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What does it mean to BE mindful?

April 18, 2022
Chief Editor Jackie Sanders' word of the year is "be," in the hopes of BEing present, BEing mindful, and BEing kind, among other things.
Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, Chief editor, RDH magazine

Every day we can influence a life. Whether it’s your own or someone else’s, you can have a positive impact. Many start the day with meditation and affirmations, others connect with a higher power, and some just head out the door to face what lies ahead.

If you are still practicing clinically, you will have the ability to BE relevant to each patient you see throughout the day. You can influence their overall health, or you may BE that sounding board who helps them sort through their struggles. I often call it the “hygiene smile,” as it doesn’t matter what the circumstances are in your life, at that moment, you are caring for your patient and must BE.

“BE” is a word of significance meaning “to exist.” BE in the moment, BE present, BE mindful, BE respectful, and BE kind. My word for the year is “BE,” with the hope of living my life in the moment and BEing present in each situation.  I like to think that we are present with every patient we treat; yet, when we find time for personal care, are we mindful of our time and BEing with ourselves?

Are you BEing kind-hearted to yourself? Stop pushing to BE like someone else, quit comparing yourself to all the other faces on social media. Realize you are good enough and not on the same path as everyone else. BE kind and find your own shine.

To help you BE your greatest in your operatory, we have compiled valuable content for the clinician this month.

Sarah Varney, BSDH, RDH, reviews the five pillars of excellence. Katie Poulsen, MPC, RDH, defines the advantages of metrics and knowing how your worth can help alleviate burnout. In addition, Amelia Williamson DeStefano, MA, looks at the current evidence for an oral-systemic relationship between mental health and periodontitis. As you can see, we’re bringing you valuable content this month to assist in BEing relevant to your patients.

The RDH team continues to build programs and content to assist you daily. RDH UOR Extended will be hosted April 9 so you may acquire 8 CE credits from the comfort of your home. You can start looking at the courses that will be offered at RDH Under One Roof from July 21-23. If you are seeking career guidance and professional development, consider reviewing the schedule for RDH Evolution from July 19-20.

I do look forward to crossing paths soon. Don’t let any special moments pass you by because you chose not to BE present. BE proud of who you are and what you achieve each day.

About the Author

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH | Chief editor, RDH magazine

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, has over four decades of continual career development and experience in dentistry. As the chief editor of RDH magazine, she strives to remain a proactive personality in the continual advancement of the profession. She has been defined as a motivated trendsetter and dependable colleague and is inspired by her true passion of helping others to achieve their personal goals.