The Program Turning Potential into Authority Across the Dental Industry
In a rapidly transforming dental landscape, clinical excellence is no longer enough. Strategic growth now hinges on something deeper: empowered leadership, visible expertise, and intentional talent development—especially among women professionals.
That’s the focus of the Women in DSO® Education Committee, which is building the next generation of industry leaders by equipping women with the tools, platforms, and visibility to lead boldly. As Committee Chair Cheryl Polmatier puts it, “We’re not just creating content—we’re developing leaders.”
From executive presence to thought leadership, the Education Committee helps women show up confidently in rooms where decisions are made—and where your organization’s future is shaped.
The Competitive Advantage: Visible, Confident Leaders
Every dental leader knows that your team is your greatest asset. So what happens when you leave talent untapped within your organization?
The Women in DSO Education Committee helps your organization tap into that talent to reach its potential by coaching women professionals to become recognized experts in their fields. Whether through speaking engagements, panel participation, blog features, or virtual leadership sessions, participants gain more than visibility— they gain influence.
“The goal is readiness,” says Polmatier. “We help women build the communication skills and executive presence that organizations need to grow from the inside out.”
Strategic Platforms That Drive Real Development
The Education Committee offers three proven vehicles for leadership growth and personal brand expansion:
1. Exchange Circles
These 45-minute live, virtual sessions begin with a brief presentation by an industry expert, followed by a 10-minute Q&A and open peer dialogue led by a facilitator. Focused on the technical drivers of DSO success, the sessions align with five key pillars: operations, clinical, financial, growth, and leadership and people. They’re designed to support strategic thinking and career advancement through thought leadership.
2. Empower Networking
Centered on leadership and personal development, Empower Networking fosters the growth of professionals aiming to lead in the DSO space. These virtual panels focus on building confidence and influence—helping participants sharpen their leadership skills and expand their impact.
Both Exchange Circles and Empower Networking are hosted monthly and serve as platforms to feature women as experts, enhance their recognition, and accelerate their path to leadership.
3. #WinDSO Blog
Published weekly, the blog amplifies diverse voices and thought leadership across the dental space. It’s a tool for executives looking to spotlight rising talent or to contribute their own strategic perspective to the national conversation.
Expert Content That Accelerates Growth
Exchange Circles and Empower Networking are designed not only to elevate individual careers but to strengthen entire organizations by developing the talent within. These platforms deliver high-value content aligned with the real challenges and strategic priorities facing DSOs and dental leaders— from optimizing operations and scaling revenue to building resilient, future-ready teams. Each session is led by industry experts who don’t just speak to theory—they bring hands-on experience and proven results from the front lines of dental innovation.
Whether you’re investing in your own development or nurturing leadership across your team, Exchange Circles and Empower Networking offer practical, actionable insights that drive measurable impact. By creating space for rising leaders to engage, contribute, and be seen, these platforms help organizations grow from within—turning internal potential into visible, strategic advantage.
A Strategic Resource for Leaders
For forward-thinking dental leaders, learning doesn’t stop between conferences or quarterly meetings—it’s ongoing, intentional, and aligned with real-world priorities. That’s why Exchange Circles and Empower Networking offer on-demand access to a robust library of recorded sessions designed to fuel both individual and organizational growth.
This expertly curated content features high-impact discussions on topics that matter to today’s dental executives— from optimizing culture and strategy to marketing innovation and digital transformation. Some of the latest sessions added to the library include Global Insights: Culture vs. Strategy: What Really Drives Dental Organization Success?, Beyond the Chair: Innovative Marketing for Dental Industry Growth, and Canada Insights: Advancing Care Through Technology & Digital Transformation.
Whether you’re developing your leadership team, onboarding emerging talent, or sharpening your own executive lens, this content library offers a flexible, scalable way to stay ahead of industry shifts and turn insight into action—on your own schedule, at your own pace.
How to Get Involved: Share Your Voice, Grow Your Impact
Cheryl Polmatier joined the Education Committee three years ago and became Chair in January 2025. For her, the mission is personal.
“There’s no other platform in our industry that empowers women like this,” she says. “We’re here to help others rise—to spotlight women in a space long dominated by the ‘good old boys’ network.’
The committee offers many ways to get involved—speaking, writing, or joining a subcommittee. “You get out of your silo and into real conversations about innovation, leadership, and growth,” Polmatier says. “It feels amazing to help other women shine.”
Invest in Your Leaders. Invest in Your Legacy.
The future of dentistry will be shaped by those who develop leaders—not just systems. Whether you’re a CEO, practice owner, or clinical director, giving your team access to Exchange Circles, Empower Networking, or blog contributions can unlock new levels of growth—for them and for your organization.
Leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about making others feel capable of stepping forward. Let the Education Committee help you elevate the talent already within your reach.
Ready to nominate yourself or someone in your organization?
Email info@womenindso.org to learn more about speaking, moderating, or joining the planning team.
Upcoming Virtual Panels: Your Invitation to Engage and Grow
Join Exchange Circles and Empower Networking for a powerful lineup of upcoming virtual panels designed to inform, inspire, and elevate women in the dental industry. You don’t need to be a member to attend these live events. From shaping the future workforce to revolutionizing dental education and exploring cutting-edge topics like teledentistry and revenue cycle management, the Exchange Circles series offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss. Learn more and register at WomeninDSO.org/exchange-circles.
Empower Networking brings timely conversations for personal and professional growth—empowering female entrepreneurs, navigating career pivots, and mastering the art of setting boundaries. These sessions are crafted to help women lead with confidence and clarity. Explore the schedule and secure your spot at womenindso.org/empower-networking-1.
Empower Networking:
Aug 21
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
Sep 18
The Power of Pivot: Embracing Change to Fuel Career Growth
Nov 20
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: The Art of Setting Boundaries
Exchange Circles CA:
Aug 14
Transforming Care: How DSOs Are Redefining the Patient Experience
Oct 9
Beyond General Practice: Unlocking Same Store Growth in DSOs
Dec 11
Lighting the Way: The Impact of Women Who Lead and Lift
Exchange Circles:
Sep 4
DSO and Dental Schools: Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce Together
Oct 2
Revolutionizing Dental Education: The Role of Learning Management Systems in DSOs
Nov 6
The Dollars Behind the Smiles: Optimizing Revenue Cycle Management in DSOs
Dec 4
The Rise of Teledentistry: How DSOs Can Adapt and Thrive
