A Florida treatment plan coordinator shares how taking a chance transformed her 'job' into a meaningful career fueled by connection, encouragement, and growth
Just a few short years ago, Phyllis Oakes found her career at a crossroads, where the only things keeping her going were the relationships she built with patients.
“The atmosphere around me was difficult, and working under someone who micromanaged made each day feel heavier than the last,” Oakes explained.
She’d been in the same position for almost 7 years, feeling stuck doing work that was equal parts repetitive and draining. Convincing herself that a change might be the ticket out of her workplace rut, she accepted what she hoped would be a fresh start at a new dental office.
“It turned out to be an even worse experience,” she said. “I decided to try one more time and make another job transition. If this move didn’t work out, I planned on giving up altogether. But that final move became a turning point.”
A Chance to Reconnect
For months, the office manager at Oakes’ new dental practice—an active member of the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM)—encouraged her to attend a local Dental Professional Learning Network (DPLN) meeting, insisting it might be exactly what she needed and a reminder of why she chose dentistry in the first place. Although Oakes had seen the office manager return from meetings full of excitement, sharing how much she had learned and how motivated she felt, she was hesitant. Eventually, she gave in and attended her first DPLN meeting, “10 Top Management Tools for a Successful Practice,” in November 2023.
“I went in uncertain of what to expect and left feeling inspired in a way I hadn’t in a very long time. The energy in the room was contagious—everyone was engaged, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping one another grow,” Oakes said.
“The people were open and friendly, and the atmosphere was full of warmth and purpose. It wasn’t just a meeting; it was a moment of rediscovery. For the first time in a while, I felt a renewed spark and was reminded that there was still joy, connection, and meaning to be found in this profession I had once struggled to love.”
Rediscovering Your ‘Why’
Since that first meeting, Oakes has jumped in with both feet and rarely misses a DPLN event. She’s attended the last 2 AADOM annual conferences, earned her Fellowship distinction, and is on track to receive her Mastership this fall.
Today, she feels like a completely different person, both professionally and personally.
“This experience has transformed not only how I view my career but also how I view myself. I think differently about dentistry now—I see it as a profession fueled by connection, encouragement, and growth,” Oakes said. “I’m more positive, inspired, and eager to make a difference, and I truly believe that discovering DPLN and becoming part of AADOM was the turning point that helped me find my purpose again.”
