Dental Entrepreneur Woman - Spring 2020

Spring 2020

DeW Life Retreat 2020 info inside

Imperfect Minal Sampat

Synergy Jasmin Haley

Strength Katrina Sanders

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EVENT INFORMATION:

I have said this many times, “DeW Life is not about me... it’s all about you!” And yet, when I really think about it, I believe that instead of the words “me” and “you,” we all should think about “us.” It’s true, DeW is US! Spring 2020 Editor and Publisher Anne M. Duffy, RDH Associate Publisher Rebecca Paciorek Assistant Editors Michael Duffy JoAnn Schutte Susan Beatty Creative Consultant Beth Linesch Design and Layout Brian Rummel Production [CURAtive] James B. Kennedy Reilly Williams Spring Contributors Shakila Angadi Maggie Augustyn Stephanie Baker Patti DiGangi Claudia Lovato Minal Sampat Katrina Sanders Lynda Sherman Jasmin Haley Cover Photography Scott S. Clinton ScottClinton.com Social Media Blue Dot Digital Marketing Web Management My Dental Agency Editorial Office 12233 Pine Valley Club Dr Charlotte, NC 28277 704-953-0261 Fax 704-847-3315 anneduffy@dew.life Send materials to: DeW Life Magazine 8334 Pineville Matthews Rd Ste. 103-201 Charlotte, NC 28226 Guidelines go to dew.life

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Charter Sponsors A-dec Crest Mary Fisher-Day Inspired Hygiene Patterson D5 Patterson Fuse Shofu Advisors to the Board Victoria Peterson Katherine Eitel-Belt Linda Miles Board Dr. Meghna Dassani Dr. Hazel Glasper Jasmin Haley Janice Hurley Suzanne Kump Tonya Lanthier Dr. Laura Mach JoAn Majors Rachel Mele Lori Streeter Rachel Wall Junior Board Dr. Shakila Angadi Christie Bailey Jasmin Haley Dr. Erinne Kennedy Minal Sampat

That’s why I adore this cover! These DeWs had so much fun planning the look and feel of their feature, and it turned out superb. As you will realize, they are beautiful inside and out, and this won’t be the last time you’ll see them in our pages. I am so touched and inspired by Minal's reaching out to Katrina and Jasmin to share her honor. What a generous move on her part. It was important to Minal to include women who have empowered her, and she epitomizes what the DeW mentality is all about. We are stronger, happier and more productive together – when we work with each other, side-by-side in person and/or in spirit. That power is here to stay, and for that I am grateful.

You will love reading their musings on imperfection, synergy and strength.

How lovely to share a glimpse of each of them through their writing. A gift for us and wrapped in beauty.

This edition of DeW is about loving ourselves, loving each other, being enough, living a life with purpose and being true to ourselves. I am very thankful for the enormous contribution our authors have made. I loved reading it cover to cover, and I truly hope you will, too.

Please don’t judge me for being the Anne Cam, as my Art Director likes to call me when he puts our WWW together. Tom was making fun because I guess it does look like it is about me, but, seriously, it is about US, my dear DeWs! Finally, I want to thank you for signing up for DeW Retreat 2020 already. We will do everything in our power to make it even better than last year, and we’ve already got a food truck and house party on the agenda, so make sure you check that box.

And never forget, if we all work together in pursuing our DeW mission, we can’t miss.

With love and gratitude for you!

Anne M. Duffy Editor/Publisher

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SPRING 2020

contents 6

The power of "with"

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Imperfect

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Synergy

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StrEngth

Minal Sampat, BA, RDH

Minal Sampat, BA, RDH

Jasmin Haley, RDH, MSDH, cDA

Katrina Sanders,RDh

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Choices: The Road Not Taken

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We deserve to rest

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the other side to the story

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It’s not you, it’s me

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Living on Purpose in 2020

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Enough: The abundance vs.

Scarcity mindset

Patti DiGangi, RDH

Dr. Shakila Angadi,DDS

dr. Maggie Augustyn,DDS

Lynda SHerman, EFDA

claudia lovato, cda

Stephanie baker, rdh

DeWers

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WWW 12 DeW Dish

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Success 18 Living Your Strengths

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DeWERS

THE POWER OF "WITH"

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n the Indian culture, we have a saying: “Takat ek ungli se nahi balki band mutthi se banti hai.” Roughly translated, it means “You can’t land a powerful punch using just one finger.”

I think about this saying often. Over the past decade, I’ve learned that the secret to success isn’t to stand out; it’s to stand with.

I grew up with a massive extended family and met more new relatives at every wedding I attended. I realize, looking back, that this was the foundation my confidence was built upon. I always knew that, no matter what, I had this apparently endless network of people who would help me get back up after a fall.

What if every entrepreneur woman had that kind of security? Imagine the world we would have if every woman with big dreams knew, without a doubt, that no matter what happened everything would turn out okay.

We can do that, right here in our industry. We can be the extended network that makes it safe for women to take leaps. This takes trust, which is built by real, honest

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conversations about our imperfections and failures.

It also takes catching one another when we fall and including one another in our successes.

I asked Katrina Sanders and Jasmin Haley to join me on this issue’s cover because it’s incredible to appear sideby-side with women I admire. We’re working during the same moment in history, in the same industry, and doing amazing things. To be a part of something like this with them is, to me, a measure of success. Look how far we’ve come together!

We all have people with whom we feel wondrously lucky to be associated and people we have to thank for inspiring us. When we wield the power of influence, I think it’s our responsibility and our privilege to be inclusive in our spotlight. That’s how we make progress.

Together, we are much more powerful than we are alone. By standing with one another, we can deliver punch after full-fisted punch into the future of women in entrepreneurship.

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DeWERS

IMPERFECT

W

e all have heroes. We admire them on the big screen, hang on to their every word as they give powerful speeches, watch them give themselves to others and our country. From movie stars to activists, and even to our own parents, our heroes usually influence us to be better and be present for more than ourselves.

As you read this, I am sure you are thinking of your hero.

I have a hero, too: my late uncle, Dr. Narendra Sampat.

Growing up, I had a very close relationship with my uncle.

We spent many memorable afternoons on the porch swing in the veranda, where he’d tell me stories and share life lessons.

