AADOM's Practice Administrators of Distinction
Meet Our 2023 Practice Adminisrators of Distinction
Practice Administrators of Distinction represent a select group of exceptionally skilled professionals in the dental management field. These accomplished individuals, though not awarded the title of Practice Administrator of the Year, stand out as distinguished candidates among their peers. Their commitment to excellence, demonstrated leadership, and noteworthy contributions to dental office management set them apart. Their commendable efforts are recognized and celebrated within the dental community. These individuals continue to inspire and elevate standards in the profession, embodying the spirit of excellence that defines Practice Administrators of Distinction.
Chattanooga, TN
AADOM member since 2015!
Practice Name: East Brainerd Oral Surgery/Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills that make a successful Dental Office Manager?
In my opinion, essential qualities or skills that make a successful Dental Office Manager: No matter what degree, or non-degree you have, a leader begins with empathy. You are managing people. I have seen office managers placed in positions of management due to status, degrees, or seniority, but if you cannot communicate and reason with your people, or show them compassion, you are not the right person for this position. You have to find your nitch and do it well. Once you do, use the resources provided to help sharpen your tools to have more knowledge and education such as phone skills, communication skills, your fellowship in dental office management, and other items such as financial, HR, the list goes on and on. I feel knowledge and education go hand and hand, but first you must have the guidance and inspiration for those you are leading. Achieving my DAADOM has been my upmost highest achievement and it has been a huge asset to both my career and to me personally. It has allowed me to share my passion with others and receive support from my colleagues. I hope to provide knowledge and support to others who are in the profession in dental practice management and encourage them to educate themselves and always strive to achieve excellence in their career.
How do you feel AADOM has helped you to learn, connect, grow?
AADOM has helped you to learn, connect, grow: I have been able to meet so many people who are in the same boat as I am. I don’t feel alone in managing when before I did. We have more education to provide for our front desk and ourselves. AADOM has showed me how to not only achieve my goals in my career, but to share my passion with others. AADOM has supported my growth to be a better leader and to share my experiences and knowledge with other colleagues so that they may too be awesome practice managers. I want to show them that by achieving your own personal goals in life, you can accomplish great things.
La Plata, MD
AADOM member since 2015!
Practice Name: Cieplak Dental Excellence
What is the most rewarding part of your career?
My connections with patients, and the systems I’ve helped put in place with steadily increasing successfulness of my practice. When I was hired, my doctor was working 10-12 hour days, seven days a week. I handle all things administrative now so he can focus on being a dentist. He leaves by 5:00 PM each day (or when the last patient is finished) four days a week and doesn’t have any of the administrative headaches. He loves it. Now I’m the last one to leave and I cover after-hours and weekend emergency calls.
What advice would you give to aspiring Dental Office Managers who are looking to excel in their careers?
Join AADOM and a local chapter! Build your ideal team and then get out of their way.
How do you feel AADOM has helped you to learn, connect, grow?
The Forum is an important part of my days. Checking in with other Practice Admins and OM’s helps me have the connection I need. It’s so important to know I’m not alone in my daily challenges. No (wo)man is an island. Moving through the distinctions, FAADOM, MAADOM (during Covid) and DAADOM gave me “street cred” and the knowledge I gained through the process has been integral to my personal success, as well as the success of my doctor and the practice. The courses at conference have always been well-selected and on point, too.
Baltimore, MD
AADOM member since 2019!
Practice Name: Rita Kurek, DDS
What advice would you give to aspiring Dental Office Managers who are looking to excel in their careers? You have to invest in yourself. Join AADOM, find your local DPLN, and connect with your peers. The amount of knowledge available increases your skills (interpersonal, verbal, professional), your professional value, and your self-worth. Designations, certificates, and endless education are at your fingertips.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills that make a successful Dental Office Manager? Being coachable, continual learning, expanding your knowledge of all aspects of the practice you’re helping operate. Knowing the needs of each department is essential to keep them all running seamlessly. Delegating all the tasks to the correct team members is crucial.
