Written by: Dr Namrata Upadhyay (dr.dent.med) June 2025  Over the past many months, I’ve gotten to know many dentists closely. Many have enrolled in our flagship Premium Dental Advisor Program, and through our one-on-one sessions, I’ve gotten to relive, in a way, what life used to be like with a full-time clinical job, working at multiple clinics, travelling to honour professional commitments, university obligations and more. I’ve been there.  I want to focus today on navigating family & professional life. I’ve often seen a pattern in young clinicians. We study for decades, and many dentists choose to start a family to keep life moving forward and purposeful.  However, seldom are we prepared for what lies on the other side, and today, I want to speak openly to all our members on this subject. Managing clinical life, kids, health & relationships are like full-time jobs – each on its own. Life either becomes repetitive and/or out of control – or both at different time points, and we often find ourselves missing the old days when things felt less complicated.  Don’t worry, it’s normal to feel this way. However, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern where young families go through the motions of managing both family and career under the assumption that “this is the sacrifice we signed up for” or “it gets easier once your kid is ‘x’ years old” – whatever “x” is.  Life with full-time clinical practice is demanding. Marriage, relationships & kids are demanding too.  And after a while, both can become repetitive, where the same day keeps playing out, and we find ourselves wondering, Is this it? Are these the next 30 years of my life?  What happens next is also surprisingly predictable.  Relationships start to demand more of us. I often say that each human becomes a new version of themselves every decade. That means your spouse or partner, after ten years of the relationship, will be different from the person you started out with. And the same applies to you. You’ve changed. And you’ll keep changing owing to the circumstances that’ll be thrown your way, of which you have little-to-no control. Your kids will change at an even faster rate, often challenging your authority and/or discipline. All in all, your sense of “control” will be tested in the journey of life. And you know what?  That’s how it is for everyone.  We often fall into the trap of thinking we’re the only ones going through this. But I’m here to remind you, you’re not alone. The monotony you might feel from time to time is felt by others too. Your desire for something to shift, to feel more in sync – that’s shared. Don’t be fooled by appearances. Everyone is riding the boat of life, and the journey is anything but smooth.  But can you imagine what life would be like if there were no waves in the ocean, as you sit in your boat? There’s a strange solace when your boat reaches the peak of a wave, you can see far beyond. There’s a thrill, and it feels like you’re on top of the world. Then, before you know it, the boat shows you what it’s like at the bottom of the wave. Vision becomes unclear, the next wave looks massive, and it feels like you might crash, only to realize…the boat was floating all along, and we had the ability to ride the waves the entire time.  Your community is not here to compete with you – it’s here to remind you that you’re not alone. While your journey is unique, many of our experiences are shared.  What makes life’s boat ride a bit easier is making sure we create as many meaningful experiences as possible along the way. And the way to create more experiences is to try new things. Even if you’re a dentist. Even if you have a mortgage. Even if you’re carrying educational debt. Even if you’re struggling in your relationships, always remember your north star. You’re here to experience life. And through it, you’ll feel many emotions. Most circumstances won’t ask your permission before they appear. For those, I say: “Let them flow.” Let them come & let them go – just like the waves. These moments are here to help you grow into the next version of you. Your faith will keep your boat floating through them.  Envision yourself ten years from now – however old you are right now. What traits does that person have? Are they more graceful in their speech? Are they calm and at peace? Do they smile through everything, not reacting – but responding? Do they let life flow, or try to control it? How do they deal with grief? How do they deal with Joy? How much do they genuinely help others?  Who are you ten years from now?  On the career side, in 10 years – are you financially more secure? Do you have multiple revenue streams, or are you still relying on one? Are you attracted to titles and power, or are you content with the life you’ve built for yourself? Are you a follower or are you a leader – or even better – are you both at any given point in time?   Make that future version of yourself your north star. Take steps that move you closer to that version. Begin today.  Remember, a boat’s purpose is not to be tied to a pole at the shore in fear of the storm. It was meant to be in the vast ocean – to ride the waves and fulfil its purpose. You’re not stuck.  A world of opportunity is open to you, my dear friend. Educate yourself. Build yourself. And then, grow into as many experiences as you possibly can before it’s time to call it a wrap and pass on. See if the Premium Dental Advisor Program might support you in this very personal journey – i.e your career. Never feel limited by your current circumstances. You got this, Doc.  Upwards & Forwards – always Namrata

Author Profile Dr Namrata Upadhyay is a dental surgeon and Founder & CEO of NamNR Pro – The Global Dentists’ Pool®. She is a clinician, ex-executive to dental startups, Board advisor, MedTech Coach, Speaker and MedTech consultant  specialising in clinical study, regulatory and marketing for all risk classes of medical devices. She is also the Co-chair of the Medical device special interest group under in the European Medical Writers Association. She now leads change in the Business of smiles through her 2 initiatives via her company NamNR Pro namely the Global Dentists’ Pool® and the Premium Dental Advisor Program. You can reach out to her at namrata@namnrpro.org