Smile-Worthy Stocking Stuffers: 8 Festive Finds for Sparkling Teeth Under $25!

‘Tis the season to stuff those stockings with gifts that spark joy and promote healthier smiles! Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, this curated list of budget-friendly, orthodontist-approved oral care goodies is here to brighten up the holidays—all under $25. Let’s spread cheer with these festive and functional finds!

This holiday season, give the gift of healthy, sparkling smiles. These affordable and thoughtful stocking stuffers are sure to delight your loved ones, and their teeth. Here’s to a season full of joy, laughter, and brilliant grins.

Lifestyle & Travel, Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithNovember 23, 2024gift guide, Gift Guide, twelve, smile tipsComment

Social Media Marketing for Healthcare Professionals

Social media has become an essential tool for healthcare professionals looking to stay connected, grow their practices/brand, and engage with patients. In this era, it is imperative that healthcare professionals embrace social media marketing to stay relevant, connect with patients, and build their brand. Gone are the days when patients solely relied on word-of-mouth recommendations, directory listings or the nearby practice to choose their healthcare providers. Now, potential clients are likely to check your social media presence before making a decision.

Whether you’re a dentist, physician, physical therapist, or any other healthcare professional, social media marketing offers a valuable platform to educate, engage, and build trust with your audience. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can harness the power of social media to grow your practice, establish authority, and create a loyal following.

Lifestyle & Travel, Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithOctober 23, 2024twelve, Social media, branding, personal brandComment

The Power of Side Hustles: Turning Passion into Profit

Side hustles have become more than just a way to make extra money—they’re a path to achieving financial freedom, discovering passions, and even building a new career. Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, managing a household, or pursuing a professional degree, starting a side hustle can give you the flexibility to work on something you love while boosting your income.

Starting a side hustle can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already balancing a lot in your life. But it’s about taking small, consistent steps toward your goal. The world is full of opportunities, and there is a side hustle that aligns with your skills, interests, and passions.

The most important thing is to take that first step. Whether it’s writing your first blog post, listing your first product on Etsy, or signing up for a freelance platform, just begin. Who knows? One day, you might find yourself with a full-fledged business that brings you joy and financial freedom.

Lifestyle & Travel, Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithSeptember 24, 2024twelve, side hustle, professional developmentComment

Top 5 Financial Tips for Young Professionals: Building Wealth and Security

Young adults should learn money management skills as early as possible. Those who learn financial literacy earlier are more likely to build good financial habits.

To be on track with building wealth, it's important to know various money saving tips. This article will discuss essential strategies to help you attain financial independence as a young professional.

Financial literacy is crucial for young professionals aiming to build wealth and ensure long-term security. This article outlines four key financial tips to help young adults establish strong financial habits. These tips help you take control of your finances early on to achieve your financial aspirations.

Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithAugust 28, 2024twelve, financial developmentComment

Navigating Your Finances in Challenging Economic Times

In recent months, the economic landscape has become increasingly complex, with rising costs impacting nearly every aspect of daily life. From the grocery store to the gas pump, prices seem to be climbing with no end in sight. For young professionals and families alike, managing finances during these times requires a thoughtful and strategic approach.

Before diving into financial strategies, it’s important to understand the broader context. Inflation has been driving up the cost of living, while interest rates are fluctuating, impacting everything from mortgages to credit card debt. These factors, combined with potential job market uncertainties, make it more crucial than ever to be proactive with your finances.

Professional Financial, Lifestyle & TravelDr. Patrice SmithAugust 21, 2024twelve, financial developmentComment

The Entrepreneur Trap: Designing a Business That Supports Your Life

Justin Welch once said, "The happiest entrepreneurs I know aren't the richest. They're the ones who built a business that complements their lives rather than consuming it." This statement resonates deeply with many of us who have ventured into entrepreneurship, only to find ourselves ensnared in a trap of our own making. The entrepreneur trap is the misconception that success is measured solely by revenue. In reality, true success lies in the freedom and fulfillment that comes from designing a business that supports your life. In the pursuit of entrepreneurial success, it's easy to fall into the trap of equating revenue with happiness. However, the happiest entrepreneurs are those who design their businesses to complement their lives rather than consume them. By working during your most productive times, pursuing an inspiring mission, and automating or delegating the rest, you can create a business that supports your life and brings true success in the form of freedom and fulfillment.

Beyond Labels: How Being Multifaceted Leads to True Success

Labels can limit potential and creativity. As someone who has always taken a somewhat unconventional path, I find the term “unorthodox” not just fitting, but empowering. That’s how The UnOrthoDoc was born—a reflection of my multifaceted life that defies simple categorization.

