“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts”

During this COVID-19 crisis, our learning curves have ramped up to high gear. We have learned so many things — about business, medicine, dentistry’s evolving needs, resilience, hope, and caring. Forward-looking leadership and a loyal team are attributes that MedMark has always cultivated, and all of us have turned our quarantines into positive action. As our world changes and as needs evolve, we have also sought insight from mentors whose experience can be life-changing and game-changing.

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself. A mentor is someone who allows you to know that no matter how dark the night, in the morning joy will come. A mentor is someone who allows you to see the higher part of yourself when sometimes it becomes hidden to your own view.”

These words by Oprah Winfrey are meaningful. After being a part of the dental world for 20 years, I have witnessed the phenomenal benefits of having and being a mentor. The journey to building a business can be frustrating and heartbreaking without someone to offer advice on the right paths to take and the hazards to avoid.

I recently read an article from Inc. magazine describing why mentors are integral to success. John Rampton offered these top 10 reasons:

1. Mentors provide information and
2. Mentors can point out where we need to improve.
3. Mentors stimulate our growth.
4. Mentors offer encouragement.
5. Mentors can help us self-discipline.
6. Mentors are open to listening to our ideas.
7. Mentors are trusted advisors.
8. Mentors can help with networking.
9. Mentors have experience you can learn from.
10. Mentors are free, but priceless.

MedMark Media brings the expertise of mentors and innovators in the dental community to your houses, offices, and computers. Over the years, dental mentors have helped our company grow from print magazines to digital formats, webinars, videos, and podcasts. If there is a way to reach you, we will be there!

In this issue of Dental Sleep Practice, Dr. Mark Murphy and Len Liptak discuss cooperation between dental sleep medicine professionals and physicians regarding OAT referrals. In his CE, Dr. Jagdeep Bijwadia delves into telemedicine and making informed decisions about the implications of this evolving technology. Also regarding telemedicine, Dr. Keith Thornton writes about the possibility of patients effectively treating and managing their SRBD at home with a device such as the myTAP, while interfacing with their dental sleep professional.

Mentors will help keep your protocols and knowledge fresh and exciting. So keep searching for those who can help you to achieve greatness. It’s never too late to have a mentor or to become one, since learning and sharing knowledge should happen in all stages of life. As President Harry S. Truman said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

To all of our readers, authors, and advertisers, we wish you all health, safety, and a speedy resolution to the COVID-19 crisis.

To your best success!