While my uncle was not a celebrity, he was an incredible dentist. It should be no surprise, then, that I grew up wanting to be a dentist, too. I wanted to be like my selfless uncle, offering free oral care to underserved populations and answering the door in the middle of the night without complaint when patients had emergencies. I visualized myself being as altruistic and compassionate as he and carried that vision with me all the way to adulthood.

During my first two years at Rutgers University, I discovered a passion for marketing. I couldn’t admit this to anyone out loud, however. It felt like a challenge to my life’s purpose. I’d been so confident for so long, so steadfast in my determination to go to dental school and honor my uncle, that it felt unfaithful to entertain the idea of changing direction.

Yet, as my folder for dental school applications grew thicker, I only grew more anxious, worried that my thoughts betrayed my true calling. I’d never felt so unsure of anything before, so I did something I’d never done: I made an appointment with a career counselor.

When I explained my conundrum and confusion about wanting to waver from my lifelong goal, the counselor

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By Minal Sampat, BA, RDH MinalSampat.com Facebook Group: Marketing & Mocktails with Minal listened empathetically. Then she said, “If you think you want to do something, you’re already born with the power to do so.”

Thanks to that advice, I was able to reframe what it meant to honor my uncle. To this day, he is with me in the way he inspired me to help others — something I can do without becoming a dentist, leveraging my unique interests and talents. And, in my own way, I’ve still found myself working in the dental field.

I share this story because in order to receive what ended up being one of the most critical pieces of advice in my career and life, I had to first experience doubt and uncertainty. Then, I had to turn to a stranger for help.

If you are successful today, it’s at least partially thanks to the imperfect, doubt-riddled experiences others had and chose to share with you. We’re all reading books, listening to podcasts, attending webinars and conferences and (ah!) talking to people in order to become or stay successful. It takes failure, struggle and experimentation to achieve success; and we all have authors, leaders, speakers and mentors to thank for sharing their most vulnerable moments with us so we can grow.

None of us are in this alone. From childhood heroes to objective advisors, we set goals and reach them with the help of others. Once we grow comfortable with the idea that we don’t have all the answers, and comfortable working with people in the same boat, we start to truly succeed.

People often compliment me on “having it all together,” but, the truth is, that isn’t always the case. I often turn to advisors, mentors and people I look up to for reminders of what I am capable of. More importantly, to hold on to that perfect image of myself would hold me back. Like you, I am not perfect. We are all, in fact, wonderfully imperfect.

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DeWERS

SYNERGY

By Jasmin Haley, RDH, MSDH, CDA @itsjasminhaley www.jasminhaley.com

M

onths ago, when I received the phone call from Minal Sampat to join her on the cover of DeW, I was at a loss for words. As I listened to her share her vision, I thought, “Minal wants to share a cover with me?!?!? Why would she give up such a wonderful opportunity for herself and be inclusive of other DeWs?” At that time, Minal and I had only a minimal amount of interaction with one another. Yet, in one conversation, I knew she was like-minded, supportive and indeed a heart-centered entrepreneur. Prior to her asking me to be a part of this cover, I had a conversation with her in which I asked her to be a guest speaker at my annual event for dental hygienists. She emphatically said, "Yes!" Her enthusiasm caught me by surprise. Why? Minal truly values community over competition. She understands that it’s not about her; it’s not about us; it’s about a movement. This same principle represents everything I stand for.

In the dental industry, the reality is that Minal, Katrina and I are peer competitors. Despite this reality, our values aligned, and it is a breath of fresh air to find fellow DeWs, Dental entrepreneur Women, who embody the same level of abundance I’ve carried with me in my career. It is with a growth mindset that there is a new generation of entrepreneurs emerging. We are building ladders, shattering ceilings and stepping into our greatness, hand-in-hand. The collaborative efforts we are making lead to a massive impact on the future of our industry – intentional synergy.

Synergy is defined as the “interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects” (Lexico, n.d.). Collectively, imagine the impact we can make when we put aside

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our differences and reach out to one another. We can leverage our strengths, maximize our potential and further our reach in the lives that we choose to serve. The DeW Life movement is necessary to heal the deep-seated wounds of the past that include the mean girls club, hyper-competition and lack of support. The evolution of our industry to be more inclusive, community-driven and supportive is crucial to the everlasting success we all deserve. We are building a legacy that will impact the future generation of women that come behind us. Our community is our lifeline and our sisterhood to reach out to when challenges arise.

When we take the time to celebrate another woman’s triumphs or successes, we are glorifying our entire sisterhood through our genuine support.

Entrepreneurship is one of the most challenging journeys we will undertake, and it is in the power of our tribe that we can overcome any challenges that arise. The biggest hurdle we need to overcome is our own beliefs.

What limiting beliefs, negative self-talk or self-doubt exist within you that prevent you from embracing our community with full abundance?

The rewards are great, innumerable and unmeasurable.

Women who support women and truly personify synergy are the most successful. The power of collaboration and sisterhood is represented in this month’s DeW Life Magazine cover. Let’s continue to reverse the stereotype that women do not support other women. We need each other to rise against the cultural, systemic and biased hurdles that impact our industry. There’s a new movement in town – will you join us?

Reference: Synergy: Definition of Synergy by Lexico. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/synergy

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DeWERS

STRENGTH

By Katrina Sanders @TheDentalWINEgenist. www.katrinasanders.com.

N

early every childhood photo of me depicts a display of a combination of mosquito bites and scabs; a product of being an adventure-seeking child of the midwest. As an accident-prone child, I would oftentimes fall, bleed from a gravel-indented lesion and get little sympathy from my mother. While my friends could count on empathetic mothers to provide a “kiss for the boo-boo” and a fresh Band-Aid, my mom would shout, “Tell the ground you are sorry!" and then force me to get up, brush it off and move on.

Growing up in a home that enforced strength over selfpity, Mom taught that it’s not about the fall but rather about your resiliency in getting back up. As such, this accident-prone, curly-haired, little girl soon matured into an equally mistake-prone adult with a few higher learning degrees and a busy LLC to manage. I had used my inner strength and Mom’s old adage “Tell the ground you are sorry!” countless times to creatively encourage my business to emerge, rise and grow despite the early mistakes I made (and those I continue to make) in my business.

myself up, brush it off and attempt to move on.

