FORGING FORWARD

No matter what you do for a living, the most important key to success is to be principled. Those who follow indisputable and grounded principles are much more likely to achieve successful outcomes and realize satisfaction from a job well done.

However, change is inevitable. And, change is not always easy. Let me use dentistry as an example, since this is what I know best.

Technology and techniques in dentistry change. Some dentists jump on the bandwagon right away with every new gadget. Sometimes it’s hard to resist because there are so many cool things available. There are others who are late adopters. Dental technology and techniques may change, but principles don’t.

Principles are based upon a sound foundation of trying to do what’s right and what’s fair. Incorporating innovations in the practice of dentistry enables a dentist to be successful and simultaneously remain principled. For example, a couple of years ago I invested in a piece of equipment that I had resisted for a long time. I was unsure of the amount I would be able to use it and continue to stick with my principles. Today, I can’t imagine practicing without it. It has made me a better, more conservative dentist.

However, I have seen and been on the other side as well, where there is a sense of urgency to “buy” the technology in order to just have it without completely understanding the relevance. This can lead to technology ending up as a coat rack and a relatively wasted investment.

For others, change might be difficult. It is easy to get bogged down with tradition. That can be good and that can be bad. Sometime the best solutions we have are tried and true. However, it is important to keep an open mind. If a new technology or technique is scientifically tested and the dentist feels it improves the core foundation of grounded principles they use to treat their patients, they almost have an obligation to adopt it.

Other than having a firm set of principles, another key to success is learning people skills. Interacting with people can sometimes be tricky. Everyone has their own set of “issues”, and everyone has their good days and their bad days. We don’t have to like everyone we come in contact with, but learning how to deal with all kinds of people is a valuable skill. When it comes down to it, this brings us back to our core set of principles. If we center our conversations around our principles and people see our interactions are genuine, trust and friendships can be made.

Those who have grounded principles and have achieved some level of success in their own eyes find themselves wanting to become better and better. It is important to become dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, no matter what you do, and to seek out the expertise and knowledge of others.

Your principles will guide you through whatever lies ahead, and your flexibility will enable you to handle whatever the future holds, which is something nobody knows for sure. Perseverance, one of my favorite words, is defined as, “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.