DeW Dish

MACHELL HUDSON-HOOVER

Integrative RDH, Oral-Systemic Health Consultant & Speaker

IG: Machellhooverrdh

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

I have been fortunate to have had diverse opportunities, enabling me to build relationships, foster team growth, offer motivation and pursue personal advancement while elevating patient care and clinician purpose. Impacting others is the greatest reward. These experiences have enabled me to strategically drive team development, offer unequivocal inspiration, pursue personal advancement and constantly striving to learn how to better improve healthcare practices.

WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE?

I am grateful to have many extraordinary women who have impacted my life. If I were to single out one, it would undoubtedly be Cynthia Baird. Her presence in my life is not just significant, it’s unique. I honestly cannot imagine who I would be without her love and unwavering support and insistence in sharing my passions/talents with the world. Her belief in me gave me the courage to try scary new opportunities beginning in 2016. I love her forever.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE YOUR SUCCESS?

Success is determined by the positive influence it creates and the meaningful changes it brings to people’s lives. True success goes beyond personal accomplishments; it is about inspiring others, making lasting impact, and contributing to the growth and well-being of those around us. My prayer is I use up every single ounce of goodness I have been given in blessing others because that is God’s intention for his children.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU OVERCOME IN YOUR CAREER?

My most significant obstacles: 1) Myself. As a clinical rdh, my priority was always my patients’ whole body health, and I struggled to see my value professionally beyond the opperatory. 2) Recognizing that wellness is a business and that is not shameful. Once the healthcare industry prioritizes elevated care, we will see a healthier country, purpose driven clinicians, and profitable practices. We all win. Both our patients and we healthcare providers deserve it.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO TURN AROUND A BAD DAY?

I am unsure if my challenging beginnings contributed to this, but my most significant strength is positivity. Even on the worst days, I can see opportunities and goodness. Every single lousy day has ultimately led to something greater. I have my faith for comfort and it also helps to have an amazing, supportive Christian partner by my side.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEW PERSON IN YOUR OFFICE?

I love this. Embrace teamwork, communicate openly (respectfully) and prioritize patient care with compassion. Stay curious, seek continuous learning, and do not hesitate to ask questions. Remember, every team member’s contribution is valuable, and together we can achieve great outcomes.

WHAT “DEW” LEADERS DO?

To be a DeW is to strive to be an impactful, collaborative, and influential woman in and outside of dentistry. It means driving meaningful change, fostering teamwork, and inspiring others. It is about creating positive environments, valuing diverse perspectives, and using your voice to advocate for important causes. Through leadership and example, we can uplift those around us and better shape the future of healthcare and even beyond that and doing so with high integrity.