Page 6 - Bulletin Vol 30 No 2 - May - Aug. 2025 FINAL_

Message from the President

Some of the best advice I received in my residency had very little to do with
chairside dentistry. My director recommended always establishing boundaries on
what is enough dentistry. He stressed that there will always be more patients to
see, procedures to perform, and continuing education to take but that it’s
important to know when to draw the line because life requires balance. If you’re
constantly chasing more in dentistry, there’s a good chance you’re going to miss
out on all the other great things life has to offer. As dentists continue to report
increased levels of anxiety, depression, and burn-out, I would invite you to consid-
er how you’re faring in creating that balance. It can take time to figure out what
your limits are and even more time to learn how to respect those boundaries as
you navigate balancing a personal and professional life.
While it may seem counterintuitive, I have found the dental society has helped me in maintaining
this balance. It can be easy to dismiss the dental society as more dentistry or even just another
responsibility to take on in our already busy lives, but I would argue volunteering within the society offers
opportunities for exploration of diverse new interests and personal enrichment that are immensely
rewarding. While the board of directors might be the most visible face of involvement, committees are the
true heartbeat of the society, and their range is impressive. In every committee meeting I have attended,
and there have been a lot, I have seen active engagement from individuals who feel truly passionate about
their role in the society and are eager to welcome fresh faces. If you have an interest in leadership,
finance, ethics, event coordination, publication, or any of the other multitude of committee offerings,
consider reaching out. Utilize the society to learn new skills or find a new passion.
The dental society also serves as a reminder that the dental field is huge beyond the four walls of
our operatories. The coordination of local, state, and national efforts should remind us that we are not
alone in the issues we face, and we are our own best advocates. Sometimes it takes standing up as part of
that group to feel less isolated, less powerless. Let your voice be heard because what you have to say is
important.
More than anything else the dental society has to offer; I cannot overstate the value of its member
dentists. Human connection is essential in fighting burnout. The dental society has offered me a network
of friends and mentors who consistently remind me to pursue both personal and professional goals; they
have been there to champion my successes and help me navigate my failures. As we see membership
falling among recent graduates, I hope to stress the invaluable resource that is our members. Learn from
those that have paved the way.
If you should find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, or burnout, I would invite you to uti-
lize the mental health resources provided by NYSDA through the Member Assistance Program. Remember
you are part of a network of people who care and never hesitate to reach out and ask for help.

Elyse Patrella, DDS

2025 President, Nassau County Dental Society

6 | Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ www.nassaudental.org