From Chairside to Leadership: My Journey from Dental Assistant to Office Manager
Like many dental assistants, I didn’t start my career thinking I would one day move into leadership. I simply wanted to do my job well, support my team, and take care of patients. But over time, I realized I wanted more—I wanted to grow, to understand the bigger picture of the practice, and to have a greater impact on both my team and our patients’ experience.
That desire is what eventually led me to office management.
The Value I Didn’t Realize I Already Had
Looking back, I didn’t fully appreciate how much my experience as a dental assistant was preparing me for leadership.
Working chairside, I built strong relationships with patients. I learned how to communicate clearly, earn trust quickly, and help people feel comfortable—often in stressful situations. Those skills didn’t just stay in the operatory; they became the foundation for how I would later lead a team.
Day in and day out, I was also part of a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment. Assisting taught me how to anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and support others without hesitation. At the time, it just felt like part of the job—but those same skills became essential when I stepped into a management role.
I also began to realize how much clinical knowledge plays into the business side of dentistry. Understanding procedures, timing, and patient flow gave me a unique advantage in scheduling, treatment coordination, and overall efficiency.
Recognizing Where I Needed to Grow
Even with that foundation, I quickly learned that stepping into leadership required a whole new set of skills.
One of the biggest gaps for me was understanding the financial side of the practice. Budgeting, production goals, and KPIs were completely new territory. I had to be intentional about learning how the business actually operated behind the scenes.
Leadership itself was another learning curve. Managing people is very different from working alongside them. I had to learn how to navigate conflict, communicate expectations clearly, and hold others accountable—while still maintaining respect and trust.
Compliance was another area I had to take seriously. Ensuring our team followed proper protocols and stayed aligned with regulations wasn’t optional—it was essential for protecting both patients and the practice.
How I Took the First Steps
I’ll be honest—at the beginning, I had no clear roadmap. I just knew I wanted to grow.
One of the most impactful decisions I made was stepping outside my comfort zone and attending courses through the American Association of Dental Office Management. I still remember my first conference—walking into a room full of experienced office managers, feeling both intimidated and inspired at the same time.
That experience changed everything for me.
For the first time, I saw what was possible. I started learning practical strategies I could bring back and apply immediately in my own practice. More importantly, I realized I wasn’t alone—there was an entire community of people willing to share their knowledge and support my growth.
From there, I made it a point to keep learning and to say “yes” to new responsibilities whenever I could. Whether it was managing inventory, helping with onboarding, or assisting at the front desk, I treated every opportunity as a chance to grow.
The Challenges That Shaped Me
The transition into leadership wasn’t easy—and honestly, some of the hardest moments taught me the most.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating team dynamics. Moving from being a peer to being in a leadership role can change relationships, and not always in comfortable ways. I had to learn how to set boundaries, communicate clearly, and lead with consistency—even when it felt uncomfortable.
I also experienced imposter syndrome more than once. There were moments when I questioned whether I was truly ready or capable of leading. What helped me push through was preparation—continuing to learn, seeking mentorship, and reminding myself that growth takes time.
Another major shift was learning to think beyond the operatory. As a dental assistant, my focus was always on the patient in front of me. As an office manager, I had to zoom out and make decisions that impacted the entire practice. That mindset shift didn’t happen overnight, but over time, I learned how to balance both perspectives.
My Personal Journey
I started my career as an expanded functions dental assistant in 2017, in a practice where the doctors handled nearly all aspects of leadership and business operations.
In the beginning, I was focused on learning my role and becoming confident in patient care—especially communication, which didn’t come naturally to me at first. But as time went on and team dynamics shifted, I found myself stepping up more and more.
I began asking for additional responsibilities, eventually taking over inventory management and helping with supply budgeting. I also became the go-to person for equipment and technical issues, which gave me a deeper understanding of the operational side of the practice.
When a long-time team member announced her retirement, I saw an opportunity to grow and asked to transition to the front desk. That experience was a turning point for me.
Working alongside someone with over 30 years of experience taught me things I never would have learned chairside—insurance processes, claims management, and the daily financial flow of the practice. At first, I mostly observed, but over time, I gained confidence and began handling those responsibilities myself.
Eventually, the doctors approached me about stepping into a newly created office manager role. I was nervous—there was no roadmap, no clear expectations—but I also knew I was ready for the challenge.
Since then, I’ve continued to grow through education, mentorship, and real-world experience. Every step—especially the difficult ones—has helped shape the leader I am today.
Taking the Next Step in Your Career
If you’re a dental assistant feeling the pull to grow, I understand exactly how that feels—because I’ve been there.
You don’t have to have everything figured out to take the first step. Start by being curious. Look for opportunities to learn. Ask questions. Get involved in areas outside of your current role.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to grow.
There are incredible resources and communities out there—like AADOM—filled with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
This journey isn’t always easy, but it is absolutely worth it.
About the Author
Brittany McCormick, MAADOM
Brittany McCormick is the Practice Manager at Kentland Family Dentistry. She began her career in 2017 as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant and, over the past nine years, has explored nearly every role within the field. With both clinical and administrative experience, she has developed a strong ability to drive practice growth, enhance patient care, and build and lead a high-performing team.
She earned her Fellowship through AADOM in 2025 and then her Mastership designation in 2026, and remains committed to continued growth and professional development.
