In 2023 I celebrate my 30th year in dentistry. After graduating from dental school in 1993, I pursued a year of general practice residency, followed by 12 years as a general dentist. Subsequently, I spent three years in post-graduate studies, specializing in prosthodontics, which I have been practising for the last 14 years. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of being mentored, as well as mentoring many others along their professional journey. On these milestones, I’d like to share some valuable life lessons I have learned that can help us all enjoy a more prudent lifestyle that insulates us from the all-too-common impact of slipping into imbalance. To illustrate this we will use the acronym S-H-I-E-L-D-S:
“S” represents “Stress Management,” which is crucial for dentists who are all too familiar with the inherent stresses of our profession. The dental field brings its own set of challenges, from dealing with difficult patients, unpredictable clinical outcomes, and staff management, to financial pressures and the quest for work-life balance. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, chronic stress can weaken our immune system and lead to various health issues such as high BP, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, digestive disturbances, chronic pain, and much more. It is vital for all of us to develop personal strategies for enjoying dentistry while managing the inherent stressors of our profession. Solutions can vary from meditation, yoga, exercise, personal and family time, vacationing, practising gratitude, and seeking therapy proactively when feeling overwhelmed or down. Recognizing potential stressors and managing them is essential for safeguarding our mental and physical wellbeing.
“H” represents “Health.” Good health and wellness are indispensable cornerstones of a successful dental career and the key to becoming an exceptional dentist. As healthcare professionals, we ask our patients to prioritize their oral health. It’s equally crucial for us to practice what we preach. In our physically demanding profession, optimal health and wellness allows us to maintain peak performance, make sound clinical judgments, and manage other inherent stressors more effectively. Moreover, a healthy dentist is more energetic, more comfortable in their body, clear headed, and better equipped to inspire patients by embodying the benefits of not only good oral hygiene but also overall wellbeing. Investing in our own health isn’t just a personal choice – we should view it as a professional obligation that positively impacts our career and the quality of care we can provide to our patients.
“I” represents “Interaction.” A Harvard Study of Adult Development spanning over 80 years and involving hundreds of participants, yielded a remarkable discovery: our interactions and relationships wield a profound influence on our overall well-being. It found that close relationships, more than wealth or career achievements, keep people happy and are predicators that reduce and delay mental and physical health decline. To nurture these vital relationships, it’s crucial to practice “social fitness.” Just as we care for our physical health, our social lives also require attention and exercise to thrive. Choose your closest social circles wisely and make regular time for family and social interactions that inspire you to live more fulfillingly, love more deeply, and find deeper joy with others as a lifestyle.
“E” represents “Exercise.” Regular exercise is an established medical fact, offering various benefits like heart stimulation, the release of mood-enhancing chemicals, muscle and bone strength, and immunity improvement. In the context of implant dentistry, Wolff’s law emphasizes that healthy bones adapt to mechanical stress. “Use it or lose it” is the central principle here. Similarly, we must prioritize exercise in our schedules to keep us feeling strong, energetic, and functional. Personally, I find enjoyment in tennis, martial arts, and various seasonal outdoor activities. Make exercise, movement, and active daily living an integrated part of your weekly routine and experience the positive impact it can have on your career and overall sense of well-being.
“L” represents “Learning.” Continuous learning is paramount in dentistry. Our field is evolving rapidly with new techniques, technologies, innovations, and treatment modalities. Staying updated keeps our minds fresh, stimulated, and engaged. Education helps us achieve the highest standard of patient care by keeping dentists at the forefront of our profession. Moreover, it fosters our ability to adapt to a changing world, evolving patient needs and emerging dental challenges by using the latest knowledge, skills, and good judgment; ultimately leading to a more successful and fulfilling career.
“D” represents “Diet.” I’m going to be the first to admit that I’m guilty of not being disciplined when it comes my dietary habits. I’ve been called a foodie but not necessarily for the most nutritious choices in cuisine. Our profession revolves around oral health. We have an opportunity to set an example for our patients. A balanced diet, rich in nutrients, supports both physical and mental stamina, enabling us to perform at our best in clinical practice. Moreover, it fortifies our own health, reducing the risk of illness and disease, enabling us to be the best role models for the sound guidance we provide to those in our care.
“S” represents “Spiritual.” Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, cultivating a robust spiritual connection serves as a pivotal anchor, fostering equilibrium among the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of our existence. Spiritual wellbeing doesn’t just enhance our connection to a higher power. It also deepens our bonds with each other in our shared goals and interests. It empowers us to gain greater clarity in everyday decision making by aligning our actions harmoniously with our core beliefs and values. In this holistic balance, we will discover not only inner peace, but also a richer overall connection with the world around us. One day, we may also leave behind a proud legacy.
It is my sincere desire that this editorial reminds us all that a balanced, healthy lifestyle is essential for dentists to maintain their own well-being, provide the best care to their patients, and set a positive example for overall health in our communities.
About the Editor
Dr. Mark Lin graduated from the University Of Toronto in the Biochemistry specialists’ honours program. He received his dental degree from University of Detroit Mercy in which he was on the Dean’s list for four consecutive years and finished within the top 5% of the class. He practiced general dentistry for 13 years then return to complete his postgraduate training in the specialty of Prosthodontics at the University of Toronto. He maintains a full time specialty practice as a Prosthodontist at Toronto Dental Specialist (TDS). He is currently an Associate in Dentistry at University of Toronto at the post graduate Prosthodontic department, and a Fellow and serves as an Examiner with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada in the specialty of Prosthodontics.
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