“I was holding the mirror with one hand, and my breath with the other.” It wasn’t the first time I performed that procedure. But that day, everything felt off. The patient was anxious. The assistant wasn’t in sync. The impression failed, and so did the rhythm I usually trust. My hand didn’t tremble, but inside, I did. That… Read More »
A metaphor I have heard all too often when discussing the stressors of the dental field is the reiteration of the pre-flight announcement, “You have to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.” While that metaphor has validity, the reality is that it is difficult to put ourselves first. We, as dental professionals, provide constant care… Read More »
Graduating from dental school feels like a big finish, but as new dentists, we soon realize it’s really just the starting line for everything we still have to learn. Transitioning from student dentist to doctor is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Suddenly, every decision is yours, every case matters and the learning curve feels steeper than… Read More »
Think of a time you hesitated to speak up — a patient questioning your treatment plan, a teammate missing a deadline, a colleague pushing back. We’ve all been there. How we respond shapes our teams, our leadership and the mark we leave in dentistry. These moments — explaining a procedure, guiding a team or easing a patient’s fear… Read More »
In today’s rapidly evolving world, cultural diversity shapes health care practices globally. Dentistry is no exception. As dental professionals, we encounter patients from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique beliefs, perspectives and expectations to their care. To truly offer patient-centered service, it’s important to understand and respect these differences — an approach known as cultural competence. This not only… Read More »
Six-year-old C.J. had a mouth filled with cavities. At school, he would hide his smile, keeping his mouth closed to avoid bullying. At home, he would only eat soft foods, fearful of the pain eating caused. His school nurse and pediatrician tried to get him to open his mouth, to see the severity of dental disease, but he… Read More »