The biggest mistakes dentists make: Not staying physically active

Based on his extensive experience with dentists over the past 30 years, Dr. Roger P. Levin has authored a new book entitled, “The 31 Biggest Mistakes Dentists Make.” His premise is simple. As he says in the introduction, “We can learn from our mistakes. But isn’t it better to learn from other people’s mistakes?”

The following is an excerpt from the book.

Mistake #15: Not Staying Physically Active

I believe dentistry is an occupation that requires regular physical training. After all, doctors who spend the recommended 98% of their time chairside are on their feet all day, moving from patient to patient. Dentistry can also cause a great deal of stress. Exercise both raises energy levels and combats stress, but too many dentists ignore these facts.

Every year, I encounter more and more doctors who are in poor physical condition and don’t realize that they are further from retirement than they think. Without physical energy, their abilities to concentrate, handle stress, maintain emotional connections with others, serve as an excellent leader, and even to perform dentistry dissipate. When our Certified Practice Analysts conduct evaluations of practices around the country, they often find that the dentist is worn out. I have personally spoken to numerous dentists who want to retire because they are exhausted, not because they’ve stopped enjoying dentistry.

If you’ve let yourself go physically, it’s not too late to improve your health and stamina by beginning an exercise program. No matter your age, you can get in better shape and work as long as you like or need to. Information on this topic is widely available, and I personally recommend reading Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge. The book contains phenomenal tips for dentists who want to improve their health so they can keep working and enjoying what they do.

Note: The 31 Biggest Mistakes Dentists Make has now been published and a digital download is available here for just $59. Additionally, you can save $50 on doctor tuition for Dr. Levin’s latest seminar.