Image is an important thing for dental professionals. Whether you are a graduating senior dental student, an early career dentist, or a seasoned practitioner, trying to find that "right look" is often a multifaceted process. For most women dentists, due to the relative paucity of female dental faculty and yet-to-be-identified role models, finding the professional image that matches their uniqueness is challenging. Therefore, many dentists take time, often years, experimenting to find the right image for themselves. Women dentists tell us that image has more to do with what they want to reflect in their practice, consistent with their values. This article discusses the importance of projecting the right professional image for success in your practice and for leadership among your dental peers, and finding the confidence that blends your appearance with who you are and what you want.
Spirit
We all know people who are at the top of their game. What sets them apart? What differentiates their walk into a room? Or better yet, how can you learn to be "that way"? Confidence is probably the most important spirit component of image. Even though it may be hard to define, the spirit of confidence is that special something a person has when you look her in the eye. It's about internally knowing who you are and what you value, and letting the world see that your outside matches the fire you have on the inside.
Finding the right image has more to do with what is inside than any textbook answer or chemistry-like formula. Simply, your spirit has more to do with a reflection of what is in your heart, and what message you want to convey about yourself authentically. It's a delicate balance between who you are and who you are becoming. It is that essence or fundamental nature that you convey to your patients, your practice, and the world around you. It's not about perfecting an appearance or reaching an unattainable standard of perfection; it's about being and becoming more of who you are. Realize that it is a work in progress, and it has seasons.
Certainly your eyes and smile reflect your confidence, but deep inside heartstrings exist. The ability to listen to them and gracefully display their intention defines your character. Women have a tremendous ability to rely on this strength. Confidence is something that is silently conveyed to your team, your patients, your family, and seamlessly becomes part of your life. When this inner-strength is revealed, a new courage develops that allows the confidence to bring out the best of you!
Action → Sit quietly and write down seven values that are meaningful in your life, in your work, and at home, both now and in the future. Reflect how these values will set the course for your future! Stay true to them and review them daily, either personally or with your team. See "Sample Values" box for an example.
Sensuality
Our American culture places a lot of pressure on women to attain a certain facial or body image. And, with media images promoting female stereotypes inconsistent with the image of a professional, it can be difficult for women dentists to find their place not only in the professional world, but also in their personal world. Changing from one world to another can be challenging.
Sensuality is the ability to feel good about who and where you are. Women dentists have a unique talent for communicating this combined mental and physical component. It is the ultimate connection, or chutzpah.
While obtaining model or Barbie-like proportions is unrealistic, women can allow themselves to feel good in their "skin." We often are too harsh on ourselves. Energy wasted. Take inventory and look at the various areas in your life and work in which an affirming image can be consistent with your values. Any disconnects between negative values you have now and the changes you want for the future may be something that can be reflected in your image. Accentuate the positive and focus on building a better you. Exercise is a way to cancel out the physical demands of dentistry, as well as reduce stress (see the exercises in Judith Porter's article on ergonomics and physical well-being in January 2004 Woman Dentist Journal). Rather than ensuring that no cellulite exists, many women find that joining a gym or yoga studio helps them to be toned, fit, and able to practice longer with less fatigue. Body image also helps with confidence. While some women dentists have found it helpful to hire an image consultant, others find it easier to think about the specifics below.
"Contentment is absolute wealth," said Socrates. This is not bad advice for the sensuality that is part of you. Rather than conforming to a particular image or standard, women dentists have the option of engaging themselves in showcasing who they are and letting their contentment shine through. We have been surprised by the reactions of male and female colleagues who have criticized some of the women dentists featured in this journal. Rather than conforming to any unrealistic ideal, the women featured are more about showcasing who we are — in our diversity, in our differences, as well as in our similarities. Now that's sensuality at its best!
Action → Consider these questions: How do you convey your body image to yourself and others? Are you good to your body? Start today with an exercise or nutrition plan to feed your body and mind. How do you convey your image in your professional world? How do you convey your place in your personal world? What boundaries have you set between your image in your professional world and your personal world? And vice versa?
Style
Style — your style — is more than what you wear, how you walk, or how you look. It is about having your outside match your inside. Culturally, women are rewarded for certain kinds of feminine dressing, which may not convey that professional image. It is very important that you wear clothes that convey your professional image to meetings, such as with your banker. Finding the right match of clothes for the female dentist can be a challenge. If you don't know the colors that are your "wow" colors, consider having your colors "done." Then select the right shades for you, just as you do shades for your patients' teeth.
Conventional stores often cater to the cultural images of women, rather than women as professionals. Ask other female professionals where they shop for their clothes. Find a few stores that understand the needs of female professionals. These should be stores where you feel comfortable shopping for clothes and that have your best interests in mind. While there are few rules beyond covering exposed skin and avoiding sparkly jewelry, clothes, or shoes, what you wear does project a certain kind of professional image.
Clothes for lunch with women friends might not work for that professional meeting, where the majority of attendees are older (mostly male) dental professionals. Clothes that convey a certain mood with your date, partner, or husband might not be right for the dental office. Similarly, what you wear for the tennis court or golf game might not be appropriate, comfortable, or even safe for the dental office (like open-toed shoes).
Your clothes should convey maturity, seriousness of purpose, and your own personal style. Make sure you convey a professional image at work. Save those plunging necklines and flirty skirts for dates. Wearing the right clothes (e.g., business attire to meet with your banker) can enhance your image, but they are not the only thing that conveys your image.
Communication is an important part of showcasing your style. Advertising and public relations professionals talk about "branding" your image. Some dental professionals have chosen to reflect that in a logo designed especially for their practice. (See the article by Dr. Glenda Payas in April 2004 Woman Dentist Journal.) This logo is also on their stationery and serves as an introduction to email reminders or other types of communication from the practice. It's also communicated to the team and from the team to patients. By engaging the whole team in your practice image, your message of quality oral care will be consistent.
Moving beyond any scarcity in patients, or financial success, many women excel at communication. They find that collaboration with other female-owned small businesses can support and help build their style, as can connecting with a dental supplier who understands the style and image of your practice and the challenges female dental professionals face. Make an inventory of your vendors and make sure that they understand your style and support your image both inside your practice and in the marketing of your practice. Collaboration with your team may also be a terrific addition, just as collaboration with your lab tech, banker, or accountant is consistent with who you are and how you operate.
Challenges in image are multiple, and just like you, they are constantly changing. The important thing is to get a picture in your mind of the image you want so your outside reflects your inside.
Finally, be sure to have fun! Review your style and values every month, and remember to update them as necessary. Just like you, your image is becoming more of who you are!
Action → Find out and use your colors as part of your style. Note the times someone has complemented the color you are wearing and build your personal color wheel. Get experts to help you with your image as you need it. Seek help in finding the clothes, logos, or scripts for communication that are consistent with your style. Have your team support your style. Assess whether you could benefit from a professional and personal coach, practice-management expert, classes, and/or study clubs.
And mostly, have fun being you!
Margaret I. Scarlett, DMD
Dr. Scarlett is the science and women's health editor of Woman Dentist Journal. An accomplished clinician, scientist, and lecturer, she is retired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You may contact her by email at megscarlett@ mindspring.com.
Lori Trost, DMD
Dr. Trost is the managing editor of Woman Dentist Journal. She created the Center for Contemporary Dentistry in Columbia, Ill., in 1989. Her practice is known for being in the technological forefront. She is a member of the ADA and AGD.You may contact Dr. Trost at [email protected].