But she couldn’t: she was gone.

From the ground, covered in gravel and bleeding from my heart, I was in pain, lost, scared and alone.

Then, as if sent by a guardian angel, a circle of women picked me up. Kind women who, by all standards, are considered “competition” for my businesses; women who could easily take a situation like this and use it to elevate their own businesses while mine crumbles. Yet there they were: coming together, lifting me up, embracing, holding me tight and providing endless support.

The strength, coursing through their veins, enveloped me, emulsified my soul, revitalized my heart and, ultimately, reminded me of HER. The presence of female strength; the dichotomy of delicate beauty and immense power came flourishing into my world and carried me from a profound sadness to a grounded sense of peace.

She was slipping away.

You see, they reminded me that strength not only comes from within but also all around. Their strength healed me, their love brought my wounds to scabs and their unwavering love reminds me that these scars are just moments when I had to tell the ground I was sorry; they are the moments when I brushed myself off; and they are reminders of the times when I kept going.

I begged and pleaded with the universe to bring her back to me so she could, just once more, encourage me to tell the ground I was sorry; to give me the strength to pick

This segment is dedicated to the loving memory of Linda M. Sanders, the first woman, but certainly not the last, to teach me inner strength.

However, never in my life had I needed that lesson like I did the day I received a call from Dad telling me that Mom had suddenly collapsed in the kitchen, was rushed to a hospital and was placed on life support.

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De W Li fe Retreat signup i s no w OPEN w w w.dewliferetreats.com

WHO, WEAR, WHEN

Dr. Joy Holmes Jumpstart Dinner

Victoria Peterson & Katherine Eitel

Sharon Allen & Andjelka Riznic Claire Joeng

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Eden Ivie

Sarah Poe Cottingham & Elaine RDH

Page Meade’s Book Launch

Angela Martinez

Beverly Wilburn & Malika Azargoon

Kristine Berry, Dr. Gerilyn Alfe, Tonya Lanthier

dew.life

Good DeWs Find Good DeWs

Jill Malmgren

RCC dinner hosted by Jackie Sanders

DeW

DATES

Here are some upcoming events we will be attending.

Let's meet up, DeW Crew!

Hinman March 19-21, 2020 Atlanta, GA hinman.org

Trivia Dent Party hosted by Tony Stefano and Michele Strange

JoAn Majors

Smiles at Sea April 23-26, 2020 Nassau, Bahamas www.smilesatsea.com Under One Roof July 16-18 Denver, CO www.rdhunderoneroof.com

Leah Burk, Christie Bailey, Amber Auger & Leslie Brown Care Credit party

Be Boundless September 9-12, 2020 Atticus Hotel McMinnville, OR alwaysbeboundless.com AADOM Conference September 10-12, 2020 Boca Raton, FL aadomconference.com

Laci Phillips & Cindy Ishimoto

DeW Retreat November 12-14, 2020 Charlotte, NC www.dew.life DeW PJ Parties ... to be announced

Dr. David Rice, Aileen Gunter, Leslie Brown

dew.life

Misty Turner & Sonya Dunbar

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DeW Dish

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Brittany Bergeron www.towncentercosmeticdentistry.com

What advice do you have for the new person in your office?

Make sure you ask questions when you’re unsure or don’t know the answer. That is the only way to grow and develop your skills and reach your full potential.

What “DeW” leaders do?

DeW leaders lead selflessly. Every DeW I’ve met wants to better the DeWs around her. They want to connect, advance and support their peers; and to me that’s a true sign of leadership.

What is your favorite Indoor/Outdoor Activity?

I love to knit and sew: I work on various projects throughout the year. I never just sit. There is always a project in process.

What is your dream vacation?

What is the best part of your job?

A beach, a book and sunshine. Location is not as important as the opportunity to unplug and relax.

Having the ability to change a patient’s life: Whether it be through health, education or improving their confidence – there’s no better feeling than positively impacting another person.

What does balance look like?

What obstacles have you overcome in your career?

What movie always makes you laugh?

As a new dentist and a young woman, I have faced bias, discrimination and severe self-doubt. The biggest thing I overcame was my own negative feelings about myself.

Once I found my voice and self-confidence, the world started to unfold before me in the best possible way.

Being comfortable with yourself, your story and your path is a very liberating experience.

What do you do to turn around a bad day?

Exercise! You can’t beat a good endorphin rush. Even on the days I really would rather be lazy, a workout always improves my mood and makes me feel better.

What is your guilty pleasure?

ICE CREAM

I’m not sure; but, when I figure it out, my DeWs will be the first to know!

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!

How do you take your coffee?

Iced (preferably Starbucks' cold brew): coconut milk, sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup and one Stevia to be exact!

What scares you the most?

Snakes... really anything that slithers (shudder) but especially snakes!

What is your motto?

“You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it.”

Brittany is the Director for Corporate Relations and the Immediate Past-President of the American Association of Women Dentists. http://www.aawd.org

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Kriston Reisnour https://seattlestudyclub.com

How do you measure success?

By how many individuals you have helped reach their goals and/or their definition of success. I am a firm believer in Zig Ziglar's sayings: - “You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want."

- "The greatest good we can do for others is not just share our riches with them but to reveal theirs."

- "The foundational stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

Rice pudding.

What do you do to turn around a bad day?

I put on some oldies-but-goodies music and sing along.

What advice do you have for the new person in your office?

What is the best part of your job?

Having the opportunity to work with a team of passionate and dedicated individuals with a primary focus of empowering individuals to reach their true professional and personal potential. Being dental healthcare providers, we are able to reach one person at a time. However, now through the educational offerings presented by the Seattle Study Clubs, we help the dental communities reach the masses. We are blessed to work with many study club directors and coordinators, providing guidance and direction in putting together their academic educational programs for their members. I am excited that the educational offerings are state of the art, evidenced based and utilize the philosophy of the Seattle Study Club founder, Dr. Michael Cohen, which is based on a comprehensive interdisciplinary treatment plan for better patient care. I believe we provide the best educational opportunities! Dental professionals gather in a nonthreatening environment, learning alongside and from their peers. It is a university without walls which allows for interactive and collaborative education to be discussed and shared among both general and specialty providers.

