Many years ago a very important event took place in my life. I graduated Dental School. I remember strutting up to the podium, all full of myself, with the Dean handing me my diploma, congratulating me, and then he made a most important statement. He said “congratulations. You’ve got your learner’s permit.”
It took me a while to digest what he meant. After all I was now a licensed dentist. I had several academic as well as clinical awards and all I had was a learner’s permit?
The realization of the Dean’s words took place about two hours after I actually started treating patients outside of the dental school clinical environment. I ran into a small concern on my first patient. My initial reaction was to get the advice of one of my instructors. Oh No! There were no instructors handy. I was on my own. I had to make my own clinical decision, one of thousands to follow in the coming years.
It was then that I realized I didn’t know everything, that I needed further education and advice from others with more experience. I started taking continuing education courses and developed relationships with mentors so I could learn from others with more expertise on a given topic or, at least, a different point of view or methodology. This is a never ending process
I always have to chuckle when I hear someone give another person advice on choosing their health care or dental provider. Usually it goes something like “go to a younger doctor since they know the latest treatments and techniques.” Hmm, I wonder who is teaching these youngsters all this new technology and methods. I think we all know the answer to that. Both Dr Steinberg and I teach young dentists and mentor young dentists on the most current techniques and the most time tested.
I still have my learner’s permit but it’s well worn.
Dr Gerald Weger
Drs. Steinberg and Weger
1628 Spruce Street
Philadelphia Pa 19103
215-735-8844
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