4-Jan-12 0:00 AM EST

AADOM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - January 2012

Katie Smith, FAADOM

AADOM Member since 2009

Office Manager, Glacier Dental

Oshkosh, WI

Q: What type of practice do you have?

A: General

Q: How long have you been with this practice?

A: 5 1/2 Years

Q: What are some of the duties you are responsible for within your practice?

A: My job is to make sure Dr. Steckbauer is doing dentistry from the time he comes in to the moment he leaves and that everything runs smooth. That is a range from answering phones, going over financial arrangements and treatment plans, making sure we are scheduled to production to meet our goals, coordinate larger treatment plans, payroll, pay bills, coordinate with accountant, marketing (internal and external), schedule everyone’s continued education, order supplies, keep track of the budget, update and make changes to our website, interviews, hiring and training, and anything else that may come up. At our office everyone helps each other and we work as a team because we want what is best for our patient.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about your career?

A: There are many rewarding things in my career but my top two would have to be helping a patient who is afraid to get dental work done, getting them to relax and at the end of the appointment feel great about it and happy they were able to get their work done. The other thing that is rewarding to me is seeing our staff come together to be the best team possible. When you help each person to be the best in their position and meld that into the best team is a great feeling.

Q: What do you see as some of the benefits of membership to AADOM?

A: As an office manager there are some things that come up that you have nobody to share with what your going through, especially someone who may have been in the same situation and can give you advice. Using the forum has come in handy so many times but the best thing about AADOM is meeting office managers around the country and making friendships that are there for you when you need support.

Q: What other services would you like to see AADOM provide for dental office managers?

A: I can't think of anything, you guys do a great job.

Q: Do you plan on attending the AADOM conference this September in Scottsdale?

A: Yes

Q: What was your experience?
A: AADOM conferences are always very uplifting. There is not very much out there specific to dental office managers in continuing education so it is nice to be able to go to classes to learn new things for ourselves.

Q: Are you a Fellow or are you pursuing Fellowship?
A: Graduated in the first charter class.

Q: What practice management software do you use?

A: Dentrix

Q:What company do you order the majority of your dental supplies from?

A: Patterson

Q: Do you or your practice participate in any charitable organizations?

A: We work with Donated Dental Services and The AACD Charitable Foundation, Inc. Give Back a Smile where we pick one or two cases a year and help with their dental work.

Q: What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of work?

A: I love boating and summer. I live in Wisconsin so we only get a few great summer months!

Q: Why would you like to be highlighted in the Member Spotlight?

A: I like to be involved in dental and AADOM as much as possible. I think it is a great organization and truly appriciate being a member.