Birthdays and Anniversaries are celebrated once a year. I am not sure how the, “hey, let’s have a day for that” started, but I think they’re wonderful. What is so significant about March 6th? It’s National Dentist Appreciation Day! It’s a day to celebrate you - Doctor “King/Queen For-A-Day”! Let me hand you your crown. (Ha, see what I did there).
Dentist Appreciation Day is a fun day to celebrate dentists and honor the white coat that keeps us healthy and smiling. Let the 5-star reviews fly in today. Your patients may not like going to the dentist, but they do like you! I’m probably breaking some kind of Facebook Private Group rule here, but I can tell you your team is actively seeking the best way to celebrate you today.
I’m going to appreciate you for other reasons. It breaks my heart to see how under appreciated you are. Hell, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have become the person I am today.
I was 18 years old, a new mother with plans to go to college. I needed to find a way to earn a living, attend college and figure this whole “mom” thing out. You gave me this chance. It was my first job. You afforded me the ability to attend college in the morning, nanny for your children during the afternoon(with my daughter) and work in your dental practice in the evening. You paved the way. You were patient enough to train me on the job (with an incredible team I might add) when I didn’t know what to expect in life, let alone, a career. 28 years later and I am still here working for you.
Over the next 10 years, I developed as a dental assistant, not just with technical skills, but people skills. Working with your dental practice offered me more than the ability to save money. You gave me an opportunity to develop listening skills and feel compassion for people. Because of you, I began to understand how the world goes ‘round and grew to appreciate what it means to care and understand words like empathy and customer service.
I appreciate you for the years you spent earning your DDS and DMD. When I think about how much money you spent to obtain that piece of paper, I appreciate you even more. Factor in owning a business and managing a staff - well, that, my friends is bravery. You are an inspiration.
You help me become self confident and become a better leader. I am a better problem solver because of you. You inspire me to write.
This blog is for you. It is my way of saying, “THANK YOU for all you do - I appreciate you - not just for today but every day!
Dr. David Ahearn
With over three decades of expertise in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, Dr. David Ahearn is a nationally recognized leader, educator, and innovator. His passion for cutting-edge technology and exceptional patient care is the driving force behind everything we do. As the founder of Design Ergonomics and Ergonomic Products, Dr. Ahearn has dedicated his career to designing, equipping, and training North America's most efficient and productive dental offices. His proven strategies help hundreds of practices reduce stress, boost productivity, and build sustainable, scalable growth each year. A speaker and educator, Dr. Ahearn continues to shape the future of dentistry, empowering thousands of dentists to transform their practices, improve the quality of life for their teams and families, and deliver outstanding care to their communities.
