When we think about dental anxiety, we often think about patients, right? Of course. It’s obvious. Everyone knows that dentistry causes anxiety for patients. As dentists we put a lot of energy into understanding how we can help alleviate their worries. That’s a wonderful thing. But what about our own anxiety? What about dental anxiety for the dentist? I speak with a lot of dentists who struggle with anxiety. Although I used to wonder if patients’ anxieties and fears were rubbing off on me as a dental patient (anyone else ever think that?), dental anxiety for dentists is different. For...
We are often held back from creating change because of our own limiting beliefs. These beliefs stop us in our tracks and try to protect us from taking risks. However, these beliefs are simply not true. Based on the experiences of six people from the Celebrating New Beginnings series who have made their own dental career changes, here are 5 Truths that can help you spark your own career shift. 1. It’s Never Too Late. Rick practiced dentistry for 17 years before he took his first break from dentistry. After six months of traveling and relaxing, he realized even traveling and...
I am a huge fan of my next guest. CJ is a former Nurse turned Audiologist turned Ear Wax Remover. As an Audiologist, CJ found herself lonely on the job, frustrated, and miserable with all the driving she had to do. She felt her clients didn’t see the value in what she had to offer, nor did they appreciate her. When she realized her normally happy-go-lucky side was missing, she knew she had to change. That’s right. CJ removes ear wax for a living, and she loves it! CJ created her own career change– twice! Although she is not a...
Welcome my next guest, Kristen. Kristen practiced dentistry for seven years before she took some time off to raise a family. After 12 years out of the field, she found herself at a crossroads when she suddenly needed a steady income. So she got back in the game! Although she had kept an active dental license over those years and even pursued her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, she became well aware of how much dentistry had changed in those past 12 years. That didn’t stop her though. She eased her way back in and discovered that dentistry...
This week we have a super-duper HUGE change coming to Lolabees… I have recorded my first podcast! You may be wondering why podcasts now? Well, I figure since I am interviewing guests, why not hear directly from them! On your commute, your next workout, or while you’re cooking yourself dinner you can tune in and get to know someone new. I’m excited to welcome my first podcast guest, Applonia, aka Apple! Apple is a business student from Toronto, Canada. She completed her first year in dental school in the US before she decided to take a leap and change course....
Welcome back to Part III of David’s story. I hope you enjoyed reading how he got started in Dentistry and then what came next. Today he shares some practical tips that he found valuable for creating change. 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...
Welcome back to Part II of David’s story. I hope you enjoyed reading how he got started in Dentistry, and I’m sure you’ll find inspiration in how he evolved over the years. 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: What have been...
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...
We all know the pressure to stay the course once we have made a huge commitment to something. Changing is hard work, and it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable. Plus, the unknown makes it scary. It is always easier to do nothing, and sometimes that little extra bit of inspiration is all we need to get us going. Over the years, I have had a few guest bloggers that shared their own stories of change on Lolabees. People loved reading about others’ experiences. Some of the remarks were: It is very refreshing to hear that you have done something else with your...
Welcome to the new Lolabees! In 2011 when I started this blog, it was simply a distraction, a way to open up my world. I was stuck in my career, without any idea how on earth I was going to change anything. I knew I needed to stop practicing dentistry, and for many reasons I was too afraid to take action. This blog was merely a step, an attempt to do something different and to bring more creativity into my life. There were no expectations or pressure. I just needed something new to shift my stagnant energy, and that’s exactly...
