Practice Management |4 min read

The Power of AADOM

Real World Insights from AADOM Authors - Theresa Larson, FAADOM

AADOM Is by Far the Best Thing in a Dental Office Manager’s Life!

AADOM is a tribe of like-minded individuals to brainstorm with, bounce ideas off, and ask their peers for suggestions. I have been a member of AADOM for years but never attended a conference because I was afraid it would be a waste of my time and money.

OH BOY, WAS I EVER MISTAKEN! I finally went to my first conference, solo.

I am a people person and don’t meet strangers, so to speak. Standing in line, I started talking and met my first AADOM sister. We hit it off, got a cocktail, met two more AADOM sisters then met another in class. The five of us hung around together all weekend and collaborated on our courses, discussing what we learned and how we could use it in our everyday work environment. We asked each other questions, for opinions and advice on how to handle difficult office situations… It was so amazing to talk to a peer and discover that they have similar issues, realizing that I was not alone.

The classes at the conference are amazing. During one, I found out how to run the reports that I needed to calculate my return on investment (ROI) reports and how the KPI (key performance indicators) are calculated, and what I need to do to make my practice run better. It was the BEST CONFERENCE! I started our little text message group to stay in contact after the conference. Why not, right? Someone in the group will text and ask a question, and it is so nice to see the responses and the help that we can all provide each other.

The next year, I found a couple more AADOM sisters that looked like they needed a friend or someone to have a drink with, so I befriended them and added more of us to the group. Even though some of them have not met in person, we have become an amazing support network for each other. I can’t wait for the next conference to see who else I get to meet and add to our sisterhood.

The knowledge and friendships that I have made over the years are PRICELESS. This AADOM Tribe is so knowledgeable. If you need to find an answer, ask a question or want a suggestion, the AADOM tribe is there to help. Even though you might feel like you don’t have the time to invest in reaching out, learning specialized tips can save you time in the long run. Log into the AADOM website, and you will find all sorts of fun and fantastic information. This is the best networking tool you will ever find as an office manager.

The conference is a great place to see vendors and ask them questions as well. At my last conference, I made it my mission to find and research what I felt would be the best way for our office to effectively communicate with our staff internally and with our patients externally. I met with several vendors, and after returning home, I made the decision of whom I was going to choose based on my meetings at the conference. At conferences, you have the vendors’ attention, so it is nice to make that connection with them. Every conference, I make my list of the must-see vendors and get my questions answered.

My biggest regret is not taking advantage of all the benefits that AADOM has to offer sooner. It is well worth the investment since it pays off in so many ways. The ability to collaborate with so many talented people is a wealth of information and experience which greatly reduces the stress on us, and in current times, we need all the support we can get. Connect with the ADDOM tribe – it is your superpower.

Thank you, AADOM!

About the Author

Headshot of Theresa Larson, FAADOM

Theresa Larson, FAADOM, is the Office Manager at VIP Family Dentistry in Dacula, GA. She is a lifetime AADOM member and serves as a board member for the AADOM Gwinnett County Chapter. She achieved her AADOM Fellowship in 2019 and has completed the requirements to be inducted as an AADOM Master (MAADOM) in September.

Theresa is always excited to expand her knowledge and work with her AADOM tribe. Theresa lives in Winder, GA, with her two dogs and one cat. In her spare time, she loves to take her Harley “Blue Cheese” for some wind therapy.

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