HOW I SCALED MY WAY OUT OF THE OP

By India Chance, RDH, CDIPC

Transitioning from a clinical dental hygienist to the founder of a successful dental compliance company was not a journey I had initially envisioned. However, it became a natural progression that aligned perfectly with my entrepreneurial spirit and diverse professional background. Each role I held and every experience I gained prepared me to feed every part of my soul, bringing me inner happiness and fulfillment. This is my story of how I scaled my way out of the operatory and into the world of dental compliance and entrepreneurship.

The Early Days

My career began working diligently as a clinical dental hygienist. Even though providing care to patients was deeply rewarding, I quickly realized there was more I wanted to achieve. I felt a growing frustration that I wasn’t living up to my full potential and knew there had to be more for me. After working 10 years as a clinical dental hygienist, I began the journey of exploring nonclinical roles that could answer the nagging question: What else can I do with my dental hygiene degree?

My first position was as a Grants Manager at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. There, I managed large grants providing dental treatment for those in underserved communities. My perspective was broadened on administrative and strategic aspects of dental care, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a strong sense of accountability—skills that proved to be invaluable when launching my own business.

Next, I became a Team Leader for a Mobile Dental School

Program that allowed me to hone my leadership skills. I managed a 4-person dental team and coordinated with schools to ensure children received essential dental care. I learned the importance of organization, team building, and the significant impact preventive care had on communities. During this time, I realized being in a leadership role was my future. I soon moved on to becoming a Professional Educator for Waterpik. This role allowed me to elevate my skills in presenting educational content, client management, and networking. Combining my clinical knowledge and delivering valuable insights to dental healthcare providers was amazing. I realized how much I enjoyed it and knew I had to keep going. However, I still had this nagging question…How do I become an entrepreneur?

The Turning Point

While I was working for Waterpik, a colleague reached out to ask if I could help a new practice build their dental hygiene department and mentor the new hygienist. I hesitated, never having formally consulted, but my colleague quickly reminded me that I had been giving unpaid advice for 22 years! So, I went for it and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. I successfully built the dental hygiene department from scratch, implemented an employee continuing education program, and honed my consulting skills.

My confidence was soaring and this set the stage for my next major career shift. It was a Monday afternoon and I took a call with a local dental compliance trainer to discuss my client’s needs. The trainer shared her process and began to discuss her journey from clinical to compliance. As I listened, everything she said registered in my soul…being your own boss, educating licensed professionals, and utilizing my dental hygiene education… seriously?! I couldn’t believe there was actually something in the dental industry that checked every single box! She kept talking and stated she would soon be retiring from dentistry altogether and the local dental community would need someone to take her spot. I was silent and speechless, yet, so excited and I was in before we even hung up!

Building Learn2prevent

With this newfound direction, I studied dental compliance extensively, followed other consultants across the country, and absorbed as much information as I could. In 2017, Learn2Prevent was born and the mission was clear: educate dental healthcare providers to deliver the safest dental visit possible. Along the way, there are a few lessons I have learned:

Embrace Every Opportunity: Each role can prepare you for your ultimate goal

Stay Open to New Directions: Explore the unexpected, be willing to pivot when necessary

Value Relationships: Nurture your professional relationships—they can open doors you never imagined

Passion and Purpose: Have a clear mission and purpose that drives your success

Looking Ahead

As my company grows, my commitment to my passion and purpose remains unwavering. My journey is a testament to how varied experiences and roles can culminate in creating something impactful. By embracing each experience, I was able to scale my way out of the operatory and build a company that makes a real difference. Stay open, stay passionate, and keep learning—you never know where your journey might lead!

About the author:

India Chance is a distinguished dental safety specialist, renowned for her expertise as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Infection Control Educator, Authorized OSHA & Abuse Awareness Trainer, Recognized HIPAA Educator, and Certified Advanced Life Support Instructor. As the visionary founder of Learn2Prevent, India leads efforts to elevate dental compliance worldwide, prioritizing exceptional patient safety practices. Her contributions have been acknowledged by prestigious institutions like the CDC Office of Oral Health. Her commitment to improving dental health standards is evident in her role as an Editorial Review Board member for the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) & Inside Dental Hygiene, as well as her work as a Dental Board Inspector for Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. In recognition of her significant impact in the field, India was honored by the Association for Dental Safety with the 2023 award for Emerging Infection Control Leader in the US.