AADOM Member Stories: Lisa Lewis
Lisa Lewis, Office Manager at Dulles Dental Group in Centreville, Virginia!
🎧 Prefer to listen? Tune into Lisa’s story HERE.
From First-Time Conference Attendee to Confident Leader
When Lisa Lewis first heard about AADOM years ago from a coworker, she was working as a dental assistant and didn’t think much of it at the time. A decade later, after stepping into an office manager role, she revisited the idea and decided to explore something that would ultimately become a meaningful part of her professional growth.
Stepping Into AADOM for the First Time
In 2023, Lisa attended her first AADOM conference in Florida. It was her first time attending alone and her first real exposure to the full AADOM experience.
Like many first-time attendees, everything felt new and fast-paced. As an introvert, she focused less on networking right away and more on simply absorbing as much as she could. She took in the sessions, observed the environment, and allowed herself time to adjust at her own pace.
Each day became a little easier, and what started as an overwhelming experience slowly turned into the beginning of something much bigger.
Finding Confidence and Community
By her second conference in Las Vegas, Lisa returned with more confidence—and with her husband by her side for support. That year marked an important milestone as she earned her FAADOM designation.
In Texas, her growth continued as she earned her MAADOM and began building stronger connections within the AADOM community, including joining a DPLN group. With each conference, she became more engaged, more comfortable, and more confident in her role as a leader in dental office management.
A Full-Circle Moment
Now, Lisa looks ahead to returning to Florida once again—this time working toward her DAADOM. What began as her first conference experience has now become a full-circle journey of growth, learning, and professional achievement.
AADOM has evolved from something unfamiliar into a place where she feels grounded, supported, and proud of how far she has come.
Bringing Value Back to Her Practice
One of the most impactful parts of Lisa’s journey has been how she brings her learning back to her practice. From spending time at the Dentrix booth after transitioning from Eaglesoft, to exploring compliance updates, insurance workflows, and emerging technologies like AI tools, she consistently returns from conferences with actionable ideas.
Her team now looks forward to her return, eager to hear what she has learned and what improvements they can implement together.
Advice for New Members
Lisa’s biggest piece of advice to new AADOM members is simple: be patient with yourself.
Take the experience one step at a time. Don’t feel pressured to do everything at once or connect with everyone immediately. Growth happens gradually, and every member’s journey looks different.
Finding your rhythm—and your people—takes time, and that’s okay.
Looking Ahead
Today, Lisa continues to grow in her role and looks forward to what’s next, whether that’s continued leadership in dentistry, speaking opportunities, or new career paths within the industry.
Her journey is a reminder that leadership is not an overnight transformation—it’s built through experience, consistency, and the willingness to keep showing up.
Lisa Lewis:
With over two decades of experience in dentistry, Lisa Lewis began her career in 2010 as a dental assistant and advanced into the role of Office Manager in 2017 through dedication, leadership, and a deep passion for the profession. Her experience on both the clinical and administrative sides of dentistry allows her to effectively bridge the front and back office, supporting efficient operations, cohesive teams, and exceptional patient care.
In addition to her professional career, Lisa has dedicated many years to volunteering with Mission of Mercy, helping provide access to essential dental care for underserved communities. This work has been deeply meaningful and reinforces her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered dentistry and service beyond the walls of the practice.
Lisa is an active member of the American Association of Dental Office Management American Association of Dental Office Management, joining in 2023 as part of her commitment to continued professional growth. Since becoming a member, she has earned her Fellow of the American Association of Dental Office Managers (FAADOM) designation in 2024 and her Master of the American Association of Dental Office Managers (MAADOM) designation in 2025. She is currently working toward achieving her Diplomate of the American Association of Dental Office Managers (DAADOM) designation in 2026.
Outside of the office, Lisa is supported by her husband and is a proud mother of three daughters. She also shares her home with two dogs—affectionately referred to as “floor mops”—who keep life entertaining. Her strong family support fuels her dedication to leadership, lifelong learning, and continued excellence in dental practice management.
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!
