11 minute read
PROGRESS – LET’S DISCUSS IT
By Hazel Glasper
~ Toni Morrison.
My upbringing was blessed by the presence of several formidable Black women. The women in my family, particularly my mother, grandmothers, aunts, and female cousins, significantly impacted who I am today. They cared for me, kept me safe, and supported me in finding my own path in life. My mother has always served as a model of decisiveness, clarity, and faith in her decisions. She remains steadfast at 90.
Her unwavering commitment, consistency, and love were indeed a gift for which I will be eternally grateful, as I am to all the women in my family whose influence cultivated my strong identity. Looking back, it’s clear that they laid the foundation for me to create healthy relationships with other women throughout my life. My life would not be as fulfilling, satisfying, or successful if those relationships did not exist.
I have been a public speaker for eight years, nationally and internationally. Because of my emphasis on the oral-systemic connection and my HFA: Health, Function, and Aesthetics practice model, I am a top producer and collector. Dental practices can improve their diagnostic and clinical protocols, as well as their ability to generate a predictable revenue stream, with the help of the tools and training offered by my coaching agency, The Comprehensive Continuum.
Having said that, I have spent much of my career in spaces where I was one of few, if not the only Black person or Black woman in the room. Whether negotiating business deals, attending conferences, or working as an associate, I have honed my skills as a clinician, business owner, and thought leader in circumstances where Black leadership was not the norm.
That changed three years ago when I joined and became friends with a group of Black doctors on social media. Not until then did I realize I had been missing the support of other women who looked like me and shared my passion for dentistry. At that time, connecting with a group of Black doctors was a new and welcomed experience.
Out of those relationships emerged “Sistah-to-Sistah,”; a groundbreaking conference designed entirely for Black women in Dentistry. From Thursday to Sunday, dynamic female doctors from various parts of the country gathered at the Eaton Workshop, a boutique hotel in Washington, DC, kicking off with a live DJ welcome reception from one of the best rooftop views of the city. Over 3 days, we celebrated with signature cocktails and bonded over fragrant swag bags, body butter, morning yoga, and peach cobbler. Hillary Saunders, our event planner, designed a marketplace with hand-picked women artisans to amplify the theme of women’s empowerment and self-care.
In-depth discussions with our presenters about business, clinical, and practice management concepts inspired doctors to share personal experiences. I highlighted the benefits of a growth mindset, how to manage a successful dental practice, and the steps required to create an effective treatment plan.
On Sunday, the conference’s final day, many of us would have been at church. A local gospel singer led us in a medley of praise and worship songs, ending with “Total Praise,” a classic in the black church. It was the first time we had ever been at a dental conference in the exclusive company of Black women dentists. Most of us were moved to tears by the experience; it was one I will never forget. Three years later, one of my missions has become to support the development of Black female leadership in the dental industry.
Before the conference, I made a point of calling each doctor who registered to learn more about them, ask them about their challenges, and assure them that every aspect of the conference was designed with them in mind. After that weekend, some joined my Nxt-Lvl Mastermind course, a 9-month mentoring program. For me, that was a defining moment. It’s an honor to support other Black women in dentistry to achieve more success and fulfillment in their careers.
My ability to excel in this field is primarily due to my upbringing. Like every industry in the U.S., dentistry reflects the ethos of the larger society where women of color regularly face gender and racial bias. Fortunately, I am a naturally confident person. I have always known that who I am and what I bring to the table are both valuable and needed. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily the norm. My commitment as a leader in this field is to nurture future leaders. Especially those who understand the challenges of succeeding in an industry traditionally dominated by white men. That is why I am so committed to helping other women dentists of color build practices that achieve success and stand out in their services and the level of care they provide.
– Serena Williams
Some of my mentees joined me on a “Clinical Conversations: Dentists Speaking About Dentistry” project. They appear with me on the cover of this issue of DEW Magazine. Dr. Bethany Sharpe is a young associate working in a progressive practice in Texas.
Her eagerness to grow as a clinician, learn advanced clinical skills, and be more productive made her stand out from her peers as a leader. She credits the Nxt-Lvl Mastermind with helping her become a better diagnostician, allowing her to practice a higher level of dentistry and generate more significant revenues.
Dr. Dana Truesdale, a charismatic practice owner, searching for a successful strategy to grow a boutique practice in downtown Baltimore has now leveled up, having purchased a second location in a sought-after area of the city. Her willingness to implement the business principles she learned allowed her to increase diagnosis and collections tenfold.
Dr. Elise Newsome is mastering the digital dentistry space and is teaching others. Elise knows how to speak her mind and stand her ground. She owns a successful practice in North Carolina, where she purchased her building and is poised to become a leader in the industry. Our work has focused on developing a stronger mindset and applying sound business practices.
