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Thanksgiving is quickly approaching: turkey, mashed potatoes, family gatherings, and more. 

Thanksgiving is also a time to be thankful. There are many reasons you became a dental professional, whether you are a dentist, hygienist, dental assistant, or dental receptionist. 

In honor of the upcoming Turkey Day, we've compiled a list of twenty-four reasons to be grateful throughout your career and workday as a dental professional. 

Let's get started . . . 

1. Gorgeous Workplaces

There aren't many folks we can imagine who wouldn't be grateful to exchange their boring cubicle for the lovely setting of a contemporary dental office. Operatories are often modern, yet reception areas are warm and welcoming. While some have open floor plans, many offices make conscious efforts to have their settings feel and function like spas. The interior design is anything from stale and conventional, from the furniture to the color palette to the decor. 

2. Wearing Comfortable Clothes to Work

Scrubs save time and the mental stress of choosing a fresh, clean outfit every morning. Additional advantages of wearing scrubs all day include fostering a sense of team togetherness, saving money by not needing to buy new clothing items, and preventing infection in both you and your patients.

3. Making a Comfortable Living

The mental tranquility that comes with supporting oneself comfortably and reliably is valuable. A good wage, an abundance of benefits, strong job stability, a convenient location, and preferably work you enjoy doing are some elements that make up the perfect way of life.

4. Job Security

As the population ages, cosmetic dental procedures become more and more popular, and health insurance access keeps expanding, there will be a rise in the demand for dental services. As you and your coworkers strive to give patients lovely, healthy smiles, you directly improve their dental health and quality of life. There are few jobs where you can influence your clients in such a direct and immediate way.

5. A Successful Career

The ability to care about what you do is a bonus for many careers, but in the dental industry, you both "get to" and "have to"care! 

Furthermore, you have the freedom to follow the treatment approach or method of care of your choice with the cooperation and assistance of your team.

6. Ability to Encourage Youth to Develop Healthy Habits

You can emphasize how important it is to maintain regular care and cleanings, both at home and in the office, each time a young patient comes in for a visit. As we all know, oral health affects overall health; therefore, encouraging these healthy practices in children can help them become healthy adults.

7. Being Exposed to New, Cutting-Edge Technology

Whether it's a smaller device like movie goggles to entertain uneasy patients or a larger piece of equipment like a CEREC system, a digital imaging unit, or cloud-based practice management software and apps, all of this technology is in place to increase patient comfort, as well as your practice's efficiency and output.

8. Staff Who Are More Like Family

You serve as each other's daily support on a professional and sometimes personal level. It can be challenging to juggle operational and clinical demands with front desk clerical responsibilities. Still, when you think of your coworkers as members of your family who value and respect one another contributions, it's simple to fall into a productive flow, and the work becomes more than manageable!

9. Outstanding Professional Support Systems

The dental industry has a wealth of support networks in addition to coworkers. Countless professional associations and groups are also available to offer technical support, marketing know-how, or chances for ongoing education. Your practice can grow and thrive with the assistance of organizations.

10. Many Ways to Give Back

There are many deserving groups you may connect with if you want to offer your dental skills as a volunteer; they will always appreciate your help. You can join any of these organizations that work to have a similar direct influence on those in need in the community as you do on the lives and health of the patients you care for at your office.

11. Challenges That Make You Grow

Challenges only accomplish a little on their own. However, they produce situations where growth is possible in ways that are not possible when traveling in calmer waters. When we decide to step up in these circumstances, we grow more robust, more determined, and better in so many small and large ways.

12. Having Pride In Your Work

Compared to people in other professions, healthcare professionals define pride in one's work differently. Only medical professionals are aware that every second spent. Being a dental professional means every moment on the job is a moment of helping and supporting patients' oral health. 

13. Endless Opportunities 

Dentistry is a health profession that is in high demand and offers excellent pay all over the world. Pediatric dentists, dental anesthesiologists, endodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, dental public health specialists, oral pathologists, orthodontics, and periodontists are just a few of the many specialties available to dentists. Additionally, they can provide their services at a dental clinic, where they can train and oversee dental students.

14. Teamwork

Every moment spent in your dental office is an opportunity for teamwork. Nothing is better than having a solid synergy within the Dental Office. A great team can create a tangible atmosphere and culture that keeps patients returning and referring to their friends and family while fostering a great sense of pride and inclusion for each team member.

15. Digital X-rays

Patients generally dread traditional X-rays. Even though it only needs to be done once a year, getting an entire series of them taken requires having a lead apron put over them. The X-rays must also be developed while they wait. The situation is different with digital X-rays. Compared to conventional methods, they consume up to 90% less radiation. The dentist can expand the photos for a better look because the results are instantaneous. This makes diagnosing things even more accessible.

16. Same-Day Dentures

Time was, and people had to wait a reasonable amount of time without teeth while dentures were made. With the creation of same-day dentures, that's not a problem. The patient bites into a mold before their teeth are extracted and dentures are made.

17. Dental Software

By allowing patients to schedule or modify appointments and make timely payments effortlessly, the right dental software can completely revolutionize how your business operates. It makes sense to choose software enabling patients to arrange appointments online. The payment process can also be made more efficient. Your office can become more productive by automating procedures and allowing you to treat more patients.

18. Laser Technology

The advancement of laser technology is one of the fascinating developments in patient care in the dental industry. Before laser dentistry, common dental procedures like cavity filling and gum restoration required invasive and often painful procedures. The potential of experiencing pain is a deterrent to patients who are nervous about visiting the dentist and can cause them to delay care. Laser dentistry is in a period of intense growth expected to continue for several years.

19. Natural Dental Products

Dentists and other medical professionals share the same environmental concerns as the general public. Green dentistry is one of the trends that gained momentum in 2021 and is anticipated to continue through 2022 and beyond. Utilizing natural products with little negative environmental impact is known as "green dentistry." Many patients, especially those who belong to Generation Y, Z, or the Millennial generation, are likely to prioritize companies that share their values. You may draw more dental patients to your clinic by making it more environmentally friendly.

20. Freedom and Flexibility

Most Dental Clinics are open during the week and during regular business hours. This will undoubtedly vary depending on your employer and profession. However, many corporate dental offices will be available earlier or later to attract more patients. Nevertheless, you will have numerous options in the end.

21. Varied Experiences

Every day is different. You get to interact with a wide range of people. Every patient is unique, bringing with them unique problems and concerns, as well as individual personalities. Every day presents new challenges. Each procedure has its own set of challenges. Diagnosis and treatment planning can be similar to playing detective, especially if a patient has an inconspicuous problem. You'll interact with staff daily, which can be both interesting and challenging. Each employee brings a unique personality to the office.

22. Continual Learning

Dentistry is constantly changing. Materials and dental technology are always evolving. You will always learn and grow.

23. Artificial Intelligence

One of the changes we anticipate in the dental industry over the next few years is the rising usage of artificial intelligence (AI). While there are undoubtedly some issues with integrating AI in healthcare, it enhances the patient experience when done correctly. It can also help your dental practice provide top-notch patient service around the clock.

24. Modern Dental Care Techniques

Tooth-colored composites are now used in dental fillings. Permanent dental crowns can be created in the dentist's office in just one visit. Tiny cameras are placed inside our mouths to provide the dentist with a large image of our teeth. Sedation dentistry makes your visit more comfortable and removes the fear associated with any procedure. Dental technology is constantly improving, which leads to improved diagnosis and treatment.

 

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