Together they become stronger in their personal and professional lives. I am beyond excited to work for an organization that provides this level of education in a way that the members can absorb, maintain and immediately implement into their practices. This is what separates Seattle Study Club from all the others, and I am proud to be a part of the team.

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Believe in yourself and all your abilities; embrace your strengths and also your failures; and believe you are here for a reason. Be patient with yourself as you are learning and give yourself permission to not be perfect. Learning is a process: be still, and allow it to happen.

What is your favorite Indoor/Outdoor Activity?

Fishing and then hiking or walking in the park with our dogs Max and Emma.

They are playing your theme song as you walk on stage. Name that tune!

"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

What is your dream vacation?

Disney World. Love that place! Would go every year if I could. Brings out the kid in me.

What is the best gift you ever received?

The best gift I ever received was of sentimental value.

I received a gold chain from Dr. Laughlin, the first periodontist I worked for coming right out of dental hygiene school. His guidance and mentoring made me the dental professional that I am today.

Christie Bailey Instagram: @christiembailey

What is your guilty pleasure?

I have been working really hard to remove the feeling of “guilt” from my life, and, wow, is it difficult! In the era of social media and highlight reels on display, it is hard work to not feel guilty for saying "no." So my new absolute pleasure is my newfound ability to say "no;" to not feel left out when I stay at home on Friday night eating takeout in my PJs and watching 90s Rom Coms.

What famous person living or dead would you like to have lunch with and what would you ask them?

My dad. I would ask him more questions about his childhood, laugh extra hard at his silly jokes and squeeze him as tight as possible.

What does balance look like?

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is getting to be creative and strategic while traveling the world meeting incredible people!

There are days I’m involved in designing packaging, making global business decisions, and then I get to sit down at lunch with an amazing person in our field to hear about their life.

What obstacles have you overcome in your career?

Recognizing and believing I don’t have to fit in a certain mold to deserve a seat at the table.

When I first started in a leadership role, I was meeting with a group of our international partners. When I sat down they kindly greeted me and said, “We will wait for your boss to arrive to begin.” I replied, “I am the boss, we may begin.” I will never forget the looks on their faces, how kind they were about my self-advocating; but even more, how that one sentence transformed the way I saw myself professionally by acknowledging my value and the power of standing up for myself. Being the youngest person in many boardrooms, executive meetings and often only one of a few (if any) women taught me early that the way people treat you depends on the respect you give yourself, the respect you show others, and the respect you kindly, but directly, request from others.

Balance looks much different than I originally interpreted. What I have learned about balance is to stop worrying about creating balance (because it often creates something else to stress about!) and instead focus on being very self-aware of your needs and what boundaries you need to feel healthy and accomplished.

I used to try so hard to figure out how to “balance” my professional and personal life until I recognized, and embraced the fact, that the best balance came from setting boundaries and recognizing there will be weeks where I work 60 hours and then there will be days when I take a random Tuesday off. Balance looks like recognizing what you need, acknowledging it and doing your best to try to be kind to yourself by practicing selflove and giving yourself what you need before you are desperately needing it!

What is your motto?

“Be kind to your future self.”

This reminds me to do things now that will make my life easier and happier in 5 minutes up to 57 years, etc.

For example, when I am home, I make sure to spend a bit longer at night preparing for the next day. When I am traveling, I make sure to spend extra time packing in complete outfits, so I can spend more time living in the moment and feeling confidently prepared.

What I have recently learned is that being kind to your future self is not just about preparation but also about recognizing when you need time to rest and prioritizing that before you get burnt out (something I am working on).

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SUCCESS

CHOICES: THE ROAD NOT TAKEN by Patti DiGangi, RDH

M

any of us have heard the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. (Box 1) Though this poem paints a beautiful picture of choices and roads to follow, in my experience, as for many entrepreneurs reading this, roads are an illusory dream. There are not well-defined roads to choose. Our choices create the road.

It Isn’t Luck Many years ago, I had a mantra on my luck. I thought that I was lucky to be offered a job in our family dental practice that lead me to dental hygiene school. I was lucky about this and that. Finally, I had a brother-in-law who looked at me and said, “BS!” I was shocked. Not by the language but rather by the interruption of my well-practiced litany.

I was just average, nothing special. He said my words and beliefs were wrong because each day we are faced with choices. How we choose is what decides the future.

It’s taken me years to truly understand the depth of meaning to his words. Often we can understand our life by looking backwards. I can see how my choices led me to my current life. At the same time, I am a futurist, looking beyond the now to decide how I can create my path. If I don’t know where I am going, how can I find/ create the way?

Choosing How to React I am a leader and have been for a long time. My previous history was to be a leader of complainers. How many times have you sat in a meeting or had an opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions and said nothing?

Then later, you talked to friends and family about how

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you felt, particularly when you felt wronged or had a better idea?

A very progressive practice I worked in (we were paperless and chartless in 1992!) had both monthly all-day staff meetings as well as morning huddles.

What a lucky choice to work there... not! The dentist would ask our opinions and ideas. The silence was deafening. Yet, in the parking lot I would show my leadership skills leading the negative comments. As a matter of fact, I was so good that even if the other person wasn’t feeling negative, I could and would talk them into it. That was a then-undiscovered and notso-impressive leadership skill.

My experience and previous role models in life had demonstrated this behavior pattern over and over. I didn’t realize at the time how well it had imprinted on me. Yet it is not the fault of those role models; I chose my behavior. I didn’t like it much though. I didn’t feel motivated or excited about what I was doing.

This dental practice also offered amazing opportunities for learning. I participated in several different practice management coaching programs.

We traveled to several, taking as much as 4-6 weeks out of the office and on the road. The programs weren’t all wonderful. Yet, I was eating a different diet of role models. It was an amazing opportunity that I embraced. This was not the choice of others who only found fault and complained.

Windows and Doors These learning opportunities opened new windows

dew.life

SUCCESS for me. I understand our opportunities as windows now.

