Unveiling the Hidden Power of Vendors: A Roundtable Revelation

Real-World Insights from Brandi Williams, MAADOM.

 

At a recent AADOM Dental Professional Learning Network (DPLN) meeting, I witnessed something transformative as our sponsors took center stage in the roundtable discussions.

What began as an opportunity for them to showcase their products and services quickly evolved into a profound realization of the untapped expertise and passion they brought to the table. It was one of those moments that completely shifts your perspective on how much value can be found in your everyday interactions with vendors.

Recognizing Their Knowledge and Training

One of the standout moments for me was during a discussion on implementing new products and processes. Several local representatives, including those from Patterson Dental and ZimVie, shared their experiences, not just from the perspective of selling products but from a deep well of knowledge they had gained through countless office rollouts and training sessions. Their commitment to being a resource for training and implementation was remarkable.

I had known these reps for years, but I had never fully appreciated the breadth of their expertise or their genuine desire to help us succeed beyond just the transaction. It became abundantly clear that I had been overlooking a significant resource available to our practice all along.

Listening to their insights, I couldn’t help but regret not having tapped into this wealth of knowledge sooner. These vendor reps weren’t just interested in promoting their products; they were vested in our success.

Their knowledge extended well beyond product information—they understood the nuances of dental office workflows, the challenges we face with new product rollouts, and the importance of team training.

It made me realize that I had been missing out on a valuable opportunity right in front of me. I could have saved time, effort, and resources by leveraging their expertise. More importantly, our practice could have benefited from a smoother, more efficient implementation process with their guidance.

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Appreciate What’s Right in Front of You

The key takeaway from this experience was simple yet profound: pay attention to the resources you already have.

The expertise of our sponsors and vendor representatives can be invaluable if we make an effort to engage with them on a deeper level. These individuals are passionate about their work, and often, their support comes at no additional cost—a huge benefit to our budget-conscious doctors.

By working more closely with them, we can avoid reinventing the wheel and make smarter, more informed decisions for our practices.

I walked away from the meeting feeling inspired and eager to share this insight with my fellow office managers. It was a reminder to remain open to learning from those around us and to seek out opportunities to collaborate with our partners actively.

The potential for success grows exponentially when we work together and embrace the resources available to us.

In recognition of this, I’m excited to declare May Sponsor & Vendor Representative Appreciation Month!

(If this already exists, then let’s celebrate twice!)

Let’s give a high five and a heartfelt thank you to the amazing reps who support us daily. By sharing these experiences, we can collectively elevate our practices and create an even brighter future for our dental teams.

 

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About the Author

 

Profile of Brandi Williams, MAADOM.

Brandi Williams, MAADOM

Brandi Williams, MAADOM, is the president of the Oklahoma Society of Dental Professionals, an AADOM-approved DPLN, and a proud member of Women in DSO. She serves as VP of Growth at Catalyst Dental Allies.

With  29 years in dentistry, Brandi excels in steering successful practices and teams. Her adaptability and results-driven approach have consistently exceeded financial and performance goals.

Passionate about exceptional patient care, Brandi aims to blend her group practice appreciation with AADOM’s mission, fostering collaboration and synergy.

 

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