I enjoyed Dr. Christensen’s "Is Service Still a Part of Dentistry?" (July JADA). I have attended many of his lectures through the years and have always admired his commitment to excellence for his patients. In listening to him speak, I always have felt that concern for the welfare of the patient is foremost in his mind.
I feel that, as his article discusses, we as a profession need to give to the communities where we live. We have the opportunity to serve in ways that many people cannot. I have found that service in dental groups, service clubs, school groups, scouting organizations and my church has been fulfilling to me as a person but, more importantly, the expressions of those who were served has been something that I truly cherish.
Dentistry has been good to us all. It has given us a good income, a respected place in our communities, an opportunity to be a part of a healing profession and the ability to show our true concern for the welfare of our patients.
Many professions never have the chance we have to touch people’s lives. Our patients come to us for dental care, but many times they are hurting in other ways. We can give them a listening ear, a smile and encouragement and, perhaps, even some direction on how to find guidance for the troubles they are experiencing.
I am grateful to be a dentist and to have the chance to serve the people in my community. I hope that we can follow Dr. Christensen’s advice and become involved in service opportunities—they are great for others as well as ourselves.