My old model said people open doors for you... if you are lucky. My experience is windows can be opened/ unshuttered to see new possibilities. Then the individual needs to find the window, open it, go through it and then do something on the other side of it, taking many steps with varying choices along the way.

When I figured out the window idea was when I began to be a better mentor. Prior to that, I was not a mentor; I was a co-dependent enabler. That is the model seen frequently in dentistry. Services offered become obligations on our part that we follow without much question. An example is pre-scheduling hygiene care.

It is a service a practice provides that we say is for the convenience of the patient. Yet, is it really? Isn’t is also for our convenience? Without questioning that part, we fall into the seeming requirements of reminder systems, confirmation and more. We take the responsibility and are surprised when the patients don’t.

Enabler or Helper?

An enabler is someone who helps negate the consequences brought on by someone else’s behavior. Enablers are people who are in a relationship with someone suffering from an addiction; however, instead of helping the addicted person, they allow them to continue their behavior.

Oral hygiene instruction is the core of the services provided by hygienists, and often it takes a great deal of time. There is another CDT procedure code when this instruction takes more time. D9920 behavior management, by report definition: May be reported in addition to treatment provided. Should be reported in 15minute increments. Our time is a valuable commodity, and one we can’t get more of. We need to make the choice to value our time and expertise. If we don’t, neither will the patients or anyone else.

Would you use these or case management codes?

Did you know there was a choice?

There are procedure codes for case management: D9991

ental case management addressing d appointment compliance barrier D9992 dental case management - care coordination D9993 dental case management - motivational interviewing D9994 dental case management - patient education to improve oral health literacy In 2019, another code was added for our special needs population: D9997

dental case management - patients with special health care needs

Many of us in healthcare have helper personalities. There is a big difference between a helper and an enabler. The biggest difference is the fact that a helper knows what her actions will do to help the individual. A helper does not always say, "Yes." A healthy helper does not take the responsibility for the outcomes for the people we help.

Accurate Procedure Code Metrics

Helping is a choice we make or a series of choices.

We need to be careful not to slip into an enabling role because ultimately that helps no one.

I seem to see life through my procedure codes filter. This was my choice when I coined the name of my company DentalCodeology - the study of dental procedure codes.

Procedure Codes for Our Services

I have chosen to embrace their importance for more than 3rd-party reimbursement. Accurate and complete use of procedure codes provides important metrics. Metrics that can give us the power to quickly arrive at data-driven decisions that can improve outcomes and performance, drive cost savings, and enhance patient quality of care and satisfaction.

Another example is the provision of a toothbrush and floss, not unlike a 6-year-old's birthday party goody bag.

This is another service dentistry provides often without question. This service has a CDT procedure code, D1330, that isn’t even documented. And to many, the idea of charging a fee is abhorrent.

We have created an addiction for our patients. We have trained our patients to expect this no-fee service. They think the products don’t cost the practice anything.

This is wrong on many levels as we all know. The value of the service is not the provision of the product; it’s the personalized instruction.

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Current Road The journey continues. The newest road I am creating called for new choices. "Beyond Oral Health" better describes this leg of my journey. Using the term "dentistry" is the well-taken road and narrows our focus to teeth. The oral environment is 80% NOT teeth. We can

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SUCCESS cure, not just manage, periodontal disease, have a world with no oral cancer and have a caries-free world. These deeply held beliefs create the direction of my choices.

We know what we do goes so much beyond oral health.

The continued emphasis on teeth is not the road I want to take. It is my choice by traveling/creating a different road that, as Mr. Frost says, will make "all the difference."

I welcome you to make the choice and join me.

The Road Not Taken

by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

About the author: Patti believes dentistry is no longer just about fixing teeth; dentistry is oral medicine. AND it's time we got around to truly practicing it. Her new brand Beyond Oral Health challenges us do so.

We can have a world with no oral cancer; we can cure, not just manage, perio disease; and we can also have a caries-free world but not by doing more of the same.

Patti’s specialty is coding: medically necessary coding.

Her efforts have assisted thousands of professionals to code more accurately and efficiently. She teaches the "Why" behind the codes. In fact, the American Dental Association recognized her expertise by inviting her to write a chapter in its CDT 2017 Companion book and again for CDT 2018 Companion. Patti holds publishing and speaking licenses with ADA for Current Dental Terminology©2020. Are you ready to have your brain scrambled and have some fun?

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SUCCESS

WE DESERVE TO REST

By Dr. Shakila Angadi

I

t’s finally Friday, and after a long week, the weekend is here. It’s been busy with work, projects, meal planning, kids activities (if applicable) and so much more. As the week dragged its feet, there is relief in knowing the weekend is upon us for a chance to rest.

But what was supposed to be a weekend of relaxing ends up being filled up: social events, errands, housework, engagements and home projects that “needed” to get done. With the endless to-do lists and activities, the two days we were looking forward to the most ended up flying by the fastest.

Before we realize it, Monday arrives again. The early week morning greetings of “How are you? How was your weekend?” surround you. “I’m tired" or "I’m fine” becomes a typical answer as you manage to share the quick details of that fabulous dinner at the new hot spot in town. As excited as you may seem on the outside, you are hoping for a slower day because on the inside... you are still tired.

This was my life for many years... running the rat race of life, wondering why I felt so mentally (and physically) exhausted all the time and, yet, did nothing different to change the trajectory. When I had a “break," I’d fill it with endless lists, get sucked into the social media vortex and/or lose track of time temporarily while I distracted myself.

I would always be worried or thinking of a time that was not in the present: either the guilt of the past or the anxiety of the future. This state of mind left me moving through my daily life remembering very little about what I was experiencing.

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If you relate to this, you are not alone. As a "Dental entrepreneur Woman," each one of us has so many responsibilities, goals and dreams that manifest with our hard work and dedication. It can be overconsuming and take over our entire mindset. But what if we decided to not wait until all those plans were fulfilled to feel happy?

The reality is, if we put off being relaxed until we finish our plans, we won’t be happy for most of our lives!

As an emotional intelligence coach, DeW, and human that has been handed a tough set of cards to navigate life, I’ve realized through many mistakes and errors that we, as a society, negate the need for true rest. When our peers are bragging about how much they got done or what they did to get ahead, we can oversee our fundamental human need of rest. This includes our mental and physical rest to maximize our energy and well-being. Both symbiotically function best when they are placed as a priority.

