Reflecting on Life Interrupted and the Unseen Scars of Grief by Dr. Parul Dua Makkar
About This Event
Grief is a deeply personal and often overlooked experience in the dental profession. Dentists encounter loss in various ways—whether through the passing of a long-term patient, the loss of a colleague, the emotional burden of treating terminally ill individuals, or even career-altering events like disability or burnout. Despite these challenges, grief is rarely discussed openly in dentistry, leading many professionals to struggle in silence.
This course provides an in-depth exploration of grief as it relates to the dental field, helping participants understand its emotional, psychological, and professional impact. Using a combination of research-based insights, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will learn about the five stages of grief and how these manifest in their work and personal lives. The course also offers practical coping mechanisms, including mindfulness, stress management techniques, and strategies for building emotional resilience.
A core component of this course is the exploration of Dr. Dua’s insights from Life Interrupted: Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide, which sheds light on resilience, adaptability, and finding meaning in adversity. Drawing from Dr. Dua’s experiences, participants will learn how to reframe challenges, develop a survival mindset, and embrace personal growth even in the face of grief. The book’s teachings provide a roadmap for overcoming setbacks and rediscovering purpose, offering invaluable lessons for dental professionals navigating loss and change. Dr. Parul Dua Makkar will share her journey and her coping mechanisms leading her to work on herself and make the changes to keep going despite the challenges.
By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate grief effectively, prevent emotional burnout, and provide compassionate support to others in the dental community.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the various forms of grief experienced by dental professionals, including patient loss, career setbacks, and personal challenges.
- Explore the five stages of grief and how they manifest in the dental profession.
- Learn practical strategies for managing grief, stress, and emotional exhaustion, including mindfulness, resilience-building techniques, and self-care practices.
- Understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Integrate key teachings from Dr. Dua’
- s book to develop a survival mindset and embrace personal growth during difficult times
- Reframe adversity as an opportunity for resilience and transformation.
- Develop effective communication skills to provide compassionate support to patients experiencing loss or trauma.
- Foster a supportive workplace culture by recognizing and addressing grief in colleagues and team members.
- Explore professional mental health resources, peer support networks, and strategies to prevent burnout.
- Create a personal action plan to navigate future grief and maintain emotional well-being throughout a dental career.