As a dentist, I spend all day looking through the tiny lenses of my loupes that magnify small problems tenfold, many of which will grip me. Then I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about these problems that aren’t even mine. And, more often than not, I worry, worry, worry. Does anyone else have this problem? Uh huh, I thought so. 

Over years of training, dentists are taught to pay attention to and be concerned with the most minor issues and smallest details. Crown margins, apical fill, shade, patients’ perceptions — and on and on. Many of us become obsessive to the exclusion of all else. And, worse yet, we bring these problems home. Is this healthy? No. We have to learn to let it go. When the loupes come off and are put away for the day, we need to remind ourselves to focus on the big picture — the important things: family, friends and life. Easier said than done, you say. I get it. It’s all too easy to get lost in the small stuff. So just how can we do it? Try these tips.

We need to take a step back and remind ourselves that the challenges we face daily from a clinical standpoint are our patients’ problems, not ours. That can’t be stressed enough. It’s all too easy to internalize each of our patients’ problems, think about them, worry about them, and then carry an unnecessary and heavy burden. The cumulative effect of this can be debilitating for some. Empathy is important, if not critical, but that doesn’t mean we have to share the problem. Remember, we are here to help the best we can, but, when all is said and done, that’s where it needs to end. Make sure your patient leaves with their problem; don’t take it home with you.

Even with a great attitude, unfortunately many times we still assume the patient’s problem. How? By attempting to work outside areas of our training. By pushing the envelope. That’s a slippery slope for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is added anxiety. You should focus on what you know, and draw the line. Uncertainty is a killer. It leads to needless stress and anxiety before, during and after a procedure. This behavior creates circumstances that often stay with us long beyond the day’s end. 

Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to push your limits and try new things. But get the training first, and invest in yourself. That’s what AGD is for. AGD has all the tools necessary to improve your skills. Sign up for a MasterTrack program, attend live webinars, view webinars from the library, take continuums and work through your local constituency. Do whatever is necessary to reach the next level and expand your skill set. Follow the great author and speaker Jim Rohn’s advice, what he called The Ant Philosophy: “Go up, over, through or around things to reach your goal. How long? Until you get there.”

We always need to push ourselves and become comfortable and competent with new things. But, until that time, let it go. Or maybe let it go for good. Because it’s equally important to eliminate things from your practice you don’t like to do. Try it; it’s a breath of fresh air. You might say: “I can’t. It will hurt my bottom line,” or “My patients will leave me.” I would argue mental health is more important. Besides, you won’t treatment plan things you don’t want to do, and that will ultimately have a negative impact on the patient. So what do you do? Hire an associate that complements your skill set or bring in a specialist. It’s that simple.
 
It’s also important to realize you can’t be everyone’s dentist and you can’t solve everyone’s problems. Don’t even try. Know your limitations. Admit when it’s beyond your training. You’ll stay out of trouble, and you’ll sleep better. Remember that it’s OK to scratch your head, kick the dirt and say, “Gee, I’m not sure” or “I don’t think I can help you.” You’ll know you’ve matured as a practitioner when you can do that. Make your life easier and realize there’s a dentist for everyone — it just doesn’t have to be you.

Don’t let the dentistry consume you. Take a step back and realize this. Take the loupes off. Don’t become preoccupied with so much minutia that time slips by. Don’t let the patients or procedures bog you down or follow you home. Time is all we have in life, and even the longest life isn’t long enough. No amount of money can buy yesterday. Put the handpiece down, physically and mentally. Spend time with your family. Find a hobby. That’s where the real importance is. I’m not saying to neglect your patients or your office, but realize that these are your patients’ problems. We are here to help, do the best we can, and then let it go.