AADOM Member Stories: Danielle Hewson
Danielle Hewson, Office Manager at Saving Smiles Dentistry in Fargo, North Dakota!
🎧 Prefer to listen? Tune into Danielle’s story HERE.
From Hospitality to Dental Leadership
Sometimes the best career paths are the ones we never planned.
When Danielle Hewitt joined Saving Smiles Dentistry in Fargo, North Dakota, she wasn’t coming from dentistry. After a career in hospitality, she was looking for better work-life balance and a new challenge. Seven years later, she manages a thriving practice with three doctors and 25 team members and credits much of her success to continuous learning and the AADOM community.
Starting Fresh
Stepping into dentistry meant learning an entirely new industry.
“It honestly took at least a year before I felt like I had my feet underneath me.”
Six months into her new role, Danielle discovered AADOM while searching for best practices and advice from experienced office managers. Through webinars, insurance training, articles, and networking, she found the tools and confidence to grow in her role.
A Different Perspective
Although she didn’t have a clinical background, Danielle’s hospitality experience became a strength. By learning every department and encouraging collaboration between administrative and clinical teams, she helped create a more connected, supportive workplace.
Committing to Growth
Danielle has attended multiple AADOM Conferences, earned her FAADOM designation, and is pursuing her MAADOM. She believes continuing education helps her bring fresh ideas back to the practice while staying current with industry trends.
She has also encouraged members of her administrative team to join AADOM, attend Conference, and pursue their own professional growth.
The Value of Community
One of Danielle’s favorite parts of AADOM is the willingness of members to share ideas, resources, and real-world solutions. Today, she enjoys giving back by helping fellow office managers both within AADOM and in her local dental community.
Advice for New Members
Danielle encourages every new office manager to dedicate just one hour each week to professional development.
Whether it’s watching a webinar, reading an article, or exploring a current challenge, that small investment adds up over time. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own—there’s an entire community ready to help.
Danielle’s journey is proof that with curiosity, continuous learning, and the support of AADOM, anyone can grow into a confident and successful dental office leader.
Danielle Hewson:
Danielle Hewson is the Practice Manager at Saving Smiles Dentistry in Fargo, North Dakota, where she has spent the past seven years leading operations, supporting team development, and enhancing the patient experience.
Prior to entering the dental industry, Danielle built her career in hospitality, serving in leadership roles including Front Office Manager, General Manager, and Regional Manager. After seven years in the hotel industry, she was seeking a new challenge and a better work-life balance. An opportunity to join a dental practice came through a family connection, and although she entered the role with no prior experience in dental insurance, billing, or clinical dentistry, she quickly discovered that her strengths in customer service, communication, leadership, and operations translated seamlessly into practice management.
Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, Danielle immersed herself in the dental industry through professional development and became actively involved with the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM). She credits much of her success to the relationships she has built with fellow dental leaders and industry professionals who generously shared their knowledge and guidance along the way.
A passionate advocate for collaboration and mentorship, Danielle believes in “leaving the ladder down” for others by sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices. She values the power of networking and believes that strong professional connections help leaders navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and grow with confidence.
Danielle earned her Fellowship designation (FAADOM) in 2025 and is on track to earn her Mastership (MAADOM) in 2026. She remains committed to lifelong learning, leadership development, and helping dental practices and teams achieve their full potential.
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!
