Dentaltown New Grad Edition 2019 - 32

To maximize your chance for success, limit yourself to one or
two things at a time and master those before you move on to the
next. If you're in a practice that utilizes CAD/CAM technology,
then perhaps your focus is on the newer restorative materials and
nontraditional preparation designs. Your priority could be learning
the ins and outs of adhesive dentistry and how to predictably execute
your composite restorations so that they outlast the average 5.7 years
currently achieved in dentistry.
If you're challenged by case acceptance and getting your patients
to say "yes" to your treatment, myriad courses and books out there
can help improve your communication skills and connect with
your patients. There are business management skills to assist in
practice efficiencies.
The point is to focus on only one or two things at a time so
that you can really dial in and see the results. Once a new skill or
practice is mastered, then you can choose another. In this way,
your skills improve incrementally but you're constantly learning
and challenging yourself.

Find your tribe
The single most beneficial thing that happened to me in my
dental career was finding a community of like-minded clinicians and
experts I can go to for advice and guidance. Historically, dentists
have practiced alone in their own practices where they were the
doctor, boss and owner. Now, whether in a solo or group practice,
it has never been easier to find your tribe. Dentaltown and other
online communities are wonderful places to meet other dentists
and engage in conversation. Social media platforms like these allow
you to communicate and share cases, and get feedback or ideas on
your phone or computer.
Local study clubs, organized dental organizations and clinical
institutes offer a plethora of resources and information in the vein
of continuing education, meetings, social gatherings and internet
forums. Twenty years ago, Howard Farran started Dentaltown so
that no dentist would ever have to practice alone again. And we
don't. There's no excuse for dentists to be in this battle by themselves.
Personally, through Dentaltown, I've met lifelong friends I speak to
daily. I have a support system, an ear to listen after a hard day, and
friends to lean on when I'm struggling with a practice dilemma. And
I have the confidence that my tribe has my back and will continue
to help me grow into the dentist and clinician I want to be.
It is so important for you as a clinician to reach out to your
peers and colleagues. Ask for clinical guidance. Ask for support.
Ask for someone to listen to you vent. This is not dental school;
this is your career. There is no better time to practice dentistry in
a collegiate and supportive atmosphere. Embrace this exciting time
in dentistry. Believe it or not, we are all here for your success and
accomplishment. ■

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NEW GRADS 2019 // dentaltown.com
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Dentaltown New Grad Edition 2019

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