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Happy New Year from the DPPS Staff!
As 2011 ends, it is a time for many to reflect on what they have accomplished for the year and what expectations they have for 2012. So many times, we find ourselves stuck in a rut and it is hard to become motivated, or even think of projects or endeavors that will jar us out of our normal routine.
Some of you may feel that you do not have enough time in the day to set additional goals or add another thing to your schedule. For me, if I have it planned, I find the time. If I do not plan, then that available time is wasted. In 2011, I had the opportunity to volunteer some time to perform prophylactic treatments on individuals who were unable to afford dental care. I have volunteered my time before, but never as a RDH.
I have to confess, I cannot wait to do it again! The gratitude bestowed upon me by those individuals who rendered my services, gave me greater fulfillment than any paycheck I had ever received. My services included a prophy and exam within a 45-minute appointment. Several individuals had never experienced a prophy in their lifetime, while some have; however, due to the economy, could no longer afford a visit to the Dentist for their recall visit.
In my 25 years as a RDH, I have experienced numerous personalities and apprehensions in the dental office. Everything from the happy patients who loves the feeling of getting their teeth cleaned, to the individual who wants to know if the prophy is over, as I am beginning their intra-oral examination. As a RDH or DA, you know what I am talking about.
As a volunteer RDH, I never once heard a complaint as I did my best to deep scale an individual with topical only, or experienced a negative attitude when I told someone that they would need to have an extraction. Not one patient ever questioned me about a long wait as I was trying to give the patient before them as much of my time as possible. In 25 years, I never experienced a thank you, and a hug for the services I provided by each patient. In that one day, I felt more appreciated than any day in private practice on a time clock. Volunteering my dental services left me feeling fulfilled, appreciated and reenergized in my profession.
Once again, there is confirmation that dental professionals have a skill, a talent, a trade that can provide services to others who need us. No matter how busy we are, a few hours or a day can make a difference not only in those we serve, but also in our own lives. This year, instead of giving up something, I have decided my goal is to ask, What am I giving?
As a reminder, the next DPPS Convention is on March 25, 2012, along with a CPR Renewal course in Tinley Park, IL. The 2012 Fall Seminar is worth 6.0 CEUs, and will be offered on September 15, 2012, in Oak Brook, IL. A link to all the information about the March Convention is on the left.
As of 2012, the DPPS e-mail address has changed. To keep your DPPS information updated, please change the DPPS e-mail address to dppsdental @ yahoo . com. DPPS also a new fax number: 1-800 -420-9363.
Until next month, may you celebrate the New Year, new adventures and endeavors of 2012.
DPPS, Inc. & Staff
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