The Promised Land Before Retirement: My Journey Giving Back to Our Profession

For many dentists, the idea of giving back to the profession is something we think about in the later stages of our careers, but I’ve found giving back isn’t something that can or should wait. Throughout my tenure as a trustee of the American Dental Association (ADA), I’ve had the distinct privilege of seeing firsthand what it means to contribute to the larger dental profession. What I’ve learned along the way might surprise you.

Dentistry is often portrayed as an isolating profession, but I disagree. We care for our patients, we manage day-to-day practice operations with our teams and we run our practices alongside other business owners in our communities. More than that, there’s a vast world of opportunities to give back that both benefit the profession and, in my experience, bring immense personal satisfaction.

I’m not the only one. In a recently published article in the New Dentist News titled Why Advocacy Matters, Dr. Stephanie Hoyos writes, “Advocacy is the only way that we can protect everything we’ve built. All of our livelihood goes into our career and our business to try to support our family and do well by our community. These laws affect us directly, so showing face is extremely important.”

From mentoring young dentists to serving on state or national dental boards, each opportunity has offered me new insights and a deeper connection to the dental world. The ADA tells us, “[We are] America’s leading oral health advocate – fighting for what matters to you and your patients.” It’s especially important now to get involved in the good fight given today’s rapidly changing landscape, where policy, technology and patient expectations continue to evolve. Every step we take is a step toward shaping the future of our industry.

Why wait until later in your career to start giving back?

For many, it’s time and energy. We’re busy, and the demands of practice management never cease. Yet in fact, making time to give back actually helps us step away from the daily stresses of practice life and opens more time and energy in the end. It gives us a broader perspective and allows us to connect with others who share our passions and goals.

That’s why I encourage every dentist, no matter their age or stage in their career, to consider what giving back might look like for them. After all, the promised land isn’t just retirement; it’s the journey there.

If you’re wondering how to get involved, there are countless ways to start. The ADA offers opportunities for involvement at the local, state and national levels. As a member, you can advocate for the issues that matter to you, contribute to research or even get involved in shaping the policies that impact dental practice nationwide. Our profession needs all voices to ensure its strength and vitality for the future.