Those of us in professional practice are sorely tempted to share our experience and our wisdom with younger colleagues. Rightfully so. We’ve all had mentors who helped us along the way, along with some advisors who have not been helpful. The effective advisor is helpful, courteous and careful.

Of course, we are obliged to guide our colleagues as they negotiate the rocky paths we have traveled. But we must remember we cannot, in the end, fix their problems; that can only be done by those we are advising.

The best advisors start with a healthy dose of humility. We should think twice before proceeding. Offering too much advice is usually worse than offering too little. Truly wise parents know when to stand back, watch the struggle, and prepare to help pick up the pieces.

It is also necessary to discover what the advisee wants to know. They are, after all, on the verge of a challenging career. Do they want ethical, technical, or personal advice?

A dental degree often takes us places we would have never thought possible when we were fourth-year dental students. Several issues come to mind that should be on the minds of our youthful colleagues.

First, I was recently asked, “How much influence will ‘insurance companies’ have over treatment plans in the future?” Tough question. Over the years, we have seen the ever-increasing influence third party payors have over our treatment choices. A closely related question: Is it safe, fair and ethical to work for an employer who bases treatment to a significant degree on financial considerations? There are reconstructive options available that are simply out of the reach of many patients. This issue is getting more complex as time goes on. Taking this further: Have we reached the point of accepting compromised treatment options; are we so tired of the fight that we simply provide the care allowed by those who control the money?

What do we advise? Be careful. The dentist is always responsible for the care they provide. You must meet the standard of care available in the community in which you practice. If the restrictions do not allow you to get there, don’t expect your colleagues to always back you up.

Second question, “The job I am being offered is in a clinic that sees a lot of patients in pain. They do a lot of extractions, operative dentistry, and occasionally simple, temporary prosthodontics. Will this limit my scope too early in my career?”

What do we advise? Again, be careful. If you want to practice the full scope of dentistry, you may want to look for another opportunity. Conversely, the new doctor probably has significant student loans to repay and they need the job now. The debt many students carry is onerous. Still, it’s tough to advise an enthusiastic, young dentist to accept a limited scope when they are ready to expand, not limit, their skills.

Third, be careful with contracts. Read them closely. Better yet, get an opinion from an experienced attorney. Having traveled this road several times, I can say for sure that legal advice is well worth the money. Remember, contract violations will be legally enforced. That process is truly expensive.

One last piece of advice: “If you are running on empty, you cannot help anyone else. You must have gas in your tank.” Take care of yourself and your family, then give to your patients. How young dentists do that is as individual as the problems they face.

So, advisors, your job is almost done. You’ve shared your hard-won wisdom. Now, stand back, watch the struggle, and be prepared to help pick up the pieces. Professional practice is hard, and young colleagues need our help.

It’s our professional obligation to provide it.

This article originally appeared in Issue 2, 2025 of the WSDA News.