AADOM Member Stories: Briana McGilton
Briana McGilton, Human Resource & Accounts Receivable Manager at Minimally Invasive Dental Aesthetics in Bellevue, Washington!
🎧 Prefer to listen? Tune into Briana’s story HERE.
From Guesswork to Confidence: Building Stronger Dental Leaders
For many dental office managers, leadership is built through years of hands-on experience, problem-solving, and learning along the way. But with the right education, resources, and community, that experience can transform into confidence and intentional leadership.
With 22 years in dentistry, Briana McGilton has seen firsthand how continued growth can shape a career. After discovering AADOM through a coworker, she found a community that helped her strengthen her skills, connect with others who understand her role, and build confidence as a dental leader.
Finding a Community That Understands
Briana began her dental career at a family practice that has served its community for more than 75 years. While she initially considered pursuing hygiene, she quickly found her passion in connecting with patients and supporting the practice from the front office.
Today, she helps lead a busy practice with three doctors and five hygienists, continuing to grow in her role as an office manager.
When Briana joined AADOM, she discovered more than educational resources—she found a network of professionals who shared similar challenges and experiences.
“I think it’s a really great resource for anybody that’s wanting to learn and expand your skills,” Briana shared.
One of the benefits she values most is the flexibility of AADOM’s education offerings.
“I love that the classes are available online 24/7,” she said. “It really can be whenever it’s good for you.”
From insurance updates and billing challenges to industry changes, AADOM has helped Briana stay informed and continue developing the skills needed to succeed.
Building Confidence Through Education
As Briana continued her AADOM journey, she pursued her FAADOM designation as another step in her professional growth.
For her, the value of AADOM goes beyond education—it’s about understanding the “why” behind the decisions she makes every day.
“It’s empowering because it’s not just all guesswork,” Briana explained. “Without any kind of education, you’re just kind of learning by trial. Having AADOM, it just makes you feel confident in what you’re doing and the why of why you’re doing what you’re doing.”
That confidence has helped her become a stronger leader and make a greater impact within her practice.
The Power of Support and Connection
Briana credits her supportive doctor and practice leadership for encouraging continued education and professional development.
Having a team that values growth has helped the practice become more efficient, stay current with industry changes, and continue improving together.
She also appreciates the connections AADOM provides through its community and industry partnerships.
“It’s just more education, more resources,” Briana said. “Everybody’s wanting to help each other. It’s very inclusive, very ‘help your neighbor.’”
Advice for New AADOM Members
For those beginning their AADOM journey, Briana encourages members to explore the resources available and choose opportunities that align with their current goals.
“There are all the different categories of classes that you can take,” she shared. “I kind of pick and choose what is it that I’m interested in right now, and there are a lot of options for each class.”
Her advice to fellow dental professionals is simple:
“Just keep sticking together. And if you’re looking for someone to lean on, someone that understands what you’re going through and trying to solve very similar problems, this is the place for you.”
Briana’s story is a reminder that growth doesn’t stop with experience. With the right education and community, dental leaders can continue learning, building confidence, and taking their careers further.
Briana McGilton:
Briana McGilton, FAADOM, has dedicated 20+ years to the field of dentistry. She began her career journey as a volunteer sterilization technician assisting hygiene to eventually joining the business side of dentistry all while working for Dr. Howard Jensen, DDS. Her roles have been building blocks to her current role as AR/HR manager for Kevin Brown, DDS, AACD at Minimally Invasive Dental Aesthetics.
Briana is a member of the Northwest WA DPLN of AADOM and is currently working on her MAADOM distinction.
Not an AADOM Member Yet?
Now’s the perfect time to join the 10,000+ dental managers nationwide who rely on AADOM for real-world support, expert training, and tools to grow their careers and strengthen their practices. Join today for less than the cost of a daily cup of coffee and start unlocking leadership resources designed just for you!
