Be Part of Something Greater Than Dentistry

By Dr. Paul Uliasz, Blue Sea Dental President and Clinical Director

Is this all there is?

Have you ever asked yourself “Is this all there is? Is this all I can do and will ever do?â€

At Blue Sea Dental, we believe everyone wants to feel like they are making progress in their life. We believe that everyone wants a sense of fulfillment. When you feel like you are progressing and are fulfilled in your career, you can bring your best to work and life. For this reason, we strive to provide all team members across roles opportunities to grow and advance.

When hiring for a dental job, applicants often cite lack of growth opportunities as a reason they are seeking new employment. This reminds us that if a dental practice doesn’t offer its team development and growth opportunities, the result is attrition, usually of the best and brightest.  We decided early on to create an environment that fosters growth and advancement for our dental teams.  We want team members to feel fulfilled, challenged, and like they are part of something great.

What is greater than dentistry?

The personal and professional growth we encourage and contribute to is what we mean by “something greater than dentistry.† All dental teams positively impact patient lives by providing great dentistry, education about oral and systemic health, and improved smiles and confidence.  At Blue Sea Dental we understand that is not quite enough to provide the sense of fulfillment most of us want and need from our work lives.  We want to be challenged. We want to grow.

We recruit growth- and improvement-minded team members who want more than just a job.  Team members encouraged to think of their role at Blue Sea Dental as a step on their career path, whatever that may be. Toward that end, we always try to recruit for new dental jobs from within before seeking someone from outside of the practice. Our focus is not only on technical and clinical skill but on communication, problem solving, and leadership. Because these skills impact not only the professional side but the individual behind the surgical mask.  By investing in team members who are interested in personal growth, we believe our impact extends beyond dentistry to helping the person grow. Personal growth benefits the team member at work and in the family and community.

Dentistry is more than just clinical skills

In dentistry, professional growth typically focuses on clinical skills. Of course, dental professionals must stay up to date on new techniques, procedures, and technology.  At Blue Sea Dental, we know that a successful dental career requires more than just great clinical ability. Success and fulfillment also depend upon interpersonal and communication skills, decision-making, problem solving with patients and fellow team members.  Our dental practices promote growth by providing team members chances to take on more responsibility, become better communicators, more effective managers, and, ultimately develop leadership skills. 

Growing pains can be good

Because our practices are always growing and seeking to improve, our teams have ample opportunity to develop their skills beyond dentistry. Practice growth is key to professional growth. The obvious reason is that a growing, thriving practice leads to more opportunities for advancement. Not so obvious is that the change, challenge, and uncertainty that comes with growth also offers team members a chance to grow personally and professionally. At Blue Sea Dental practices, we view aspects of practice growth as occasions which allow the development of skills beyond dentistry and into those personal growth areas that benefit them not only at work but in all aspects of their lives.