Making a positive difference plus this week's top stories

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

As a certified DiSC trainer who works with dental practices throughout the country to help employees understand their individual personalities better, I always love unearthing studies and tidbits that show just how much we need each other at times. 

I found one of those studies earlier this week when the University of Basel studied female basketball players who missed the first of their two free throw attempts during a game. When a teammate came over to encourage her or pat her on the back after the miss, the chance of the free throw shooter hitting the second shot rose significantly. 

"So support from teammates is most helpful when your stress level is already high because you've missed the first of the two shots," one of the study’s authors said. 

I think these are the types of things we overlook when the stress level rises in the practice. Getting that encouragement and knowing others around you can make a world of difference, and I'm glad there are studies that show the impact of supporting each other. 

Some of that support through dentistry (and humanity) was evident this week in some of the stories I enjoyed reading on DrBicuspid.com. That includes a group of students and retirees who teamed up to design a toothbrush that would help those suffering from tremors. It also includes the researchers who worked to find a solution that may offer immediate pain relief from burning mouth syndrome. 

Another article that gained a lot of attention this week focused on the question of whether dental professionals should be trained about what to do in case of a drug overdose in the practice. I am glad that at DrBicuspid.com we don't shy away from bringing somewhat controversial topics to the forefront and that includes when we detail articles focused on the not-so-great side of dentistry, including a fraud scandal that is currently unfolding in Florida. 

Finally, I want to call your attention to two interviews I did this week. The first focused on artificial intelligence and what it could mean for our industry, while the second pulled back the curtain on a documentary that highlights the good being done throughout Maine by a dental hygienist with a dream. Once it's released, this documentary will be a must-see, and I'm honored I was able to get a sneak peek at this film that aims to remind us all why dentistry is such an amazing profession. 

This weekend, give yourself (and others) a pat on the back for everything being done to make things better in your part of the world. You never know who might need to hear those encouraging words. 

Kevin Henry
Editor in Chief