Happiness at Work in Dentistry: Small Habits, Big Results

This Week’s Focus:

Positive Psychology & Proactive Wellbeing
(Tuesday: The Happiness Advantage—why thriving teams outperform. Wednesday: Leadership habits for positive culture.)

Opening Reflection: September 11th

Today, as we pause on September 11th, we remember and honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the resilience shown by countless individuals in the face of unimaginable tragedy. For many, this day is deeply personal—a moment to reflect, to grieve, and to find strength in shared community.

My September 11th Memories

On this day, my practice was touched directly. We lost a patient—a father, husband, and son—who was taken from his family and ours when the first tower was struck. In the aftermath, like so many others, I wanted to do more. All I could offer was to send dental records, a small gesture that was part of our collective effort to help, to heal, and to remember. I will never forget the feeling of inadequacy that I felt: “Why didn’t I learn about forensics- I should be able to help!” All the woulda, shoulda, or coulda would never change the fact that friends, loved ones, and brothers and sisters died that day.

Every year on 9-11, I remember my patient and wish him and his family well, as his passing affected me too. Every time they came in after that, it was always “how are you guys doing?”, knowing the answer was too complicated to verbalize, never mind say it out loud.

To all the family members lost, the loves of your life lost, or the parents that you never knew, may your hearts be full that they were here and shared their light, their laughter, and their love with the world. May their memory give you strength, and may you always find comfort in the legacy they leave behind.

Happiness, Resilience, and the Power of Everyday Habits

Happiness at work isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges or “staying positive” no matter what. It’s about intentionally building habits that support healing, foster resilience, and give us hope—even on the hardest days. In times of loss, it’s often the smallest acts—support, connection, kindness—that carry us forward.

Habits That Help Us Heal and Thrive

• Gratitude Rounds:

  Take a moment to recognize each other’s contributions—big or small. On a day like today, gratitude reminds us that every kindness matters.

• Moments of Connection:

  Start your huddle with a check-in. Ask, “How are you, really?” Genuine connection is the heart of resilient teams.

• Wins Boards & Memory Walls:

  
  Post patient thank-yous, team wins, or positive notes from colleagues. Celebrate not only today’s victories, but also the memory of those who shaped your practice.

• Flexible Support:

  
  Encourage staff to take breaks, check on each other, and ask for help when needed. Healing happens best in community, not isolation.

• Honoring Stories:

  
  Share memories of those you’ve lost. Give space for team members to talk, remember, and support one another.

Key Takeaways (For the Skimmers!)

• Resilience and happiness are built one small act at a time, especially after loss.

• Daily habits—gratitude, connection, remembering—help teams heal and thrive.

• It’s okay to pause, remember, and reach out for support.

Closing Thought

As we honor those lost on September 11th, let’s also honor the resilience of every family, team, and community that continues to build hope.

This week, make space for remembrance, for gratitude, and for reaching out to someone who needs it. Together, our small habits are a powerful foundation for healing, happiness, and moving forward—one day, one patient, and one team at a time.

What’s Next

Next week:

We’ll explore proactive wellness—taking your team from surviving to truly thriving, with new frameworks and inspiration for the season ahead.