We’re often told to specialize. Get an expensive degree, secure a niche job, and stick to it for decades. While this worked in the past, the modern world demands adaptability and a broad skill set. In today’s tech-driven society, being a specialist can sometimes mean limiting your growth and opportunities. AI and automation are rapidly changing the job market, and those with narrow expertise may find themselves left behind. I say this as a specialist myself—an orthodontist, a specialty of dentistry. I get that this is contradictory. I suppose I am a walking contradiction.

How Motherhood Is Just Like Running a Business

As a mother and business owner, I’ve come to realize that the skills required to excel in both roles are strikingly similar. The multitasking, the planning, the emotional investment, and the sheer determination needed to succeed as a mother mirror the qualities necessary for running a successful business. Owning and operating an orthodontics practice, an online candle company, and a blog that has blossomed into a small business has given me unique insights into how motherhood and entrepreneurship intersect. Let’s explore the parallels between these two demanding yet rewarding roles.

By embracing the similarities between these two roles, we can draw strength from our experiences and apply valuable lessons across different areas of our lives. Whether nurturing a child or growing a business, the journey is filled with ups and downs, but the rewards are immeasurable. Let’s celebrate the parallels between motherhood and business and continue to thrive in both realms.

Motherhood, Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithJuly 3, 2024twelve, motherhood, professional developmentComment

Slowing Down: The Secret to a Fulfilled Life

I wanted to share something that's been on my mind lately. You know, we're often caught up in the whirlwind of life—rushing from one task to another, ticking off endless to-do lists, and constantly striving for more. We live in a world that glorifies hustle culture, where busyness is worn like a badge of honor and productivity is often seen as the ultimate goal. But have you ever stopped to wonder if this relentless pace is really serving us?

In slowing down, we open ourselves up to a richer, more meaningful life. We find joy in the little things, deepen our relationships, and discover a sense of peace and contentment that hustle culture could never provide. So, let's embrace the art of slowing down and savor each moment of this beautiful journey called life

I've been reflecting on this a lot, and I've come to realize that the hustle culture we've been conditioned to embrace might actually be doing us more harm than good. It's time we consider the profound benefits of slowing down.

How To Build a Resilient Business

In business and entrepreneurship, success often hinges on the ability to identify and meet a critical need in the market. This becomes especially vital during times of economic uncertainty. Choosing a business model that addresses a real problem and setting up in a location where your services are in demand can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. This article explores the importance of these factors and offers insights into building a business that can weather economic downturns and remain recession-proof. A need-based business model ensures sustained demand, customer loyalty, and a competitive edge. Choosing a strategic location enhances accessibility, economic stability, and logistical efficiency. By focusing on these critical factors, entrepreneurs can build businesses that are resilient, adaptable, and capable of thriving even in economic turmoil. Embracing innovation, managing costs effectively, and diversifying revenue streams further strengthen the ability to navigate and succeed through economic challenges.

Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithJune 13, 2024twelve, entrepeneurship, businessComment

Avoiding Burnout

In today's fast-paced world and economic climate, the pressures of work and life responsibilities often collide, leaving many individuals feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Burnout, a state of chronic stress characterized by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy, has become increasingly prevalent in the workplace. having gone through these challenges myself, this post explores the nuances of navigating burnout, offers insights into its impact on dentistry (or healthcare in general), and provides practical strategies for combatting and yes, avoiding it.

Understanding Burnout: Burnout can manifest differently for each individual, but common symptoms include fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation, and decreased productivity. It often stems from prolonged periods of stress, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of work-life balance. In dentistry, where practitioners face demanding schedules, high patient volumes, and the pressure to deliver optimal care, burnout is a significant concern.

Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithMay 22, 2024professional development, self care, twelveComment

5 Tips for Scaling Your Side Hustle into a Successful Enterprise

With the gig economy booming and traditional employment models evolving, side hustles have become a lifeline for many individuals seeking financial security and professional fulfillment. From freelance writing and e-commerce ventures to consulting gigs and creative pursuits, there's no shortage of opportunities to turn your skills and passions into profitable ventures on the side.

But while starting a side hustle is relatively easy, scaling it into a thriving business requires a whole new level of dedication, strategy, and vision. As your side hustle gains traction and momentum, you'll inevitably face the question: "How can I take this to the next level? How do I turn my side gig into a full-blown thriving business?"

10 Easy Tips For Maintaining A Pearly White Smile

We all want sparkly white teeth! Your smile is often times the first thing someone notices when they look at you so it makes sense to want to keep your teeth in tip top shape. While I do recommend you go the professional route, here I offer 10 alternatives to whitening your teeth professionally.

