By Steven A. Fishman, DDS, FADL, FICD
Even before I graduated from dental school, I heard that dentists had the highest suicide rate of all health professionals. Along with this were “facts” that dentists had a very high divorce rate, alcohol and drug abuse, and higher than normal stress levels because dentists were perfectionists who chose a profession where patients dreaded what they did.
This information, as alarming as it sounds, did not seem to apply to my father. My father, who had practiced dentistry for 38 years prior to my graduation from dental school, appeared to love what he did. As a matter of fact, he seemed most relaxed and at ease when he was doing things related to dental procedures. Whether it was during the treatment of his patients or the performing of his “lab work” in the basement of my home, he was in the “Zen-like” state we call “being in the zone.” When I approached him with these “dentist statistics,” he shrugged and said, “Dentistry can be very frustrating for most dentists.” He explained that most dentists had never learned how to deliver excellent dentistry consistently and predictably. It was this “uncertainty” that caused most stress for his colleagues.
As my mentor, my father taught me the “things they never taught in dental school” that allowed for consistent and predictably excellent results. This learning process had an interesting effect on me. Whenever my life outside of dentistry became stressful, I focused on what gave me satisfaction and joy—the practice of dentistry. As I learned and honed my skills as a dentist, practicing became more enjoyable. The “Zen of dentistry” is a wonderful state of mind.
Many people, patients, and friends alike, are surprised by how much I enjoy practicing dentistry. I learned to derive the same satisfaction in almost everything I do. Happiness, once you learn where to discover it, is easy to find. Here’s how I discovered dental “nirvana”:
- Love what you do and strive to excel at what you love.
- Never stop perfecting your trade. Be an expert.
- Take responsibility for your mistakes and learn from them.
- Learn to communicate effectively. Be sincere, honest, and clear.
- Smile on the job and maintain a positive attitude, even in moments of stress.
- Never give up on a task; be patient with yourself and avoid frustration.
- Set realistic goals and work diligently with the end in mind.
My success in dentistry stems from my enthusiasm. I am confident my patient’s trust in me comes from my assurance as a dentist.
Many of the diseases we face are “psychosomatic” in origin. Our mind has the ability to make our body sick. Stress occurs when we are constantly focused on what we don’t like or want. Pessimism arises from feeling out of control of our destiny. Happiness results from optimism and feeling in charge of our circumstances.
By the way, dentists have an average lifespan exceeding that of the general population. They do not divorce more often than other professionals, and statistics show that dentists are less prone to commit suicide than other professionals.
Schedule a FREE Consultation – https://calendly.com/lovesmile
For more information on our patient care principles and services, visit https://LoveSmile.com
737 N Michigan Ave, Suite 210, Chicago, IL 60611 | 312.640.8800 FAX 312.640.8805