January - LVI Visions

ducing a new order of things...because the innovator will have as enemies all
those who have done well with the old and will have lukewarm defenders
among those who may do well under the new.” Many of us believe we are
thinking… we are merely rearranging our prejudices.
Q: There have been a number of articles written recently in which
select dental professionals have demonstrated an apparent willingness
to set aside ethics and moral values and participate in public bashing
of their colleagues. Does this serve any meaningful purpose?
Dr. Jackson: I have read some of these articles and think it is so unfortunate.
Not only does it not serve a meaningful purpose, it delays progress because it
takes our eyes off the ball. It wastes energy and time which are better spent on
finding solutions, proving facts and moving dentistry forward. This kind of behavior
is unprofessional and reflects poorly on the person doing it. It is very
important, if one even responds to it, to resist the temptation to respond in kind.
The contrast between the high road and low road will do more than anything to
diffuse/discredit the critic.
Dr. Reed: No. Shakespeare wisely said, “I despise the guys who criticize and
minimize the other guys whose enterprise has made them rise above the guys
who criticize and minimize.” Be kind to the people on your way up...you may
meet them on your way down.
Q: Do you foresee an end to the discord that exists among the advocates
of differing dental philosophies in the near future? Distant future?
Dr. Jackson: Discord can be a good thing as well as a bad thing. It’s defined
both ways in the dictionary. Discord from disagreement is a good thing. It
forces us to examine more closely, to search for better, to try to base what we
think more on fact than opinion. However, discussion of differing viewpoints
has to be done with respect. No name calling or judgment of motives. Just a
search for truth. Discord is a bad thing when this is not the case or entered into
for ego purposes. Unfortunately, as long as our profession is made up of people,
ugly discord will wax and wane according to the times, becoming greater
when competition is keener or the challenge is great.
Dr. Reed: The end of discord in conflict resolution will come as the Scriptures
instruct us...when forgiveness becomes a useful tool in personal interrelationships.
People find it much easier to see your side of an issue if you first understand
their side. To have a creative life, one must lose the fear of being wrong.
Q: What would be your personal recommendation to those that make
sweeping judgments without examining the facts?
LVI VISIONS • JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH • APRIL 2008 65
“Be kind to the people
on your way up...
you may meet them
on your way down.”