Redefining Success and Failure Redefining success and failure help to defeat imposter syndrome. “Dentistry is called a practise for a reason,” Dr. Metcalfe says. “It’s not the perfection of dentistry; it’s the practise of dentistry. And you are practising for however long you choose to hold your license for.” She reminds us to learn, test, and determine what works via science, education, and research. This mindset encourages continuous learning and growth, acknowledging that setbacks are part of the process and that their value isn’t diminished by them. She recalled a lecture that examined failures alongside successes. “This kind of transparency is powerful. We need to normalize discussion around complications, revisions, and difficult decisions. If we are more equipped to manage the downfalls, because we saw, talked about, and experienced them, then we are more equipped to manage our reaction, emotions and mindset,” she says. That you’re horrible? Instead of feeling defeated, reframe your day: “It was challenging, but I used my skills, and tomorrow is another chance. These phases may last weeks/months, so show yourself the same patience you show patients. z Contextualize Challenge: You didn’t have your usual dental assistant, the patient may have flustered you or you were forced to make decisions differently based on the circumstances. z Celebrate Small Wins: Today you got to perform dentistry and use the skills that you’ve learned. Remind yourself of the first class II you did and how hard it was in comparison to this moment. Look back at your recorded wins to remember the good in dentistry. z Avoid Harmful Comparison: On this particularly bad day, it’s probably best not to use social media or other technology to drown your sorrows. If your algorithm focuses on dental accounts, others’ success will overshadow your performance today. z Seek Support: Consider alone time or talking to someone understanding. Lean on those people, vent, get it out, cry, be angry, or do whatever you need to soothe your mind, body and soul during this moment. Then go back to that selftalk and remind yourself that “this was a bad day, but, I can still do it.” Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. It affects both new and experienced clinicians. But by recognizing the signs, reshaping your internal dialogue, and leaning into supportive communities, dentists can dismantle the illusion of inadequacy. “Your patients aren’t expecting perfection,” says Dr. Metcalfe. “They’re looking for care, empathy, and your best effort; and you can give them that.” Building Confidence Through Action If you suspect that you’re dealing with imposter syndrome, Dr. Metcalfe provides steps you can take to counter these feelings. “Let’s say a routine class II restoration becomes complicated: your assistant is out, the temp certified dental assistant is new, the patient is difficult, matrices don’t fit, and the software crashes— what can you do?” z Track Your Self-Talk: Did you leave the procedure thinking you’re awful? That your dentistry is horrible? Watch Dr. Metcalfe talk more about imposter syndrome in dentistry on CDA Oasis at: bit.ly/4mhCFa9 By recognizing the signs, reshaping your internal dialogue, and leaning into supportive communities, dentists can dismantle the illusion of inadequacy. 33 Issue 5 | 2025 | Supporting Your Practice
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