In the latest issue of Orthodontic Products Magazine, Shannon Patterson, Partner at Bentson Copple & Associates, provides advice to orthodontic residents as they navigate the COVID-19 crisis.

No one could have predicted what has happened in the world since mid-March, especially in the orthodontic world. Most offices were experiencing year-over-year growth spurred by advanced treatment technologies and a consumer push for cosmetic dentistry. Overnight we witnessed orthodontic offices across the country shut-down due to ADA regulations and recommendations. Approximately 9,000 orthodontists, their employees, and over 1,000 orthodontic residents are all on pause. Orthodontists who own offices had to make heart-wrenching decisions and tackle mounds of paperwork to apply for the stimulus loan package. Employed orthodontic associates are out of work not knowing if they will receive unemployment or will be rehired at a reduced schedule. Final-year residents who probably had a handful of potential opportunities are now experiencing radio silence on their phones.

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world, and as we watch media coverage of the virus it might feel selfish to be worrying about your potential career. However, the reality is you still need to find a job, and going dormant during this period may not the best scenario for job seekers.

Read the entire article in the April/May 2020 issue of Orthodontic Products.