What’s the most important risk you’ve taken, and why?
Opening my first dental office just six months after graduating dental school, and quickly opening another five locations. At this phase in my career, Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) didn’t exist yet, so I was venturing into uncharted territory and creating my own roadmap. This laid the foundation for my career.
Name three tools you rely on to support your performance.
Three essential tools I rely on to support my performance are rest, fitness, good nutrition, and data. Rest is crucial for maintaining mental clarity and resilience, allowing me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective. Fitness and a balanced diet keep my energy levels high and my mind sharp. Lastly, data is an invaluable tool, guiding my decisions with precision and insight.
What is something you wish you knew earlier in your career?
That everything will work out the way it is supposed to, and there’s no need to stress about things beyond your immediate control. I’ve learned that resilience and adaptability are key. Challenges will always arise, but they are opportunities in disguise. With time, experience, and a calm, focused approach, things fall into place.
What skills are needed for dental industry leaders to succeed in the next 5 years?
Leaders will need to embrace innovation, continually strengthen their relationships, and remain steadfast advocates for the profession. Leaders should foster a culture of creativity and adaptability within their teams by challenging them to think like an owner who is always looking for ways to improve their practice. Building and
nurturing strong relationships will be critical to form the foundation for collaboration and growth. Finally, advocating for the industry, from influencing policy to championing the value of oral health. By mastering these skills, dental leaders will be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
What one thing makes you most proud in your personal or professional journey?
What makes me most proud is the profound impact we’ve had on millions of patients’ lives. Knowing that Aspen Dental has played a part in transforming the oral health and well-being of so many individuals is incredibly fulfilling. Equally rewarding is the difference we’ve made in the lives of the thousands of doctors and their teams whom we support. It’s a privilege to be part of something that touches so many lives. What makes me most proud is the profound impact we’ve had on millions of patients’ lives. Knowing that Aspen Dental has played a part in transforming the oral health and well-being of so many individuals is incredibly fulfilling. Equally rewarding is the difference we’ve made in the lives of the thousands of doctors and their teams whom we support. It’s a privilege to be part of something that touches so many lives.
What’s the most important risk you’ve taken, and why?
When I decided to limit my practice to sedation dentistry for children, that was a big risk. I saw a need that wasn’t being fulfilled in my community and decided to further my education to help underserved children. I wasn’t sure if it would be financially or emotionally rewarding, but I hoped! Luckily, that risk paid off. I wouldn’t be where I am today, if I hadn’t taken that risk.
Name three tools you rely on to support your performance.
I couldn’t do what I do without my team and my leadership. I am beyond lucky to have a Chief Operations Officer and Chief Clinical Officer that support my performance. Since, I am also clinical, my office team is invaluable to me. Other tools are my growth mindset and resilience.
What is something you wish you knew earlier in your career?
As someone who is so in love with her field, I wish I knew how to lead teammates who are just there for the paycheck. It’s important to know how to reach all members of your team, no matter where they are in their professional journey.
What skills are needed for dental industry leaders to succeed in the next 5 years?
We need to see into the future! Just like other industry leaders. I believe the best way to do this is through education. Journals, podcasts, continuing education can help us see the trends as they emerge.
What one thing makes you most proud in your personal or professional journey?
I am most proud of the growth I have shown in my current role as Clinical Director of Pediatrics. It seems I am learning new lessons about leadership every day. I am thankful to be in an organization that surrounds me with growth minded individuals.
What’s the most important risk you’ve taken, and why?
One of the most important risks I have taken in my career was to step outside the predictable career plan of a healthcare executive. I remained open to career opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have considered, including behavioral healthcare, multi-site healthcare and now multi-specialty dental care. This has been beneficial in my career and allowed me to grow in a multitude of new ways.
Name three tools you rely on to support your performance.
I have found over the years that my performance directly correlates to the performance of my team. Therefore, rather than using a tool, I make it a priority to spend one on one time to help develop the leaders on my team. This time is critically important and is dedicated for us to brainstorm, problem solve and strengthen our overall relationship.
What is something you wish you knew earlier in your career?
I wish I knew earlier in my career the importance of the skill of storytelling in sharing the company vision. When
the storytelling is done well, a greater impact can be made and helps inspire others to support in fulfilling the organization’s mission.
What skills are needed for dental industry leaders to succeed in the next 5 years?
Over the next several years the most effective leaders will possess and be proficient at managing change, building relationships at all levels, executing organizational strategies, promoting professional development, as well as navigating and solving complex problems with confidence.
What one thing makes you most proud in your personal or professional journey?
My greatest professional accomplishment has been developing and coaching leaders to accomplish their professional and personal goals. I get the most fulfillment in helping others become better versions of themselves.
What’s the most important risk you’ve taken, and why?
I’ve taken a lot of risks in my career and likely the most important was taking my first management role at CareCredit. At the time our oldest daughter was 2 years old and the role required me to travel all across the Midwest. As hard as being away from home, I found such joy in watching my team have success and grow in their careers. I also quickly learned that quality time is more important the quantity of time spent with children and the importance of being fully present.
Name three tools you rely on to support your performance.
1) Data: I can’t be successful if I don’t know what my starting point is and what my target goals are. Data is key!
2)Trackers: Every day I write out my to-do list for both at work as well as at home. This keeps me on task and helps me focus on delivering. When I can cross off an item on the list, it’s a win!
3)People: As a leader, my success is only a result of the success of my team. I also have an amazing support system at home with my 12 and 8 year old daughters and my husband.
What is something you wish you knew earlier in your career?
I wish I would have harnessed the power of being more bold earlier on. Knowing what I know now, I could have been more successful if I took more risks.
What skills are needed for dental industry leaders to succeed in the next 5 years?
1) Adaptability – Leaders are going to need to continue to adapt to new ways to communicate with their teams and new technology forthcoming.
2) Strategic Thinking – As the dental profession evolves, we need to consistently think not for today but think forward as to what dentistry will look like in 5 years. With economic and legal headwinds still upon us, we can seek ways to come out even better with more creative and strategic thinking.
What one thing makes you most proud in your personal or professional journey?
I am most proud when I hear of impact that I have on others. There is nothing better!
What’s the most important risk you’ve taken, and why?
The most significant risk I’ve taken in my career was stepping down in title to enter the healthcare industry. Sometimes, you need to take a step back to move two steps forward. Joining healthcare has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding in countless ways.
Name three tools you rely on to support your performance.
I rely on communication, team building and creating culture of continuous improvement to drive my performance. Combination of having a strong team that is well aligned and committed to continuous improvement is what made me successful in my career.
What is something you wish you knew earlier in your career?
One thing I wish I had known earlier in my career is the importance of building and nurturing a strong professional network. Cultivating relationships and seeking mentorship can provide invaluable guidance, open doors to new opportunities, and offer diverse perspectives that contribute to personal and professional growth.
What skills are needed for dental industry leaders to succeed in the next 5 years?
To succeed in the next five years, dental industry leaders will need to combine technological proficiency with a focus on patient-centric care. Leveraging emerging technologies and innovative approaches will enhance margins and enable us to provide superior patient care.
What one thing makes you most proud in your personal or professional journey?
One of the aspects of my professional journey that I’m most proud of is my ability to develop and nurture talent across various organizations. I find it deeply rewarding to identify exceptional individuals and guide their growth to new levels of success.
