Are you a fan of TED Talks? They can be quite inspiring, and while I used to watch them more frequently in the past, I still have some favorites. One of them is Meg Jay's "20 is Not the New 30," and another is "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek. Simon emphasizes that people don't care about what you do; they care about why you do it. This concept has been resonating with me lately, as I've been receiving many questions centered around the word why.
The Why Behind House Calls
Typically, questions I receive are prefaced with how. However, recently, possibly due to the current political climate or a surge in aggressive energy, I've been getting more assertive, even impolite, emails questioning why I operate the way I do. I understand this curiosity, as I'm not your typical practitioner. I have unique interests and opinions, and I've chosen to share my journey with all of you through this platform.
For example, why do I offer house calls? Is it because they're easier? Well, honestly, I provide house calls because there is an unmet need for this service in my community. Before I started, there were no dentists offering house calls in my region, despite a clear demand. During my residency, I saw patients who couldn’t follow up with a dentist because they couldn’t get to an office. My sister, who uses a wheelchair, almost fell during a dental appointment. It was clear: in-home care was necessary.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Some people think house call dentistry is easier. But let me clarify—while the procedures might be simpler, it doesn’t mean they’re easy. The effort involved, from packing and setting up to managing patients with cognitive impairments, is extensive. It's not about avoiding complexity; it's about filling a gap and making care accessible.
Another question I often face is, why do I ever work chairside if I believe so strongly in house calls? Simply put, while house calls fulfill a critical need, they don’t cover all my professional interests. I occasionally work chairside to maintain specific skills, like surgical extractions, which are a part of my passion but aren't frequently done during house calls.
Self-Employment and Its Empowerment
Some wonder why I encourage self-employment for house call dentists when institutions could theoretically provide this service. Self-employment empowers dentists to work directly with patients without middlemen like insurance companies. Institutions tend not to offer house calls due to administrative overhead and inefficiencies, but solo practitioners can tailor their services to meet this need effectively.
Financial Realities and Teaching Passion
Questions about my financial strategies are common, like why I charge for educational courses if I’m so passionate about spreading knowledge. The reality is that while I want to help as many dentists as possible, I must sustainably balance my time and finances. Teaching is another passion of mine, allowing me to prepare the next generation for working with underserved populations.
Conclusion: The Endless Journey of Why
Understanding the reasons behind our actions is crucial. My work on improving access to dental care has always been about breaking barriers. Each question I've received reflects curiosity about my journey, and I value this opportunity to share my motivations. Whether you are a practicing dentist or a curious reader, I hope my insights help reveal a fulfilling path in house call dentistry.
Feel free to reach out with any questions at hello@residentialmovement.com. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
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