Finding Your Balance Through 2024 & Beyond

The last half of 2024 is in full swing, and many of us in the dental hygiene profession are looking ahead to a new year of new adventures. For some, this involves not only setting personal and professional goals but also exploring different conferences and Continuing Education opportunities. There are always so many different opportunities a new year brings, but the quest for balance seems to be influencing choices in our professional lives.

The Pursuit of Happiness And Balance

It’s a trend gaining momentum – the pursuit of balance. As I interact with others in our profession, it’s evident that many are striving to achieve equilibrium in their lives. In fact, “balance” was my chosen word of the year, and I’ve discovered it resonates with countless others. Balancing work, personal life, and professional development is its own job. As we set our sights on 2025, aligning our choices with our goal of achieving balance becomes crucial.

What Does It Mean To You?

For me, achieving balance translates to less travel. As much as I love attending conferences and CE events, a more balanced life calls for reevaluating where and how I spend my time. In a world where time is a precious commodity, it’s essential to prioritize experiences that align with our values and professional aspirations.

Shaping Your Professional Growth

One of the critical decisions we face is selecting the conferences that will shape our professional growth. As we navigate through the options, it’s worth considering the events that offer valuable CE opportunities and align with our individual career goals and areas of interest. Some questions to ask yourself: Do you prefer larger national conferences or smaller local options?

Getting The Support You Need

Another thing to remember is whether your workplace supports your Continuing Education endeavors. In many dental offices, employers recognize the importance of investing in their team’s professional growth and contribute to the cost of CE courses and conference attendance. If you’re fortunate enough to work in such an environment, take advantage of this benefit to enhance your skills and stay updated on the latest trends in dental hygiene.

As we approach 2025, let’s embrace the spirit of new adventures and the pursuit of balance. Here’s to another year filled with growth, learning, and exciting opportunities in the wonderful world of dental hygiene!