While this is the first issue of Oral Health I have worked on as managing editor, after spending five years in other roles at the publication, I continue to be astonished by the many amazing things dental professionals can do.
The observation isn’t limited to dental procedures, either.
Not only do you dedicate yourselves to delivering excellent oral healthcare, as dentists and future dentists, but many of you draw on other passions and talents to enhance the nature of that care.
In the last issue, for example, we featured Dr. Max Silver, a dentist specializing in IV sedation. He alleviates patient fears by drawing on his talents as a voice actor and using funny character impressions to make children smile.
More recently, I came across Janet Star Kuo’s @janet.thedoodlinghygienist Instagram account, where she showcases her dental artwork. She shares her cute, relatable cartoons with the dental hygiene community, and even sells her work on Etsy.
Speaking of social media, content creation is a huge passion for so many people who grew up on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. In fact, in this month’s issue of Next Gen, we feature a Q&A with dental student Rachel Wengle, who shares a behind-the-scenes look at her journey through dental school by making reels on Instagram. Rachel makes trendy, creative content for her peers, reaching over 6,000 followers.
Another inspiring story I came across is from @the.dentistmom on Instagram. Dr. Helen Mo is a pediatric dentist, and after having children of her own she created a platform to guide other parents through the challenges of baby teeth, drawing on her added perspective as a mother.
As each of these healthcare professionals has shown, you are more than a dentist alone. You are artists, parents, comedians, writers, photographers, speakers, and so much more. Imagine where your career paths can take you if you allow yourself to inject these additional talents.
— Marley Gieseler, Managing Editor, Oral Health Group