While I do recommend getting your teeth professionally whitened, there are other ways to get your teeth white, especially if you have sensitivity. IIn office whitening however is the most efficient and safest way to whiten your teeth. With in-office treatment, the dentist uses a solution that usually contains ~35% carbide peroxide to get you instantly white teeth. Custom whitening trays can also be done by your dentist or Orthodontist. These whitening systems usually contain a 10-15% solution of carbamide peroxide. You get the trays to take home and use as directed.

Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithMarch 25, 2024smile tips, white teeth, twelve Comments

Silent Ambition: Let Your Success Speak Louder Than Your Words

Once, I excitedly shared a promising business idea with a colleague, hoping to team up and bring it to life together. Instead of collaboration, I received a polite decline. Months later, I was taken aback to discover that my colleague had launched a business—selling the very idea I had shared with her.

In a world where oversharing is the norm, where every meal and milestone is broadcasted on social media, it may seem counterintuitive to keep your ambitions under wraps. But in reality, there's immense power in working quietly and letting your success make the noise.

The Power of Contract Negotiation

Contracts represent more than mere agreements; they are the conduits through which we navigate our professional journeys. Yet, all too often, these agreements tilt in favor of one party, leaving the other to grapple with the remnants of unfulfilled potential. For women, who historically have faced unique challenges in the realm of contract negotiation, reclaiming their rightful portion of the divine plan can be a transformative act of empowerment.

Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithFebruary 28, 2024twelve, professional development, ContractsComment

Choosing the Best Electric Toothbrush: A Dentist's Top 5 Recommendations

A bright, healthy smile begins with effective oral care, and one of the cornerstones of a solid dental hygiene routine is choosing the right electric toothbrush. As a dentist, I often get asked about the best options available, and I'm thrilled to share my top 5 recommendations to help you make an informed decision. In this guide, we'll explore the key features of each toothbrush, providing you with a detailed overview of what makes them stand out. Among my top picks are the Oral B Pro 1000, Oral B iO 9 Series, Philips Sonicare Prestige, Ollie, and Suri.

Lifestyle & Travel, Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithFebruary 14, 2024smile tips, dentistry, twelveComment

Why I Have a Weekly family Business Meeting

In the bustle of modern life, finding a delicate balance between work and family can be akin to walking a tightrope. As an orthodontist and practice owner alongside my husband, a general dentist, with a lively two-year-old in tow, life is a constant juggling act. Amidst the myriad responsibilities, we've found a beacon of organization and harmony in an unexpected place: the weekly family business meeting.

Our family, much like a business, requires strategic planning and, most importantly, regular check-ins. The weekly family business meeting has become our compass, guiding us through the maze of tasks, appointments, and familial responsibilities. It's a designated time to synchronize our calendars, discuss the upcoming week's events, and ensure we're all on the same page.

23 Goals for 2023 End of year Check-In

As this year comes to a close, I find myself revisiting the 23 goals I set for myself in my "23 Goals for 2023" blog post at the beginning of this year. Along the way, I provided a mid-year check-in to update you on my progress, and here we are now, at the end-of-year check-in, evaluating how far I've come and what I've achieved.

2023 turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated. While I didn't quite accomplish all 23 goals I set, I managed to achieve the more meaningful ones. As the year unfolded, I had to prioritize certain things over others. It's been a year of growth, of learning to appreciate the small things, and understanding the true essence of wealth – family, health, and simple moments of joy.

11 Extra Income Streams For Young Professionals: Fresh Perspectives on Financial Freedom

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the pursuit of extra income streams, or as it's popularly known, the "side hustle," has become more crucial than ever for young professionals navigating the challenges of student loan debt and escalating living costs. This is especially vital for gaining financial freedom, as additional income provides the means to invest, reduce debt, increase savings, and ultimately achieve financial independence.

While the term itself has gained notoriety over recent years, the concept of supplementing a 9 to 5 job with additional income has been a longstanding practice. As a young professional, I myself leverage my “free time,” nights and weekends to carve out supplementary incomes through real estate investing, blogging, my candle company, digital products and monetizing my influence on social media.

Lifestyle & Travel, Professional FinancialDr. Patrice SmithDecember 20, 2023side hustle, Side Hustle Ideas, twelveComment

Discovering True Wealth: The New Rich

In a world often measured by financial wealth, the concept of true richness extends beyond bank accounts and possessions. It’s about acknowledging the overlooked treasures that enrich our lives, nurturing our spirits and granting us a sense of fulfillment. Welcome to "The New Rich," where abundance transcends monetary figures and instead resides in the simple yet profound aspects of existence.

What if our genuine wealth is rooted in the things we often take for granted? Imagine waking up to a sunrise, feeling the gentle morning breeze, or savoring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. These simple pleasures, often overlooked in the rush of daily life, compose the fabric of true richness. It's about relishing the unhurried moments that embrace our souls, granting us a profound sense of fulfillment.