PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
TRUST THE PROCESS As we enter the spring my mind seems to be focused on the class of 2021 and the upcoming events preparing them to enter residency or practice. This time period is filled with a vast array of emotions and feelings. We can all appreciate the stress associated with completing academic and clinical requirements, preparing for and taking board examinations, and looking forward to the next step. For most reading this article that next step, as well as the abovementioned events, are a distant memory in the rearview mirror. The fact that so many dental professionals have been able to navigate through these right of passage events should provide the class of 2021 some sense of hope, trust the process. It is true that your process has been “different” than most other classes due to the impact COVID has had on your educational process and lives. None the less the diligent efforts of the dental schools to adapt the educational process to meet the academic and clinical requirements certifies your preparation and readiness to enter the work force. Each of us has a unique and personal story about taking that next step. My next step happened 27 years ago which is hard to believe considering I was 27 when I finished school this gives me half of my life as a practicing dentist, some of my colleagues would say that is a good start. I do recall feeling ready to take on this part of life and being very optimistic about my profession and future. I must admit, as I look back, I was quite naïve about most of what I was hoping to accomplish. I had a good basic understanding of dentistry but beyond that, I was clueless. To be honest that was probably a good thing, I was young and adventuress enough to jump in with both feet and get going. I had many of my senior colleagues, mentors, who were encouraging and reassuring me that I would have success. I trusted the process. Trusting processes could be a topic of great debate. Our society seems to be moving in the direction of questioning everything. We question election results, safety of vaccinations, government responses to nearly every issue, motives of law enforcement, the list is endless. The access to information that each of us possess with just a simple search, is at times mind numbing. Often we have so much information to process it causes making a decision nearly impossible. I have on many occasions found myself in a personal mental debate over when should I restore incipient proximal decay (board lesions-back to our graduates) and if you really want to go insane which isolation techniques, matrices, materials,
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and polishing products should I use. Obviously to keep from having to make these decisions on every single patient we develop personal philosophies and processes, which we trust. Occasionally you will adjust your process to keep up with advancements in technology and science. I feel confident for our new graduates that our profession has good processes in place to help as you move into your next step. Trust it. Certainly you have many more choices that any class proceeding you, which could cause you to question yourself to the point of paralyzation. Look to your senior mentors who have been down the road before and follow their lead. Look to the ADA/UDA and local dental society to be a resource to help you in your process. In time you will make adjustments to meet your personal needs and you may even forge out into uncharted waters creating a whole new process. I am confident you have what you need to start down the road to a long successful career. For those of us working along the career path look for these new graduates, look for opportunities to help them succeed, you have much to offer. Look for ways to adjust your process to make it more enjoyable and profitable. Education and involvement are two ways I have found that help me enjoy my profession and career choice more. Our careers will last much longer than we ever imagined constant evaluation and adjustment are necessary for continued success. 2021 will bring a whole new set of opportunities and challenges. I am confident in our ability to succeed as new graduates, seasoned practitioners, and an association. I trust the process. Dr Mike Smuin UDA President
Utah Dental Association Fall CE Event For Dentists & Hygienists September 24, 2021 Salt Palace Convention Center 6 CE Hours Available
March / April 2021
