Dr. Jahan, a seasoned dentist in the heart of Bombay, had mastered the art of molar battles and incisor rescues. Yet, despite her surgical finesse, something always seemed amiss. Her clinic bustled with patients, her chair barely caught a break, and her coffee perpetually went cold before the second sip. The never-ending cycle of consultations, procedures, and last-minute adjustments left little room for reflection—let alone innovation.
One fateful evening in 2012, after a particularly grueling day filled with an impromptu root canal, a misbehaving suction pump, and a patient who “swore” they flossed daily (spoiler: they didn’t), Dr. Jahan found herself lingering in her office. A complimentary diary lay on her desk, a relic from a forgotten conference. With a resigned sigh, she picked it up and began jotting down the day’s most eventful cases, a few clinical mishaps, and the occasional absurdity (like the patient who tried to negotiate anesthesia fees as if buying vegetables in a market).
As days turned into weeks, this unassuming habit grew into a ritual. Every night, ten extra minutes—just ten—were devoted to recording challenges, patient interactions, and those elusive moments of insight. But the true magic happened during her clinic’s fortnightly meetings. Armed with these notes, she didn’t just discuss cases—she analyzed, she questioned, she strategized. What could have been done differently? How could the team handle similar cases more efficiently, professionally, and without the need for impromptu deep breaths in the sterilization room?
The results? Spectacular.
Her team started picking up on patterns—common errors, recurring patient concerns, even time-draining bottlenecks. Staff members who once hesitated to acknowledge their shortcomings now actively sought improvement. The junior associate who struggled with crown impressions? He started watching lectures and practicing on models. The assistant who fumbled with inventory management? She streamlined supplies and eliminated unnecessary reorders. The team began working not just harder, but smarter.
But that was 2012. Now, Dr. Jahan no longer relies on a physical diary. Instead, she uses a simple yet sophisticated app that allows her to dictate cases, converting speech into structured text that is securely stored in the cloud. With a modest investment in technology, she has unlocked a lifetime of peace of mind—organized data at her fingertips, seamless retrieval, and effortless analysis. The efficiencies gained are immeasurable, proving once again that dentists must not only reinvest in their clinical skills but also in IT infrastructure. The future of dentistry isn’t just about hand skills; it’s about harnessing technology to elevate practice efficiency and patient care.
Dr. Jahan also discovered an unexpected perk: by ironing out inefficiencies, everyone saved time. Procedures became swifter, patient satisfaction soared, and—miraculously—Dr. Jahan started finishing her coffee while it was still warm. More importantly, she found herself leaving the clinic on time, with evenings free for her family, a much-neglected reading list, and the occasional guilty pleasure of binge-watching medical dramas (all the while scoffing at their questionable depictions of dentistry).
Of course, technology comes with its own hazards. One day, while dictating case notes, Dr. Jahan casually called her husband to ask for some napkins, knives, and trotters for dinner. To her horror, the app dutifully transcribed this into a surgical case note as:
“Patient prepped. Incision made. Retractors placed. Napkins, knives, trotters.”
It took a confused assistant, a horrified junior doctor, and a full minute of stunned silence before the entire team erupted in uncontrollable laughter. The moral? When dictating notes, ensure your culinary requests don’t get filed under surgical protocols!
The lesson? A simple habit—just ten minutes of structured reflection—can elevate a practice from routine to remarkable. When a team knows its strengths and weaknesses, they evolve together. When a practice functions like a well-oiled machine, burnout diminishes, and work-life balance ceases to be a myth.
So, dear dentists, before you rush out of your clinic exhausted and dreaming of your next vacation—pause. Grab a diary, your phone, or even a napkin if you must, and jot down your day’s takeaways. Or better yet, embrace technology and let an app do the work for you.
Your future self (and your aching back) will thank you.
And remember—love your work, but more importantly, love yourself. After all, a happy dentist makes for happy patients.
Tener una estancia agradable en la tierra!
Author:
Dr. Syed Nabeel, BDS, D.Orth, MFD RCS (Ireland), MFDS RCPS (Glasgow), is a dedicated dental professional with a special interest in Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD). With over two decades of experience, he has been committed to diagnosing and managing occlusal and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders using a patient-centered approach that integrates the principles of neuromuscular occlusion.
Alongside his clinical work, Dr. Nabeel is deeply interested in digital dentistry and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in dental practice. He believes that technology has the potential to enhance patient care by improving diagnostics and treatment precision. His work in this field reflects his curiosity and dedication to advancing dentistry in meaningful ways.
Dr. Nabeel also enjoys sharing knowledge and has been lecturing extensively on neuromuscular dentistry. His approach to teaching emphasizes practical insights, evidence-based methods, and a focus on patient well-being, making his sessions both engaging and valuable for fellow professionals. Additionally, he is a sought-after speaker and blogger on practice management, where he provides insights on optimizing workflow efficiency, patient engagement, and the integration of modern technology in dental practices.
Based in Mysore, India, Dr. Nabeel is the founder of Smile Maker, a practice where he strives to combine advanced diagnostic tools with personalized treatment plans to help patients with occlusal and TMJ-related concerns. With a strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement, Dr. Nabeel remains deeply invested in the evolving landscape of dentistry, always seeking ways to enhance patient outcomes with care and compassion.
This blog, originally published as “Editing the Practice” in 2012 on DentistryUnited, was part of a series written by Dr. Syed Nabeel. Today, he has reimagined and rewritten it for Gen Z dentists—because while the essence of great dentistry remains timeless, the tools and techniques to achieve it evolve with each generation.
For any queries, reach him at dentistryunited@gmail.com.