Surround yourself with people . The fulfillment of caring for others made me a better dentist .”
Overwhelmed ?
By Richard Troxler DMD , MD , PhD , Clinical Director , LECOM Dental Erie
As I look back on my career as a dentist , I am reminded of the ongoing work that it took for me to stay focused on the important things of life . Creating and keeping a healthy work / life balance was up to me . That seems to be the struggle every dentist faces .
Dentistry can be a very lonely profession . We give so much care to our patients and staff that we forget to take care of ourselves and the loved ones around us . Yes , I spent many days and years trying to get ahead of loneliness and the effects that had on me , my family , my friends , my patients and my staff . I did not always succeed !
I did a few things that that helped me through the more difficult times in my career . First of all , I spent many nights praying to God for wisdom and for his help . The result was that I needed to carve out time to spend around friends . Being around people helped .
I also became more active in worthwhile causes .
Early in my career I went on a dental mission trip to Nicaragua . I enjoyed helping others . By concentrating on others and their needs , you tend to put some of the worries aside and gain real joy . After this trip I made sure that every year I would do a mission trip . 16 countries so far !
Another thing that helped me was my return to baseball . In 2006 I was asked by a friend if I would be interested in scouting for pitching . He did not have to ask me twice . Sorry for Yankee fans , but this was with the Boston Red Sox . Again , getting me out of the office and involved with things that I enjoy helped me !
I encourage any dentist to seek out a few things that you really enjoy outside of the dental office . Surround yourself with people . The fulfillment of caring for others made me a better dentist . I am forever grateful for the people that are in my life and for the wisdom that so many were willing to share with me .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 27