Many years ago, AGD leaders wanted to create a forum in which members could share and connect over what impacts our daily lives — the challenges, routines and triumphs. “The Daily Grind” was their answer.

“The Daily Grind” is a virtual opportunity for us to compare notes, stories, techniques and troubles with colleagues. As readers, we see parallels between our experiences and those others are writing about, and we can see different perspectives (and prospective solutions) or the same types of situations we encounter. As writers, we are given the opportunity to share with our colleagues the wisdom we’ve developed from what we’ve done right and what we’ve gotten wrong. Our colleagues are not our competition, because a rising tide raises all ships.

While I prefer to be a more general storyteller — writing about topics outside of dental techniques and technology — AGD needs more writers to share their thoughts in both of these arenas. 

Consider:

• Is there a new technique, process, piece of equipment or material that you are excited about? 
• Is there a team member or a patient who impacted you with something they did or said? 
• Is there a charity you support that your colleagues could join you in supporting? 
• How do your family members and friends impact your involvement in our profession? 
• How has dentistry added or detracted from your life? 

The idea behind “The Daily Grind” is that our daily lives affect our profession, and our profession affects our daily lives. You may think your life is not interesting, but we all have a unique perspective on even the most universally shared experiences of dentistry. The COVID-19 pandemic is a perfect example — we are all sharing this experience, but each of us has our own set of solutions because, while the challenge itself may be the same, the needs of our practices, our staff and our patients are all unique.

This is my call to action for you to join me as a writer for “The Daily Grind.” You don’t have to be a perfect writer. AGD has copy editors to assist with spelling, grammar, punctuation and readability without changing the content of your story or piece. Send a short note of interest to blogs@agd.org.

Warm regards,

Larry Stanleigh, BSc, MSc, DDS, FAGD, FADI, FICD, FACD, FPFA