Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2017 - 69

Healing

Mindfulness Techniques for a Sustainable
Career in Orthodontics
Angie Santucci
RDH, BS, RYT 500

Practicing orthodontics, or any dental specialty,
is physically and mentally demanding. This is not
news to any of you who work in dentistry. You
know how important it is to stay physically fit
just to do your job day in and day out. Mentally,
the redundant nature of some procedures makes
it challenging to bring fresh energy or vitality to
the patient and the procedure. And how mentally
and emotionally exhausting is it to continue to
motivate our patients to be compliant, and our
staff members to be on their game?
Mindfulness is a way to keep the brain fit. Most
people spend over 50% of any given day having
wandering thoughts, feeling distracted, or "on
auto pilot." The following techniques will help
you bring focused attention to the moment,
strengthening the connections in your neurobiology and actually physically remodeling the
structure of your brain. Research has shown
mindfulness to be an effective evidence-based
strategy to mitigate stress and decrease the
symptoms of burnout. In my personal experience, when I began practicing mindfulness I felt
relief from physical pain and a renewed sense
of satisfaction in my work; I felt energized to
explore new things in my life, which in turn also
enhanced my dental career.
The following five techniques may seem simple,
because they are. However, rather than simply
reading and intellectualizing this article, put a
few of these ideas into action and see for yourself the profound results of an experiential practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is awareness of the present
moment, with acceptance, without judgment,
with interest, curiosity, and compassion.
1. Breathe. Breathe consciously. Breathe slowly.
There are many breathing techniques; use one
you know, or simply try taking a few breaths,
lengthening the inhale and especially the exhale.
Without forcing, simply notice the breath. Calm-

Winter 2017  PCSO Bulletin

ing the breath calms the body, which reduces
pain and tension. This can be done anywhere, at
anytime; the breath is always there. However, it's
helpful to create a habit. Choose a consistent
moment each day to pause and take two or three
conscious breaths- perhaps before you greet the
next patient, or before or after you write in the
patient's chart, or before you make a phone call.
2. Use your senses. Feel. Notice the body.
It's well known that bringing awareness to your
posture is ergonomically advantageous to your
physical longevity. Now, take that awareness to
the next level. When you change your posture,
how does your breathing change? Take a
moment or two throughout the day to use your
senses; for example, notice where your feet are
on the floor while sitting or standing. Feel the
temperature of the water as you wash your
hands, or notice the scent of the soap. As you
walk from the car into the office, listen for any
sounds. Can you remember a time when you
heard a baby's giggle or the sound of the ocean?
When you last had your breath taken away with
the sight of a sunset, a place in nature, or a piece
of artwork or music? Use your surroundings to
stimulate your senses on a day-to-day basis. Any
time you pay attention to your senses, you are
training your brain to come into the present
moment. Choose something habitual and do it
with a new sense of awareness. Eating is a great
way to engage your senses: pay attention to the
smell, taste, texture, and temperature of your
next bite. How many times do we eat unconsciously? Keep in mind that an attitude of interest and curiosity is essential; do not judge
yourself. What we practice grows, so train yourself to notice, as well as savor or enjoy the
moment, using your senses.
These first two tips can be used together, and
should be familiar before you move on to the
next three. Naturally, as you begin to notice what
you are feeling, your mind begins to create a
story about that feeling. If your breath and body

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2017