Women in DSO®

Be Well: The Value of Networking

10/17/2024
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3 min. to read

Professional networking is essential for navigating career twists and turns while also advancing within one’s team, organization, or industry. It’s not only integral to career satisfaction, but it also contributes significantly to overall wellness.

By fostering connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers, individuals can build a supportive network that offers emotional support and professional guidance. These relationships reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. They also reduce stress commonly experienced in the workplace instead of promoting mental and emotional well-being.

Moreover, networking provides opportunities for personal growth, learning, and skill development, contributing to a sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction in one’s professional life. Ultimately, by nurturing professional connections and investing in networking activities, individuals are bettering their overall wellness, leading to greater resilience and success in their careers.

Women in DSO® takes pride in providing numerous opportunities for individuals to harness the power of networking. Its mentorship program, webinars, online community, and annual summit cater to a diverse range of interests and needs. These initiatives are meticulously designed to guide members along their career paths, fostering success and supporting overall health and wellness.

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Networking is a gateway to diverse perspectives and insights, a key to navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities. By connecting with professionals from various backgrounds, industries, and experiences, individuals gain access to a broader and more diverse range of perspectives. These perspectives can illuminate new paths, unlock creativity, innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking, and open doors to unlimited potential for new opportunities. Whether it’s job possibilities, collaborations, or community, networking is the vehicle for personal growth and evolution.

“At Women in DSO®, we prioritize networking because we understand the importance of cultivating supportive relationships that empower women to thrive professionally and personally,” shares Dr. Aman Kaur, founder and president of the organization.

“Networking is not just about making connections. It’s about building relationships that support overall wellbeing.”

Leesa Olson
Assistant Vice President Launch Loyalty Powered by Careington
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“Being a part of Women in DSO® has been transformative for my career, providing invaluable networking opportunities that have fostered both personal and professional growth. When women come together in this supportive environment, it creates a space where we can speak freely, share openly, and form genuine friendships with our peers. Every woman I’ve met through Women in DSO® has been incredibly friendly and willing to help—it’s amazing how simply asking can unlock so many doors. This community has truly shown me the power of collaboration and mutual support.”

 

Dawn O’Connell
Chief of Practice Compliance Freedom Dental Management
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“Women in DSO® has helped my career growth by increasing my confidence as a professional woman in an executive leadership role. The collaborative networking environment enhances decision-making efforts by offering access to members who have either navigated similar experiences, history with or employed by a vendor of interest, or are ready to offer supportive guidance and encouragement with a listening ear.”
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Lessons in Leadership

10/17/2024
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1 min. to read

Learn from the Women in DSO® members shaping the future of dentistry and DSOs. Their insights, tools, and secrets to success are yours to discover in Lessons in Leadership. Gain an intimate glimpse into the diverse world of leaders who illuminate the path forward with both inspiration and practical guidance.

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Women in DSO®

Capital Gains

03/06/2025
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4 min. to read

Empowering Female Entrepreneurs and Investors

Today, women dominate clinical and business roles across the dental industry — they know and understand the dental industry’s needs, challenges, and opportunities better than anyone else. So why are they often left in the shadows when accessing venture capital?

Women-founded/led companies receive less than 2.5% of venture capital funding. This statistic is even more staggering in the dental industry. Despite being the backbone of clinical care, women are often sidelined when securing the capital necessary to bring their innovative ideas to life. Recognizing this disparity, Women in DSO® has partnered with Dental Innovation Alliance (DIA), to launch the Entrepreneurship Corner, a new initiative designed to empower women and men equally as both entrepreneurs and investors. DIA is a venture capital firm that funds, advises, and propels the success of early-stage companies building the future of dentistry and health through technology. We hope that this partnership reshapes the landscape of dental innovation by engaging more women.

The Entrepreneurship Corner is not just a response to this imbalance. It is a bold step toward redefining who gets to lead in dental innovation. It is built on the premise that empowering women to become successful entrepreneurs and savvy investors is not just beneficial for women but essential for the future of the dental industry. The topics discussed are also relevant for women who are supporting technology companies at various levels of their careers.

A Two-Fold Approach

The Entrepreneurship Corner offers two distinct curriculums: one focused on entrepreneurship and the other on investing. Both are designed to be practical, accessible, and deeply impactful.

