A love letter to all working Moms—from one on Mother’s Day.
Pandemic, kids, business owner…check, check, check.
They don’t typically tell you the order things should go in life when you graduate dental school. They also never warn you that your entire industry could be turned upside down in an instant. Yet, through it all, we (moms) have found a way to persevere, play games (play teacher) and be present for our children in the face of adversity.
Let’s share some laughs and parenting tips, but don’t forget to brush!
I was a relatively young mother when the pandemic struck and was just finding my footing with parenting, while trying to stay hyper-focused on building up my San Ramon dental office. The Canyon Lakes Dental team was able to come together and pivot the practice for the safety of our patients and one another. Looking back, it still seems surreal.
Stay Open
Stay open—this was my mantra for the better part of two years as both a working mom and a dentist. If you can believe it, the last thing anyone wants to do in the middle of a pandemic is open their mouth. But there were no alternatives; I had to stay open at work to ensure people received the dental treatment they needed and I had to remain receptive to change as a parent. Good things will come if you’re receptive to change in your work and personal life, just remember to stay open.
Smile
Smile, you’re doing great. There was a lot of self-doubt going around during the pandemic. To answer the nagging question in everyone’s mind; yes, you’re doing great. You’re an amazing mother, partner and leader. Day in and day out, I have the opportunity to bring out the loveliest smiles in all of Contra Costa County. Whether it’s porcelain veneers or dental implants, when I hand you that mirror, I’m the first person in the world to see your genuine reaction to your new smile and it’s amazing. You’re amazing. Smile!
Don’t Forget to Brush
As a Mom in the pandemic, I let a lot of things slide. Staying up late, bed snuggling, having that extra scoop of ice cream. Our job as mothers was to ease the burden placed upon our children in a new world. But in this new world, we want to be flexible and forgiving while taking care of ourselves.
Dental care is self-care.
Dr. Shilpi Chovatia, DDS – Canyon Lakes Dental
Brushing teeth is therapeutic for me—it readies me for the day and provides that last moment of zen before I go to sleep. And if there’s anything I learned in this experience, it’s to take time to take care of myself too. Dental care is self-care. Pampering our teeth should be as important as a spa day or critical as a mani/pedi. Our smile is after all, the first thing people see!
So when your Mother (or dentist) reminds you to don’t forget to brush, she really is just looking out for you.