We were never meant to go at the pace many of us do… we stay in a constant state of heightened stress and distraction, multitasking our way through life. And although we may build our resume skills immensely by doing so, we are draining our gas tank on the other end by not refueling the way we need to.

What would it take for us to feel like we DESERVE rest?

Let’s break down the two most common objections to avoiding mental rest: We don’t have time. This idea that we don’t have time is the shift in priority. We make the time to run full speed on ambitious tasks, endless plans and distractions. If we can fly down the social media vortex, we can make the

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SUCCESS

This was my life for many years... running the rat race of life, wondering why I felt so mentally (and physically) exhausted all the time and, yet, did nothing different to change the trajectory. time for ourselves to cultivate a few minutes to refuel. It's a matter of desire and prioritization.

We don’t deserve rest. This idea that we don’t “deserve” rest is one I often encounter as an emotional intelligence coach. We may not realize this holds us back, but society doesn’t praise the concept of replenishment. If we think about our goals and dreams, they all come from a place of productivity; and somewhere along the way we have decided that rest is a “luxury,” not a necessity. But with burnout, depression and anxiety on the rise, I can’t help but wonder if we have created our own microcosm of depletion without realizing the function of our bodies and minds. Questioning this self-talk of deserving rest was a game changer for me, realizing that I am more efficient when I rest and ultimately happier when I do.

The physical benefits of rest are many and include reduced anxiety, reduced stress levels, increased wellbeing, increased immune function, increased levels of happiness, increased ability to create emotional memories and increased boosts in well-being. We physically feel better when we mentally recharge!

When we shift our mindset to one of deserving rest, we look forward to doing it. The guilt melts away, and we embrace the fresh perspective our minds take when we feel the effects of true rest.

Here are my top tips for cultivating mental and mindset REST into our lives: Understand the need. As mentioned earlier, if we don’t believe it’s important, we won’t make the effort to interrupt our feedback programming loop of being busy.

Learning to rest may sound like a waste of time, but it’s a fundamental need to rest physically and mentally.

Grow gratitude for yourself. When I wake up in the morning (before jumping out of bed, checking the phone or allowing myself to think about my to-dos), I bring awareness to my body. I repeat thoughts of gratitude for my breath, my senses and my body to be able to do what

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it can. This simple act of mindful gratitude has motivated me to rest (because I deserve it!) and keeps me in check with my physical/mental goals that benefit me, like consistency at the gym and meditating.

Cultivate silence. Turn off the distractions; turn off the phone; turn off your screens. In our digital age of distraction, it becomes easier to fall into a default of being in front of a screen. We think we are resting when we plop down for a Netflix marathon, when, in reality, the therapeutic effect of relaxation in front of a screen is only 40 minutes. After that we are simply zoned out. Checking social media is NOT rest because being bombarded with notifications and engaging with the digital world actually instigates our stress response. So, what do we do? Start by sitting for a few minutes daily without any distractions. Simply work on “BE”ing, not doing. It will feel odd at first if you are not used to it, so observe any thoughts/judgement that come up. If our brains are used to distraction, it may take consistency over time for our minds to understand the feeling of rest. I have found it easier to do this in the morning, but it is the most necessary in the evening to actually “empty” my mind.

I’ll even make a to-do list before sitting to “be” in the evening so I am less distracted.

Find your flow and creativity. Ever lose track of time doing a puzzle, playing an instrument, baking, doing art or another activity? This is a state of flow. Exercising our innate creative needs (even if it’s just a crossword puzzle) allows us to refocus on a non-goal-oriented activity which can refuel us. Doing this consistently can refuel our mental energy.

Cultivate mindful activity. Get time outside. Put the housework/errands aside, and get some fresh air. A simple awareness walk (with the phone away) can help us stay in the moment of mindfulness, along with increasing our oxygen capacity and, more importantly, refuel our spirit. Even a short run, yoga or gentle exercise can help refuel our mental energy tank!

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SUCCESS Hack your vagal responses. Ever wonder why meditation and yoga are so beneficial? When we stimulate the vagal nerve, its branches that traverse from our gut to our brain, it allows the parasympathetic function of relaxation. A simple mindful breathing exercise for a few minutes, meditation, visualization, guided imagery or even humming can stimulate this nerve. It’s a great hack for those overwhelming moments when you feel depleted, since it biologically stimulates the relaxation phase.

We're Going Digital!

As a member of The DeW Life Crew you have so many benefits: • Receive and download the magazines before anyone else gets to see them.

• Complimentary subscription to the “Dental Entrepreneur” digital magazine.

• Connect through the digital magazine via links and videos INSIDE the digital magazine.

• Opportunities to write and be published via our blog or magazines.

• Invitations

to members-only events...

INCLUDING OUR RETREAT.

So, get off that treadmill of that endless productivity list! The list will never end because there will always be one more thing to add. If we choose to place ourselves as a priority, we will. Rest is a fundamental need for our mind, body and spirit to function from a place of purpose and intention. Making the effort to cultivate rest pays off in the long run as we enjoy the experience that is our journey of life. With as many hats as we wear in life, we can choose to be happy and focus on our well-being.

Ultimately, we all deserve to rest.

About the author: Dr. Shakila Angadi is a dentist turned certified social and emotional intelligence coach and chronic pain advocate.

Through her journey of expanding her mindset to find happiness, she enjoys helping humans sharpen their emotional intelligence and mindfulness skills to live a more purposeful, resilient and balanced life. Through her platform, The Inspired Dentist, she is involved with multiple projects including speaking, writing and engaging in her coaching programs. Connect with her on Facebook @theinspireddentist and with her personal journey on IG @shakilaangadi. www.theinspireddentist. com.

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SUCCESS

THE OTHER SIDE TO THE STORY By Dr. Maggie Augustyn

L

ike many other women before me, I have always struggled with finding self-acceptance. Whether it’s been nature or nurture, from a very early age I never really felt like I was worth anything. No amount of education, degrees, accolades, personal or professional successes, not even money, made me gain any selfesteem. Not permanently, at least. In my experience, the presence of my own sense of confidence hasn’t necessarily been static. It has had a certain ebb and flow.