The entrepreneurship curriculum will:

  • Help women cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, a critical step in identifying opportunities and driving innovation
  • Share how to develop robust business plans, conduct thorough market research, and navigate the financial and legal nuances of starting and scaling a business
  • Equip women with the skills necessary to lead successful ventures and prepare them for potential exit strategies

The investor curriculum is equally comprehensive and will:

    • Guide participants through the complexities of early-stage and late-stage investment
    • Cover the basics of different types of investors, from angel investors to venture capitalists to corporate backers
    • Offer insights into evaluating startups and understanding the risks and rewards associated with various investment stages

As Dr. Aman Kaur, the founder and president of Women in DSO®, aptly shares, “We know a lot about the salary gap, but another important issue is the wealth gap. Women leaders in dentistry have just as much to offer and need to be equipped with the right tools and opportunities, so they can make money with their money, bounce back from failures if they happen and become confident investors.”

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Learning by Doing
What sets the Entrepreneurship Corner apart is its emphasis on actionable learning. Each module includes a 15-20 minute video followed by an “assignment” designed to help participants apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios to prepare themselves for entrepreneurship as well as investing. The curriculum features insights and expertise from leaders across the dental and investment industries, bringing real-world expertise directly to participants. Learnings are built from their experience and strategies that go beyond textbook knowledge. Participants will gain practical advice and actionable tips that they can immediately put into action and see results.

Building a Community of Leaders
As this group of investors and entrepreneurs work together, these relationships will develop into a community that can continuously help others with their expertise and lessons. It will provide these innovative leaders the opportunity to discuss their successes and setbacks, exchange ideas, and provide each other with the encouragement and advice needed to navigate the often challenging paths of entrepreneurship and investing. It will create space for participants to connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another.

A Vision for the Future
Women across the dental industry already possess expertise and ideas; they just need the tools and support to bring them to fruition. Confidence is often a product from knowledge; by combining education with practical application, the Entrepreneurship Corner aims to dismantle the barriers that have historically kept women from accessing the capital and investment opportunities they deserve.

This initiative is about creating a new vision for the dental industry — where women are not just participants, but also are leaders in innovation and investment. Through the partnership of Women in DSO® and DIA, the Entrepreneurship Corner is an invitation to all progressive leaders in the dental field to come, be empowered, and change the future of dentistry together.

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Women in DSO®

Bold Moves & Rising Stars

10/16/2024
|
1 min. to read

Join us in recognizing these remarkable women with outstanding achievements and empowering organizations that recognize their brilliance.

Have a bold move or rising star to add to the list?

Submit them to be featured here.

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Women in DSO®

Celebrating Women’s Leadership

07/09/2024
|
1 min. to read

Announcing the Leadership Alumni Club.

Since 2022, Women in DSO® has recognized excellence in clinical and administrative DSO leadership through annual Leadership Awards presented in partnership with Overjet. Over 30 women have received these awards, highlighting their outstanding contributions to the industry and creating new pathways for others to follow.

The recipients of these awards embody leadership qualities such as vision, resilience, and mentorship. By recognizing their achievements, the Leadership Award aims to amplify the voices of women leaders and encourage aspiring professionals to pursue their goals fearlessly and with determination and support.

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Women in DSO® proudly announces the launch of the Leadership Alumni Club. This initiative is designed to further amplify the impact of these exceptional leaders by providing a platform for ongoing networking, professional development, and mentorship. The Leadership Alumni Club will help ensure that the mission of Women in DSO® continues to thrive, empowering women to excel and lead for years to come.

Nominate a leader today: The Leadership Award

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Lessons in Leadership

03/06/2025
|
1 min. to read

Learn from Women in DSO® members shaping the future of dentistry and DSOs. Their insights, tools, and secrets to success are yours to discover. Gain an intimate glimpse into the diverse world of leaders who illuminate the path forward with both inspiration and practical guidance.

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Women in DSO®

Bold Moves & Rising Stars

07/06/2024
|
1 min. to read

Remarkable women across the industry are supporting great organizations with outstanding achievements, and well-deserved promotions. Join us in recognizing these Women in DSO® members and the empowering organizations that recognize their brilliance.

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Women in DSO®

Unlocking Potential

07/09/2024
|
5 min. to read

The Power of Mentorship

Mentorship programs provide profound and tangible values, not just for the individuals directly involved, but also for the organizations fortunate enough to witness the transformative power of these relationships.

Why be a Mentor?
For mentors, guiding someone else’s professional development is an incredibly rewarding journey. Witnessing the mentee’s growth and achievements becomes a source of personal fulfillment. It’s an opportunity for mentors to reflect on their own experiences, share wisdom, and contribute to the success of the next generation.

