Finding the positives

Sir, I write to draw attention to the benefits of reflective practice at this difficult time. As we are all aware reflective practice has long been encouraged as a method by which dental professionals and teams can improve their standard of care.¹ In such a time of uncertainty it is easy to focus on the shortcomings, our concerns and fears for the future. It is not to say that these things don't require thought, of course they do. But perhaps our perspective would be different if we took time to appreciate what we have already been through and achieved.

Indeed, having taken time myself to reflect, a positive I see and feel is an improved cohesive team-based approach to care. The team working and ethic I now see is of a changed, improved character upon that which I saw prior to COVID-19. Even within the same dental hospital there has been much greater communication between departments and non-clinical staff. The camaraderie has kept morale high, even making work 'enjoyable' in these times of great stress. The cohesive approach has allowed the team to serve an ever-increasing number of patients in need of urgent care.

There is much we can learn from our recent experiences, if only we take the time to reflect upon it. I implore us all to give the time to take stock and pride in the progress already made. There are positives there however deep you may think buried. Acknowledgement of these may be just what's needed to motivate continued engagement in the recovery of services and meeting of our patients' oral health needs.