And I find that, especially for women, a high sense of selfworth can cycle and be quite fluid.

My lack of self-acceptance had spilled into my work and into interactions with colleagues. Though I may have spent significant time and money on attending continuing education courses, I had always felt significant anxiety about participating in discussions and especially raising questions. Though the old adage goes, "There is no ‘stupid’ question," for me, the idea of asking a question brought a constant worry: Would everyone realize some day I didn’t belong in dentistry? Would someone one day realize I was too stupid to belong?

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million times a minute, I stayed true to my resolution and raised my hand as high as I could with a well thought out question. I did this 5 times. And, 5 times, the oral surgeon, having made eye contact with me, called on a neighboring male dentist. At first, I was confused. As the next case presentation ensued, my distress skyrocketed. I became angry and felt slighted. I felt ignored. My hands started to shake, and tears began to gather. I excused myself and left the room. I thought, “What just happened?”

Many times I had experienced discrimination due to being a woman. I’d been treated unfairly by patients and older male dentists. I’d even been called the "Bword" by the dentist who sold his practice to me, 40 years my senior. But, in my 20 years of studying and practicing dentistry, I had never been treated unfairly by a male dentist who was within my age bracket. This was the first; it was odd; and it hurt.

In the 15 years I’ve practiced dentistry and attended continuing education seminars and local events, I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve raised my hand to pose a question. This year, however, I made a new year’s resolution that, no matter my level of anxiety, I was going to bring myself into the discussion and participate more. I was going to make myself belong.

Once I got home, I couldn’t sleep. I became irritated and resentful. Having gotten up the next morning, I decided that I was going to call the oral surgeon and ask him what happened that evening, why he had ignored me. Let me express how unusual it would be for me to call my male counterpart, a specialist in his field, to bring on a potential confrontation.

Within 24 hours, I went from feeling like I didn’t fit in to "Why the hell not!" and demanding my space in the conversation.

Very recently I attended a course which included a treatment plan presentation by a male oral surgeon.

When the presentation came to a conclusion and the floor was open for questions, with my heart beating a

I picked up the phone with my heart racing. I’d never confronted another specialist before, certainly not on account of being snubbed. I presented to him my experience and patiently awaited his response. What

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SUCCESS

excuse could he possibly have?

Much to my surprise, not only did he apologize profusely for having ignored me, he admitted that he, himself, was anxious during the presentation. He said that it wasn’t his intention to ignore me, but rather it was possible he was overwhelmed and simply did not notice me. Taking time away from his patients, he offered to answer any questions I’d had. We talked for several minutes. At the end he asked if, in the future if we are present at a lecture again, I could introduce myself so he can apologize to me in person. He admitted to me another weakness he had: not remembering names as opposed to faces.

In Oprah’s words, this was my "AHA moment." In the very few minutes that it took me to make and finish the call, I had learned so much. I have used it as a learning experience, and it has affected me in many ways. I was overjoyed at the fact that I had been brave enough to confront the situation and had acted as an advocate for myself. More importantly, I was thrilled to find out that I had mislabeled the oral surgeon. Boy, was I wrong. This wasn’t a sexist encounter, but I never would have known that had I not attempted to gather more information.

My hope for you is that you have the faith to reconsider encounters with colleagues if in a similar situation. Also, it’s worthwhile to think that we may not be the only ones struggling in a situation.

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Notwithstanding my experience, there are people out there who will discriminate against women; I have experienced that myself many times, as I mentioned above. There are also people out there who will make women feel small to make themselves feel big. And in those instances it’s important to rely on our ability to maintain our self-confidence. It’ll work like a shield of protection, preventing ourselves from succumbing to self-doubt that can be brought on by even the most random interaction.

There are some signs to look for if you’re wondering whether or not you’ve let go of your own self-worth. The signs of lacking self-acceptance can be as mild as selfdoubt or as extreme as self-loathing.

If you can’t get past your own mistake for more than 72 hours... If you can’t forgive yourself, you need to realign and regain your self-worth. Apparently 72 hours is a magic number as far as processing emotions is concerned.

If you’re over focused on what your friend has or has not done and minimize your own accomplishments, it’s time to practice self-love.

If you look at others and can only see the good in them and the "not so good" in you, once again, follow the formula below to improve your self-esteem.

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SUCCESS When you find yourself in a moment of self-doubt, set out an intention for realignment to regain that self-worth. In following this, it will be very important to pay attention to your thoughts and to recognize when you’re degrading yourself or practicing negative self-talk.

If you’re practicing negative self-talk and you’re having a hard time ignoring those thoughts, find a task to keep you busy. Watch TV, try to read a book, clean the kitchen, fold laundry, sing the alphabet song, do anything and everything to keep your mind occupied with something other than self-degradation.

Begin focusing on a positive self-image, looking at your strengths. Write them down if that helps. Remember the times you’ve succeeded. Keep a scrapbook of "thankyou’" notes from your patients and friends. Review those.

Look at pictures of your kids smiling. Remember the good.

Focus on gratitude and love. Love is a trump card: It beats everything. Stay mindful. Stay in the moment. Here is a trick to keep your mind in the present: It’s called the 5-43-2-1 mindfulness trick. Put your mind on the 5 senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. Identify five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can feel (which can be anything from your feet in your shoes to a ring on your finger), two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. This will allow you to stay in the moment, keeping your mind away from negative thinking.

Remember your "why." Remember why you do what you do and who you are. Empower yourself with joy: Kiss your spouse, tickle your kids (if age appropriate) or play with your dog.

Do NOT compare yourself to others. Recognize when you do, and consciously fight against it. Only compare yourself to who you were yesterday, and recognize your growth from past to present.

Don’t look for approval from others. You're unlikely to find it, but, more importantly, you DON’T need it.

