Dentistry is a unique profession, blending healthcare, business, leadership, and service. Every day, dental teams have the opportunity to improve someone’s health, confidence, and well-being. Being part of a profession with such a vital role has been incredibly meaningful.
Early in my career, I had an experience that helped shape the path I would take. A previous doctor and office manager introduced me to AADOM and encouraged me to get involved. The doctor’s husband, passionate about education and leadership, often shared a quote that has stuck with me: “What if you invest in your team and they leave? What if you invest in them and they stay?” Investing in your team’s growth creates a culture where people feel valued, challenged, and inspired.
Investing in Growth
Joining AADOM in 2018 was one of the most impactful decisions of my career. What started as a way to expand my knowledge quickly became something much bigger. Through AADOM, I’ve met inspiring professionals whose mentorship and support have shaped the way I lead, learn, and approach my career.
My involvement deepened through AADOM’s Dental Professional Learning Network (DPLN), and in 2022, I became president of the Charlotte Metro Dental Connection. Helping create a space where dental professionals connect, share experiences, and learn from one another has been incredibly rewarding. Watching others grow in confidence, step into leadership, and bring new ideas back to their practices has been a highlight of this role.
Recently, Charlotte Dental Connection merged with Triangle Dental Connection to better serve dental professionals across the Carolinas. It has been exciting to see how many people are eager to learn, collaborate, and elevate the profession together.
Taking the Leap
I’ve also met some incredible people. Being part of this network has opened more doors and learning opportunities than I ever could have imagined. It also reinforced an important lesson: You have to be willing to put yourself out there.
Some of the most meaningful connections in my career have come from simply showing up to a meeting, starting a conversation, and being open to learning from others. Sometimes, that means stepping into rooms where you feel a little uncomfortable. But those are often the moments where the biggest growth happens.
From Opportunity to Impact
Dentistry has given me far more than a career. It has given me a community, opportunities for growth, and the chance to help others reach their potential. Through AADOM and DPLN, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when professionals come together with the shared goal of supporting one another.
Sometimes, the biggest changes in your career start with a simple decision to get involved and say "yes" to the opportunity.
