I know misinformation is scary. Which is why it’s more important than ever for our biological dental office to stay on top of the research and the science. These terms have made it hard for us to know who to trust and yet we hear them daily. How do you decipher what sources are reputable, what research is true and what has an ulterior motive behind it? Is there a hidden (or blatant) bias or financial interest? The “information age” is quickly becoming an age of disinformation and I believe this is only the beginning.

With everything going on right now, what does trust look like for you? 

Trust vs Truth- they actually go hand in hand. While trust is ultimately the decision of the beholder, truth is negotiable. We know this example with a glass of water: The glass is half full…but it is also half empty. Which perspective do you resonate with? How do you decide who to trust? Don’t you want that person to tell the truth? …And the cycle continues. How do you know the perspective of truth you have aligns with the trustworthy person standing in front of you? 

Keeping promises is an especially powerful form of telling the truth and a good way to gain trust. If you say you’ll do something, do it. If you promise you’ll show up, be there. If you say you’re going to deliver the highest quality of dental care, deliver the highest quality of dental care. “You can never become a great man or woman until you have overcome anxiety, worry, and fear. It is impossible for an anxious person, a worried one, or a fearful one to perceive truth; all things are distorted and thrown out of their proper relations by such mental states.”  – Wallace Wattles

In this climate, I feel it is of utmost importance that we let go of fear in order to see truth. But to take it one step further, what do you find yourself doing when you are unable to see the truth? When you are faced with multiple sources of information that contradict each other…what do you find yourself doing? Do you turn your cheek in efforts to avoid the matter altogether? Do you agree with others in your circle only so you do not have to face backlash or conflict? What do you do when there seems to be multiple truths that contradict and you do not know who to believe or where to turn?

Unfortunately, we are all faced with this harsh reality daily. Personally, I find it essential to peel back the layers and find what truly resonates with me, with who I am and who I was made to be. Speaking of essential…for those of you who were deemed non-essential, how did that feel? 

Language matters.

I was deemed non-essential, and then I came across Mike Rowe from the TV show Dirty Jobs on this exact topic. He states, “I’m amazed at how we’ve taken 35 million people and deemed them unessential, that to me is something I reckon we are going to look back on with great linguistic embarrassment.” Mike makes a lot of very good, wisdom-filled points in this clip that helped me find a bit of truth in this world of smoke and mirrors we have found ourselves in.

We are not letting these broad terms like “new normal” and “essential workers” define us, our practice, or our patients. To me you are essential, and I care deeply about what you do and your livelihood. We will continue to think of you as an essential part of this community, of this country, and consider ourselves an essential part of your lives. We will be true to ourselves and to you, the way we have always been. Nothing has changed this fundamental belief we hold to be true.

Do you trust me?

In service to you and your health,

Dr. Kriegel