032: Why So Many Dentists Are Quietly Grieving with Dr. Parul Dua Makkar

What happens when you are the strong one in dentistry, the leader, the provider, the one everyone depends on, and you are quietly carrying grief no one sees?In Episode 32 of The Real Talk of Dental, Dr. Parul Dua Makkar opens up about losing her younger brother to oral cancer at 34, followed by the sudden loss of her father just three years later. As a sole practitioner, mother, and healthcare provider, she found herself navigating profound personal loss while still showing up for patients, staff, and family.From finishing her brother’s unfinished manuscript after his death to creating a legacy journal inspired by the questions she never got to ask her father, Parul shares what it looks like to process grief in dentistry while still leading at a high level.This conversation goes far beyond death. It explores trauma stored in the body, identity loss after major life transitions, burnout driven by unprocessed grief, and the emotional isolation many dentists experience but rarely name.You’ll learn:Why grief in dentistry often goes unrecognizedHow trauma and loss physically manifest in the body of healthcare professionalsWhy overworking can be a coping mechanism for unprocessed griefThe emotional isolation of solo practice and leadership decision fatigueHow selling a practice or transitioning to a DSO can trigger identity griefThe impact of collective trauma post-COVID on dental professionalsWhy burnout is sometimes grief in disguiseHow writing, ritual, and legacy projects can support healingThe importance of seeking support instead of suppressing painHow to hold joy and sadness at the same time without guiltWhat sustainable emotional resilience looks like in dentistry🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:https://www.therealtalkofdental.com🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:https://leadhershipexperience.com/🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundarybossWe talk about:00:00 The isolation of dentistry and why grief often goes unspoken02:30 Losing a sibling to oral cancer and the guilt healthcare providers carry05:00 Sudden loss, anticipatory grief, and the shock of losing a parent07:30 Identity loss after death and becoming an “only child” overnight10:00 How trauma and grief are stored in the body14:00 Overworking as a coping mechanism in dentistry17:00 The grief of career expectations and the fantasy vs reality of dentistry21:00 Practice transitions, DSO sales, and identity shifts23:00 Midlife grief, changing bodies, and evolving roles27:00 Collective grief post-COVID and cultural exhaustion31:00 Writing as healing, finishing her brother’s book, and creating legacy35:00 Why burnout in dentistry is sometimes unprocessed grief39:00 Healthy coping tools, support systems, and emotional regulation42:00 Sustainable resilience and why grief should never be navigated aloneConnect with Dr. ParulLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drparulduamakkar/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PDMFamilyDentalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/duagoodjobWebsite: https://parulduamakkar.com/Connect with meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/https://courageandjoyatwork.com/https://leadhershipexperience.com/Phone: 616-682-6222