When was the last time, Doctor, that you entered your office reception area through the front door just the way your patients do? Many of you enter the office by a rear or private entrance to avoid walking through a reception area filled with patients. I would like to suggest a reality check. Imagine yourself as a new patient entering your office for the first time.

Is everything immaculately clean? Look closely at the woodwork-is it chipped or damaged? Is any of the wall paper stained or peeling? Sit down in a chair and slowly look around. Any cobwebs in the corners? Are the windows clean? When was the last time the outside of the windows was professionally cleaned? What is your honest impression of the artwork on the wall? What about the ceiling tiles-any stains? Is the carpet worn? Do the plants look thirsty? How current are the magazines? Are they interesting-perhaps what you would choose if you had a choice? How does it smell in your reception area? Are there any odors of dental materials? Any odors from a nearby kitchen area?

Not get up and go into to the patient restroom. Is it pristinely clean? Well lit? Is it well stocked with toilet paper and toweling? Is the soap dispenser full-how about bathroom spray? One of my pet peeves is that there probably is not a hook in the bathroom, either on a wall or on the back of the door, to hang a jacket.

Studies show that new patients begin to form an impression of you as a doctor within 30 seconds of entering the reception area. And within five minutes, they are already thinking about whether they will stay in the practice. If they are not warmly and enthusiastically greeted by a staff member, they may imagine you as cold, aloof and uncaring. If the reception area is messy or dirty or cluttered, wouldn’t it be reasonable to assume that the clinical area is just the same?

Let’s make the correct initial impression by making the reception area a conversation piece-from the decor down to the smallest detail. My feeling is that if it has been five years or more since the reception area was decorated, you are overdue for an upgrade.

I have always looked to dentistry as a means to an end. It is an incredibly wonderful privilege to be a dentist-to be able to help people by relieving pain and suffering or to create beautiful smiles. And you can make a terrific living. But we can’t let the profession consume us. I read something recently that said to try to imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you are keeping all of them in the air at the same time. One day you come to understand that work is a rubber ball-and if you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls are made of glass, and if you drop any one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed or even shattered.

Once you understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginning of balance in your life. Remember the best way to measure your life is the time you spend living it. Today is a gift-that is why it is called the present. So my message again is to work hard but please remember to play hard – and don’t forget to take the time to smell those roses.

When one year ends and another begins, I always become introspective. I look back at what I’ve tried to accomplish over the past year both personally and professionally. But most importantly, I reflect on what I am thankful for. And at the top of the list is the fact that I am in good health. Because without good health, nothing else really matters.

I think that in these days of total connectivity with smart phones and computers and 24/7 news and information, our lives have become so extraordinarily busy, that we tend to forget the basics. I’d like to offer some suggestions.

1. Have an annual physical. I always schedule mine around my birthday. The association is an easy one for me to remember.

2. Make time for cardiovascular activity. Even walking half an hour every day leads to a more healthy existence. We all say, “But I can’t find the time!” If all of a sudden you were told you only had six months to live if you didn’t start exercising, you’d find the time!!

3. If you smoke–stop. Immediately. There are many options now available to help you.

4. You can’t control your sex, age, or genetic makeup. But you should be able to control your weight with a healthy diet.

5. Review your will every two to three years with a qualified estate tax planning attorney. The rules are changing constantly. Of course, I am presuming that everybody has a will!

6. Execute a durable power of attorney and a living will. This is simple and inexpensive and absolutely necessary for the peace of mind of your family.

7. It is never too early to plan for retirement.  You are missing the boat if you don’t have a well thought out plan in place that estimates how much money you will have accumulated at present levels of contribution that will satisfy retirement requirements. Your accountant should be able to recommend a qualified financial planner to assist you. Don’t be one of the 90% of dentists nationwide who can never afford to retire and maintain their current life style.

8. And most of all, don’t forget to take the time to “smell the roses.” Enjoy your family. Enjoy your friends. Life passes us by much too quickly. This is not a dress rehearsal. We all want to live long, healthy and productive lives. Let’s be in charge of our future–be proactive about your health. My best wishes for a healthy 2011.