If you are reading this, chances are you are a dentist. And if so, you probably agree that dentistry is a great career. The work is demanding and the responsibilities considerable, but so can be the rewards—not just in tangible ways, but in the satisfaction derived from serving our own patients and the community at large. It’s that ability to touch and help so many people that keeps dentistry from being just a job.

I want to consider for a moment how we can preserve and advance this special profession, in the interests of future generations of patients and practitioners alike. You may not have thought about it in a while, but dentistry needs your help to stay healthy and attract the best and the brightest. There are many ways to give back, and you may well be doing your part already. Just to be sure, though, take the "I Give Back" quiz and see where you stand. Award yourself three points for each question you answer "frequently," two points for "at times" and zero points for "never."

1. I donate time to a dental school. As you may be aware, American dental schools today face a shortage of some 400 faculty members nationwide. Most schools recognize the unique value of your clinical skills, practice management experience and advice about "starting out," and make extensive use of part-time teachers. If you live within commuting range of a dental school (it doesn’t have to be your alma mater!), give them a call and ask how you can help—you will be welcomed with open arms.
   
2. I raise funds for a dental school. These days everyone’s budget is shrinking, and both public and private institutions are feeling the pinch. While private contributions are always important, in times like these they are essential. Whether as an individual contributor or as a volunteer fundraiser, your support may well be a school’s lifeblood. Asking for money is awkward, I know, but you probably know many people—classmates, patients, business associates—who would be eager to contribute to a cause you feel passionate about.
   
3. I participate in organized dentistry. The ADA, the National Dental Association, the Friends of the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research and numerous other organizations at the state, local and national levels are working to maintain the quality and viability of the profession. Whatever your interests, you will find ample opportunities to volunteer at every level. Though much of their work is behind the scenes, never underestimate what these groups are doing to ensure that our children and grandchildren will continue to have their care provided by an educated, qualified and ethical cadre of professionals.
   
4. I give to dental foundations. When we consider how to allocate our giving, it’s natural to think first of our alma mater, and that’s fine. Several foundations, though—most prominently, the ADA Foundation—concentrate on dentistry and dentists. Their focus may be on education, but they also may help support dentists and their families through hard times. They may fund research or care for the indigent. Nonprofit foundations are an important dimension of our profession, and well worth supporting.
   
5. I represent dentistry to my local community. Giving back, like charity, begins at home. Some of the most important work you can do, and the most immediately gratifying, happens within a few miles of your own office. For example, you might organize a study club for your fellow practitioners; or you could make yourself available to serve on local boards or committees where your special knowledge will be valuable.
   
6. I serve the underserved. Although our country is blessed with superb dentistry overall, we all know that there are groups and individual people who don’t get the care they need. Whether the cause is poverty or geography or disability or family neglect, we should try to reach as many of these underserved people as possible. Don’t wait for government to come to the rescue. Take the initiative and do what you can, whether by participating in an organized effort like Give Kids A Smile, or simply setting aside some of your time to treat patients who otherwise wouldn’t get first-rate care. If we each do just a little, the collective effect will be tremendous.
   
7. I give back in other ways. Go ahead, give yourself 3 points. My list was never intended to be all-inclusive, and I admit that it reflects my personal biases as a teacher and an editor. So if you have found other ways to serve the profession, bravo. Please share them with friends and colleagues, or perhaps with a wider audience through JADA. I’d like to hear from you.
   

Now it’s time to tally your score. First, add up the points for the seven questions. Add 12 to the total, divide by four and take the square root. Finally, fold your scorecard in half and throw it away.

No, the points don’t matter. This exercise is just a gentle reminder that as you have received much from dentistry, it is only right to give something back.

Are you doing your part? That matters.