What do you like about being a dentist?

As I have gotten older, I have developed a more full appreciation of my profession and its impact on people. Although some people like to joke about dentistry and being in a dentist's chair, most realize that we perform an important function. Some patients with healthy teeth take our efforts for granted, but no one who has had a toothache or lost a tooth does.

People comment often that I seem to enjoy dentistry. Generally it is true. Of course all jobs have their unpleasant moments, but on the whole being a dentist is good. I enjoy the daily interaction with my patients, especially when we are able  help them keep their mouths healthy.  Its satisfying to improve a smile, replace missing teeth and repair teeth with cavities. For the most part, patients appreciate our efforts and at the end of most days I feel satisfied with the dental procedures that I performed and on the rare occasion when a procedure doesn't work out the way that I planned, often it can be redone.

I  attain the most satisfaction from taking someone with a long history of dental problems, fixing their teeth and following up with them afterwards. Although it is not true for everyone of them, most are restored to dental health and remain that way for long periods of time. This is especially tue if they "get with the program". When they do thorough job cleaning their teeth at home and also make sure to come in for their regularly scheduled check up and cleanings, their mouths stand a good chance of remaining healthy. I find that having  a positive impact on someone's health and their  feeling of well being is the most rewarding part of the profession for me.