Faces of AADOM – Zach Shelley, MAADOM
Rolling Into Dentistry: Zach’s Journey from Skateboarder to Dental Office Manager
Join us in the latest Faces of AADOM episode, where Heather interviews Zach about his unconventional path into dental office management. As a dedicated member of Faces of AADOM, Zach shares his experiences and insights.
In this episode, Zach discusses how his journey into dentistry began in an unexpected place: professional skateboarding. “When I turned 18, I started as a professional skateboarder,” Zach recalls. However, realizing it wasn’t a sustainable career, he transitioned into dentistry through a friend’s dental lab. This move set the stage for his future in dental practice management.
Zach highlights the importance of having a supportive boss and doctor. “Having a supportive boss and doctor is huge,” he says. Their encouragement and support for his education have greatly benefited him and the practice.
Reflecting on a mistake he learned from, Zach states, “Those are things you’ll never forget when you do something wrong.” He shares that every misstep is a learning opportunity, especially when you are forging your own path in a new role.
One key to Zach’s success has been effective delegation. He explains, “The more you don’t delegate, you’re actually holding your team back.” By empowering his team to handle tasks like payroll and patient communications, Zach has allowed them to develop their skills and take ownership of their work.
About Faces of AADOM
Meet AADOM members who make up the heartbeat of our community – the diverse and talented individuals who embody the spirit of excellence in dental office management. Every member has a story. “Faces of AADOM” shares members’ unique journeys, the path that led them into dentistry, and the moments that define their passion for dental leadership.
Subscribe to Faces of AADOM to discover more stories of resilience, growth, and empowerment within the AADOM community.
Be sure to watch our video now or read the transcript below to learn more about Zach’s path toward becoming an amazing dental office manager!