Written by: Dr. Louis Kaufman, DDS, FAGD, MBA
Dental Industry Consultant and Lecturer
The feeling of being overwhelmed is not uncommon in today’s fast-paced, information-heavy world. Media, social platforms, and dental professional networks constantly vie for our attention, creating an endless stream of stimuli that can make even the most focused individual feel like they are drowning in information overload.
I find this to be especially true when fellow dental practice owners—or I—am considering making an investment in hardware for illustration purposes, such as purchasing a CBCT for the first time. They go online and post in Facebook forums asking which CBCT to purchase and are then inundated with a multitude of opinions on which one is best. Then we turn to resources like Google and type in “best CBCT in dental.” This yields a plethora of results, ranging from opinions from dental marketing companies to equipment suppliers. This becomes information overload. At the same time, this is just one example of what a dental practice owner faces—it affects us exponentially in all aspects of running a dental practice. Which scribe software or virtual assistant is the best? That, I can’t tell you. What I can tell you is that I never jump right in on brand-new technology. I usually wait at least a year and get feedback on how that technology is performing.
As a dental consultant and educator for the last 20 years, I have relied on journals like Dentistry Today, Compendium, JADA, Dental Economics, and specialty publication journals such as The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, as well as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and other relevant sources. I know I’m not the smartest guy in the room, and I’ve always believed in surrounding myself with people who are smarter than I am and have access to resources and knowledge I do not.
In today’s world, the sheer volume of information is staggering. Articles, podcasts, and social media platforms bombard individuals from every direction, making it difficult to discern what is truly important. For example, a February 2025 article from Feedspot listed 100 must-listen podcasts out of thousands. While intriguing, listening to them all would take nearly three days—time that many simply don’t have. Similarly, professional groups, such as dental communities on Facebook, contribute to this information flood, generating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) for those who can’t keep up.
The professional landscape has undergone significant evolution over the decades. In 1997, the first social media platform, SixDegrees, launched. Before the advent of social media and podcasts, professionals relied on close-knit circles of friends, family, and colleagues for support. Dental journals, in-person continuing education (CE) events, and trade shows were primary sources of information, making it easier to filter and focus on relevant content. Today, the proliferation of online dental groups, communities, and platforms—as well as digital content—has created both opportunities and challenges for dental professionals.
Almost 10 years ago, I found one such community in Smile Source, a network of like-minded dentists who are completely independent, private practice owners. Smile Source® is not just an online community; they host in-person events across the country. Virtual meetings and education also exist. Annually, Smile Source comes together for a few days at the Smile Source Exchange. Smile Source is not a buying group, even though that is one of its many benefits. The greatest benefits have been the sharing of best practices and increased profitability. This article, however, is not about Smile Source—I’ll leave that to you, the reader, to research on your own.
The challenge lies in navigating this deluge of content while staying focused on one’s priorities. It is crucial to critically evaluate the sources of information, assess the scientific evidence and data behind claims, and determine what aligns with personal and professional values. Ultimately, the ability to filter out the noise and focus on what truly matters is key.
I’ve found that when making large purchases, it’s best to first define what problem or problems we’re trying to solve. If it’s CBCT, will it be used for airway, endodontics, implant planning, or a combination? Once we know which direction we want to take, we can begin sifting through the information and asking the right questions that lead us to answers that help us solve the problem.
I remember in dental school, one of the many instructors would hammer into our heads that we must keep learning and reading. When reading, always consider the source of the data being shared. This was great advice, and over the last three decades, I’ve remained a prolific reader. In those 30 years, the way I practice dentistry is vastly different from how I started. One guarantee in life is that change is ever constant. Some of that change leads to significant professional growth—other times, to hardship.
I challenge you to make a list of which dental communities you find beneficial to your growth as an oral health care provider. Ask yourself: Does this group or periodical resonate with my mission and vision for professional growth? Make a list of the continuing education courses you want to attend in the coming years. Think about the procedures you want to improve upon or master. I highly recommend attending courses that combine hands-on and lecture components. In my opinion, a great resource is the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), which challenges us to examine the various subsets of general dentistry and account for the hours spent in specific disciplines. I joined the AGD as soon as I graduated from dental school. This organization helped me stay on a path and in a direction that led to accumulating thousands of hours of continuing education. To this day, I continue to accumulate CE hours.
The journey of navigating challenges, seeking support, and achieving growth is a universal aspect of the human experience. Whether facing academic struggles, career changes, or the overload of modern information streams, resilience and self-reflection are essential. It is vital to filter out the noise, focus on what truly matters, and surround yourself with supportive communities to help prevent the overwhelmed state of hyper-stimulation. What are you going to do today—and every day—that will impact your personal growth and professional trajectory?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Louis Kaufman, DDS, FAGD, MBA, is a 1995 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry who blends clinical practice, education, and research to deliver personalized, big-picture dental care. A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, he advances the profession through lectures, publications, and leadership. Rooted in a 70-year family legacy, his patient-centered approach continues to inspire practice growth nationwide. His areas of expertise include implants, cosmetic smile design, 3D imaging, and full-mouth reconstruction.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock.com.
