How to Make Time for Everything

By Gerard Scannell, DDS

In our fast-paced world of dentistry, achieving a good work-life balance is an essential but often elusive goal. Many dental professionals strive to excel in their careers while simultaneously managing family life, personal health and continual professional development. For those with young families, especially new parents like myself, this balancing act can be even more challenging. When you consider the desire for mini vacations, time for self-care and the pursuit of professional growth, it becomes clear that finding harmony in these different aspects of life is crucial for long-term success and well-being.

As I’m writing this, my four-week-old newborn is lying by my side. And, although she is top of mind for me, I know it’s important to balance other aspects of my life. From my perspective, that starts with planning and flexibility. Parenthood is a full-time job, and combining it with a dental career requires strategic time management and strong support systems. Here is some wisdom that family and friends have bestowed upon my wife and I as we begin this journey:

Set realistic expectations. It’s essential to acknowledge that you won’t be able to do everything perfectly all the time. Accepting this can alleviate a lot of pressure. Prioritize what’s most important each day and allow yourself to let go of perfectionism.

Create a good support system. Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends and colleagues who understand the demands of your profession. A well-connected support system will provide both emotional and practical assistance when you need it.

Incorporate flexible scheduling. One of the advantages of being a dentist is that, in some cases, you can have control over your schedule. Consider adjusting your clinic hours to fit the needs of your family, whether that means working fewer days or arranging your schedule around school drop-offs and pickups. My wife owns her own practice and will be slowly transitioning back to work after maternity leave. I know this is not a luxury everyone has, but there are surely some ways to incorporate flexibility into your schedule. One of the most profound suggestions someone gave us is to remember that we aren’t superheroes and don’t have to be. Many of us have type-A personalities and strive to do everything perfectly, but that is often counterproductive when we are trying to achieve a good work-life balance.

Taking Breaks

As we manage the demands of work and family, we can benefit significantly from taking short, regular breaks in the form of mini vacations. These quick getaways can recharge your energy, enhance your creativity and improve overall well-being. It’s easy to let months slip by without taking time off, but scheduling mini vacations ahead of time ensures you commit to the break. Plan short trips over long weekends, or take advantage of holidays. Even a few days away can make a difference. Make a conscious effort to disconnect from work when you’re on vacation, as well. Turn off your phone’s email notifications, and resist the urge to check patient records. Instead, focus on enjoying time with your family or simply relaxing. This gives you time to truly reset mentally.

Even if you can’t take a trip far from home, spending a day or two away from the office, reading or engaging in hobbies, can provide a mental refresh. You may think this will set you back professionally, but I would argue that it does the opposite. When you return to work, you’re likely to feel more focused and energized, and this renewed energy can help you be more present in both your professional and personal lives.

Another important aspect of achieving success in our personal and professional lives is our overall health. Dentistry can be physically demanding. We spend long hours sitting, standing, bending and working in all sorts of awkward positions. Taking care of your physical health is essential, not only for your wellbeing but also for your ability to provide quality care for your patients. Physical activity is vital for keeping your body strong and resilient. Whether it’s yoga to improve flexibility, strength training to build endurance or simply going for a walk, make time for exercise. Even a 20-minute daily routine can have significant benefits. Pay attention to ergonomics in your practice. Use ergonomic dental chairs and equipment designed to minimize strain on your body. Practicing good posture and taking regular breaks to stretch can help prevent chronic issues like back pain and neck strain. A healthy body needs adequate rest and proper nutrition. Make sure to get enough sleep to recover from the day’s work, and fuel your body with balanced, nutritious meals that provide the energy needed for demanding workdays. Dental professionals are susceptible to burnout due to the high-stress nature of our work. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing or even regular counseling can help manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Continuing Education

Balancing professional development with your personal life is another challenge that dental professionals face. In the ever-evolving field of dentistry, it’s important to stay updated on the latest techniques and technologies. However, continual learning doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal well-being. Remember to set realistic goals for your professional development. Rather than overloading yourself with courses and certifications, choose a few key areas of growth and focus on them. Prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to continuing education. Virtual conferences, webinars and online courses have become more accessible than ever. These can be great tools for keeping up with advancements in dentistry without leaving home for extended periods. Block out specific times in your schedule dedicated to learning and skill development. By setting aside time for professional growth, you ensure it remains a priority without conflicting with family or personal time.

Establish both short-term and long-term career goals. Whether it’s opening your own practice, specializing in a particular area of dentistry or improving patient care, having a clear roadmap for your career can help you maintain motivation and focus on meaningful progress.

Achieving work-life balance as a dental professional may not be easy, but it’s possible with intention and thoughtful planning. Raising a family, caring for your health and advancing your career in dentistry are all important, and they can coexist with the right approach. By prioritizing time for yourself, your family and your professional growth, you can create a fulfilling, well-rounded life both inside and outside the clinic.

Gerard Scannell, DDS, is a general dentist practicing in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. To comment on this article, email impact@agd.org.