When my office reopened after being shut down for 12 weeks, I promised myself that I would always find gratitude for the privilege of clinical practice. At the time, I missed my patients, my sense of purpose, and providing dental care.
Cut to three years later: I still love my practice, team, patients, and practicing dentistry. But prior to the pandemic, I would have said dentistry and practice ownership were hard. Now, they are extremely challenging.
There’s always been stress in dentistry. But these days, not only is it amplified, it’s persistent in every aspect of our practices and lives. Many agree that this postpandemic “new normal” includes an elevated prevalence of burnout, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. While these symptoms are not new to dentistry, an open dialogue about them has become vital, even potentially lifesaving.
Last month's Editor's Note ...
We're here to help you navigate your challenges
This month’s spotlight is on wellness: personal wellness, financial wellness, and a healthy perspective on aging. The pursuits of happiness and overall health and wellness are no longer luxuries; they’ve become necessities. I’m grateful to our contributors this month for sharing some of their personal stories and providing perspective and inspiration for overcoming obstacles and prioritizing a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Dental practices also require TLC for wellness and financial stability. Even though dental practices have been described as relatively recession proof, not all practices are financially healthy. Successful practices are productive, efficient, and well run, and successful dentists know to maximize their team, physical space, and owner benefits.
Many dental practices have untapped opportunities for wealth and prosperity, and we are here to help you identify them and create strategies for success. Join me and some of Dental Economics’ top contributors on October 13-14 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at our Principles of Practice Management Conference. This year’s theme is The Secrets of Successful Dentists for Creating Wealth. Use code PAM100 to save $100 off your registration for the conference. This live event will help newer dentists who want to be ahead of the curve when creating a plan for a successful future, those who are midway through their career and actively planning for the future, and those who need to maximize their wealth as they make their transition plans.
Many dentists’ well-being is partially dependent on the status of their dental practices. I feel a sense of relief when my schedules are full, patients show up, and goals are met. As practice owners, we tend to sacrifice our personal time and well-being for the benefit of our practice, team, patients, and colleagues. But remember this: if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you cannot take care of those around you.
Another sentiment that has stayed with me for the past three years is that our practices survived being closed for an extended period during COVID. While I never want to be forced to close my practice for three months again, I will not feel guilty for periodically taking time away from the office to rejuvenate my mind and share precious time with my family.
I hope our content inspires the priority of personal well-being and a practice that thrives because of the care you reserve for yourself.
Editor's Note: This article appeared in the May 2023 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
