Script: Clinical Scholars Big Idea Talk (Recorded September 7, 2019)

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A tear descends down my cheek. 

I have that feeling in my upper chest.  

The one you feel before a really good cry.  

I stop.  

I take a breath.  

I rub the tears from my eyes. 

I turn my attention back to the computer screen in front of me.  

***

Her words

They grip me at a visceral level.  

I am there, I am present, I want to help him. I want to help her,  help him.  

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Over the last 15 years, I’ve read more than fifteen hundred personal statements from dental students and practicing general dentists applying to my pediatric dentistry residency program. 

And this was the first time I’ve cried while reviewing applications.

So what was it about her personal statement that resonated so deeply with me

I knew what it was right away

Her single experience that day with him forever changed the direction of her professional life

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She would now become a pediatric dentist 

And she will care for children with special health care needs 

Children who require medical care, specialized procedures, and adapted health care interventions to receive safe, high quality care

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Experiences show us what to expect, how to act, and give us the confidence to try again and again

Experiences change our perspective 

Experiences guide our decisions

Experiences shape our lives and influence our identity

Experiences are powerful!

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I am a parent, a husband, a teacher, a pediatric dentist, and a clinical scholar 

Since 2004, I have worked every day to encourage a culture of health for children with special health care needs

I’ve given numerous lectures.

I’ve recounted my experiences in caring for thousands of patients in clinic and hospital settings.

And have advocated for resources and policy changes with decision makers in education, social services, healthcare financing, and the government.  

Yet, everyday in my clinical work, my team and I care for children whose dental pain and oral health problems could have been prevented or at least addressed sooner.

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Unsurprisingly, in the United States, dental care remains the second most common unmet health need for these children. 

I have always believed that education was the first step to addressing this wicked problem and expanding our workforce.   

I was wrong.  

Education is certainly important

But personal experiences with children who have special health care needs are life changing!

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Over the last 3 years, my colleagues and I have built an interprofessional learning community.

We’ve brought together experts, specialists, students, doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists, and family advocates and so many healthcare providers

We’ve shared knowledge and resources with each other.  

We’ve talked about best practices for caring for children with special health care needs

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Our group meetings have provided value.

But most important of all, we’ve introduced our learners to parents and caregivers of children with special health care needs.  

They’ve shared honest, at times heartbreaking, personal accounts of their child’s experiences in clinics and hospitals

We’ve helped our learners to gain experiences with these children outside of healthcare settings.  

They’ve been to their homes.

They’ve sat at their kitchen tables.

They’ve asked questions rarely considered in routine healthcare questioning.  

They’ve focused on the child’s strengths rather than dwelling on limitations or weaknesses.  

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We’ve seen firsthand how these experiences have changed, inspired, and motivated our learners.

They are ready to try.  They want to be providers for children with special health care needs.  

Through our work, our team has confirmed 3 important truths.  

First, it is crucial that healthcare providers involve parents in the care of their child.  

Parents are the most important, frequently involved health related caregivers for their child.  

Listen to them, troubleshoot with them, empower them as equal members of the healthcare team.  

Second, healthcare providers need mentorship and peer support when beginning to care for children with special health care needs.  

Seeking help, continuing education, and mentorship is not a sign of weakness or failure

It is the defining feature of a professional and a lifelong learner.  

Third, immersive experiences heighten awareness and instill commitment in engaged learners.  

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So today, we ask you to take action.  

Please welcome students and new clinicians to observe and experience your life touched by children with special health care needs

Whether that be in healthcare settings, schools, residential facilities, community organizations, or even in your home

Introduce them to colleagues, friends, or family members who may also be wonderful mentors. 

Help students and new clinicians better understand each child’s individual needs.  

Show them how to include parents and caregivers in decision making and in the setting of realistic treatment goals

Be generous in sharing constructive feedback about how healthcare encounters have gone

Encourage them to communicate better and often with the child’s whole team

Their experiences with you and the children in your life could be the catalyst 

The catalyst for a professional life focused on children with special health care needs.  

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Thank you very much for your attention!