https://youtu.be/RrlpTKu6k8I

Our transcript of the discussion between Dr. Mark Hyman and  Jameson Files host Carrie Webber has been lightly edited for flow. To enjoy the audio conversation, you can watch on YouTube or listen to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or Spotify

Dr. Hyman Recounts His Lifelong Commitment to Continuing Education

Carrie Webber:

Welcome to the Jameson Files. I'm the Jameson Files host, Carrie Webber, from the Jameson Group., and we are thrilled to be recording this episode of the Jameson Files live at the American Dental Association's SmileCon 2022 meeting in Houston, Texas. I'm also thrilled to be sharing the main stage with our dear friend, colleague, Jameson client, and truly Jameson friend, Dr. Mark Hyman. So Dr. Hyman, thank you so much for being with me again.

Dr. Hyman is speaking once again at the ADA meeting this year, two times a day. He’s been a speaker and an educator for over 20 years at this point. And that’s above and beyond the extraordinary practice he built. Dr. Hyman is an adjunct professor at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. As a key influencer, speaker, and educator across the country, he has been recognized as a leader in continuing education for dentists for years and years. Truly, truly a remarkable contributor and gift to the dental community, helping to motivate and educate doctors and teams to realize their ideal vision for their practice and how to elevate patient care.

The Power of Education for Dental Teams

Carrie Webber:

So, I wanna take an angle in our session today. You've been a guest on the Jameson Files podcast before, and today I want to take a different approach and talk about the power of education and continuing education for dentists and their teams, and also the power of education with our patients. 

So let's start with you and your story. You know, we know your story as a dentist and the amazing practice that you built for yourself, but I'd love to learn a little bit more about your story as an educator. What has led you to where you are today as the prominent speaker and educator that you are?

Worst First Semester Story

Dr. Mark Hyman:

Sure, Carrie. I appreciate that. Why am I here? You know, I would probably be considered the worst first semester dental student in the history of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. I was our class president, cruising along, and midterms came, and I got crushed and barely made it out of first semester dental school. The first week back of spring semester, on Thursday night, I quit. I knew I couldn't be a dentist. I'd never make it, and I hated every part about it. But a young professor, Dr. Ron Straus, saved my life. I went to the dean's office, told him I was gonna quit, walked out, and ran into Professor Strauss. He just said, “Mark, it's okay. Being a dental student is nothing like being a dentist. Give it another hour. Give it a day. See how you do.”

I resented how we were taught.

And I did. I muddled my way through the spring semester, started in clinic, and graduated in three and a half years. So, I kind of went from worst to first. But I resented how we were taught. There was so much intimidation and humiliation, and it just didn't have to be that way. That's not the way to motivate excellence to me. 

First Speaking Gig Fiasco (Almost)

So when I was a resident at UNC, I got to do the orientation for the first year dental students. And I thought that's kind of cool. And then three years out of practice, Professor Ron Strauss asked me to come back and tell my story to the first year dental students. Being the excited young speaker (not), the thought of going back to the dental school…? I've got diarrhea and I'm nauseated, and after I worked in the morning, I jumped in my car … and I'm outta gas.

I fly to the gas station, fill up, jump back in. And I hear a rip. I've ripped my pants from my belly button to my tush. And I'm like, ah,