Off the Pedestal

Not too long ago, in one of my blogs, I was chastised by a responder for not doing what he thought I should have done. This was followed by the comment, “I would expect more from a prosthodontist.” Let me set the record straight: I am not a prosthodontist. Nor do I play one at work. I am a GP and I have worked pretty hard at the science and craft of dentistry for the past 33 years. I do some things really well and there are certainly areas where I have much to learn. I get that teaching creates an expectation of expertise. I have also come to understand that we as dentists want heroes and we want them to be perfect. Sighhhh. I promise I am neither. Mostly, I am an educator, who is pretty comfortable not being perfect and working hard at getting better. I am tenacious, persistent and perfectionistic, all characteristics that have served me well and have also caused me grief. Do yourself and your heroes a favor: Keep them off a pedestal. They very likely don't want to be there and when they do fall off, it is painful for everyone. Isn't it hard when you discover that your heroes aren't perfect? Rather, when you find those whom you would like to emulate, recognize they are just as human as you are, allow them to be imperfect and celebrate what you learn from them. Most of us in this position welcome being accepted as people, friends and perpetual students.