Abstract
We are all orthodontists, but it is the pandemic situation that has forced us to sit at home. I should first clarify that corona and COVID-19—is one word or different? The answer comes from World Health Organization (WHO), that defines “coronavirus is a large family of viruses that causes illness ranging from the common cold to more severe disease.” 1 But COVID-19 is a type of disease that originated from the novel coronavirus. In 2019, it was first found in China. So, there should not be any confusion regarding the fact that corona is a virus and COVID-19 is a disease just like HIV is a virus and AIDS is a disease.
Rona is a Hindi word meaning “cry.” 2 The author has used the term because he wants to compare the spirit of the orthodontist to the lockdown that is going on in India. Orthodontist practice is not going to be easy; it will come as a challenge. Author wants to alert you about upcoming orthodontic practice. We must make some changes in our thinking and practice.
You should keep talking to your old patient during this Lockdown. If possible, the inconveniences in their orthodontic treatment should be resolved, that too online. We will have to convince them that we orthodontists are with them. Frankly, it will be incredibly good for our upcoming practice.
We should also check the balance of the last year so that we can find our mistake. You should also do branding and promotion at this time. If you cannot do it yourself, then you can consult the advertising department. At this time many people must be thinking that when there is no patient, then why branding? But you must think differently at this time if you want to defeat rona in your upcoming practice. You can share the logo of the clinic or hospital on the patient’s social site.
In the coming time, your staff will also serve as a weapon for your practice. Always talk to them. Do not let them feel that your nature has changed. Give them salary on time so that their trust remains on your company. After this Lockdown you will see their confidence.
In the gut I will just say that you should work on your behavior, attitude, and knowledge. The webinar is going on, take full advantage of it. There is no Master in this world. You should always try to learn and utilize your free time properly. You are safe in your home. When all is well, this word rona will be automatically deleted from your dictionary. Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS) is also conducting some of the great webinar which is available in the Indian Orthodontic Site (https://iosweb.net/HomePage.aspx). We should join our hands and learn from them. At last I will end my writing by quoting one of the great thoughts “Education is the passport of the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” (Malcolom X).
