The word “mantra” has 18th century origins. In the original Sanskrit, it means, “instrument of thought.”

Here are the conclusions to which my own thoughts have brought me: you deserve to have it all. Suffering in dentistry, just like suffering in life, is entirely optional. You can work to live and not live to work. Change your thinking and you will alter your results. Money and time are plentiful. The Triple Win allows everyone to win—the patient, the team, and you, the doctor. Give people more of what they want and less of what they don’t and you will get more of what you want. If you don’t enjoy it, don't do it.

I’ve found that dentists often delay joy the way their patients delay dental work. Your patients may live in denial, but you know they need the treatment now. You also know the high cost patients incur by waiting.

What price are you paying by delaying your ideal life, practice, marriage, net worth, or self worth? How high is the cost when you postpone joy, freedom, and happiness? Who told you that suffering and efforting is an acceptable lifestyle? And more importantly, why did you believe it?

Life’s not just about doing fillings. It’s about finding your own fulfillment, in your practice and beyond.