This week I wanted to share a recent experience I had with one of my patients who has dementia and mobility challenges. Despite these challenges, we were able to place four restorations in one visit, which was a huge feat for both me and my patient! Working with motivated families and patients is truly rewarding, and it's victories like these that make me love house call dentistry even more.
I know that if you're listening to this podcast you're probably interested in pursuing in-home dentistry as well and soon will be able to relate with my little victories. One listener recently asked me what qualifications are needed to treat patients in their homes, and while legally you just need to be a licensed dentist, it's important to have experience and a calling for this type of work. Residencies and CE courses can teach you a lot, but it's your experience with patients that truly qualifies you for this type of dentistry.
If you feel a calling to pursue this work you will learn what CE to take as you go. You may even decide to go back to residency. But you will never know how to help yourself if you don't begin by helping others. The experience you gain by following your calling to help patients in their homes will teach you more than any program ever could. This is true in all of dentistry. Don't wait on the sidelines forever hoping that some CE is going to be the one that qualifies you.
At some point, you need to make a jump. That's why it's called practicing dentistry. We're always growing and improving, but you need to take the first steps. After all it's your calling and experience with patients that qualifies you to do this work. So if you feel called, you are already way ahead. Once you begin, you'll be such a gift to your patients.
If you're interested in pursuing in-home dentistry, I'll soon be offering a course called Dental House Call Practice Academy that will teach you everything from business basics to best practices. But even if you don't decide to pursue in-home dentistry, please consider supporting the Home Smile Care Foundation. The Home Smile Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by myself and my loved ones to offer financial support to patients. Thanks for tuning in today, and I hope this information was helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
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