There is a scene in the latest James Bond movie, "Skyfall," where 007 is introduced to his new quartermaster – a man significantly younger than he is. "You must be joking," he says when the younger man identifies himself.

"Age is no guarantee of efficiency," the quartermaster says.

"And youth is no guarantee of innovation," Bond replies.

Quite true. This exchange reminds me of how we tend to get locked into the notion that certain ways of thinking belong to certain age categories. This is a common fallacy. I know a lot of fairly young dentists who have more real experience and practical wisdom – by virtue of their dedication to their clinical development – than some colleagues twice their age. At the same time, I could introduce you to dentists in their 70s and beyond who could run circles around some recent graduates when it comes to embracing new technology.

There is no such thing as being "not ready" to be the best clinician you can be. There is no such thing as being too old to reinvent yourself as a dentist, and this is a truth that is truly ageless.


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Commenter's Profile Image Barry Polansky
November 20th, 2012
There is a phrase I like to use: Old Wisdom...New Science. It may apply here...and maybe what is wrong with dentistry these days. We celebrate the the new technology way too much. Wisdom...the experience learned over time is invaluable. I agree there are many dentists in their sixties and seventies that could run circles around many younger dentists (I know a lot of them), but it seems many in our culture still get romanced by the glitz and glamor of the new technology. Innovation and efficiency, as you say, is not a function of age. But energy is...physical, mental and emotional energy can be a function of age. My advice--to the older docs..stay young, exercise, diet etc, and to the younger...think about values and philosophy of practice.
Commenter's Profile Image Gerald Benjamin
November 22nd, 2012
Excellence is not about age or experience. In his book "Talent is Overrated" Geoff Colvin proposes that becoming world class is less about innate talent and only about passion and hard work. Education and skill will take us just so far but what we do with it will determine what kind of dentist we will become. The unfortunate part is that very few human beings are blessed with the ability to be passionate and even fewer are willing to pay the price of hard work. However, the rewards for excellence in both personal satisfaction and lifestyle are fabulous. And Frank is our example.
Commenter's Profile Image Gerald Benjamin
November 22nd, 2012
I found this video on True Grit which is loosely defined as having sustained passion despite experiencing intermittent failures. It is worth watching for those who desire to pursue excellence despite one's age. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaeFnxSfSC4
Commenter's Profile Image Barry Polanksy
November 22nd, 2012
Gerald--thanks for the video. Angela Duckworth is well known in the field of positive psychology...she works with Martin Seligman. Barry