Cultivating relationships, loving the profession and maintaining one's own health are among the keys to longevity in dentistry, according to four professionals who recently spoke with Becker's.
The dentists answered the question: "What is the key to a long career in dental?"
Editor's note: These responses were edited lightly for clarity and brevity.
Bradley Dykstra, DDS. CEO of MI Smiles Dental Group (Hudsonville, Mich.): I spent about 43 years at the chair, the last few just two days a week as I transitioned into the management of our seven offices. The number one factor for me is the relationships and often friendships I have made over the years with many wonderful people and have maintained to this day. A second but equally important [factor] is the ability to change someone's life by changing their smiles and how they then grew into reaching their potential. A third, also of equal significance, is the opportunity to help and observe team members grow into reaching their potential and when and if they chose to move onward, it was at a higher level than when they joined our great team, in a sense, a leadership training opportunity for all of us.
Lee Harris, DDS. Harris Dental Solutions (Los Angeles): First and foremost, enjoy what you are doing. If your current circumstances aren't what you want, don't be afraid to move on. I am living proof of this philosophy. I practiced in the East for 16 years, moved on to the insurance industry then back to practice and now consulting. Go for what moves you in the moment.
Charles Schlesinger, DDS. COO of Comfortable Dentistry 4U (Albuquerque, N.M.): The key to longevity in dentistry is two-fold. Keeping oneself relevant to changes in care, instrumentation, materials and trends in patient communication are vitally important. On the other hand, one must also take care of him or herself. Dentistry takes its toll both mentally and physically. You must be healthy and you must find ways to not let your profession consume you.
Robert Trager, DDS. Dentist for employees at JFK and LaGuardia airports (New York City): A long career in dentistry relates to your love of the profession and the interesting and cultural differences of my patients. Since my office is in the airports, JFK and LGA, I treat people from all over the world. I try to learn some of their language and culture and they greatly appreciate it. Having a loyal staff, good location and excellent insurance reimbursements, an ethical lab and good lease. Knowing airports won't go out of business and worry about gentrification. At 82 years, my health is very important and I can still do the procedures I did over 50 years ago without being tired. A sound body and mind keeps me going.