AADOM Member Stories: Stacey Singleton
Stacey Singleton, CDA, EDFA, DAADOM, Practice Administrator at York County Pediatric Dentistry in Wells, Maine!
🎧 Prefer to listen? Tune into Stacey’s story HERE.
Real Growth in Dental Management Happens in the Conversations You Don’t Plan For
One of the most valuable parts of a dental career is often not found in a textbook or a lecture. For many office managers, it shows up in conversations, shared experiences, and the kind of honest connection that happens when people feel safe enough to take their guard down.
In this member story, Stacey Singleton reflects on what has shaped her 30 year journey in dentistry and how being part of AADOM has influenced her growth both professionally and personally.
Looking back, she points to one experience that stands out the most.
“One of my favorite things during my first few years with AADOM was the networking events. Honestly, I learned just as much from the poolside conversations and connecting with other office managers as I did from some of the classes.”
For Stacey, those informal moments were where the real learning happened. Away from the structure of sessions and presentations, she found value in honest conversations with peers who understood the realities of dental management.
“I truly enjoyed when people let their guard down and there’s nothing to prove. You’re sitting poolside and talking about the dynamics of your office or troubleshooting HR issues. When people let their guard down, you can learn a lot.”
That sense of openness is what helped her grow into leadership roles, expand her practice experience, and ultimately become a speaker and mentor to others in the field.
A Career Built on Growth, Opportunity, and Support
Stacey’s path into dentistry was not linear. She began in orthodontics, explored different clinical environments, and eventually expanded into implant coordination, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and practice management. Along the way, she also pursued business education and licensure programs that helped her bridge clinical and administrative leadership.
Her involvement in AADOM came later, but it quickly became a turning point.
“I was making a delivery to a referral office and talking to the manager there. She said, are you part of AADOM? And I said no, what is that? I had never heard of them.”
That conversation led her to her first conference and eventually to years of continued involvement, networking, and leadership development within the organization.
From there, Stacey’s career expanded into state leadership, chapter development, and educational initiatives, including helping grow professional networks in Maine and contributing to workforce development programs in dentistry.
Why Connection Matters in Dental Management
Throughout her story, one theme remains consistent. Dental management can feel isolating without a strong support system, but it does not have to be.
Stacey emphasizes how important it is to have people who understand the role.
“Being a manager is a whole different realm. In dental in general it is just a whole different world. You either get it or you don’t. The people who get it choose to be here, and it is so important to support one another.”
For her, AADOM provided that space to connect without judgment, where managers could share ideas, challenges, and solutions freely.
“It is a great community. You can dive in as deep as you want. When I have time, I love to network more. When I do not, there is no judgment. People understand.”
Mentorship, Conferences, and Defining Moments
As Stacey reflects on her AADOM experience, one of the biggest recommendations she shares for newer members is the value of mentorship.
“I think finding a mentor is so important. It is usually not someone within your community. But when you go to an AADOM conference and make that connection, it can guide you in so many directions.”
She also shared a deeply meaningful moment from her journey that took place at an AADOM conference in Arizona, where she earned her Diplomate (DAADOM) recognition.
“That was huge for me. My parents were divorced and they both flew out to Arizona to see me walk across that stage. That was a big deal.”
Moments like these highlight how professional milestones often carry personal meaning as well, especially when supported by family and community.
Bringing Innovation Back to the Practice
Today, Stacey continues to lead in her practice while also exploring new opportunities in education and consulting. She has helped implement new systems and technologies in her office, often discovered through AADOM connections and conference vendor interactions.
“When you have time to talk with vendors at conference without pressure, you can ask questions and really learn. We have integrated systems directly because of AADOM conferences.”
She also credits those connections with helping her make informed decisions that have improved efficiency and supported practice growth.
Looking Ahead and Paying It Forward
As Stacey looks to the future, her focus is on education, speaking, and expanding her work in EFDA training and implementation.
“My goal is to really push my EFDA course more because I think that is where dentistry is going. It is a position that is going to be heavily relied on.”
Her goal is not only to advance her own work, but to help other practices understand how to better integrate and support evolving roles within dentistry.
A Community That Grows With You
Stacey’s story reflects a central truth shared by many AADOM members. Growth does not happen in isolation. It happens through conversation, mentorship, shared experience, and community support.
Whether it is a poolside conversation, a conference connection, or a mentor who answers a simple question without judgment, those moments add up over time.
And as Stacey’s journey shows, they can shape not only a career, but an entire professional life.
Stacey Singleton:
Stacey Singleton is a respected dental leader, educator, and consultant celebrating her 30th year in the dental industry. She serves as the Practice Administrator for York County Pediatric Dentistry in Wells, Maine, and is the Founder & Dental Director of Talk Teeth 2 Me, LLC, where she leads Maine Dental Board–approved Dental Radiography and Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) programs.
Stacey is a Certified Dental Assistant, Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary, published author, speaker, and trusted consultant dedicated to advancing dental teams through education, leadership development, and continuing education. She is an active member of the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) and has earned the organization’s highest distinction, Diplomate. She is also the Founder and past-President of the Maine Dental Leadership Coalition.
Recognized for her passion in office culture, management excellence, and team development, Stacey was named Dental Assistant of the Year runner-up in 2016 and Dental Office Manager of Distinction in 2023 and 2025. She is committed to helping dental professionals grow with confidence while elevating the future of dentistry in Maine and beyond.
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