Welcome to Texas
Welcome to Texas, where the skies stretch wide, the hospitality runs deep, and everything, as the saying goes, really is bigger. From cowboy culture and Tex-Mex cuisine to dynamic cities and rich cultural landscapes, Texas offers more than just great travel experiences.
It’s also a place full of professional inspiration and growth for dental office managers. Whether you’re visiting for the annual AADOM conference, connecting with peers, or looking to bring new strategies back to your practice, Central Texas is the perfect backdrop for reflection, renewal, and recharging both personally and professionally.
Round Rock Blends Hospitality and Dental Inspiration
Let’s start in Round Rock, a vibrant and fast-growing city just outside Austin. Known for its family-friendly feel and strong community values, Round Rock is also home to a growing healthcare and dental community.
As dental office managers, visiting a region like Round Rock can spark new ideas from how practices integrate into their communities to balancing growth with patient-centered care.
You’ll find plenty of ways to unwind and connect during your time here. If your schedule allows, catch a Round Rock Express game with the local minor league baseball team. It’s a great reminder of the importance of team spirit, a concept that directly translates to successful practice management.
Building a cohesive, high-performing team in your office requires the same dedication and camaraderie found on the ballfield.
Take a stroll through Downtown Round Rock, where shops and eateries invite you to explore. Stop by Round Rock Donuts, home of the famed 14-inch donuts. While enjoying your treat, think about the customer experience and how even something as simple as a donut can become memorable with quality and presentation. It’s a sweet reminder that little touches make big impressions in dental offices.
Need a break from the hustle and bustle at the conference?
Head to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, which features Uncle Buck’s FishBowl & Grill, a fun blend of dining and bowling. This space exemplifies multi-functionality and creative service delivery, two qualities that dental offices increasingly embrace. From expanding your service offerings to creating a more engaging patient experience, inspiration can come from unexpected places.
The Round Rock Premium Outlets offer more than 125 stores in a spacious open-air environment for those wanting some retail therapy. As you browse, reflect on how your practice brands itself. Just like retailers work hard to stand out, dental offices benefit from defining and communicating a clear identity from the front desk experience to online presence.
Hungry for an authentic Texas experience?
The Salt Lick BBQ – Round Rock delivers, offering authentic barbecue in a rustic setting. Its consistency, hospitality, and dedication to tradition are qualities that dental office managers can relate to.
Providing consistent care, maintaining patient relationships, and staying true to your mission are all vital parts of leadership.
Exploring Central Texas for Culture, Fun, and Fresh Ideas
Want to explore further? Drive 20 minutes north to Georgetown, a charming town with a picturesque downtown square filled with shops, wineries, and restaurants. Georgetown exemplifies balance—growth with charm, modernity with tradition—a helpful analogy for practices seeking to scale without losing their personal touch.
Or venture south to Austin, just 25 minutes away. Known for its live music, vibrant food scene, and entrepreneurial spirit, Austin encourages innovation. Visiting Zilker Park or Lady Bird Lake can give you space to think creatively about problem-solving and leadership within your practice. And if you’re craving culture, 6th Street and the Texas State Capitol provide energy and inspiration.
Have extra time?
Take a day trip to New Braunfels or historic Gruene, TX, home to Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest continually operating dance hall. Or go big with a drive to San Antonio, where you’ll find SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the Riverwalk, and, of course, The Alamo. (No, it doesn’t have a basement!) Don’t forget to stop at Buc-ee’s, a travel center famous for cleanliness, efficiency, and customer service, which are three top priorities of any well-run dental practice.
Learn More About the AADOM Conference
Connecting and Growing with Dental Leaders
Beyond the attractions and food, Central Texas is home to a vibrant professional network. The Central Texas Dental Managers Association (CTDMA) is an active chapter of AADOM, welcoming dental office managers with open arms. Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned leader, engaging with local chapters like CTDMA is a great way to grow your knowledge, build your network, and find mentors who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of practice leadership.
As you explore Texas, remember that your journey as a dental office manager doesn’t stop at the conference doors. Every city, experience, and interaction offers a lesson—on leadership, on team dynamics, on delivering memorable service.
So yes, everything may be bigger in Texas—but so are the opportunities for growth, learning, and inspiration.
Welcome, and enjoy your stay in the Lone Star State.
About the Author
Misty Denis, FAADOM
Misty has been a member of Graham & McCabe Family Dentistry since 2018 and is the Front Office Lead. Misty has over 20 years’ experience in the dental field.
Currently she sits on the board of Dental Professional Learning Network of Central Texas and she is working on her Master in the American Association of Dental Office Managers. Misty stays current with over 20 hours continuing education courses.
Misty is married to her high school sweetheart, Clarence. They have a grown son, Daniel. When away from the office, Misty loves reading, photography, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
