March 24, 2009 | Web Exclusive


It’s a wonderful life

If you choose to live it with a meaning and purpose—I did.

by Susan Garcia Clark, RDHEF

Webster’s Dictionary says life is the time between birth and death.  To some life is what you make of it. To others it’s a beach, a box of chocolates, a day at the races.  There are endless opinions and philosophies about life and how we should live it. Whatever your definition of  what life can or should be, are you all you can be while you are living it, or are you sitting back waiting for something to happen?

While you are waiting for something to happen, life is passing you by. Life is a gift; a precious resource to be used wisely and not squandered. Life has no guarantees, and involves both risk taking and opportunity. Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make it a new ending.”  

my reset

Three years ago, I was in a near fatal automobile accident. While recuperating, I began to panic, wondering what direction my life would take if I could not go back to work as a dental hygienist in private practice. Hygiene was all I knew and wanted to do. It was almost like I was going through a midlife crisis. After a time, I started to think about what contribution, if any, I had made, to my profession, my community or society. I realized I had not yet succumbed to work burnout (like many other hygienists I knew) but was stuck in an 8am-5pm rut. I enjoyed my routine, because it was safe and comfortable. Was that all my life was going to be—a secure, safe, comfort zone?  It wasn’t until after my accident, that I learned to accept life’s contradictions and to choose a path that would lead me to a purpose and meaning for my life. I was not going to use life’s inconsistencies as an excuse for a lackluster existence or to remain passive any longer.

I rededicated myself to the dental profession by rejoining the American Dental Hygienist’s Association and becoming an active member in my local component. I also wrote and self-published a dental hygiene resource guide book to motivate and inspire other hygienists to recognize the significant role they can play as a dental hygienists. A new perspective on my career evolved as I began networking with other hygienists. My passion for being a dental hygienist was re-energized!

the power of goals

Do you lack purpose and direction in your life? Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Dreams can become reality when you set goals. When you set goals, your subconscious mind will direct you to achieve these goals. Goal setting is one of the major ingredients for happiness. Goals allow you to examine your values to provide you with direction in your life. Unlock the potential from within and use these goals as stepping stones for a successful, happy life.

Seek out a mentor or an advisor who can enlarge your vision and broaden your perspective on life and can guide you with their wealth of experiences. Then be open to new ideas and be willing to weigh those mentors’ support carefully to guide your career or life choices. Join the American Dental Hygienist’s Association and get involved in your local component.  Interact with other hygienists and gain wisdom from their knowledge and experiences. Your path to longevity in dental hygiene, education, corporate or public health will be stronger and you will be more likely to succeed. Change at any level can open up avenues you never considered before, but it takes courage, and requires self-discipline, patience and perseverance.

Step out of your comfort zone and redefine the purpose for your life. Inaction is the greatest risk of all, so don’t procrastinate! Get proactive and decide how you want the rest of your life to progress. Visualize what can be and develop these visions to create a new perspective and positive attitude in order to achieve your dreams and goals. Find ways to use your gifts and talents and take responsibility for your happiness. Empower yourself by redefining your energies, so that you will enhance the outcome of your future. Success is a life-long journey, so grab hold of the reins and enjoy the ride. Live life to your fullest potential and find your happiness. 

Susan Garcia Clark, RDHEF, began her career in dentistry as a dental assistant. After five years of dental employment, she returned to college to receive her Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque in 1981. She received her Extended Functions License from Loma Linda University in California in 1982, making her eligible to administer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and perform periodontal soft tissue curettage. Susan has been an active licensed hygienist in California for the past 26 years. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienist’s Association, The Crown Council of Dentistry and an active participant with several charitable organizations such as Smiles for Life, Team Mates for Kids and Kidsafe International. She lectures at local dental study club meetings, and is a mentor to students during high school career week.

Photo: Mike Kempo / Getty Images