Practice administrator credits AADOM as the cornerstone of her professional growth—and a driving force behind sustained practice success
Career accomplishments—and the success of one’s practice—are often viewed as separate pursuits. In reality, they’re frequently intertwined, each influencing the other’s success. That dynamic perfectly reflects how Teresa Spence describes the impact of the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) on both her professional growth and the success of the dental office where she serves as practice administrator.
Amelia Dental Group in Fernandina Beach, FL, a large, private practice with 18 operatories, has grown exponentially since Spence first began working there as a dental assistant nearly 35 years ago. Today, in addition to 5 general dentists, the practice team numbers over 30. Along with Spence—named AADOM's Practice Administrator of the Year in 2021—many colleagues on her sizable front-office team are AADOM members.
Over the years, Spence has earned all 3 levels of distinction offered by AADOM: Fellowship (FAADOM), Mastership (MAADOM), and the highest level, Diplomate (DAADOM). The program recognizes office managers who demonstrate ongoing professional development through education, leadership, and service, with each progressive designation reflecting a higher level of achievement, commitment to excellence, and mastery in dental practice management.
Courses That Hit the Mark...
“Dentistry is so much in my blood, and through AADOM’s online courses, I‘ve been able to educate myself on how to run the business of dentistry—because there is a difference there,” Spence shared.
Spence credits AADOM’s courses with introducing her to the vast array of reports that analyze everything from practice growth to patient retention; all markers that can increase ROI.
“AADOM courses helped me become the practice administrator I am today,” she said, adding that the courses and resources provided a path for the rest of the team to succeed. She believes team members who value teamwork and offer patients a professional, welcoming environment are key to a successful and growing practice.
...and Enrich Careers
“Even down to reviewing telephone skills for new employees, as well as learning dental terminology, AADOM courses allow team members to learn at their own speed in order to do what we need them to do as a team member,” Spence shared.
Since 2012, Spence has been president of the Northeast Florida Dental Connection, part of AADOM’s Dental Professional Learning Network. The local group gives practice administrators and their teams opportunities for education, networking, support, and professional growth.
“Being able to have that community of people in dentistry—not only at the national level, but also at the local level—has been very impactful for our practice,” said Spence, who has arranged for doctors and hygienists to speak at chapter meetings. This allows front-office team members to see things through the eyes of clinicians, further strengthening teamwork.
AADOM is also front and center in the minds of the dentists at Amelia Dental Group, owned by Drs. Steven A. Garrett, Josh O. Bietenholz, Jennifer Mokris, Justin E. Blazejewski, and Rory D. Sharp.
A Doctor’s Perspective
“As doctors, we’ve had a front-row view of how transformative AADOM has been for our practice,” Dr. Garrett said. “Every time we attend the national conference, we come home with a clearer understanding of how to build a stronger culture, how to lead our teams more effectively, and how to refine the systems that drive the practice forward.”
Dr. Garrett believes AADOM keeps the practice aware of technologies and trends, enabling more informed decisions and resulting in “a very real ROI for us.”
“Working with AADOM has led to better communication, fewer bottlenecks, and a team that understands why these things matter,” he said. “The training has enhanced the way we manage scheduling, insurance, case flow, and overall operations. For a practice of any size that wants growth, consistency, and excellence, we cannot recommend AADOM highly enough.”
For Spence, the greatest benefit has been the support and guidance she receives from other AADOM members.
“AADOM gives us the opportunity to know what we need to know to keep our practices thriving," she said. "It allows us to take care of our team members so they can take care of our patients. And in return, our patients will take care of the profits. I really don’t think there should be a practice out there without an AADOM member in it.”
