Mastering the Basics can take you far

I have the honor and privilege of teaching at one of our wonderful dental schools and have some thoughts and observations. At the university you will soon enter and exciting and sometimes challenging landscape. You want to work on the basics and then continue to fine tune these skills until your last breath. Many are just life lessons but translate into professional life. These are simple to start but we do not always full embrace these. You want to be well groomed,respectful , kind,generous, complimentary, prompt, prepared, see yourself as others see you, accept positive feedback which will come in all different forms and intensity. Self reflection is not easy if you fully delve into it.

You next need to find a mentor and eventually be a mentor yourself. You want to also build and be part of a network. You will need to work hard but have balance. Something I did not do very well at. You have to invest in yourself as far as health ( again, I need to work on this) but also in continuous learning. The classroom is everywhere

I could write for days but this is a healthy start. You have to give more then you take. You also have to agree to commit to not hurting anyone and if you do hurt someone then be accountable and apologize. Be honest and truthful . Ask for help and try to offer your help. And if you do, be genuine about it. Make things better then when you came. If you cannot help or do not want to help agree with yourself not to harm.

Pretty basic stuff, right. We often get busy and the merry go round speeds up and we sometimes need to get off or need to accept the honesty and help of a friend.

I can tell you the super basics, appearance, prompt, courteous, prepared, That those go along way just in themselves to help you up the mountain. So give it a try, I think you will do great.

Thank you for your time!

Bob Deaver