“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts”

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself. A mentor is someone who allows you to know that no matter how dark the night, in the morning joy will come. A mentor is someone who allows you to see the higher part of yourself when sometimes it becomes hidden to your own view.”

These words by talk show host, media executive, actress, and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey are meaningful to dentists as well as entrepreneurs. After being a part of the dental world for 20 years, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the phenomenal benefits of having and being a mentor. Traveling on the journey to building a business can be frustrating and heartbreaking if you don’t have someone to offer advice on the right paths to take and the hazards to avoid.

I recently read an article from Inc. magazine that described why mentors are integral to success. John Rampton, entrepreneur and investor, pointed out these top 10 reasons:

1. Mentors provide information and knowledge.
2. Mentors can point out where we need to improve.
3. Mentors stimulate our growth.
4. Mentors offer encouragement.
5. Mentors can help us develop self-discipline.
6. Mentors are open to listening to our ideas.
7. Mentors are trusted advisors.
8. Mentors can help with networking.
9. Mentors have experience you can learn from.
10. Mentors are free, but priceless.

With publications that are read by general dentists and specialists alike, MedMark Media brings the expertise of mentors and innovators in the dental community to your houses, offices, and computers. Authors write for us because they believe in sharing their knowledge for better patient care, more efficient workflow, and more lucrative business methods. Over the years, dental mentors have helped our company grow from print magazines to digital formats, webinars, videos, and podcasts. If there is a way to reach you, we will be there!

In this issue of Orthodontic Practice US, we bring you continuing education articles on uses of the vertical slot, which Dr. Mark McDonough calls the “Swiss army knife” of fixed orthodontic treatment, and Dr. Bruce Seidberg shares part 2 of his series on law and dentistry, discussing how to avoid the complications and challenges of harassment and substance abuse in the dental environment. Drs. Jeffrey Silmon and Chris Cosse illustrate a case that avoided surgical disadvantages for a maxillary hypoplastic/mandibular hyperplastic patient. Dr. Jeff Summers reports on consumer research regarding perceptions of the orthodontic office and how to keep the specialty relevant to consumers.

Our issues also bring you product profiles, practice development and management, book reviews, corporate profiles — each full of ideas to keep your practices growing clinically, professionally, and financially.

Mentors will help keep your protocols and knowledge fresh and exciting. So keep searching for those who can help you to achieve greatness. Of course, we want you to read our publications and listen to our digital offerings. But also, get out there to conferences and make connections with speakers and peers who can expand your horizons, no matter where you are on your career journey.

It’s never too late to have a mentor or to become one, since learning and sharing knowledge should happen in all stages of life. As President Harry S. Truman said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

To your best success!

Lisa Moler
Founder/Publisher
MedMark Media