“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts”

We never presume to know everything during any time period, but during this COVID-19 crisis, our learning curves have ramped up to high gear. Over the past few months, we have learned so many things — about business, medicine, dentistry’s evolving needs, resilience, hope, and caring — to name just a valuable few. Forward-looking leadership and a loyal team are attributes that MedMark Media has always cultivated, and all of us have turned our quarantines into positive action during these trying times. We are changing as our world changes, as needs evolve, and as dentists seek answers to difficult questions. We have also sought insight from mentors whose experience can be life-changing and game-changing.

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself. A mentor is someone who allows you to know that no matter how dark the night, in the morning joy will come. A mentor is someone who allows you to see the higher part of yourself when sometimes it becomes hidden to your own view.”

These words by talk show host, media executive, and actress Oprah Winfrey are meaningful to dentists as well as entrepreneurs. After being a part of the dental world for 20 years, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the phenomenal benefits of having and being a mentor. Traveling on the journey to building a business can be frustrating and heartbreaking if you don’t have someone to offer advice on the right paths to take and the hazards to avoid.

I recently read an article from Inc. magazine that described why mentors are integral to success. John Rampton, entrepreneur and investor, pointed out these top 10 reasons:

1. Provide information and knowledge.
2. Point out where we need to improve.
3. Stimulate our growth.
4. Offer encouragement.
5. Help us develop self-discipline.
6. Are open to listening to our ideas.
7. Are trusted advisors.
8. Help with networking.
9. Have experience you can learn from.
10. Are free, but priceless.

With publications that are read by general dentists and specialists alike, MedMark Media brings the expertise of mentors and innovators in the dental community to your houses, offices, and computers. Authors write for us because they believe in sharing their knowledge for better patient care, more efficient workflow, and more lucrative business methods. Over the years, dental mentors have helped our company grow from print magazines to digital formats, webinars, videos, and podcasts. If there is a way to reach you, we will be there!

In this issue of Endodontic Practice US, we bring you a CE by Dr. Vieyra, et al., on reduction of post-endodontic pain and a CE by Dr. van der Vyver, et al., on the clinical application of TruNatomy^® instruments. Drs. Tavares and Almeida write about nonsurgical endodontic treatment and how bioceramic cements can have an effective action in inducing repair of periapical tissues. And Drs. Joel Small and Edwin McDonald focus on the power and consequences of words. Our issues also bring you product, service, and corporate profiles and practice development and management articles — each full of ideas to help your practices grow clinically, professionally, and financially.

Mentors will help keep your protocols and knowledge fresh and exciting. So keep searching for those who can help you to achieve greatness. Of course, we want you to read our publications and listen to our digital offerings. But also at this time, you can take advantage of online speakers who can expand your horizons, no matter where you are on your career journey.

It’s never too late to have a mentor or to become one, since learning and sharing knowledge should happen in all stages of life. As President Harry S. Truman said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

To all of our readers, authors, and advertisers, we wish you all health, safety, and a speedy resolution to the COVID-19 crisis.