Message Boards
Today's Active Topics Today's Active Cases Browse Forum Categories My Recent Activity My Messages Private Groups My Marked Threads My Subscriptions
Today's Active Images Today's Active Polls Most Active Topics Global Townie Map Advanced Message Board Search Message Board Terms of Use

A Balancing Act Bradi Boyce, DDS

Start Discussion

My life is a sitcom. I have four kids – triplet girls who are six and a boy who is four – and a private practice. Most days I don’t stop.

I will never forget the day my life changed directions (for the better, but certainly for the more chaotic). I was at the OBGYN when I found out I was pregnant. I was excited but worried about how my husband and I were going to manage a new baby and two new practices (my dental practice and my husband’s dermatology practice). My doctor was a young woman with small children as well. She must have sensed my anxiety. She reassured me I could likely work right up until the birth and if all went well, I could go right back to work. I wouldn’t miss a beat!

As the doctor took an ultrasound, she looked at me funny. “You’re having twins…” she said and paused for a few moments looking closer at the screen. “Oh, no wait… you’re having triplets!” I started laughing. I was as clueless as any brand new expectant mother when it came to having babies. My husband hadn’t come to the appointment with me, and frankly, not even seven years of marriage can prepare you for that conversation! The poor unsuspecting man didn’t see that phone call coming! We met for dinner later that night and we laughed hysterically. What more could we do? We had a new house, two very young practices, a building under construction for those practices and soon we would have three newborns! Despite what felt like the deck stacked against us, we knew we’d make it work.

Even though I could laugh about the situation, I still questioned the balance. I love dentistry! How was I going to be a good mother to three girls, a good wife to my husband, still work and have time to do the things I loved to do?

A few years later, among the routine I had found in chaos, I took a trip. On the airplane, the flight attendant came on the speaker to give the safety spiel. Over the crackly speaker she said, “Put on your own mask before helping others around you.” I always found this selfish. But it struck me, if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we take care of those around us? I realized I needed to start taking better care of myself. I needed me-time; away from children; away from work; and I didn’t have to feel selfish for taking that needed time. If I was going to be a good wife, boss, friend, sister and mother, and manage all those roles in my life, I was going to have to get my life under control.

So I made a few changes. I started exercising every day, getting back into better physical health. I wrote a list of all the things I did and did not enjoy about work. What bothered me? What made me cranky? What did I need to do and what could I have others do?

From this list, I delegated. I was able to start working four days a week. We hired consultants to come into the office and help us put systems in place, teach us the patient care coordinator concept and help us block more efficient scheduling. The hygienists became licensed to do anesthesia. Several assistants became RDAs and learned to pack amalgams and take impressions. The front desk started taking on more responsibility discussing finances and the whole team got on board with patient education. All of these things took pressure off me and freed up more time in my day. The result was a less worn out, happier me at the end of the day. At home, although it wasn’t always like this, I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to afford some help. I started letting the nannies take on more responsibilities like groceries, laundry, dishes and cooking. I start exercising as soon as I get home so that I can have some quality time with the kids before they go to bed.

Dentistry can be one of the most rewarding professions. As we get more established in the field, we are able to have flexible hours. We can own our own practices, work for someone else, work for an institution, teach – there are so many options. Make sure you choose or create an environment in which you look forward to going to work every day. Find out what it is that will make you feel this way and remember that only you can control your own destiny. Find your balance. It might take a while. Be patient. Breathe. It will come with time… enjoy the chaotic journey.

Author's Bio
Dr. Bradi Boyce has a private practice in Sebewaing, Michigan. She, an associate dentist and their team perform general and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to her passion for dentistry, she enjoys tennis and shopping. You can find Bradi on Dentaltown.com by her display name “sfddds1” or e-mail her at bradiboy97@yahoo.com.
Dentaltown Magazine
September 2025
Dentaltown Magazine September 2025 Read Current Issue Read Archived Issues
Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Who or what do you turn to for most financial advice regarding your practice?
  
Site Menu
Message Boards Magazine Continuing Education Podcasts Blogs Classifieds Dental News Events Townie® Poll Ebooks Townie Choice Awards
Company Info
Contact Us Advertise With Us Howard Farran DDS, MBA Policies and Agreements
Site Help
Sally Gross, Member Services Specialist
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: sally@farranmedia.com
©2025 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450