AADOM Member Stories: Holly Hatfield

Holly Hatfield, Practice Manager at Tiger Family Dental in Sedalia, Missouri!

🎧 Prefer to listen? Tune into Holly’s story HERE.

Finding Your People: Holly Hatfield’s AADOM Member Story

For Holly Hatfield, joining AADOM helped her discover something she didn’t realize she was missing: a community of dental leaders who understood the challenges, questions, and opportunities that come with managing a dental practice.

With 16 years of experience in dentistry, seven years at her current Missouri practice, and four years as an AADOM member, Holly has experienced tremendous growth both personally and professionally.

Her practice has grown right alongside her. What began as a four-operatory practice expanded to 10 operatories and, most recently, 15. Today, the practice includes three dentists, six hygienists, a growing team, and advanced services including implant dentistry.

But becoming an office manager wasn’t necessarily part of Holly’s original career plan.

“I honestly never expected to be the office manager,” she shared.

Finding a Community Through AADOM

Holly first heard about AADOM through a manager at a previous practice. Later, when she joined her current practice, her doctor, Dr. Ehlers, encouraged her to become a member.

“He was like, ‘I think you should join AADOM. I think that would be really good for you, and it will help grow you and grow the practice,’” Holly recalled.

So, she took the chance.

Holly began exploring AADOM’s educational resources and eventually attended her first AADOM Conference. That experience made an immediate impact.

“My first conference, I actually cried,” she said. “It was something I needed that I didn’t know I needed.”

For Holly, the biggest realization was that she didn’t have to navigate leadership alone.

“There’s a huge support system there within AADOM,” she said.

Through conferences, education, online conversations, and friendships with other members, Holly found people she could turn to when she had questions or simply needed another perspective.

Whether she’s wondering how another manager would handle a situation, looking for feedback about a vendor, or facing a new challenge in the practice, there is often another AADOM member who has experienced something similar.

Bringing New Ideas Back to the Practice

As Holly’s practice has grown, so have her responsibilities as a leader. AADOM’s education and community have given her resources she can bring directly back to her team.

She regularly explores the online CE library and has even revisited conference keynote presentations when she needs new ideas or inspiration.

One area that has made a difference in her practice is patient financing. Through resources and connections she discovered within the AADOM community, the practice has implemented financing options that have helped more patients move forward with treatment, particularly larger cases.

For Holly, helping patients receive the care they need is ultimately what makes those changes meaningful.

“That is what it is about,” she said.

Growing Through Leadership and Change

Holly has also relied on the leadership and communication skills she has developed while navigating significant changes within the practice.

In January 2025, the practice transitioned from a private practice into a larger management group. With that change came questions and uncertainty for the team.

“You want to keep staff on board,” Holly explained. “You want them to know, ‘We’re here. I’m going to support you.’”

Learning how to communicate with different personalities and lead people through uncertainty helped Holly keep the team focused on the practice’s mission and goals.

She also credits Dr. Ehlers with giving her the support and trust to continue growing as a leader.

“Having a doctor that supports you, trusts you, lets you make mistakes, lets you find the answers, has been tremendous,” she said.

That encouragement has inspired Holly to continue her education and professional growth. After earning her FAADOM distinction, she continued her AADOM distinction journey and proudly graduated with her MAADOM distinction at the 2026 AADOM Conference in Orlando this past September.

Just Start the Journey

When asked what advice she would give a new AADOM member who doesn’t know where to begin, Holly’s answer is simple: get involved.

Explore the CE library. Connect with other members. Join conversations. Ask questions, even the ones you might hesitate to ask.

“No question is silly,” Holly said. “There’s always a different way to look at something.”

Most importantly, be willing to put yourself out there.

“Take a chance. … Just start the journey. Reach out to other members.”

Holly hopes to continue learning while also helping other dental managers find the support she discovered through AADOM.

“I want to help other office managers be successful because it’s hard when you think you’re alone,” she said. “But with AADOM, you’re not.”

Holly Hatfield, CDBS, MAADOM:

Holly Hatfield, CDBS, MAADOM, was born and raised in Missouri and is a proud Air Force Veteran who was sworn in on September 11, 2001. She deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Holly holds an Associate’s degree in Healthcare Administrative Services and a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management, but she considers her greatest accomplishment to be her incredible son. She is married to her best friend, Chris, who supports and inspires her every day.

Holly serves as the Practice Manager at Tiger Family Dental, where she is honored to work alongside a phenomenal team.

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!