Something very strange happened to me the other day, and I want to share it with you..
A few days back, I was invited to take part in an online discussion on AI and its role in healthcare writing.
It was a professional group, mostly clinicians, doctors, medical writers, the sort of place where bios come with a trail of impressive qualifications. The invite went something like this…
“Dale, you’re not from a medical background, I’d love to know your thoughts?”
I know there was no malice intended (quite the opposite, in fact), but it kinda caught me off guard. My stomach tightened and then… in came that little voice — the one that questions whether you belong. Here’s what it said….
“They’re doctors. You’re not.”
“You didn’t train in dentistry/medicine. You just write about it.”
“Should you even be here?”
Now, that kinda caught me off guard because I’ve been freelancing for over 15 years, I’ve written extensively for global dental brands, worked with highly respected clinicians, written thousands of articles and spent most of my working life helping practices communicate better with their patients.
Yet, even after all that, I still got that feeling…
Truth is…imposter syndrome doesn’t always knock. Often, it walks in, taps you on the shoulder, then, Bam! It’s hit you around the head with a baseball bat!
When You Don’t Come from Clinical
If you do come from a clinical background, then great, you can probably skip this section, but if you’re a dental or healthcare writer without a clinical background, you might know the feeling.
You sit in on a Zoom call with specialists and silently rehearse your input. You rewrite things again and again, not just to improve clarity, but to reassure yourself that you can add value. You hold back from charging your full rate because you worry your knowledge isn’t ‘enough’…
And yet… clients trust you. Patients engage with the content you create, and you consistently help turn complex procedures and technical terms into something people actually understand.
That’s not a fluke. That’s a skill!
The Expertise We Bring
There’s a common assumption in dentistry and healthcare that authority must come from years of clinical experience. And yes, clinicians bring vital technical knowledge to the table.
But let’s not mistake clinical expertise for communication expertise.
Being able to place implants or diagnose pathology doesn’t necessarily mean you know how to explain it to an anxious patient who’s scrolling on their phone at 10 pm. Being able to write a systematic review doesn’t mean you can craft a homepage that makes people feel safe, seen, and understood.
That’s where professional writers come in.
We’re not here to replace clinical knowledge. We’re here to translate it. To bridge the gap between clinical facts and the everyday reader who just wants to know whether it’ll hurt, how much it’ll cost, and what it all means.
That’s not “fluffy” copy. That’s health communication.
How Imposter Syndrome Creeps In
- Don’t post that, they’ll know you’re not a real expert.
- Stay quiet in this meeting, you’ll say something stupid.
- You probably just got lucky with that client.
What’s Helped Me (and Might Help You)
You won’t silence the doubt; it’ll always be there, but you can, and should, challenge it.
Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Keep a folder of feedback, the emails where a client says “you nailed it” or a great testimonial that made you feel proud.
- Understand your strengths; you’re not pretending to be a clinician or dentist. You’re helping them communicate more clearly.
- Surround yourself with people who get it, other writers, mentors, a good community. Remember, imposter syndrome thrives in isolation.
- Speak up anyway, even if your voice shakes a bit. Sometimes the most valuable contribution comes from the person with a different perspective.
And when in doubt? Look at the results your work creates. That’s your evidence, right there!
You Deserve a Place Here
If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re ‘qualified’ enough to write in this space, let this be your reminder:
If you have a white coat, then great, but you really don’t need one to write with clarity, authority and connection.
What you do need is a genuine desire to help people understand their options, feel less overwhelmed, and make better health decisions.
That’s not something to downplay. That’s something to be proud of.
Over to You
Ever had a wobble with imposter syndrome? How do you deal with it when it creeps in?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re looking for a supportive place to talk about these things with people who do understand, come and join us in the Dental Writers Club group on LinkedIn. You’re more than welcome.