Be a Giver!

So, if you’re anything like David Galler (Leader of the American Academy of Clear Aligners- AACA) and me, you might occasionally see all of humanity as falling into 2 basic groups. In my case, there are USC Trojan Football fans, and everyone else ignorant of the power of “Fight on!” There are those who see soccer as the cure for insomnia, and most of the rest of the world. There are mighty Gallerites, and there are thousands of DDS/DMD types who don’t know what they’re missing.

As I was sitting with friends at a table in Nassau, the Bahamas, eating free food and drinking multiple voodoos following a beautiful day spent at a rented island, Dr. Galler asked, “Are you a taker or a giver?” Under the circumstances, I promised an answer the next day.

Truth is, for the first half of my career, I was neither; I just was. But thankfully, after 20 years or so, things changed.

So, why is it that every time I get the chance to engage high school students looking for some answers, I’m the one who seems to benefit most (at least in terms of old-guy 24-hour endorphins)?

Dental trek: the next generation

It happened again a few weeks ago. This time, the location wasn’t my undergrad alma mater and its organic chemistry lecture hall, nor the USC Health Science campus (like before the pandemic). And I’ve been a Trojan diehard since I could stand up (courtesy of my older brother and my first 6 years of life living a few blocks away from the campus). But nothing sends a chill more predictably down my spine than memories of my 4 years spent at the D-school ultimately leading to the Miracle on 34th Street escape and the title Doctor of Dental Surgery*.

The Saturday afternoon platform was just me and two sets of about 30 engaged young faces, occupying an equal number of squares on a screen. Four times a year, I get to experience some magic, courtesy of Impactful Internships and a committed leader who somehow chose me to represent dentistry (and present to kids whom I love in a blink for their enthusiasm, and who are also interested in possible health service and science careers).

The students are given the chance to establish their Meyers-Briggs profiles, set goals, develop time-management skills, and create a 5-year vision with reverse engineering; they also collaborate to complete projects and present them…and enjoy about a 5-year head start in life.

I used to get things started by throwing out Cardinal & Gold tee shirts during a USC Football history session; now I ask for the closest answer to my Q1 GPA at Cal State, L.A. (2.13). And maybe that’s why I love these kids so much early on; with few exceptions, they’ve been way over the top estimating my inaugural GPA (landing me somewhere near a lofty 3.7!)

I get to share my career path, professional and business experiences…and a multitude of my curious choices made along the way. I share some stories and hand out some suggestions that include stuff like looking for balance, following one’s passion (researchers or clinicians can be writers or artists too), looking for mentors, shadowing organizations that mirror your vision, asking questions, and looking to learn from every job experience. And I freakin’ love the Q&A! There’s something invigorating about facing a panel of smart teenagers with very slight filters and unwavering curiosity.

It took me 20 years of practice to ask some of the same questions I fielded from my Saturday teens. And rather than execute a career change, I finally started looking for opportunities to be myself, look for possibilities, and take a few chances.

New horizons

In 1998, 3 of us made the drive south to La Jolla. About 90 miles down the coast, we saw seals, a new organization, a gathering of dentistry eagles, and an opportunity…to do good and grow into the community. It was called Smiles for Life. The excitement was contagious. We discovered that working together and supporting one another for a cause is fulfilling; it builds relationships and teamwork and empowers leadership. Plus, it feels awesome doing good and being a giver; it has to be good for your health.

Things changed. Answering a challenge issued to me by my first non–Von Bulow mentor, I started writing for local newspapers; we shared our culture, our values, and our commitment to the community, along with every new clinical advance. My team members and I left the building and engaged other businesses, nonprofits, schools, and local chambers of commerce. One morning, I attended a Pasadena Chamber breakfast and made eye contact with a nonprofit director of development. Next thing you know, I was on the board of Pasadena’s Haven House, the very first shelter for victims of domestic violence founded in the U.S. Being a giver is transmissible.

Later, the Haven House development director made a lunch and-learn visit, and I learned that over half of the team I love as family had suffered some form of domestic violence. We adopted families, donated scholarships, and established community projects (led by team members). We looked and listened for more community opportunities. The more we gave, the more productive our practice became. Being a giver obeys the Law of Attraction.

Seeing (and changing) the world

We continued looking for more community opportunities. During the first 20 years of private practice, we did not leave Los Angeles County for training. Expanding our interests led to our playing big and traveling from Maine to Florida and Seattle and back to San Diego to learn and teach. And when you teach, you learn.

On March 1, 2021, we embarked on our 23rd Smiles for Life campaign, offering greatly reduced teeth-whitening fees with all proceeds going to charity (50% national, 50% local). We’ve been part of something greater than ourselves since 1998, and the organization, Crown Council, has raised over $48 million to reach out into the community and make a difference for those in need. Since I became part of AACA and a board member, we’ve contributed an Invisalign case per quarter to our local Smiles for Life nonprofit partner, the Foundation for Living Beauty. The organization supports women and their families during their journey with cancer. Several years ago, my stellar scheduling coordinator, Denise, met Living Beauty’s executive director at a Chamber breakfast. Nancy visited us for lunch a few days later; the rest is history.

When we collaborate to do good, I think we become the people our parents hoped we would be. Anything better than that? And all it took was an open mind and a little ride down the coast.

Be a giver. And appreciate the family generosity that defines the culture of the AACA.

*University of Southern California School of Dentistry address: 925 W 34th St, #201j, Los Angeles, CA 90089