In this episode of The Burleson Box, Dr. Dustin Burleson welcomes Dr. Erinne Kennedy, Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Integrated Learning at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Kennedy shares her fascinating journey into dentistry, which was heavily influenced by her family of dental professionals and her passion for public health. She recounts the pivotal moment when a mentor encouraged her to apply for a dental public health specialty—at Harvard—within a two-week deadline, a decision that shaped the course of her career.
Our discussion covers the pressing issue of burnout in the dental profession, with Dr. Kennedy offering valuable insights backed by research. She explains how excessive working hours, lack of adequate recovery time, and administrative burdens contribute to burnout among healthcare professionals. Using a compelling analogy comparing work schedules to endurance training, she illustrates the importance of balancing workload and rest. She also introduces the concept of "resilience confetti," small, joyful activities that help dental professionals maintain well-being and engagement during their workday.
Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Burleson explore strategies that dental teams can implement to create healthier work environments, such as rethinking office hours, planning meaningful time off, and fostering a culture that prioritizes both patient care and team well-being. They discuss innovative scheduling models, including the effectiveness of three-day, 12-hour shifts, and how such models can improve job satisfaction and reduce burnout.
A significant part of the conversation focuses on the future of preventive dentistry. Dr. Kennedy shares her excitement about advancements in salivary testing, peptides, and microbiome management, predicting that these innovations will reshape how dental professionals approach prevention. She explains how new materials and techniques, such as peptide-based remineralization and nanoparticle technology, could reduce the need for surgical interventions and lead to better long-term patient outcomes.
As an educator, Dr. Kennedy highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and leadership training in dental schools. She describes the Thrive program at KCU, a two-day workshop designed to help students develop resilience, goal-setting skills, and emotional maturity. She stresses that fostering a mindset of adaptability and openness to unexpected opportunities is crucial for career growth.
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