Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2023 - 27

Faculty Files
Know that we are all connected in the infinite game
of life and not separate individuals in a finite game of
short-term business gains. In sports, there are athletes
who compete primarily for the sake of winning and
a large paycheck; in contrast, there are athletes who
compete for the love of the sport and inspiring others.
In any competition, there is a fine line between these
two perspectives that is very easy to cross, and we
need to be mindful of that. I am personally a great advocate
for collaboration versus competition whenever
possible, and if not possible, I suggest we compete
with elegance and respect.
We are commonly known as dental experts in the " teeth
business " when, in fact, we are smile experts in the " happiness
business. " What I mean by this is that we must
understand we are providing a great service that affects
peoples' lives for the better for many years, and we need
to keep this in mind when we are working with our
patients. We should also aim to elevate the specialty and
one another, taking care to keep this in mind.
Be a Respected Leader
If your actions inspire others to dream
more, learn more, do more and become
more, you are a leader.
Simon Sinek6
While mastering the other principles, it is important
to remember that a specialist in any field by nature is
a leader in that field. Leadership on its own is a very
broad topic, and the intention here is to emphasize a
few qualities that are important for orthodontists as
leaders. I have observed these traits in orthodontists
I admire and whom I believe demonstrate effective
leadership; they understand the principles of orthodontics,
are open to the implementation of technology,
and are talented in the technical aspects of care
as well as the personal aspects. Furthermore, they are
committed to improving the quality of life for others
by genuinely caring about their patients. You might
have noticed that these traits are similar to the principles
that are the topics of this article. Therefore, we
need to embrace the privilege that life has granted us
as smile and happiness experts and lead our people,
our communities, and our societies in the direction of
living happier and more fulfilled lives.
As leading orthodontists, it is also important that
we position ourselves at the practical intersection of
I hope that sharing my perspective on these topics
will help other orthodontists, both new and experienced,
continue to develop their love for the
profession.
References
1. Quote Investigator: Tracing Quotations. Accessed January 5,
2023. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2015/04/02/simple/
2. Definitions from Oxford Languages. Accessed January 5,
2023. https://www.google.com/search?q=google+dictionar
y&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS835US835&oq=Google+dic&aqs=chr
ome.2.69i57j0i512l2j0i10i512j0i512l3j0i10i433i512j0i512j0i27
1.8098j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#dobs=technology
3. Gladwell M. Outliers: The Story of Success. Back Bay Books;
2011.
4. Park, A. These are all the gymnastics moves named
after Simone Biles. Accessed January 5, 2023. https://time.
com/6083539/gymnastics-moves-named-after-simone-biles/
5. AZ Quotes. Accessed January 5, 2023. https://www.
azquotes.com/quote/850192
6. Sinek, S. Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together
and Others Don't. Portfolio/Penguin; 2017.
clinic, business, and academia with a deep sense of
commitment to excellence. Academia and education
are where the foundations are carefully built and
structured. Clinical care includes performing and
perfecting the art of smile transformation. Business is
the platform that makes it possible for us to continue
to grow and contribute to society.
In our beloved profession, it is at the intersection of
these three components that amazing stories of smile
and life transformation are happening every day because
of amazing orthodontists. We all admire those
respected leaders in our field who dedicate their lives
to serve others and improve the quality of life for their
patients, their communities, and their societies.
Winter 2023 PCSO Bulletin
27

https://www.quoteinvestigator.com/2015/04/02/simple/ https://www.google.com/search?q=google+dictionary&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS835US835&oq=Google+dic&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0i512l2j0i10i512j0i512l3j0i10i433i512j0i512j0i271.8098j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#dobs=technology https://time.com/6083539/gymnastics-moves-named-after-simone-biles/ https://www.azquotes.com/quote/850192

Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2023