Be the Lotus

In an array of colors, blue, white, purple, red, or pink, lotuses are touted as symbols of peace, beauty, and longevity. I love lotus flowers. Earth.com describes them as extremely strong with the first one estimated to have sprouted millions of years ago. For all of its breathtaking beauty, the lotus flower grows out of the mud, rising above the water. As a result, it also has gained a reputation as a symbol of persistence. What does this flower have to do with anything dental, anyway? Well, like the lotus flower, on our professional and personal journeys, we may have to find the strength to grow out of somewhat messy circumstances or humble beginnings. How do we do it? Persistence, innovation, and constantly reaching for a higher standard.

One way to get out of our rut when we are stuck in the mud is by purging – getting rid of old perceptions, equipment, or materials that hold us back from growing. After freeing up some space, invite future growth by researching and adding new things that can improve life around your office and for your patients. Imaging, 3D printing, AI software, instrumentation – you name it – dental visionaries and entrepreneurs are introducing amazing inventions every day. You just have to find the ones that fit your own space and needs, and maybe even help you grow outside your comfort zone. We hope to be able to help you on your journey.

We have lots of ideas in this issue to help you expand your mind and office. Dr. Steve Lamberg delves into how mitochondria can affect sleep-related breathing disorders and interfere with healthy cellular function. Our cover story, “Dental Sleep Medicine Provider of the Year?” discusses precision intraoral medical devices, a new category of OAT devices. This category now includes the EVO^® by ProSomnus^®, engineered to consistently protrude and stabilize the mandible within one millimeter of the target mandibular position for each patient. This device utilizes AI-driven software and manufacturing robots to virtually eliminate protrusion inconsistencies. Our AADSM Special Section features companies that run the gamut of innovation from a custom TAP appliance to Dental Sleep Medicine Systems for software and billing to sleep-changing oral appliance therapies.

At MedMark, we don’t want your practices to be stuck in the mud of mediocrity. Ora Nadrich, life coach and mindfulness teacher said, “On the path of self-realization, there is no one big awakening, but many along the way of varying degrees: some small, some big; and each one of them is like the lotus flower, which grows out of muddy waters.” So my message this issue is: No matter how small or big your practice, be a lotus; keep growing, changing, and reaching for whatever it takes to make you blossom.

To your best success,

Lisa Moler