As I was treating one of my patients the other day with a crown preparation, I reflected upon just how much I was enjoying this act of micro-sculpting. It reminded me of a passage from a book that I’m currently reading: Second Innocence-Rediscovering Joy and Wonder by John Izzo, Ph.D.
“Craft comes from a German word for power and strength; to be a craftsman is to let our inner power come forth into our outer work. A craftsman is never fully satisfied because the nature of a craft is to move toward perfection-and perfection is an ideal we cannot achieve. Paying attention to our craft is to look at something we have seen a thousand times and to see more possibilities…we are …explorers who like discovering better ways to do things.”
Just as an artist never tires of painting, I still get a thrill from practicing my craft of dentistry. The added wonder and joy is that my canvas is the person I am treating.
Here’s a link if you are interested in buying this book. I highly recommend it!
3 Responses
As a 22-year old grad student, I can totally relate to this sentiment. Too frequently, we are bogged down by the daily niceties of life (for me, perpetual studying, paper writing research, due-dates)but those occasional moments of inspiration and volitional affinity towards what we work so hard at everyday reminds us that the grit and stress of it all is worth it.
I always thought a good dentist is also a good sculptor. Moreover, It *is* a craft to make somebody’s mouth and face look good…and with little pain. “-)
I totally agree…and nothing makes me happier than doing that for my patients. Thanks so much for the comment, May.