Young people are the heart of society. They are the leaders and architects of the future in any field, and the more important the field they lead, the higher their responsibilities.

There is no doubt that dentistry today is nothing like it was 50 years ago and our generation faces more challenges than previous generations.

Modern dentistry is more sophisticated, demanding and expensive. Consequently, this creates a huge burden for young dentists. Therefore, we must work together to advocate for our rights, which can be achieved by taking on vital roles in organized dentistry and politics.

We need to build a fruitful future that will strengthen our position in society and the healthcare system. This will allow us to have a significant impact on the profession and people's lives. From education, improving management skills and improving policies, what is the best way to address these obstacles?

Answer: take leadership roles as young dentists.

Education

The cost of dental and clinical education is increasing every year. Some students also apply for residency programs in order to gain more hands-on experience, which increases their debt.

Their loans will significantly affect their career path, often leading them to join large dental groups instead of starting independent practices.

In addition, some people go to special programmes because they want to specialise in a particular field. They decide to specialize because there is a lack of clinical training in undergraduate schools.

By taking an active leadership role in organized dentistry, young dentists can better advocate for issues that address education and student debt. They could use their voice to compel dental schools to provide more clinical experience for dental students.

Leading other members of the dental staff 

Young dentists should participate in focus groups, which can take the form of closed social media groups where they can discuss the unique challenges faced by practitioners and try to find solutions together.

Mentoring is an excellent way to learn from the experiences of others. Taking leadership courses and reading leadership books is another good way to fuel your brain. 

Government regulations

Another challenge facing the dental industry is the ever-increasing regulations from national, state and local governments. While the rules are intended to be for the public good, some regulations may not always favor dentists or patients.

New dentists can start by reviewing the new regulations and offering commentary on their implications. This means sending comments, recommending changes to the rules, educating legislators about oral health and the connection between dental health and overall health, and explaining that providing more dental care to people who cannot afford treatment will help reduce overall health care costs.