I always joke that befriending another dentist is like starting on the 5th date. There is an intimacy we share as dentists, a mutual understanding of the struggles and triumphs of dentistry.
I’ve often found that I learn best from the person who is just a few steps ahead of me. For example, as a 2nd year dental student, I learned more from the 4th years than some of my faculty! Why?
- It was easier to relate to and ask questions from someone who was closer in experience level
- The 4th years remembered what the hardest things to learn were (like using indirect vision, dealing with cheek and tongue retraction, etc.), while these skills had become unconscious for the seasoned faculty members
- They were more willing to “hold my hand” as I tried new things outside of my comfort zone
- They often showed me a SHORTCUT, saving me time and energy
Having a teacher, mentor, or coach who is just a few steps ahead of you on the same path has so many benefits! I’ll be here every step of the way to answer questions no matter how basic you feel they are, hold your hand through the tough parts, and show you all the shortcuts I know.
Photo by The Humble Co. on Unsplash
