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August 10, 2008

By Stephanie Houseman, DMD

Question: Hindsight provides many answers to the question, "If I knew then what I know now, what would I have done differently?" What advice would you give new graduates or even seasoned dentists as they journey through life?

Answer: When I graduated from dental school in 1976 (one of four women), there were no business courses, no courses on how to get along with people, nothing on practice vision, and certainly no insights into balancing life and dentistry. Dental school was all about teeth.

I've learned most of what I know now through the school of hard knocks. I'll give you my list (granted, though, it is always evolving), and readers, please share your list with me. I'll post a follow-up in a future column.

What I learned through the hard knocks of dental life:

1. Know thyself. Your practice and your life need to reflect who you are and what you value. Otherwise, conflict and disenchantment will arise. Knowing thyself lends itself to knowing what you want out of life. That's your vision.

2. Get business training. Your career is your business so learn the business of it. You can be the best clinical dentist, but if you don't know Business 101, you will have a difficult time making the most of your clinical expertise.

3. Find a mentor. "Mentor: Someone whose hindsight can become your foresight." (unknown) You don't know what you don't know. Partner with an established dental professional whom you admire and then return the favor to the younger generation when you are established.

4. Learning never ends. Continuing education is the lifeblood of your practice, and personal growth breeds life into your life. Do not get stale. Invest in yourself and reap huge dividends.

5. Get involved. Network with others in your field. Become involved in your community, church, dental organizations, the AAWD, and your children's schools. Get your name out there. Give of yourself. Do not live your life in the vacuum of the dental office.

6. Be brutal in your time management if you want to live your best life. You often are pulled in so many directions and you accept too many demands on your time that take you away from your priorities. Focus on what you need to do to achieve your vision.

7. Be there with your family. Leave work at the office.

8. Get real about your finances if you want to reach your financial goals sooner rather than later, or ever. Many people are asleep at the wheel when it comes to their money. They don't know how much they have, how much they owe, or how much they want to have. Ignorance is not bliss.

9. Do not try to be all things to all people. That goes for patients, team, family, and friends. It's a no-win situation and you'll burn yourself out trying.

10. Remember that no employee or patient is indispensable. If you forget, ask someone to remind you that no employee or patient is indispensable.

11. Read How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie, to enhance your people skills. Ninety-eight percent of your business success is due to people skills and only 2% is due to your clinical skills.

12. Take care of yourself. You are often so busy taking care of others as a business owner that you forget to take care of yourself. If you want your life to be happy, healthy, and successful, you must take care of your body. "It's the only place you have to live," says speaker Jim Rohn. Be good to yourself.

13. Be grateful. Be grateful for your chosen profession, what you are capable of doing, and what you have. Be blessed and never take life for granted.

14. You don't have to have it "all" to be successful. How much is enough? It is not the same for everybody.

15. Keep a positive attitude. Life is grand. Be optimistic, smile, and spread cheer wherever you go.

16. Embrace change and be open to new opportunities.

17. Play. Get out from behind your work and play. Often.

One last thought: Believe and act as if you are a happy, healthy, and successful dentist. It's all in your attitude!

P.S. Do you have more thoughts to add? E-mail me at drszh@7steps2abalancedlife.com.

© 2008 Stephanie Houseman, DMD

Stephanie Houseman, DMD, is the incoming president of the American Association of Women Dentists. She has practiced dentistry in St. Louis for 25 years. Dr. Houseman is married to a dentist, has two grown children, and understands all too well the demands we place on ourselves. Through her speaking, writing, and coaching, she now helps dentists and other professionals discover how to have more joy and more life in their life. She is a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute, creator of the 7 Steps 2 A Balanced Life Program™, author of "The Balance Beam," a weekly e-newsletter about balance and life, and the author of "Rings Around the Collar," her first book. Reach Dr. Houseman at www.7steps2abalancedlife.com or (618) 639-5433.

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