In your view, what are the current trends and challenges in dental office management, and how do you address them? I think there’s a big shift trending away from insurance participation. There are a lot of challenging parts to that decision: patient dependence, contract fee negotiations, deciding to terminate participation and patient retention. If a successful fee negotiation is reached everyone is happy and no changes are necessary. If participation is ending, patient notification and offerings should be made for retention. Currently, membership plans have been a trending replacement for patients who wish to continue care without traditional insurance coverage.
How do you feel AADOM has helped you to learn, connect, grow? I dove into AADOM head first and took every module imaginable, in addition to all the CE’s I have earned ADA coding certificates, Fellow & Master Designations (Diplomate coming 2024!), and DISIPC designation from OSAP/DANB. After finding AADOM, I also found BAM Leadership League (a DPLN) and am currently the VP and am so excited to grow with our fantastic members (they really are high caliber!!) and our President Danielle Dailey (she’s been involved with AADOM from year 1 and she is an AMAZING leader). Through AADOM and BAM, I’ve connected with so many fabulous leaders (speakers, educators, mentors, and other AADOM members) in our industry, and I am grateful for their wisdom, insight, and friendships. I’ve learned how to be a better professional for my doctor, the patients, my team, and myself.
Gregory, SD
AADOM member since 2011!
Practice Name : Hull Dental Health
What advice would you give to aspiring Dental Office Managers who are looking to excel in their careers? If you really want to excel in your career, I believe you must be a lifelong learner. Learning by experiences and continuing education because the dental industry is always changing.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills that make a successful Dental Office Manager? In order to be an office manager, you have to be able to wear many hats with a smile. The greatest quality I feel is the ability to train and implement your company culture, so your patients have a great experience in your dental office.
In your view, what are the current trends and challenges in dental office management, and how do you address them? Worker shortage is the greatest challenge we face today. We are located in a rural area and find it difficult to attract qualified candidates; the challenge is compounded when the majority of practices are looking for team members. In order to address this issue, we have started to work with our state associations for possible solutions. We have had to start “growing our own”, which means start someone with on-the-job-training and work towards licensure. Cross training all employees to cover positions has helped as well.
How do you feel AADOM has helped you to learn, connect, grow? Participating in AADOMs distinction series has been a wonderful experience for me. It challenged me to do things that I didn’t know I could do – publish articles, pass high-level standardized tests and dedicate the time for more CE hours. It feels wonderful walking across the stage to receive your award.
Mandeville, LA
AADOM member since 2020!
Practice Name : MoreSMILES Dental
What advice would you give to aspiring Dental Office Managers who are looking to excel in their careers? If you really want to excel in your career, I believe you must be a lifelong learner. Learning by experiences and continuing education because the dental industry is always changing.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills that make a successful Dental Office Manager? In order to be an office manager, you have to be able to wear many hats with a smile. The greatest quality I feel is the ability to train and implement your company culture, so your patients have a great experience in your dental office.
In your view, what are the current trends and challenges in dental office management, and how do you address them? Worker shortage is the greatest challenge we face today. We are located in a rural area and find it difficult to attract qualified candidates; the challenge is compounded when the majority of practices are looking for team members. In order to address this issue, we have started to work with our state associations for possible solutions. We have had to start “growing our own”, which means start someone with on-the-job-training and work towards licensure. Cross training all employees to cover positions has helped as well.
How do you feel AADOM has helped you to learn, connect, grow? Participating in AADOMs distinction series has been a wonderful experience for me. It challenged me to do things that I didn’t know I could do – publish articles, pass high-level standardized tests and dedicate the time for more CE hours. It feels wonderful walking across the stage to receive your award.
Gilbert, AZ
AADOM member since 2018!
Practice Name: Kerr Endodontics
What advice would you give to aspiring Dental Office Managers who are looking to excel in their careers?
To excel in your career in dentistry you have to be open to and embrace change. You have to commit to the practice with positivity daily and strive to always learn and improve. Once you enrich the lives around you on all aspects then the team and doctor produce efficiently and competently.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills that make a successful Dental Office Manager?
A successful office manager listens more then he/she talks. An office manager does what they say they will do and create an environment that is happy and healthy (mentally & physically) to all that are employed. Ther is never an “I” decision it is a “we” decision in insuring each team member feels engaged so that the complete vision by all for the practice is supported and successful. An office manager never stops learning to improve all areas of the practice. No office has a “one size fits all” and so to always be open to change and adaptability is key to successes. Its always better to try and to fail then to never have tried at all. If you want the staff you manage to respect and emulate the practice vision then you have to give them something to emulate.
