A change of plans

For the past eight years I have spent Easter at Mt Hotham with my local cycling club. We stay at the ski lodge to which my family belongs.

Every year, a varying group of cyclists, young and old, parents and friends, spend four days in the mountains riding bikes, walking and having a relaxing time.

The weather has always been great.

This year it’s a little different!

Oh and as I write the power just went off!

Rides and walks have been abandoned. The coaches will have to come up with a new plan of activities. No one’s worried, everyone is still having a great time.

It’s not always like this during a procedure is it?

Things happen; there might be more caries than expected, a cusp might fall off, the crown doesn’t seat. The patient is more tricky to deal with than expected, you’re short staffed…

Learning to be adaptable and coming up with a Plan B under pressure is essential. It’s a skill you develop as you gain more experience. There’s certainly a large element of “faking it until you make it” that happens throughout your entire dental career, as you try new things and develop new skills. Being prepared always helps to set you up for success.

Learning how to deal with the ups and downs and managing the stresses of our chosen profession are key.

Debfriefing with a trusted colleague is always a good starting point and a good way to settle your mind after a difficult experience. If you’re a leader in your practice, keep an eye on what’s happening in the less experienced clinicans books and seek them out if you think there may have been, or will be, something tricky.

If you’re just starting out, be assured that your more experieinced colleagues have most probably felt exactly as you do and don’t be afraid to share your worries.

Have a great week

Rosie