REFLECTIONS
Is it Time to Make Some Changes? By Allen Vean, DMD
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extracurricular events and take time for me. The staff loved the schedule as they were able to spend more time with their families as well. Did I lose patients because of this policy? Did I forfeit income? Of course, but how many times have patients wanted that last appointment of the day and then called five minutes before the appointment time and cancelled or even worse, failed to show up all together. Our nature is to be giving. We have a difficult time saying no. I found the practice took on the culture of myself and the staff. When you come to "...I am concerned the realization you cannot treat everyone, you are left with a practice of patients who appreciate you and the with the number dentist-patient relationship becomes quite strong. of dentists who are Funny thing, these patients refer the same kind of experiencing burnout patients to the practice. Patient care was always the or wanting to leave the priority. In addition, my philosophy included not profession after ten to being the richest dentist in the cemetery.
hat will you tell your children, grandchildren, and hopefully your great grandchildren about the events of the last fourteen months? What an incredible part of American history we have all witnessed. Unfortunately, this part of history that has affected our profession is not quite over. As we progress to some sort of herd immunity with vaccinations and other precautions, the effects of the pandemic are still with us. The patient that refuses to comply with CDC guidelines, staff that are unsure about being vaccinated, employees testing positive for COVID-19, and a one-star review on social media out of the blue are just a few of the multiple issues that confront us.
fifteen years of practice.
To say that we live in a high stress and anxiety Although I do not have hard statistics, I am concerned Is striving for perfection environment is probably an understatement. Add to with the number of dentists who are experiencing and the anxiety of that the events of the last fourteen months and one has burnout or wanting to leave the profession after ten trying to please all a recipe for potential disaster. We strive for perfection. to fifteen years of practice. Is striving for perfection That is our nature. Most of us love our profession and a driving force?" and the anxiety of trying to please all a driving force? do the right thing for our patients. However, many of us Did the pandemic exacerbate the situation? Some who have practiced for any length of time, know that are questioning whether they made the right choice many times this is not achievable. The causative factors involved are too of dentistry as a profession and are struggling daily. I have not even numerous to list. How one deals with these issues can be the difference addressed the financial issues that come with the life of a dentist. I am between a successful career or just going through the motions. Let me certain that the mental health issues that have enveloped our profession tell you some of my story and perhaps you can take a way a few pearls during this time will be with us for an extended period. Please be assured (as they say in dental education). that we are here to help. Making that contact with the MDDS or CDA I was fortunate to have a dental education that was quite positive. I have no horror stories from dental school. I knew that I would specialize in pediatric dentistry at some point in my career. The realization came when I fabricated a new set of dentures for my great aunt who had worn the same dentures for 30 years (bad decision). She came to the office every two weeks for an adjustment, whether she needed it or not. At one appointment she had her newly fabricated maxillary denture in place with her old mandibular denture and wondered why her bite was off. I thanked her for coming and that night completed my application to a pediatric residency in Minnesota. My family history is one of short-lived genes. My mother passed at age 49 and my father passed at age 62. I had entered a profession I truly enjoyed and cherished the interactions between the children, young adults, and parents knowing that I might make a small difference in their lives. But I was not going to let my career dictate my life. For example, the practice established office hours so I was able to attend most of my children’s
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may be the first step. For all dental professionals, we and your patients need you. Are there changes in your personal and or professional life that would help? I know I had peers who acted as mentors to me. I was truly grateful for their guidance and direction. They were not only my peers but dear friends, not competitors. Reach out to peers. You might be surprised how much you have in common. Take care of yourself and your family both mentally and physically. You are no good to anyone when you are not in a good place. Be aware we are human and are not perfect. How you deal with the imperfections is so much more important. I hope you consider some of these changes. As a postscript, please accept deep thanks to all of you who have participated in becoming vaccinators. I, too, have been certified by the state and have been doing assignments when asked. It has been an honor to work with such dedicated volunteers. Hopefully, we may be able to vaccinate our patients in the near future.
