Welcome to the new grad edition of Dentaltown Magazine. If there is one thing you
learn in dental school as you develop new skills, it is this: there is tremendous value in taking
the time to do things right the first time. Dentistry is a challenging profession with a
human element; employees, patients and teeth will not always behave in the same way you
learned in school.
When I graduated from dental school in 1995 I had the honor of giving the commencement
address to my classmates. The opening line to my speech was adapted from a
popular movie at the time, Forrest Gump. I said, “If life is like a box of chocolates, then
why was dental school such a bitter experience?” Needless to say, the opening line
attracted the attention of my classmates as well as dental school professors. One of the
many possible answers to that question: “Dental school is not real life.”
Chances are, by now, you have already figured this fact out for yourself. An objective
observer realizes that dental school needs to be this way so that everyone can learn. The
real world of dental practice is filled with so much variation that you can never learn all
you need to know in four short years. I would encourage graduates to pursue a hospitalbased
general practice residency as I did (Editor’s Note: See page 62
for David Kahn’s office visit.), but I realize that is not the best option
for everyone. One thing you must realize and accept is that when
you graduate you are not finished learning.
I started my practice with my dentist-wife seven years after our
graduation from dental school. While this might seem a long time
to wait, we both had separate experiences working for other dentists
and in our case, moved across the country. This time helped
us to understand exactly what we wanted in our own practice and
to find a proper location. When new graduates rush to make these
decisions they can become disappointed and frustrated as the real world of dentistry is
more than just senior clinic over and over again. The greatest challenge you will face is
the operation of your business; people issues are at the top of most lists.
Fortunately, today you are blessed to have access to thousands of dentists around the
world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Dentaltown.com is a resource
for dentists of all skill levels and in your early years of practice, it can be one of your greatest
mentors. Learning takes many forms on Dentaltown; you can view online CE courses,
participate in message board discussions, or learn by reading the interactions of your more
experienced colleagues. Dentaltown Magazine is the companion to the Web site and provides
not only some of the best content from our message boards, but also original articles
and industry news.
We have created this special issue specifically for you. The content within is intended
to give you a sample of what is available from Dentaltown. Please take a few moments to
complete the free, online registration process on Dentaltown.com and maintain your subscription
to our magazine. Welcome to the profession!
You can contact Tom at tom@dentaltown.com, or you can find him on Dentaltown.com
by his display name “NY2AZ.”
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