As we approach the hopes and dreams of a new year, let us reflect on our accomplishments and consider resolutions to improve our lives, practices, and profession.
Despite the COVID-19 driven chaos that has deeply impacted dental practices viability and success, we have much to be thankful for. All About Teeth LLC continue to deliver quality services to our clients and have painstakingly figured out how to protect the health and safety of all those around us, including our client's dentists, staff, and families. As we approach the hopes and dreams of a new year, let us reflect on our accomplishments and consider resolutions to improve our lives, practices, and profession.
Laugh with your clients. In these somber times, a smile, or possibly even laughter, shared with your clients can truly brighten and highlight their day. In dental practices, COVID-19 social distance has been an issue to deliver dental service, particularly with our older and compromised patients whom are prone to health issues re-schedules often dentists appointments—that’s it. Many postpone and delayed their treatments. Taking the time to create and share a moment of cheer or levity makes a difference.
Energy burn and dietary balance. Exercise regularly. Early morning is the only moment that multiple commitments are not tugging at me. I even take a walk with my pet twice a day at least one full hour. With a clear head and burning kcals during a workout, some of my best thoughts and ideas are formulated. Equally important is maintaining a healthy diet. With determination and resolve, it can be done and maintained (I shed an unnecessary 30 pounds!). Willpower and routine are the recipes for achievement.
Carve out time for loved ones. In our busy lives, it is critical to create time for your spouse, partner, or significant other. My partner and I enjoy walking, and every weekend we embark on a new or familiar trail around Florida to explore. Devoid of distractions other than the smell, sounds, and colors of nature and navigating the rock scrambles and descents ahead, these are special moments together. Connected. Peaceful. Rebounding. And, of course, even better when our friends join join us in our outings.
Become a better listener. As Neha Sangwan, MD, our 2021 Annual Meeting keynote speaker, noted, there are five levels of listening. Recognition of how we listen (or do not, at times) can improve communications. Utmost attention and cuing into others’ signals—patients, colleagues, family members—will improve relationships and elevate mutual respect for one another.
Honor a mentor and support a mentee. Our mentors guided us to our current positions. I take a moment annually to recognize them for their confidence and support. In turn, befriend a new mentee to help attain clinical excellence and leadership tract opportunities to continue the “circle of life!”
Join a new committee or section. Our power and direction are predicated on member engagement. Help build a better Academy for your interests and needs and make some new friends and colleagues along the way!
Thanks to our staffs. Our collective successes are only achieved with the assistance, perseverance, and support of our staff members. Please acknowledge and thank them for their actions—recognition and appreciation bolster their efforts and spirits in helping us to provide effective, coalified and timely service to our clients.
I hope that we all can reinforce and rekindle familial love and gratitude during these special holiday times, whether it be at the dining room table or huddled around a roasting fireplace. Happy holidays and best wishes for a successful 2022!
Nurture our future: “I hear babies cry. I watch them grow. They’ll learn much more. Than I’ll ever know…What a wonderful world.” ~ Louis Armstrong
