Control the Scroll: How Dentists Can Be Inspired, Not Discouraged By Online Content

As dentists, we are not immune to the dreaded scroll through life-changing Instagram posts of a practice owner closing on their fifth practice, or videos of fast crown preps that make us question whether we are reaching our full dentisting potential. It can be disheartening to see the highlight reel of everyone’s successes when on your 10 minute lunch break where your hygienist keeps side-eyeing you from the exam room. Do I see (dentisting) humans sharing their awesomeness and at times feel like “wow, why can’t I do that?” Yes.

But here's the thing: you always control what you see and how you respond to it. It's time to take back that control, and be inspired rather than discouraged by the amazing dentisting content over all our social channels. 

Firstly, remind yourself that what is shown is only the highlight reel. It's easy to portray a picture-perfect image of your dentisting-life online, but we know it’s not always an accurate reflection of reality. A dentist may boast a full mouth rehab with no adjustments needed, but not show the dozens of cases before that needed adjustment after adjustment. Many accounts show the end result without showing the ups and downs of getting to that point.  

Consuming social media is intense. If certain accounts or types of posts are making you feel overwhelmed, remember that social media is free - we control our scroll! Taking a break or unfollowing an account is totally normal. Don’t follow accounts that make you feel inadequate or discouraged. Follow accounts that inspire you, educate you, and bring value to your life. Reframe your thinking to see social media as a tool for personal and career development. 

Seeing epic dentisting posts inspires me to do better (in my own way). Take notes from amazing posts and adapt them to your dentisting life! There are plenty of industry leaders and organizations putting out quality educational content about the dental industry's latest trends and techniques. By following these accounts and consuming their content, you can stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Use the time mindlessly scrolling on social media to educate and better yourself.

The bottom line is that you are in control of what you see and how you respond to it. Use social media as a tool for personal and career growth rather than a source of comparison and discouragement. Take inspiration from other practices and industry experts, use it to educate yourself, and apply it to your dentisting life! 

And remember: telling others not to share their success or those of others they are proud to have helped is unfair. Just like we decide what to eat when we open the fridge, we decide what we consume when we open our phone. It is tough. We are all human. Being kind to yourself and others.