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In 48+ years of
orthodontic practice thus far, I have learned many things about orthodontists -
some good and some bad.
Many orthodontists
present themselves as very happy and successful when visiting with them
at orthodontic meetings. However, a significant number of these
individuals are not as happy as it might seem. I learned this as a
result of developing family-like relationships with many individuals who
attended my office courses given over twenty years. Without going into
too much detail, there were those who confided that they were drinking
excessively because of the stress taking place in their orthodontic
practices. Even worse, there were some who had contemplated
suicide, while others either destroyed or badly hurt their family
relationships. It is not my intent to pass judgment on any of
these individuals, but rather to help those who may find themselves in
similar situations.
Each of us looks into
the mirror every morning while shaving, brushing our teeth, etc.
We have the opportunity to look at the person in the mirror and ask a
simple question: "Is that person we see in the mirror a happy
person." The answer will be a simple YES
or NO. Only the person we see in that
mirror knows the answer. If the answer is
NO, the next logical question is a simple
WHY?
When we can honestly answer this question, we then
incur the obligation to act - not tomorrow, next week, next month, or
next year. Most of these individuals undoubtedly loved
orthodontics at one time, but found increasing stress to become a
problem in later years. For some, it might be due to seeing too
many patients, while others may be worried about their practices even
surviving. Some have incurred too much debt - much of it created
as a result of trying to maintain an image of success. Others
enjoy their practices, but not all aspects. Maybe TMJ, surgery, or
other areas are not totally to their liking. Just because we were
trained as orthodontists, we are not obligated to incorporate
those areas into our practice that make us unhappy.
To make my point,
if the only treatment that makes an orthodontist happy and excited about
performing orthodontic procedures is treating diastemas, then restrict the practice to such treatment and become the
first diastema specialist in the field. If for some, seeing too
many patients is the cause of stress, the fees can simply be increased
until the number of patients reaches a comfortable level. If
doubling the fees results in a loss of half the patients, then not only
will the orthodontist have less stress, but will also have less
overhead, twice as much free time and the same income.
When family
relationships are severely damaged because the orthodontist does not set
aside enough time to do the things that should be done with the family,
everyone begins to suffer in one way or another - the orthodontist,
family, staff, and patients. Happiness is contagious, but so is
unhappiness. If the orthodontist can rearrange his practice approach in
such a manner so that going to work is "fun," stress will become
minimal. The ideal vocation is one in which a person loves his/her
work so much that one can hardly wait to get to work each day.
When money becomes the prime object, this type of excitement will become
non-existent. Look at movie stars, politicians, athletes, etc.
It is rather obvious that large amounts of money do not provide the
criteria for
happiness.
In closing, let me
give you something to think about: "It is
better to be the worst of the best than to be the best of the worst."
I hope I have the
opportunity to meet many of you in the future. In the meantime,
enjoy your practices.
Best wishes,
Tom Mulligan
Thomas F. Mulligan,
D.D.S., M.S.D.
www.CommonSenseMechanics.com
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