With diploma in hand and confidence of successfully passing board exams , I reached out to my mentor and was invited to join his growing practice as an associate . We had only a verbal agreement and didn ’ t discuss long-term possibilities . After a few years , I knew practice ownership was not for me . In my mind , the stresses outweighed the benefits and always honestly communicated these feelings to my employer . My husband and I were thinking of starting a family and he was studying for his degree while working . The status quo of being an employee associate suited me just fine .
Until now , only those closest to me knew my years practicing as an associate were not always happy . At one point I questioned if I would be better off doing something else , such as working for a dental lab , where I could still make use of my skills but not take home so much on my mind every night . My compassionate care became a fault when on call . The fear of being unreachable or not being able to quickly get to the office when needed in an emergency was overwhelming at times . I began to resent having to “ be there .” Hopes of having a family were dashed after years of infertility treatments . It was a difficult time as friends seemed to be successfully growing their careers and families .
Around 20 years in , accepting that much of life is out of my control was like an epiphany . Worrying about what might happen is futile . Reframing discussions with patients so that they would take ownership of their treatment needs , expectations and decisions was integral . With this change in attitude a burden was lifted and dentistry started to become
more fun and rewarding . Somehow , the time and energy needed for increasing tasks associated with caring for my parents their last years of life was always abundant .
After 26 years of our handshake agreement , I became suspicious that plans were being made for the sale of the practice when I was asked to sign a contract . Notice of the last date of my employment was fearfully given to me over lunch , just a week after
being with my mom for hospice . At the blink of an eye , the weight of the world was gone from my shoulders . I now enjoy dentistry more than ever with the freedom to work on my terms .
So , what about those aforementioned clerical skills ? They have been appreciated by many while I ’ ve been volunteering as treasurer for my local dental society and another service organization .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 27