What's Missing?

“If you think your boss is stupid; remember, you wouldn’t have a job if he was any smarter.” — John Gotti

Okay, I think John meant, sentimental.

So, we’ve been back providing dental care since June 22 and September is only a week and some loose change away. And we’ve spent at least an Amalfi Coast 3-week vacation for two on our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), interior design, and various Covid-19 safety adaptations.

After much thought and considerable deliberation I’ve concluded pandemics aren’t much fun; even after getting the hang of donning and doffing head wear that makes you look either like a Raiders fan on a motorcycle or a cafeteria quarterback distributing mac n cheese dimes to hungry receivers patiently waiting in line.

My structure for meetings of all sorts has evolved in reverse from what I learned a long time ago. The subheadings are (1) What are we doing well? (2) Where can we improve? (3) What’s missing? And (4) What’s possible?

We are the studs of PPE and pandemic precautions. We could probably communicate better (That’s why I wear two masks WITHOUT a shield during conversations with patients.) Too often, humor is missing as well as the extra personal stuff we’re all so good at. What’s possible? The answer: Whatever we declare we can be.

My brother died the year I applied to dental school. College instructors I barely knew somehow found out and were there for me offering support. My aunt and uncle basically adopted our family. Three months into what is now 44-year old Temple City Dental Care, my dad suffered a fatal heart attack in our living room on a Saturday night I’ll never forget. I kissed my mom good night every night for the next 23-years. I was Mom’s caregiver during her last ten years. During Mom’s Rosary, I looked out and saw a newly hired co-worker and her husband. And the next day, Dalila was there to help out with the funeral reception.

Sometimes we spend a little too much time debating staggered schedules, to scan or not to scan Covid-19 questionnaires, and lunchroom distancing. The topics are important, but what can be missing is the time spent to express empathy, interest, humor, and maybe one little comment that can make a difference. Ask me why I know.

And it seems the Covid-19 coronavirus has stacked the deck against us, and I know we’ve all met deeply personal challenges in the past. Now we’re all meeting those challenges together, every day.

The reason our practice purpose, hanging on the wall for the world to see, reads “…making a world class difference for others and making dentistry fun” is that we get it. And as with many things, I learned the lesson from my mom. If the person in front of you can feel safe, be listened to, and crack a smile, that person has a better chance to do the right thing for themselves…and even pass the message forward. Have mutual service and support ever been more important?

What a tragedy to build smiles without taking the time to cause or encourage them.

When we’re being our purpose, what’s possible? Everything.