By: John C. Cranham, DDS
This topic originally appeared on PankyGram.org. Dr. Cranham granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers.
Every hour you invest in your practice is an investment in your future—so choose wisely how you spend it. Many young dentists begin their careers with enthusiasm but find themselves caught in a chaotic, fast-paced clinical environment. You’ll feel pulled in every direction, trying to see as many patients as possible. You may end each day exhausted, wondering if you’re truly moving forward.
The Early Years: Activity vs. Productivity in Dentistry
In those early years, it’s easy to confuse activity with productivity. But productivity in dentistry isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing better. Thoughtful, comprehensive care delivered to fewer patients often produces superior results, fewer remakes, and more rewarding outcomes.
To reach that level, you’ll need to be intentional about how you structure your time, train your team, and hold yourself accountable.
Build Effective Systems, and Be Patient
You’ll realize at some point that you can’t maintain a chaotic pace forever. That’s when the real transformation begins. You’ll need to put systems in place, develop your team, and create space for meaningful dentistry. Clinical competence is achieved by finding mentor who empower and help you grow, not trying to do it all alone.
With time, you’ll become known as the dentist who solves complex problems and delivers comprehensive care with intention. But to reach that point, you must be thoughtful, consistent, and patient with both yourself and your patients.
Stay Committed to Dentistry and Build Meaningful Relationships
It’s easy to feel behind when your colleagues seem to be doing more advanced cases, especially if you’re working in a small practice with patients who only visit dentist when they’re in pain. However, you have to know your patients and be thoughtful about moving them along. Enjoy them as you do.
You have to stay hopeful and employ the behaviors that you are being mentored to employ before you could employ your advanced clinical skills.
I learned a lot about people, not just dentistry, in my early years. I look back upon the experience with fondness now.
In Conclusion
Advanced clinical education offered by The Pankey Institute will prepare you for complex cases, but progress takes time. It’s not just your clinical skills that need to develop, your patients need to be educated with you.
Every conversation, every examination, every relationship is an opportunity to guide them toward better awareness in oral health.
