Our work is not just a profession; it's a lifestyle!
We look at teeth, make teeth, talk about teeth, take courses about teeth, think about teeth and dream about teeth. With so much time and energy dedicated to our practice, it can be difficult to find the work-life balance. But it's crucial that we do it.
The stress-free dentist
Back in the 70s, it was discovered that the most skilled dentists are those who are able to balance their lives equally between work, play, love and time for reflection. That hasn't changed since then. When we give ourselves over completely to our work, we risk burning out and losing the ability to grow both professionally and personally.
Avoiding burnout and stress
Burnout and stress are common problems among dentists, and it's easy to see why. Our daily routines are intense and the pressure to deliver high-quality treatments can be overwhelming. But if we don't take time for ourselves and our loved ones, we risk falling into a negative spiral where we slowly lose our passion and ability to perform.
A personal story about balance
Let me share a personal story that illustrates the importance of balance as a prerquisite to becomming a stress-free dentist. I have a weekly exercise programme that is a collaborative effort between a couple of physiotherapists, a neurosurgeon and myself. It requires me to do strength and cardio training five times a week. If I don't follow my programme, I get headaches and pain in my shoulders, back and neck.
When I get up in the morning, I rarely feel like doing my training programme. I'm not the type of person who feels a great effect from my workout right away. So I have to be very disciplined about my training. It's difficult if it's just me. Fortunately, I have a great wife and a personal trainer who helps me overcome my obstacles and get going with my strength training or a 10-kilometre run, even when it's raining, windy, too hot or too cold. That way, I can continue to function somewhat normally.
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Continuity and support is key
Just as we lose fitness and strength if we don't continuously maintain our training, we lose the ability to be social and present if we don't invest time in our relationships and ourselves. We lose the ability to express our love or be present if we don't constantly dedicate time to it.
In dental practice, we also have the challenge. If we don't practice the skills we want to be expressed in dental practice, we'll never make it happen. Especially if it's a special or different patient experience, or a competency that requires teamwork, then continuous training is an absolute necessity.
Imagine if we only did strength and conditioning training during our holidays. It would be useless. It's the continuous training that has an effect. Similarly, it's no use focusing solely on our partner, children, friends and family when we're on holiday or on a long weekend. We need to create a balance.
It's hard if we don't have a ‘training partner’ because it requires discipline. As humans, it's just super hard to be disciplined all the time unless we try to be disciplined with others who hold us accountable and help us be disciplined.
Conclusion
As dentists, we need to remember that our ability to deliver high-quality treatments is linked to our ability to take care of ourselves. By finding a balance between work, play, love and reflection, we can avoid burnout, improve our professional skills and live a more fulfilling life.
Let's support each other in this process and remind ourselves that we deserve time to breathe and enjoy life outside of dental practice.
What will you do to achieve a better and more stress-free balance in your life?
Achieve the success you deserve!
In general I am writing about how you can turn the content of this post into action that will boost your dental practice. It's all about how to be more productive in a stress-free environment.
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Thank you for reading this blog post
Many kind regards
Dentist, consultant, author & coach
Jesper Hatt
P: +41 78 268 0078
‘At Hatt Consulting, we understand that dentists and practice owners have big dreams and goals for their practice. We are dedicated to helping you turn your ambitions into reality through personalised consulting, tailored online and in-house clinic training.
Whether you want to improve management skills, optimise dental practice operations or build an exceptional patient experience, we are here to guide and support you on your journey. We offer customised solutions to fit your unique needs and goals.
Contact us today and let's create a strategy and action plan together to help you achieve your dreams and create a successful and sustainable dental practice. Let's work together towards a future where you thrive as a dentist and practice owner.’
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