AADOM Member Stories: Darcie Hodgson
Darcie Hodgson, Practice Manager at Wagner Family Dentistry in Green Bay, Wisconsin!
🎧 Prefer to listen? Tune into Darcie’s story HERE.
Growing Stronger Together
When Darcie Hodgson joined AADOM after more than 25 years in dentistry, she was looking for new ways to continue growing as a leader and help support her practice’s rapid expansion.
Darcie had spent much of her career in dental practice management, but she was searching for a community where she could continue learning, connect with other leaders, and gain new ideas to bring back to her team.
After discovering AADOM through an online search, she decided to become a member and attended her first AADOM Conference soon after.
“I was just amazed at how amazing the speakers were at AADOM. And you feel like such a community when you’re in it.”
For Darcie, the experience was different from other professional events she had attended. She found valuable education, meaningful connections, and a network of dental leaders who were eager to share their experiences and support one another.
Bringing New Ideas Back to the Practice
When Darcie returned from the 2024 AADOM Conference, one of the biggest lessons she brought back to her practice was the importance of involving the entire team in decision-making.
As her practice continued to grow, Darcie saw firsthand how empowering team members to share their ideas and perspectives could create a stronger workplace culture. Instead of decisions coming only from leadership, the team became more involved in finding solutions and improving the patient experience.
That approach became especially valuable as the practice experienced significant growth, including expanding from seven team members to 19, completing a remodel, and preparing for future expansion.
For Darcie, building a successful practice means recognizing that every team member plays an important role.
“If you don’t have your team, we don’t have a practice either. It’s, you know, we have to work together.”
The Power of Community
Beyond the education and resources, Darcie says one of the most valuable parts of AADOM is the community of members who are willing to support and encourage one another.
“Everybody actually wants you to succeed. They are such a family and a community that I think is so great to be able to lean on.”
Through conferences, webinars, and connections with fellow members, Darcie has continued developing her leadership skills and gaining new perspectives she can apply within her practice.
Continuing to Grow as a Leader
Darcie’s journey with AADOM has also helped her become more confident in her role. Through continued education, including working toward her Fellowship (FAADOM), she has gained knowledge and tools that have helped her better lead her team through growth and change.
For office managers who may be considering joining AADOM, Darcie believes investing in growth can have a lasting impact—not only on the individual leader but on the entire practice.
“If you just invest a little bit into them, you’ll get a lot more output from it.”
For Darcie, AADOM has been more than a resource for professional development. It has been a community that continues to inspire growth, collaboration, and stronger teams.
Darcie Hodgson:
Darcie Hodgson serves as the Practice Manager at Wagner Family Dentistry, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the dental industry. Her career began as a Certified Dental Assistant, where she quickly discovered a passion not only for patient care but also for the business and leadership side of healthcare operations.
Growing up in a small-business environment, Darcie developed an appreciation for entrepreneurship, leadership, and building successful organizations. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to lifelong learning, continuously expanding her knowledge and skills through higher education and professional development. She holds degrees in Dental Assisting, Business Management, Sports Nutrition, and Gerontology, and continues to pursue leadership education and training.
Darcie’s professional passion lies in helping dental practices grow, thrive, and achieve healthy financial performance while maintaining an exceptional patient experience. She believes every patient should feel valued and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. Her goal is to create systems and processes that allow a practice to run smoothly and efficiently, ensuring both patients and team members enjoy a positive experience every day.
Her personal motto is, “If I am not learning, I am not growing.” This mindset drives her commitment to continuous improvement for herself, her team, and the organizations she serves. She believes that true success comes from having grit, executing on actions, and leading by example.
Outside of the office, Darcie enjoys spending time with family, traveling whenever possible, and staying active. She has a passion for cooking and once dreamed of becoming a chef, finding joy in expressing love and care through food shared with family and friends. She is also an avid coffee enthusiast—especially when it comes to Starbucks. Whether at work or in her personal life, Darcie approaches every endeavor with energy, determination, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
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!
