moved My Cheese?” four characters wake up one day in the maze they had studied and known to find that the cheese they had relied upon wasn’t there anymore. Johnson uses these four characters embodied by two mice (Sniff and Scurry) and two “Littlepeople” (Hem and Haw) to represent different approaches to change.

As you might guess by their names, Sniff symbolizes the ability to anticipate change. He’s constantly alert, using his keen sense of smell to detect shifts in the environment. Sniff represents those who stay vigilant and can foresee upcoming changes, allowing them to prepare and adapt proactively. Scurry embodies quick action and adaptability. Once change occurs, Scurry wastes no time in responding. He represents those who, upon recognizing change, immediately spring into action without overanalyzing the situation. Hem personifies resistance and denial. When faced with change, Hem stubbornly refuses to accept the new reality. He complains, blames others, and clings to old ways, representing those who fear change and become paralyzed by it. Haw initially shares Hem’s reluctance but eventually embraces change. He represents the journey many people go through: initial shock and denial, followed by fear and uncertainty, and finally, acceptance and adaptation. Haw learns to laugh at his fears and move forward, symbolizing personal growth and the ability to learn from change.

Nearly 20 years ago, a small group of engineers embarked on a completely fresh approach to our specialty and moved our cheese. Looking back, we see that our cheese has been moved several times since the inception of our specialty as discussed in our editorial from 2021.¹ While technology has been a part of these shifts, the real changes are more fundamental, aptly described by Kuhn:

The transition from a paradigm in crisis to a new one from which a new tradition of normal science can emerge is far from a cumulative process, one achieved by an articulation or extension of the old paradigm. Rather it is a reconstruction of the field from new fundamentals, a reconstruction that changes some of the field’s most elementary theoretical generalizations as well as many of its paradigm methods and applications.²

GentleWave^® represents more than just a new technology; it’s a paradigm shift in how we approach root canal therapy. Its promise of enhanced cleaning through multisonic ultracleaning, coupled with a minimally invasive approach, challenges our long-held beliefs about what’s necessary for successful treatment. For many, this change may feel unsettling. We might find ourselves, like Hem, resistant to changing, let alone abandoning our familiar tools and techniques.

By definition, advancement and progress require change. The AAE’s core purpose in their mission statement is “To advance the art and science of endodontics and to promote the highest standards of patient care.” A specialty that does not advance and progress is stagnant. Embracing progress doesn’t mean abandoning everything we’ve learned. Instead, it’s about adapting our expertise to a new modality, much like Haw eventually learned to navigate the maze in search of new cheese. It’s about recognizing that our skills in diagnosis, case selection, and understanding of root canal anatomy are more crucial than ever in leveraging this technology effectively.

Sniff and Scurry have already discovered the new cheese. As we stand at this juncture, we must ask ourselves, and our specialty this question: Will we be like Hem, clinging to the past, or like Haw, venturing forth to explore new possibilities? The choice is ours. In the world of endodontics, as in business and life, those who anticipate change, adapt quickly, and embrace new technologies are often the ones who find the freshest, most satisfying cheese.