Yearly, as I eagerly anticipate the AADOM Convention, I immerse myself within the newest improvements and developments for dental workplaces. It’s a whirlwind of questions: What’s new and groundbreaking? What needs to be the subsequent addition to my apply? Can I afford to overlook out on any of it? My workplace prides itself on staying technologically superior. We boast AI-driven radiographs, an built-in communication system seamlessly related to our Observe Administration Software program, intraoral scanners, digital X-rays, and extra. The attract of cutting-edge know-how is irresistible, and I usually covet the luxurious facilities and state-of-the-art gear showcased in different dental workplaces. Their web sites dazzle with glossy designs, charming paintings, and alluring ambiance. It’s simple to get caught up within the attract of the “greener grass” on the opposite facet.
A current expertise opened my eyes to a brand new perspective.
Throughout my neighborhood service requirement for my DAADOM journey, I had the chance to spend time in a dental workplace that, in contrast to mine, operated with a nod to custom. Regardless of counting on outdated practices like landline telephones and handwritten consent varieties, this workplace thrived. Their success was constructed on a basis of personalised affected person care, word-of-mouth referrals, and a deep understanding of their neighborhood’s wants. This expertise was a revelation, forcing me to reevaluate my very own assumptions about what constitutes a profitable dental apply.
Whereas there, I found the great thing about interpersonal connections that transcend automation. Easy gestures like personalised affirmation telephone calls, which I had taken as a right in my extra automated workplace, spoke volumes in regards to the depth of affected person relationships fostered on this conventional setting. As an alternative of a traditional workplace supervisor, they’d a collaborative method the place every staff member took possession of their obligations, leading to a harmonious and environment friendly workflow.
Initially, I entered their workplace with a mindset geared in direction of modernization. I used to be fast to determine areas for enchancment and needed modifications. Nonetheless, as I immersed myself of their setting, I spotted that what works for one apply could not essentially apply to a different. Regardless of missing fashionable facilities, their sufferers remained loyal, and their apply thrived.
Reflecting on this expertise, I got here to a profound realization. Success in dentistry isn’t solely decided by the most recent know-how or probably the most fashionable décor. It’s about understanding the distinctive wants of your sufferers and neighborhood and delivering distinctive care that resonates on a private degree.
True success lies within the relationships we construct and the standard of care we offer.
Whereas my workplace could have a glossy web site and cutting-edge instruments, the standard workplace I visited proved that true success lies within the relationships we construct and the standard of care we offer. This understanding is the important thing to our career and what units us aside.
A basic facet of profitable dental practices is knowing the wants of your workplace. From know-how to affected person care, staff dynamics, and neighborhood engagement, every little thing must be carried out to the most effective of everybody’s talents for the most effective of their workplace. Dental practices that perceive this can see resiliency and stand the take a look at of time. So, let’s rejoice our variations and be taught from each other—it can all assist in offering the very best look after our sufferers.
Whereas it’s pure to be drawn to the attract of innovation, let’s keep in mind the worth of custom. As dental professionals, let’s admire and actively embrace the variety of approaches inside our area. Acknowledge that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for achievement. In spite of everything, the grass could also be greener on the opposite facet, but it surely’s the variety of landscapes that makes our career really vibrant. Let’s be impressed by this variety and use it to gas our personal distinctive approaches to affected person care.
Concerning the Writer
Yvette Medellin, DAADOM
Yvette S. Medellin, MAADOM, graduated from Pepperdine College in 1998 along with her MBA.
Previous to her life in dentistry, she was a enterprise guide within the leisure business for over 16 years. Yvette has spent the final 9 years serving to her husband Joe construct and run their dental apply, OrthoGrace Dental together with their dental lab, 4M Dental Labs.
Yvette is a proud member of AADOM and earned her Fellowship (FAADOM), Mastership (MAADOM) in 2023, and Diplomate (DAADOM) in 2024. Yvette additionally serves as a Board Member on the Dental Spouses in Enterprise DPLN.
When she isn’t working, Yvette spends her time volunteering as an Uber so she will cheer from the sidelines of her youngsters’ basketball, volleyball and soccer video games and cheer competitions.
