Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1440471
19 BECKER'S DENTAL + DSO REVIEW // VOL. 2022 NO. 1 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 3 dentists on the biggest opportunities in dentistry By Ariana Portalatin T echnology, public service and a commitment to patients were among the top opportunities for growth and suc- cess dentists identified in their field. Here, three dentists discuss how taking advantage of these op- portunities can support the industry: Note: Responses were edited lightly for grammar. Michael Davis, DDS. Smiles of Santa Fe (New Mexico): The greatest opportunities in modern clinical dentistry represent minimal to no financial gain for the doctor. This service in- cludes educating our junior colleagues and auxiliaries, prac- tice in public health, research, mission work both in the States and abroad, correctional dentistry, and serving organized den- tistry from peer review to policymaking to administrative po- sitions. The wealth gained from these experiences cannot be measured in dollars. Oksana Boyechko, DMD. Boyechko Dental (Cameron Park, Calif.): I think it is technology. CAD/CAM restorations allow for same-day dentistry. Patients can have their teeth cleaned while waiting for their crowns, so it reduces the amount of visits. Also, digital dentures have better fit and can be more affordable to the patient. Guided implant surgery lets even nonexperi- enced dentists place implants using CAD/CAM-manufactured surgical guides. Greg Pyle, DDS. University Avenue Dental (Muncie, Ind.): The biggest opportunities truly lie in being an integral part in the healthcare of our patients. Dentists are the most accessible healthcare providers that our patients will see, and it's our duty to be their leader in recognizing issues with systems such as airway, sleep, acid control, infection control and growth/devel- opment. I truly enjoy collaborating with and being a part of my patients' medical team! n 3 dentists' strategies to tackle stress, burnout By Ariana Portalatin K nowing how to cope with stress and burnout can be helpful to dental professionals dealing with the every- day challenges the industry can bring. Here, three dentists shared with Becker's how they manage stress and burnout: Note: Responses were lightly edited. David Caggiano, DMD. Caggiano Orthodontics (Parsippa- ny, N.J.): First, try and avoid being stressed by identifying any triggers and seeing the best way to deal with them. Is it something you can delegate? Review with other team members on something that has stressed you so that it doesn't happen again. But the everyday bump-and-grind stress? Eating right, ex- ercising and tackling harder tasks first thing in the morning, before my daily routine takes me in a different direction, [works for me]. I often review at night bigger tasks that are needed to be accomplished the next day. I then wake up early and tackle the task at hand, prior to getting distracted with the daily tasks. Rick Singel, DDS (Cincinnati): I am generally not stressed and certainly not burned out. I've been practicing for 40 years and have no urge to stop. I work at a relaxed pace. I don't see my patients as dollar signs. I don't spend my days concentrating on generating revenue. I spend my days taking care of peo- ple. I have a wonderful small staff that shares my philosophy. The only time I get stressed is when a procedure does not go as planned. James Woods, DMD. Bluegrass Orthodontics (Paducah, Ky.): I manage stress and burnout by avoiding both! I have 'right- sized' my practice from the beginning in order to have a stress- free schedule, yet produce income at a level I desire. n