01 June 2026

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Bits of wisdom for the Class of 2026

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A decade past labs and late-night study sessions, members of the Class of 2016 offered some advice for Texas A&M College’s newest graduates.

Research highlights

“It sounds obvious, but you will hear stories of doctors who yell at their staff and even throw instruments when things go wrong,” he said. “Nobody wants to work in that environment. Lead by example: how you want your staff to treat you, each other, and your patients.”

“We are blessed to work in a great profession, but there are many forces trying to make it less great,” he said. “Protect your profession, your practice and your patients by advocating at the state level and even at the federal level. If you like the status quo, get involved because there are forces trying to change it and not for the better. If you don’t like the status quo, get involved because you can be the force that changes it.”

Use technology to make your practice more efficient while delivering high-quality results. And do it thoughtfully. Too much change too quickly stresses everyone in the practice.

Why it matters

“Some technology sounds good but really isn’t,” he said. (However,) certainly, don’t be the last one to incorporate technologies that make sense.”

Stay close to a few trusted classmates and ask them for help when needed

“Ask about case questions, business questions and how to deal with difficult patients when the time arises, Cramer said.

Get involved in a local study club, Cramer said. It’s invaluable for practice growth, professional development and staying grounded by knowing what other practices are doing in your area.

Academic context

“Your practice life can grow to the point that you feel like you need to work 24/7, but always remember why you work,” Cramer said.

He also provided advice about staff, saying pay them well and take the time to train them to be good team members.

“Hire staff you trust and trust them to do what you hired them to do,” Cramer said. “Delegate everything you legally can to your staff. Know what those limits are and empower them to do it. Letting go of control is hard, but you can’t do everything nor do it as well as they can when they are properly trained and have time to do the work.”

Stay on top of continuing education requirements and know when vitals are required. Make sure your RDAs know and comply, too.

The state board takes both of these very seriously, Cramer said. While it is very easy to stay compliant, it can be very expensive if they find out you didn’t. Even your RDA’s CE can be audited, and they must appear before the board if found deficient.

“Even as an ortho, I get a call two or three times a year from a frantic mom telling me that their kiddo took a baseball or an elbow to the mouth during a game and their teeth are luxated,” he said. “While their general dentist should be able to help them, they’re not always available, or sometimes the patients have let that relationship lapse, so you get the call.”

If you don’t know how to treat traumatized teeth, ask your endodontic friends, Cramer said.

“They are experts,” he said. “When you do treat traumatized teeth and need to use local anesthetic, make sure they sign a local anesthetic and a trauma consent form. Then refer them to your endo friend to follow up for (a) possible root canal.”

“Find a seasoned mentor for business questions because there is a lot you don’t even know that you don’t know,” he said.

Professor Breezy Bonney, clinical assistant professor in the dental hygiene program

“Give yourself time to grow. You do not have to know everything on day one to become an excellent hygienist. The first year after graduation is full of learning, and every patient will teach you something new.

“Focus on building strong communication skills, confidence, and compassion just as much as clinical skills. Patients may not remember every procedure you performed, but they will remember how you made them feel.

“Protect your body early in your career — pay attention to ergonomics, stretching, loupes, and proper positioning. Burnout and physical strain are real, and prevention matters. Find something new that brings you joy and spend at least one hour a week making time for that new hobby, class or community.

“Also, ask questions often and never be afraid to say, ‘I’m not sure, but I’ll find out.’ The best clinicians continue learning throughout their careers.

“Most importantly, remember why you chose dental hygiene. You have the opportunity to improve someone’s health, confidence, and quality of life every single day. That matters more than you realize.”

This story is developing. Check back this week for more advice from alumni.

Source: https://insights.dentistry.tamu.edu/bits-of-wisdom-for-the-class-of-2026