Who is ready to meet the next Lolabees guest? Today I present my first interview with a very inspiring person from the dental community. He has a great story to share and some very valuable insights that I know will help you.
In fact, he has so much great information to share that I have divided it into 3 parts. The first describes his story and background, the second shares his challenges and triumphs, and the third offers a few tips and a few fun facts about him.
Meet David.
David was born in the North East of England near the border of what he describes as “sunny Scotland.” He practiced dentistry for almost eleven years, and in 2014, he made the decision to step out of dentistry. He turned a part-time career, practicing as a counselor and trauma therapist, into a full-time vocation. He also moved to Melbourne, Australia, where he now resides.
Me: David, thanks for taking the time to share a part of your life with us. I always want to know how it began for other people. Why did you decide to practice dentistry?
David: When I was seventeen I began a career in engineering and then an accident left me incapacitated for the best part of two years. I was not in a good place, and seeking answers to the depression and suicidal ideation that arose, I immersed myself in many aspects of self-development, which supported me in regaining direction. I knew at that time that I wanted to become a healthcare professional but in an avenue that would provide me the opportunity of working with my hands. Having researched the various options I eventually set my sights on becoming a dentist.
That’s so wonderful that through personal development you were able to pull yourself out of a very tough time. That always seems like the key. How was your dental school experience?
I remember feeling super excited to be starting dental school. On a positive note, I got to live in Scotland for five years (beautiful place), met many fantastic people and made some great friendships. On a career front, I gained invaluable practical experience (check out: the benefits of Irn Bru…) in addition to the theoretical knowledge learned and was fortunate to treat many lovely clients. On the flip side, I found the interpersonal skills of a good proportion of the academic staff to be…….. There were a couple in particular who I would have liked to have had a conversation with, but unfortunately, their heads were so far up their own backsides that it wasn’t possible. I kid you not. I made the best of it.
So I, of course, googled Irn Bru because I had not idea what that was. I wonder why this drink hasn’t gone international? ~winky face~
For those of you who don’t know.
Ah, yes. Sounds like it’s their version of our Mountain Dew—keeping dentists in business. Glad to have a new cultural lesson! Your dental school experience sounds pretty universal based on what I hear from others and experienced myself. Tell me about your first job out of school.
My first job out of school took me down the engineering path but it was not a conscious decision. I left school lacking career direction, and I stumbled into it. I remember being in awe of several of my peers who seemed so clear about where they were heading in terms of university and career path.
Then I had my accident around one year into that career path which resulted in me having multiple back surgeries etc. Being told that I would not work again by the operating surgeon sent me in a downward spiral, as I believed him and thought that my life was over. Intense anger arose followed by intense will and a desire to make something of my life. I enjoyed working with my hands and wanted to be able to continue doing so as a healthcare professional. Dentistry afforded that, allowed flexibility in the working week, provided plenty of opportunities to grow and develop, and it paid well.
You definitely proved that doctor wrong! It’s so amazing that you also chose a very physical profession. That’s great. How has your relationship with dentistry been over the years?
Bahahaha! Emotional! I enjoyed the technical challenges for sure, and yet I enjoyed connecting with my clients and building relationships more. Over time, I began to realize that dentistry would become a stepping-stone to where I was heading even though I was not quite sure where that would be.
It sounds like you generally enjoyed the process. What about it made you realize that it was a stepping-stone? How did you know there was something else out there for you?
I don’t know if I ever enjoyed Dentistry (big picture) although I definitely had moments. I think I was competent at it because I worked hard at it, and I was always studying some course aligned with my interests. I found the job rewarding in the sense of being able to support so many people and see the results of my work in vivo, but I found it isolating also.
Within a few years of qualifying, I became interested in counseling, coaching, NLP etc. The training I attended helped me understand myself, and my clients, at a deeper level. In addition I read several books on trauma and things seemed to organically develop from there. It certainly did not happen overnight.
That makes sense. It sounds like along the way you found something that interested you more.
Yes, I think, for the right person, dentistry is an excellent career choice, and I have met numerous dentists over the years who enjoy what they do, which is fantastic. I certainly have gratitude for skills gained from the role including an ability to work under stress, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, an ability to think on my feet, business acumen etc.
True. How did things change in dentistry or for you since your first year out in practice?
My first year in practice felt like the “brace, brace” procedure you see demonstrated on aeroplanes. I immersed myself in learning and simply hung on for the ride. I worked under the tutelage of a dentist who I remember having exceptional interpersonal skills. She was always smiling and nothing was a trouble.
Early in my career I recall thinking, why would I want to essentially hack down a reasonably healthy tooth and place a crown over the remnants when I could place a bonded restoration that would be minimally invasive, reduce the risk of irreversible pulpitis and (usually) improve the longevity of the tooth? It just didn’t stack up to follow what was deemed the norm at that time, and so began my pursuit to enhance my skills in bonded restorations.
In England, for those who may not know, there is a National Health Service (NHS) that you typically work within upon qualification. Like any system, it has its pros and cons. Pros in that you can gain a breadth of experience in an array of areas and also for the fact that the service actually exists in the first place. Cons since you are typically limited to the materials that are available for use and also to the extent or complexity of treatment that you are able to provide. I experienced many changes during my time spent in the NHS and in private practice also.
It seems a lot of people in the UK really struggle with the NHS systems and policies and feel like they spend more time worrying about red tape than actually practicing dentistry. I’m curious… did your move have anything to do with your career change and possibly escaping the NHS?
Nope, nothing to do with the NHS. It had been my intention to emigrate to Australia since first visiting in 2000. My parents’ passing made me re-evaluate life and take action to create the (life) changes I desired.
That’s a fair comment though. I do think that any system has its pros and cons and, knowing that, one has a choice to approach things flexibly. One can spend one’s time complaining or learn how to move with the ebb and flow. I’m not saying to do so is easy, but to remain rigid and inflexible….
I’m going to guess it’s that very attitude that has allowed you to ebb and flow with whatever twists and turns your life has taken!
There’s more to David’s story. Stay tuned for Part II of the interview with David. Until then, learn more about David and what he does here.
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