Is service still a part of dentistry?
GORDON J. CHRISTENSEN, D.D.S., M.S.D., Ph.D.
Is the service aspect of dentistry being deemphasized? Is the money-making business orientation dominating the profession? There is a highly observable, relentless barrage of information in dental publications about the economic aspects of the profession. Some of the publications are embarrassing to me because of the obvious possibility that the public we serve has access to these articles with their blatant self-serving attitudes about the goals of dental practice. Does there have to be such a monetary orientation in the profession? Are dentists having financial difficulties? Do all dentists have a selfish attitude toward their professional activities? Is service to the public still important in dentistry?
I am pleased to report that during my many trips, during which I have provided continuing education to thousands of dentists across America, I have found that altruistic public service by dentists is still alive. However, it is struggling, as many groups and organizations continue to emphasize the financial aspects of dentistry. Most of the courses I provide have both clinical and financial orientations. These courses motivate dentists to become more efficient and to work faster, thus providing them with enough income to pay their staff well, purchase up-to-date equipment and supplies, attend continuing education courses and provide the financial resources necessary to offer some service without fees.
In my opinion, public service offered without remuneration is a professional responsibility that should be accepted by all. Those who have participated in service activities know the personal satisfaction and enjoyment that comes with helping someone. This article discusses some of the ways to offer service, ranging from simple and nondemanding to full-time involvement.
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CLINICAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY YOU
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After a few years of practice, most dentists have stabilized their income and are making enough money to support their families adequately. In my opinion, most practitioners want to offer some form of nonfee or reduced-fee service at that time to repay a profession that is so satisfying and good to them.
In any practice, it is easy to select patients who cannot afford dental services and to identify those who are trying, without success, to provide for their families. It is wonderful to help such people and serve them without fee or with greatly reduced fees. This form of service is one of the easiest to provide. I prefer to schedule these types of patients at the end of the day, when the regular daily challenges are over and some of the staff members have gone home, when I and a skeleton staff can devote time and energies to the family in need.
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CLINICAL SERVICES PROVIDED IN YOUR OFFICE
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During my career, I have been very selective about the organizations with which I elect to spend time and energy. Without exception, the organization that has earned my attention most has been the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, or NFDH. I have had the privilege of serving on its board for many years. This organization provides millions of dollars of service annually for patients who truly are in need and who, as judged by social workers and other professionals under the auspices of the NFDH, cannot pay for dental services. Various levels of treatment difficulty in special-needs patients are observed in those served by NFDH. Anyone interested in this area of service need not worry about being unable to provide services for these types of patients. An important aspect of NFDH is that practitioners treat the patients in their own offices and not in an unfamiliar environment. By associating with NFDH, you are assured that the patient is needy and that your efforts are going to a legitimate cause. NFDH can be contacted at 1-800-366-3331 for further information.
Another example of donating service from the comfort of your own office is the recently announced one-day ADA event "Give Kids a Smile." The program is aimed at promoting access to dental care for needy children and will take place in February 2003. ADA members across the country will be asked to volunteer to provide dental screenings and care for under-served children. The exact date of the event and other details will be announced as they are determined.
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DONATED CLINICAL SERVICES OUTSIDE YOUR OFFICE
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Although some dentists prefer not to offer services outside their offices, others prefer to offer the dental treatment out of their normal environment. Many groups offer such opportunities in the United States or in other countries. Providing these services is extremely gratifying, since most of these organizations provide services in areas of great need—usually developing countries. Many organizations offer short service opportunities, such as two-week assignments. To obtain a list of national dental organizations, call the American Dental Association at 1-312-440-2598. Many of them have religious orientations, while others are service clubs, universities or dental societies. Dentists and their staff members can combine their service missions with education and sight-seeing on such trips. Another excellent source to contact is your own state dental association.
By donating your time to teach a group of dental professionals in an area of need, your abilities are multiplied by the number of people in the group.
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TEACHING SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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If you have ability in the educational area, this is a type of donated service that I find highly gratifying. By donating your time to teach a group of dental professionals in an area of need, your abilities are multiplied by the number of people in the group. If you have interest in this type of service, some of the service groups mentioned in the previous category also allow you teaching opportunities. I have participated in this type of service for more than 40 years. I find that the professionals in the groups which I have had the opportunity to assist continue to progress in their clinical skills and invite me back a number of times. The same can be true for you if you have the interest, teaching ability and educational materials.
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SERVICE IN DENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
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Most of us have had experience serving in our own dental societies and specialty groups. This type of service satisfies some dentists and has no attraction at all for others. If you have inclinations toward this type of service, I congratulate you for it, and I encourage you to get involved. Leadership is needed in all of these organizations.
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NONDENTAL COMMUNITY SERVICE
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Some dentists prefer to offer their services out of the dental area for organizations that have projects in other needy areas of life. Service in Rotary International, the Lions Club, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America and other groups is provided by thousands of dentists throughout the United States. The friendships, service projects, community involvement and educational opportunities offered by such groups are excellent, and dentists should be encouraged to join and participate.
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FULL-TIME VOLUNTEER DENTAL OR NONDENTAL SERVICE
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Many organizations are looking for volunteers on a full-time basis. Some aspects of dental activity allow such involvement before retirement, and others do not. Dentists in group practices can volunteer for periods of months to even a few years and still return to an active practice. Dentists in salaried positions—such as education, research, public health or the dental industry—usually can leave their positions and serve for a period and return to their active professional lives. Currently, I am participating in a two-year commitment in which my wife and I were called to administer a visitors’ center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, after which I plan to return to full-time professional activity. The change of pace and direction offered by such full-time service deviates from a conventional lifestyle and is refreshing and invigorating. It provides a new perspective on life and dentistry. In addition, it provides needed service for the organization with which you are involved.
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SUMMARY
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Recent years have brought an observable trend for the profession to be oriented toward self-service and income, rather than the known goal of all professions: service. Dentistry offers the time and resources for practitioners to provide free or discounted services, both dental and nondental, to the public. I encourage a change of direction and increased involvement in the many types of service activities noted in this article.
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Dr. Christensen is co-founder and senior consultant of Clinical Research Associates, 3707 N. Canyon Road, Suite No. 3D, Provo, Utah 84604, and is a member of JADA’s editorial board. He has a master’s degree in restorative dentistry and a doctorate in education and psychology. He is board-certified in prosthodontics. Address reprint requests to Dr. Christensen.
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FOOTNOTES
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The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official policies of the American Dental Association.
Educational information on topics discussed by Dr. Christensen in this article is available through Practical Clinical Courses and can be obtained by calling 1-800-223-6569.
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