25 Years in Dentistry – It’s Just the Beginning

First week of dental school (1984)

Yesterday minus twenty-five years was the day I graduated dental school.  What a relief that was!  In some ways, it seems like yesterday.  In other ways, it still seems like yesterday!

Going into dentistry, I had no idea I would like it as much as I do.  Certainly, my experience in dental school would not have given me such an idea.

On the USS Independence, in the Persian Gulf… dressed for the occasion.

After dental school, I spent 3 years in the Navy, which had its ups and downs, but I’d say about 99% ups.  It was a great professional, cultural, and social experience.  I learned a lot more in the Navy than I did in dental school.  It was in the Navy where my love for dentistry really began.

Out here in the civilian world, I learned even more through extensive C.E. and a desire to learn and perform at my best.  I worked as an associate in two different offices for about 3 years before starting my practice from scratch.  I decided against participation in managed care plans.  To this day, I have steadfastly refused to get involved with it.  It has NOT been an easy road.

But, I still love dentistry!  If I won the lotto, I’d still be doing it… with a few more vacations!

It’s a good thing I still love it.  In this economy, we’ve all taken a hit.  It’s been tough!  I’m hearing about dental offices going out of business across the country.  Some days I really wonder what I’m doing and why.

There are days I envy those with a “regular” job… the kind where you invest nothing, borrow nothing, have no vested interest, walk away from at 5:00 pm and never think about again until the next day…  AND get a predictable salary, benefits, insurance, and even a pension.

I’m a GOOD dentist.  I do GOOD work.  I actually do treat my patients like my own family.  I’m HONEST.  And, still it’s been tough.

But, I’m hanging in there.  The economy WILL get better.  I just don’t know WHEN.

It seems more and more people are looking for “bargains.”  Honesty and good work sometimes feel like an exercise in futility.  Yet, I must continue to have faith in those character traits.  I must believe that it WILL pay off.  Some day.  To give up on that would mean giving up on what I love to do and who I am.

After 25 years, I am in a comfortable place, professionally.  I feel competent.  I know what I’m doing.  I can handle just about any complex restorative case.  I’ve been published.  I’ve been on the lecture circuit.  On the other hand, I feel like I’m just getting started!  I feel like I have a long career ahead of me.  And, it will be good.  I have a wonderful family.  I have a wonderful staff.  I’m ready to ride the next wave.

Stay true to yourself.  Find your passion and follow it!  And, don’t take shit from anyone.