Engaging in mentorship sharpens a mentor’s leadership skills. The responsibility of guiding someone else’s career journey demands effective communication, empathy, and the ability to provide constructive feedback. These skills not only benefit the mentor-mentee relationship but also enhance the mentor’s overall leadership capabilities in her professional role.

Mentorship is a two-way street. While mentors share their experiences, they also gain fresh perspectives and insights from the mentees. Mentors often find themselves challenged by new ideas and perspectives, sparking a continuous learning process that keeps their professional outlook dynamic and relevant.

Serving as a mentor allows individuals to contribute to a legacy beyond their immediate achievements. Mentors play a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of their industries. Being part of someone else’s success story becomes a lasting legacy that mentors can proudly carry throughout their careers.

Why be a mentee?
For mentees, having a mentor is like having a compass in the professional wilderness. Mentors provide guidance, share insights, and offer support during crucial decision making moments. This guidance helps mentees navigate challenges and make informed choices that contribute to their personal and career development.

Mentorship accelerates skill development. Mentees benefit from the practical knowledge and experiences shared by mentors, gaining insights that may take years to accumulate independently. This accelerated learning curve not only boosts confidence but also equips mentees with a broader skill set.

A mentor often opens doors to valuable networking opportunities. Mentees gain access to the mentor’s professional network, expanding their connections within the industry. Networking is a key component of career success, and mentorship acts as a bridge, connecting mentees with influential figures and potential collaborators.

The mentor’s encouragement and positive reinforcement contribute to the mentee’s self-confidence. Knowing that someone experienced believes in their potential can be a powerful motivator. This increased self-confidence extends beyond the mentee-mentor relationship, positively impacting the mentee’s interactions with colleagues and superiors.

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What’s in it for your DSO?
Organizations that either foster mentorship programs or encourage participation in outside programs such as Women in DSO’s mentorship program, witness higher levels of employee engagement. When employees feel supported in their professional growth, they are more likely to be invested in their work. Mentorship creates a sense of community within the organization or association, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

Organizations that prioritize mentorship foster a learning culture. The mentorship dynamic encourages continuous learning and knowledge-sharing. This culture of learning not only enhances individual skills but also contributes to the organization’s adaptability and innovation.

While formal programs provide structure, organic mentorship often arises naturally within teams. Women in DSO seeks to find a harmonious blend that accommodates both approaches.

Why does mentoring matter?
Women in DSO established its mentoring program in 2022 to facilitate women mentoring women to help them gain access to opportunities and cultivate their confidence in a still male-dominated business leadership environment. When more women lead, it creates a diversified leadership team open to discussing multiple perspectives that improves decision-making and strengthens the organization to face the challenges of the future. This program and outcomes will support and drive the Women in DSO mission to advance women’s leadership in the DSO Industry by providing members opportunities to grow as a mxentor, to give back, become a better leader, while refining their skills and community or as a mentee- to connect with a mentor who can offer insight, advice, and opportunity; to help navigate the current or next stage/s of your career; and build support and community in the DSO industry.

To date, 120 women have participated in the Women in DSO Mentorship program and the reviews are impressive!

Sign up for the Mentorship Program.

Testimonials:

“I successfully completed the Mentorship Program with Women in DSO. It was such a rewarding experience. I worked with Leesa Olsen during the program. Leesa is an amazing Mentor. Right from the first meeting, Leesa made me feel like I was in a safe place. She made it easy to discuss situations and problems I was experiencing and gave me the best advice. She shared different situations that she had experienced and told me how she handled the situation, making me feel that I had an ally. I am very grateful to Women in DSO for giving me the opportunity to participate in this program.” – Kathleen Bell Szabo, Compliance Manager at 42 North Dental

“I had the privilege of being mentored by someone who has achieved remarkable success in her field. Her guidance, expertise and insights allowed me to explore innovative approaches to personal branding and encouraged me to take risks in order to stand out in the industry.”

Brandi Williams, the Vice President of Growth at Catalyst Dental

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Women in DSO®

Male Allyship

07/06/2024
|
5 min. to read

In the evolving landscape of gender equality and gender parity, male allyship has emerged as a powerful force driving positive change in our organizations. Allyship is people, (usually referring to men) actively supporting and advocating for opportunities for women, both in personal and professional spheres. Allyship is invaluable, not only to the women supported and sponsored, but also to the men themselves and the organizations they are a part of.

