Category Archives: Helping You Be a Better Dentist

Making an impact through Give Kids A Smile

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 »

The rewards of volunteering with Dental Lifeline Network

I began working with Dental Lifeline Network about four years ago. I was introduced into the program by my father who has been a volunteer for many years. One of my Dental Lifeline Network patients was an elderly woman who had been to many other offices without success. She had numerous health challenges and was receiving treatment for… Read More »

The myth of work-life balance and finding your peace

During my journey in dentistry, one of the phrases I’ve heard ad nauseum refers to work-life balance — this mystical and mythical concept of being able to juggle it all. Much is asked of us in this profession. We are expected to be business owners, practice leaders, team players, role models, and that’s before you add in the… Read More »

Identify your values to create the future you want

My fascination with personality typing began in college. I was invited to join a group of fellow student leaders for a session on the “Strengths Finder” book and assessment. We each took the assessment and were presented with our top five strengths. Mine were discipline, analytical, connectedness, learner and positivity. The insight was nice, but more than anything,… Read More »

This Valentine’s Day, show some love to our patients with Medicaid

I love Valentine’s Day, and whether single or in a relationship, I always have. I love the colors, I love the little valentines, I love the crafts, I love the treats, and I love the public being forced to show love. Contrived or not, I love that someone (greeting card companies?) decided to create a holiday based around… Read More »

‘Resilience isn’t all scented candles and yoga’: A fireside chat on how to overcome trauma and improve wellness

In this fireside chat, Cathy Hung, D.D.S., interviews Sheela Raja, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, to gain insight on how trauma affects us and how we can develop resilience skills for our wellness. Dr. Raja is currently the director of the UIC Resilience Center, helping students to improve behavioral… Read More »