How do you feel AADOM has helped you to learn, connect, grow?
AADOM has help me in so many aspects in the growth of myself for personal gain as well as the education and technologies I have been introduced to. There is absolutely no greater gift of AADOM then meeting locally with peers and at the yearly conference to share and learn from each other. We share so much in our local meetings and connect on our social media groups. If one member has a challenge in the group we all set out to help and solve it. If a member try’s a new technology we all share it and ask questions and a lot of the time implement it. Conference is overwhelming in the best way with connecting and education. You get your fill of peer love and education in three days that keeps you yearning for more the moment it ends. The best part is you get to see these people again in a year but also keep in touch until then. You grow your friendships, connections, and business introductions that sustain you until the next conference and then once again you add to them. You never stop learning, connecting, and growing!
Wells, ME
AADOM member since 2016!
Practice Name: Harborside Dental & York County Pediatric Dentistry
What is the most rewarding part of your career? Successfully providing exceptional dental care in the community & empowering my team to be the best versions of themselves. I strive for maintaining our good standing reputation and take pride in my relationships with the doctors who entrust their practices in my care.
What advice would you give to aspiring Dental Office Managers who are looking to excel in their careers? It’s ok to reach out and ask for help. Networking & support is imperative to the growth of yourself and your practice. Never think you have all of the answers. Always keep a good open communication with your doctors & team. Set professional boundaries and stick to following a fair and consistent work ethic.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills that make a successful Dental Office Manager? Integrity , Compassion & Vulnerability.
In your view, what are the current trends and challenges in dental office management, and how do you address them? Self-Care seems to be the #1 on everyone’s list. If you don’t take care of yourself mentally & physically – you cannot provide a happy & healthy work life balance. You want to be able to provide your family & team with the best version of yourself.
How do you feel AADOM has helped you to learn, connect, grow? I feel AADOM has been an integral part of my career and growth within my practice, community & dental network. Starting the Maine Chapter was a huge success personally and professionally. It allowed me to open up to other managers in the area and help guide and aid the community in continuing education for managers and support with HR issues, employment , marketing, advertising, social media office culture, office transitions, insurance & scheduling issues. I have implemented interview nights where our chapter & local managers volunteer at the community college and interview the dental assistant candidate graduates providing real life feedback, they may not be privy to otherwise. AADOM has opened the doors to many networking opportunities. You can take advantage of as much or as little as you need to implement what you feel necessary. I have taken much pride in consulting for other managers and guiding them with their particular needs for their practice.
Find your passion & stay true to it’s course ????
Dallas, TX
AADOM Member since 2020!
Practice Name: Whitley Family Dental
What is the most rewarding part of your career? Believe it or not, it is educating my team and my patients- ranging from OSHA, Insurance, Culture.
What advice would you give to aspiring Dental Office Managers who are looking to excel in their careers? My foremost recommendation is to actively join and engage with the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM). I can attest to the invaluable resources and networking opportunities that AADOM provides, having personally experienced the benefits of their modules and education. Connect with peers in the dental management community, both locally and online. Networking opens doors to shared experiences, insights, and potential mentorship opportunities. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and local dental association events.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills that make a successful Dental Office Manager? Do not avoid conflict. You will get it from all areas, but learning to educate yourself to get out of those situations is crucial. Be an active listener. Educate yourself on tools and techniques for listening. KNOW YOUR PEOPLE. Knowing your teams’ personalities will help you meet the needs of your team – personality assessments.
In your view, what are the current trends and challenges in dental office management, and how do you address them? Stay vigilant about regulatory compliance in the dental industry. Ensure that your office adheres to all legal and ethical standards, and stay informed about any changes or updates to regulations.
How do you feel AADOM has helped you to learn, connect, grow? At any point in time, there is an army across the nation that will help me get through whatever I’m dealing with. We can educate each other and then spread the knowledge. You have a sisterhood and brotherhood of individuals who will come to help you.