Orthotown June 2024 - 45

Navigating social media as orthodontic professionals
BY DR. GLENN KRIEGER
I
n the realm of orthodontics, where precision
meets artistry, we are accustomed to striving
for perfection. Our profession demands a
meticulousness that often spills over into other
facets of our lives, pushing us toward becoming
overachievers not just in our clinics but also in
every role we undertake. As leaders of orthodontic
practices, revered members of our communities
and mentors to one another, we embody
success and expertise. However, this pursuit
of excellence, while admirable, exposes us to
a peculiar challenge in the age of digital connectivity-the
allure and the pressure of social
media perfection.
During a recent Orthopreneurs podcast
interview with Orthotown Editorial Director
Dr. Chad Foster, a conversation unfolded that
cast a spotlight on an issue increasingly pervasive
in our lives and practices: the impact of
social media on mental health. Th rough studies
and dialogues with mental health therapists, it's
become evident how the curated perfection on
social media platforms is not just misleading but
potentially harmful, steering individuals and
professionals away from their genuine interests
and sustainable practices toward a mirage of
unattainable standards.
The mirage of social media perfection
Social media, for all its merits in connectivity
and outreach, has become a double-edged sword.
It's a world where everyone seems to be outperforming
everyone else, where every practice
boasts only the best outcomes, the most cohesive
teams, the happiest work environments and the
most grateful patients. It's a world where personal
lives are fl awlessly balanced with professional
demands, where every parent appears to
be nothing short of exemplary, dedicating quality
time to their children that always ends in smiles
and laughter, devoid of any tantrums or tears
that preceded the captured moment.
For orthodontists, who are inherently driven
by the desire to achieve and excel, this can create
a dissonance. We begin to measure our worth
and our success not by our real accomplishments
and the tangible impact we make on our
patients' lives but by how well we can match or
surpass these showcased highlights. Th is comparison
game is perilous, because it shifts our
focus from our personal and professional growth
to chasing an ideal that in reality does not exist.
Scan the QR code to listen
to more about this topic!
To listen to " Mastering the Art of
Clinical Orthodontics, Business
and Life, " the Orthopreneurs
podcast episode featuring
Orthotown Editorial Director
Dr. Chad Foster, scan the
QR code above or head to
orthotown.com/foster-podcast.
The behind-the-scenes reality
It's crucial to remember that much of what we
see on social media is a selective showcase of
the best moments, deliberately chosen for their
appeal and impact. Th e individuals we admire
and perhaps envy, presenting their best behavior
and outcomes, are giving us a glimpse of
JUNE 2024 | 45 | ORTHOTOWN.COM
http://www.orthotown.com/foster-podcast http://www.ORTHOTOWN.COM
Orthotown June 2024

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