I am proud of what these women have accomplished, and I am grateful to have had an opportunity to help them get to the Nxt-Lvl. Having said that, I admit that this has also been a learning experience for me. I have learned a lot about humility and patience.
Only some people come to the table with the same skillset or the same way of processing information. Each of us is shaped by our experience, affecting what we think about ourselves as women, practice owners, and dental professionals.
Each of the women in the Nxt-Lvl Mastermind came to the program with gifts they had not fully tapped into, either because they did not know they could or did not know how. Thanks to the Breakthrough Mindset Coaching aspects of the program, they have full access to their gifts and are well on their way to practicing the type of dentistry they genuinely desire.
Helping Black women dentists find their voice and ply their talents has been a highlight of my career, and it continues to be an essential part of my mission. I got to where I am with the support of generations of women who inspired me. Telling my story has become an integral part of my business. I will continue to lift my ancestors and all Black women whose voices and talents must be recognized. We bring a different perspective and flavor to the conversation, without which the story is incomplete.
Thank you to all the sisters and friends with whom I have shared this journey. You exemplify the value of sisterhood, the power of positivity, and the necessity of support. I am lucky to have you in my community.
Thank you Karen Galley, President of Patient News, for coming on board to championing this beautiful cover. You walk the walk and made the process easy for all of us.
Thank you to the fabulous Anne Duffy, whom I admire and adore. Thank you for your devotion to women in dentistry and for acknowledging the significance of Black women in our industry. I am grateful for your partnership and your invitation to share this platform. Thank you for being an ally, a mentor, and a friend.
Maya Angelou
Progress Is…
Dana Truesdale, DDS
Dana Truesdale, DDS
Progress is a process…
Over the last two years, I committed to breaking the locks of my mind that restricted me from entering into the life that I desired to have. It has been my lifelong dream to be a dentist. However, I was not fulfilled.
I had to do something because I had been stagnant for too long, and I was growing weary of my situation. I met Dr. Hazel Glasper and allowed her to mentor me. Our focus was on mindset. I modified one thing about the way I presented my treatment plans, and it was a gamechanger. I didn’t realize that I was sabotaging myself by minimizing their diagnosis.
In my mind, I was trying to spare feelings and give them hope, but in actuality, I wasn’t being “real” about the severity. One session opened my eyes and changed the trajectory of my practice and how we operate.
I am no longer allowing myself to be restricted by insurances or what I think is affordable. I think comprehensively and educate each patient about their overall health. This year has been a year of exponential growth. All inhibitions have been turned off.
Elise Newsome, DDS
What is progress?
Progress is the evidence of the work that has been done to achieve a goal. Progress is also the result of faith in your efforts toward accomplishing that goal. Increased strength and resilience are some of the first signs that your faith and efforts are not in vain. Work is hard, even if you love what you are doing.
You know you are putting in work when you feel resistance- that is how muscle is built! Whether we are talking about biceps, abs, or your heart (both literally and figuratively). The bonus of “hard” work is it becomes easier and easier. The first time I picked up a handpiece was probably disastrous- thank God for dentoforms- ha-ha! Now I can cut crown preps or place implants by muscle memory.
This is progress! Looking ahead, you can rely on your past achievements with faith, knowing you can do the work and it will pay off, even when and if you can’t see it yet.
Bethany Sharpe, DDS
Prior to COVID, I felt stagnant in my career and began wondering about what is my purpose in life. I’ve been on this journey of self-improvement and discovery ever since. Progress, in my opinion, is all about balance and peace. It takes the form in a variety of ways. Improving my clinical skills and business knowledge, connecting and establishing solid relationships with colleagues and people in the industry, and being a positive example for young adults and kids, all while trying to make sure I stay centered and true to my identity as an (individual, wife, mother, sister, etc.), growing mentally and spiritually and prioritizing my growing family! I believe I am continuously working on achieving all of these things, which makes me very happy and excited for what the future holds.
Hazel Glasper, DDS
• Maintaining a solid work ethic knowing that my thoughts and words determine my destiny
• Acknowledging my fear of failure and taking the risk anyway
• Knowing challenges will present because they always do, yet being willing to see if there is a lesson for me to learnstay prepared to understand it and move on
• Seeing my challenges as opportunities
• Living on purpose
• Being open to something different
• Realizing that sometimes only I can see my vision and for me to be ok with that
• Knowing with God, all things are possible
• Being willing to surrender
• Understanding that change is not always bad and sometimes it NEEDED
• Knowing when to let go
• Accepting that Love trumps being RIGHT
• It can mean small steps forward
