This year has been both special and challenging in many aspects of my life. I’ve experienced meaningful moments, both personally and professionally, that have made me reflect on the importance of adapting, learning, and moving forward with hope.
On a personal level, my second child began their university journey away from home to study dentistry—a decision that fills me with pride. Meanwhile, at home, we’re raising and guiding younger children, a beautiful but demanding experience. In this context, I’ve come to appreciate the value of sibling collaboration and the fundamental importance of family unity.
On the professional side, I started the year with an unforgettable experience in Bad Säckingen, Germany, visiting Vita’s factory. This century-old company has shown extraordinary resilience throughout history. Being in their state-of-the-art facilities, surrounded by passionate professionals who welcome dentists from around the world every week, was truly inspiring. I came back with a backpack full of ideas and lessons that I quickly began implementing in my clinic.
Upon my return, life presented another challenge: my dear friend and project partner decided to move abroad in search of new horizons. While I wholeheartedly understood her decision, her departure required adjusting some plans and postponing others. It was a reminder that adaptability is a constant in our professional lives.
One of the year’s biggest milestones was organizing the She’s Prime Clinical Project by Dentsply Sirona in Temuco. Bringing together 11 dentists from across Latin America to develop and share clinical practices was a logistical challenge. Coordinating patients, schedules, dinners, photo sessions, and more wasn’t easy, but it was worth every effort. The experience was enriching, filled with laughter, learning, and happy patients.
On July 23, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of our clinic in Temuco. We shared this special day with our team and the patients who have been part of this journey. It was a day full of gratitude and love, a reminder of the positive impact we can have on our community.
Among our advancements, we introduced conscious sedation—an essential tool for patients who fear dental visits or require complex procedures. This step reaffirms our commitment to offering a more comfortable and safer experience for everyone
Teaching also played a significant role this year. Through courses at Clinik, I met colleagues from all over the country with unique perspectives. Working together to define criteria based on evidence and daily practice was incredibly rewarding and reinforced the importance of collaboration in our profession.
In November, I had the chance to participate in an event in São Paulo with my friends and colleagues from She’s Prime. There, I used the Primescan 2, a next-generation wireless scanner soon to be available in Chile with its DSCore version. These experiences energize me to keep innovating and growing.
Reflecting on 2024, one word stands out: resilience. It’s a concept we learn early in dentistry—understanding which materials can resist and adapt is essential to our work. This year, I’ve practiced resilience not just professionally but also personally.
Every challenge was an opportunity to grow and move forward with integrity.
Finally, I want to pay special tribute to the loved ones and acquaintances we lost this year. Though they are no longer with us, their legacy and lessons remain. May they rest in peace.
As we close 2024, my wish for everyone is that we continue to cultivate resilience. It’s a virtue that can transform our lives, and if we develop it collectively, it can contribute to a fairer and kinder world for future generations.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for accompanying me in this adventure of life and profession! May the coming year bring new opportunities and unforgettable moments.
With Love: Karina Eberhardt Fellay.