Allyship is the next step beyond mentorship: as mentors, we work with others to identify areas of opportunity and growth, and how to achieve them. With allyship, we sponsor and advocate for another person, advancing their name and ideas, ensuring senior leadership is aware of their skills and talents, and ensuring these women leaders get the recognition and opportunities they deserve that will propel them and their companies forward.

FOSTERING INCLUSIVE WORK ENVIRONMENTS:
Allyship fosters environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. One of the benefits of allyship is its role in fostering inclusive work environments. By actively sponsoring women colleagues, men contribute to creating workplaces that are welcoming to individuals of all genders. This inclusivity not only enhances the overall workplace culture, but also improves employee morale and productivity – all leading to greater retention of talent, ability to hire the best talent and ultimately leading to profitability.

PERSONAL GROWTH FOR MEN:
Engaging in allyship forces men to confront and challenge their own biases and assumptions. It encourages self-reflection and personal growth as they learn to empathize with the experiences of women. This process of self-awareness not only enhances their emotional intelligence but also contributes to the development of well-rounded and compassionate individuals.

STRENGTHENING PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
Male allyship strengthens professional relationships by creating a sense of trust and collaboration. When men actively support and advocate for their female colleagues, it fosters a sense of solidarity and mutual respect. This collaborative spirit can lead to improved teamwork, communication, and innovation within organizations.

ACCELERATING CAREER ADVANCEMENT FOR WOMEN:
Male allies can play an essential and pivotal role advocating for equal opportunities and fair treatment when they contribute to accelerating the career advancement of women. As effective sponsors, male allies open doors and accelerate the careers of high-potential women, becoming true Allies who advocate for women at all levels, especially senior positions. This not only benefits individual women but also positively impacts the success of organizations.

ENHANCING ORGANIZATIONALPERFORMANCE:
Organizations that prioritize gender parity and embrace male allyship tend to outperform their counterparts. Research consistently shows that diverse teams lead to increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. By actively supporting women, male allies contribute to the diversity of thought within their organizations, leading to improved performance and competitive advantage.

PROMOTING WORK-LIFE BALANCE:
Male allies often advocate for policies that promote work-life balance, benefiting both men and women. By challenging societal norms that place the burden of caregiving primarily on women, male allies contribute to the creation of more flexible and family-friendly workplaces. This not only improves the well-being of individual employees but also enhances overall workplace satisfaction.

Imagine all this in a workplace where leaders champion diversity and inclusion with unwavering conviction, where women’s voices rise- their perspectives shaping strategic decisions, and where hidden talent thrives, propelling organization to unprecedented heights. This isn’t a dream, it’s the reality within reach. By investing in the Women in DSO six-session Male Allyship Program, you become catalysts for transformative change.

Here’s why this program is pivotal:
Through a tailored curriculum, participants in the Women in DSO program will master the fundamentals of inclusion and allyship, develop robust strategies to attract, retain, and advance women within their organization, identify and mentor a high-potential woman – guiding her on the path to senior leadership, receive ongoing support benefit from from group coaching and peer mentoring from fellow executives, drive internal change-identify and tackle specific processes hindering equity within your company, and showcase progress and inspire others-sharing their journey and learnings with peers in the final session.

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This program is more than training, it’s a movement. By empowering your leaders, you join us in creating a world where women’s career progression isn’t just encouraged, it’s actively championed. And this leads to your DSO consistently attracting top talent and achieving remarkable results.

Join the Male Allyship Program.

85%

85% of Dental organizations team members are women but less than 12% in C-Suite and Board-level leadership roles.


75%

More than 75% of CEOs included gender equality in their top ten business priorities, but gender outcomes across the largest companies are not changing.

Research indicates that corporate America promotes men at 30% higher rates than women during their early career stages and that entry-level women are significantly more likely than men to have spent five or more years in the same role. The data suggests we fall short in translating top-level commitment into a truly inclusive work environment.


75%

On a macro level, a recent report from McKinsey Global institute estimated that $12 trillion could be added to global growth by advancing gender equality. Women in the U.S. influence nearly 75% of purchasing decisions, and globally control over $29 trillion in consumer spending. Raising women’s employment levels would increase GDP by 5% in the U.S. and more in other countries. Fortune 500 companies with gender-balance consistently outperform those that don’t.

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Lessons in Leadership

03/06/2024
|
1 min. to read

Women leaders aren’t just making strides; they’re setting the pace and redefining the landscape. Lessons in Leadership is a window into the multi-faceted world of women leaders in the DSO industry.

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