Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 1

Dr. Roxana Saldarriaga Prosthodontist, Northwest Dental Reconstructions, Vancouver, BC. Dr. Dhia Mahmud Dentist, Dandelion Dental Centre, Whitehorse, YK. and new enclosure walls in operatories. She and her colleagues all wear level 3 surgical masks and N95s all day, except during a few minutes at lunchtime, which are staggered so that each team member eats alone. “At the end of the week, we are all very tired,” she says. “I believe exhausted is the right word. Wearing the PPE without a long break during the day has been the most challenging for all of us.” These days, Dr. Saldarriaga checks in often with her team members. “We listen to each other,” she says. “We make sure we allow ourselves time to eat and stay hydrated during the day.” A greater sense of camaraderie and a willingness to help each other has been an unexpected silver lining to the pandemic. Dr. Saldarriaga keeps in touch with other dentists in online group chats, study clubs and mentorship relationships. “They provide a sense of belonging and the feeling of not being alone in this challenging environment,” she says. Dr. Saldarriaga says that weekends are for rest and recovery. In the past, she sometimes extended her office hours to evenings and weekends, but now having these two days off is a necessity. She has appreciated more quality time with her family and more home-cooked meals. “I feel fortunate that early in the pandemic, a group of mothers from my son’s school took up road biking,” she says. “This has provided a great healthy escape from the everyday, and an activity I look forward to every weekend, weather permitting.” Focusing on the Mission At his dental office in Whitehorse, Dr. Dhia Mahmud has grown used to new protocols and increased PPE after five months of practise during the pandemic. He sees fewer patients each day because of the time requirements of more stringent infection prevention and control measures. “One real challenge is being constantly and consistently mentally aware throughout a shift that we need to follow these guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of our patients and staff members,” he says. When asked if anything has improved during the pandemic, Dr. Mahmud notes, “Patients are less likely to postpone a recommended treatment at this time because they fear another wave of the virus might suspend services again.” Living in Yukon has given Dr. Mahmud an opportunity to explore the great outdoors and he also joined a soccer league. “I channel the stress of my job into hobbies and sports,” he says. With the pandemic some of these activities were shut down or restricted. “I’ve had to find new avenues for stress relief,” he says. Dr. Mahmud’s attitude toward the pandemic helps him remain positive. “This situation is temporary,” he says. “Eventually, we’ll resolve it.” It also helps that he can see the positive impact of his work. “My patients are so thankful when we are able to relieve their pain.” To support his colleagues at the dental office, Dr. Mahmud tries to keep the mission of their work top-of-mind. “Our patients are not coming in for elective services, but for necessary treatments,” he says. Dr. Mahmud also feels a responsibility as a health professional to help educate his patients about COVID and appropriate precautions. “With our educational background, we have an ability to help people deal with doubt, worry or even misinformation,” he says. “I believe educating our patients helps them experience less fear and uncertainty.” Dr. Dhia Mahmud at work. I ssues and P eople 22 | 2021 | Issue 1