AADOM Member Stories: Steffenie Johnson
Steffenie Johnson, Office Manager at Josh McCormick, DDS in Concord, California!
🎧 Prefer to listen? Tune into Steffenie’s story HERE.
An Unexpected Path into Leadership
“Let’s see. I have my certificate here,” Steffenie Johnson reflects, as she shares about earning her Fellowship (FAADOM) in 2023.
That moment represented something deeply meaningful in her career. It marked the years of work she had put into dentistry and gave her something tangible to point to. “It made me feel like the years I’ve spent in this industry were building a career,” she shared. “Now I have something I can point to that shows the effort and hard work I’ve put in.”
Steffenie began her dental career in 2007 as a dental assistant after several years as a stay-at-home mom. She joined the same practice where she completed her internship, building the foundation of her career.
In 2011, everything changed when the practice experienced the loss of its doctor. In that transition, Steffenie stepped into the role of office manager—something she never originally planned.
“I thought I would be the dental assistant for the long haul,” she shared.
Finding Community Through AADOM
Like many office managers, Steffenie found herself navigating a role without a roadmap. That changed when a Patterson Dental representative introduced her to the Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM).
That introduction led her to her first AADOM Conference in 2014, a moment she still remembers clearly.
“I met friends there that I’m still friends with today,” she said. “It became a community I didn’t know I needed.”
From that point forward, AADOM became a source of education, support, and connection as she grew into her leadership role.
Growth, Confidence, and Leadership
One of the biggest shifts in her journey has been learning how to handle difficult conversations.
Steffenie describes herself as naturally shy and someone who avoids conflict, but through AADOM she developed the confidence to step into those conversations when needed.
“Those connections have helped shape me into a confident manager,” she explained. “If you don’t have those conversations, the office is impacted.”
She also shared that the growth doesn’t stop. “You feel like you want to keep climbing that ladder and have that sense of pride in what we do managing a dental office. It’s not an easy task.”
A Community That Continues to Matter
For Steffenie, AADOM is most valuable for the relationships it creates.
“You don’t know what you don’t know,” she said. “Being surrounded by people experiencing the same things is invaluable.”
From early career guidance to ongoing peer support, those connections continue to help her navigate the evolving demands of dental practice management.
One of her favorite memories is attending conference with her entire team.
“We came back so bonded,” she shared. “We still talk about it. It gave us weeks of renewed energy and motivation.”
Industry Connections and Real-World Impact
Steffenie also values the opportunity to connect with vendors and industry partners at AADOM events.
“It’s really valuable to connect with people who are invested in the success of our dental practice,” she said.
These relationships, combined with the education and community AADOM provides, continue to support her growth as a leader in dentistry.
Steffenie Johnson:
Steffenie began her dental career in 2007 as a registered dental assistant after several years as a stay-at-home mom to her three young sons. She was hired by the same office where she completed her internship, an opportunity that helped establish the foundation for her career in dentistry.
In 2011, the practice experienced an unexpected and heartbreaking loss with the passing of the doctor. During this difficult transition, Steffenie stepped into the role of office manager as the associate dentist assumed ownership. Together, they worked to maintain stability, support the team, preserve the practice culture, and ensure continued care for a patient community that relied on them.
In 2014, Steffenie joined the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) and attended her first conference, a pivotal moment in her professional development. Through AADOM, she gained access to a nationwide network of peers, along with mentorship, support, and shared experiences that strengthened her leadership journey. The community has played a key role in shaping her confidence as a manager, equipping her to navigate challenging conversations, lead by example, and support a standard of ethical dental care.
Over the years, Steffenie has built strong relationships with both patients and colleagues, and the practice has become a true second home. She is approaching nearly 20 years in the dental field, a milestone that reflects her dedication and long-standing commitment to the profession.
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!
