Women dentists are trained to deliver a professional service in a highly regulated field with their primary focus on helping their patients have healthy teeth and happy smiles.
Not unlike other healthcare professionals, women dentists must build and manage a private practice within which to provide their service. Managing both the clinical practice and ensuring effective business management – two very different functions that require very different skill sets – is the challenge that all successful dentists must learn to balance. The demands of meeting the needs of these two business functions can be a source of great stress for dentists, especially when they are first starting out.
Dentists who recognize their strengths within the context of their practice can take advantage of the services coaches, consultants, and subject matter experts provide to help them develop foundational self management and lifestyle practices and design business systems and processes that support their unique lifestyle and business needs. Managing stress and developing coping skills is something all professionals need to learn to survive and smile like she means it.
5 Strategies to Enhance Coping Skills
- Set healthy boundaries with yourself, your clients, associates and family.
- Build healthy lifestyle practices
- Surround yourself with positive, supportive people
- Develop communications skills
- Join a professional support group and network regularly with professional colleagues and other professional women.
Putting yourself first is key to learning to manage stress, relax and have fun, so critical to building a successful dental practice and a happy and healthy personal life.
Dr. Natalie Archer knows what helps. She’s built two successful dental clinics in downtown Toronto. About working with an executive life coach, she says, “Julia really helped me balance all the things on my plate….to manage my time so that I can play badminton three times a week; so that I’m home for dinner every night, so I can take Wednesday mornings to take the kids to school, so that we can travel together.” Dr Archer’s recommendation to young women dentists is simple…”Whatever you need help with don’t be afraid to ask.” Contact us for a free 30 minute discovery session.
This article was first published Open Wide Group in May 2012.
About Julia von Flotow
