Dental Professionals – How to Unlock Your Most Authentic Self
A guest article for dental professionals written by Brandi Hooker Evans, President of Stellar Outcomes.
Happy March to every single one of you brilliant dental professionals! In dentistry, we have been discussing that there is no such thing as an oral systemic link because the oral cavity is, in fact, part of the whole body. I would like to encourage us to think of that analogy with ourselves as dental professionals.
While we wear many hats in our professional and personal lives, it’s all one entity. It is all too easy to forget that reality and show up fragmented in the various roles in our lives. For example, if we are working on quality leadership skills in the workplace, why not practice those same skills home? Recently, I spent time with Dr. James Younger on the Stellar Infusion Study Club. I was delighted to learn that he too, is trying to wear all the many hats of life while growing and being his “whole self” at the same time.
In this article, we will explore how dental professionals can be their true authentic selves whilst also elevating their careers with TempStars.
Brandi Hooker Evan’s Tips for How Dental Professionals Can Be Their Whole Selves At All Times
Tip One – Begin the day with MOVEMENT!
On days I am working clinically with an early start time, I do a very condensed workout routine. Even 10 minutes of movement (I favor core work before a day as an RDH) is a game changer. It gives an opportunity to be grateful for my life, air in my lungs, and a body that will get to take care of patients that day. On days with later start times, a run, yoga sesh, a walk, or a dance party in my kitchen is a great way to start the day.
Tip Two – Take every chance to CONNECT.
In my home and at the office I make a point to make eye contact with every human around me. A “Hello! How are ya?” is about as basic as you can imagine. However, this attention to the souls around me has a profoundly positive effect. I genuinely care about these people, and I believe it is a mistake to take them for granted. Begin the day with kindness and be amazed at how contagious the gladness and hope for the day can be! Do you have a favorite greeting for your family or co-workers? I have started asking my patients, “What do you love?” Rather than, “What do you do?” Another tiny change that transforms the conversation and connection in a big way.
Tip Three – Challenge and GROW our skills at work and at home.
Perhaps watch a video on ultrasonic instrumentation or read something like: The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The improved clinical skills provide our bodies reprieve (efficiency and posture are usually the first to benefit). They also offer our patients elevated care and increase our career satisfaction. Reading or listening to The Book of Joy can bring clarity to this messy world as well as equip us with tools to live a life filled with joy, peace, and compassion.
These 3 simple tools (move, connect, and grow) have been game changers in my life. If you try them out, be sure to let me know how they work for you. Do you have a favorite tip to keep you present and to be your whole (and dare we say best) self in any situation? I would love to hear what they are and keep this conversation progressing.
How Can TempStars Align With These Tips?
A note from Dr James Younger:
TempStars can align with these wellness and personal development tips in several ways to enhance the experience and effectiveness of dental professionals. Here are some strategies TempStars deploys to meet the recommendations that Brandi has shared:
Foster Connections and Positive Interactions:
We implement features in the TempStars app that encourage dental professionals to share greetings or personal success stories. This could be in the form of a community board or daily positive affirmation push notifications. Creating a sense of connection within our community leads to a positive balance in other areas of life.
Support Continuous Learning and Skill Development:
We provide a range of educational resources related to dental hygiene and assists, such as videos or articles on the latest dental temping trends. Our aim is to help professionals develop their skills aligning with Brandi’s recommendation to develop expertise in all areas of life.
Encourage Reflective Practices and Joyful Living:
We also encourage dental professionals to engage in reflective practices by sharing prompts or creating a space on their platform for journaling or sharing insights on finding joy and gratitude in their daily work.
Find More Tips Online!
If you have enjoyed this read, please do give @stellaroutcomes a follow online as there is plenty more advice to be found! You can also check out the rest of our blogs and social channels to stay clued up on how you can wear all hats without letting one slip.