Most people, especially women, really struggle with maintaining self-love or self-worth at a steady state. This is normal. We have good days, and we have "not so good days." When it dips at times, if we can make an effort, we will come to regain it. My "go-to" thinking is this: "I have had a good life. I’ve been well before. I’ve been happy before. And the past is proof that I will be well again. I will regain happiness. I will regain self-respect. I will regain my 'Why.'" I have found myself, many times, taking a break in the bathroom, overwhelmed with emotions; and for the first time in my many years of existence, I feel like

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I have found a solution. I have come to discover that as I close my eyes and silently repeat, “I know who I am,” I regain enough composure to at least show my face back in the world. The idea that we need to elevate our self-worth is important not only because it makes life easier to get through, it makes life more enjoyable. It’s important because we have to show our kids, our family and our friends that life is worth living and that they are worth living for.

The idea that self-acceptance seeps into every part of your life couldn’t be more true. We aren’t always taught this, but there isn’t anything more important than having a positive self-image. Once you realign and find your self-confidence boosted, your composure and poise will be noticed by just about everyone. My final thought is this: Even as much as I have practiced this idea and have returned to self-love, I still know that it’s not here to stay permanently. I expect it, I know it and now I’m prepared for it.

About the author: Dr. Maggie W. Augustyn is a practicing general dentist.

She was also voted "America's Best Dentist" and "America's Top Dentists" based on superior training, experience, continuing education and commitment to excellence. She completed her formal dental education earning a doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to that, she was awarded two bachelor’s degrees (UIC and Benedictine University). In recent years, she has completed the course sequence at the renowned Dawson Academy's continuum in oral equilibration and cosmetic dentistry. She completes a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education each year, much of which has varied, spanning into orthodontics, implantology, periodontics, prosthodontics as well as cosmetic dentistry. She was honored with a Rising Star Award (2015) from Benedictine University, presented to an alumnus who has made considerable strides in their career and has demonstrated dedication to philanthropic endeavors. She's also a moderator on the Facebook groups "I Love Dentistry" and "Dental Nachos." Augustyn's hobbies include volunteerism, art projects of any kind and non-fiction reading/writing. "My favorite thing to do is to just be a mom, in a team with my husband. My mantra is, 'Life Is Good... not all the time, and sometimes you might have to look for it; but most of the time, Life Is Good.'" She resides in Lombard with her husband, Scott, and daughter, Ally.

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S ME

By Lynda Sherman, EFDA

I

am very sorry to tell you this, but I need to move this relationship in a different direction. I know we have been together for 20+ years. You have provided for me.

You have always been there for me, and I know it is very hard; but it is time to move on. I want to experience new things. I can no longer be your employee. I am leaving you to be an entrepreneur.

How did we get to this point and at this time in my life?

Well, I need to be honest with you, it has always been there.

Since I was a young child, I have wanted to be a business owner. My father was a self-employed carpenter and had a home office. He also liked to throw parties often in our home; therefore, he built a bar in the finished basement.

I would flirt with business ownership by taking Dad’s carbon paper, making bar menus and playing restaurant with my friends. My other crush was to be Mary Hart. I would dream of being on "Entertainment Tonight." I wanted to be an on-air anchor and TV personality. If there ever was a spirit animal, Mary was it.

I knew I had to get myself out there. After finishing high school, I was enrolled at Ohio University with plans to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. It was during the summer break before college began when you walked into my life and swept me off my feet. It was a serendipitous moment, and I remember it vividly. I was at my parents’ house, and they weren’t home. The doorbell rang. I answered it. There you were, being delivered by a UPS man of all things. I have heard of mail-order brides, but you were different. To my disappointment, you weren’t even at the right house, but I took you into my life regardless and signed for you because I knew where you belonged. I promised to get you home safely as soon as my next-door neighbor arrived home. That evening I took you to my neighbor; and, to my surprise, he showed me

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the package. It wasn’t just an ordinary package; it was bigger than that. After some time talking, getting to know each other better, I found out what all the fuss was. He was a dentist.

Don’t think less of me, but I was enticed by you and desired more. I became a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and then an Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA).

I still currently practice in Ohio. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences of being a very hands-on clinician in a state that licenses EFDAs and allows such a progressive skill set. My experiences have brought me many skills that others dream of having. One of my favorite tricks is that I can look inside your mouth and tell what sort of decay you have. There are so many, and I don’t want you to judge me as "that type of girl", but I can identify soda decay, drug decay, cancer-treatment decay, cough-dropaddiction decay and my nemesis: I’m-too-lazy-to-brush decay. You see those people at an amusement park who can guess your weight for a prize? I’m the one who can determine the bad habit that is causing decay, and I hate to tell you, there is no prize to be won.

I’ve heard the line that you cannot change people, and it is bad for relationships to try and change someone.

I disagree with you. I am trying to make you a better person. I worked in pediatrics twice in my career. It is heartbreaking to see children where their dental health has been neglected. These poor kids come in with pain and are scared to see me, a total stranger. I desperately try to console them and let them know I will make it better... all of this over something completely preventable! I also would like to see the financial burden of dental care be eliminated. The difficulties and shame of an unhealthy smile should be a thing of the past.

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

I had to do something. Each day at my office, I would educate my clients about ways to prevent tooth decay.

I would inform them of the benefits of brushing and flossing daily. I would also teach them about what foods and drinks work against that glowing smile. Somewhere deep inside me I wished to share my knowledge with everyone through other means than by walking into my dental office and sitting in my chair.

In our relationship, something happened of which I am not proud. I found myself miserably comfortable with you. You gave me nice office hours, good pay, 5 weeks of vacation and the convenience that got in the way of my true happiness.

Things changed when you told me that my dentist sold his practice to a Dental Service Organization. You called me in and told me that the company was going in a different direction. At least you said it to my face and didn’t send it via a text. It was time for us to move on anyway. At that moment I was free of you; I was no longer claimed by anyone. You gave me the opportunity to explore other relationships, and don’t be jealous that I have.

I started this next chapter on a bumpy road. My mother was fighting cancer and losing her battle. It is hard to follow your dreams when the person who deserves to be on this journey, too, can’t. It is hard to focus on dreams when a hospital room becomes a home. It is hard to grow your dream when holding the hand of a loved one is more important. I did not lose sight though. I have remained resilient.

Shortly after my mother’s funeral, I went to her house to pack up her bedroom, and I stumbled across a book about “Grandma” that was left for my daughter. It was a question-and-answer book, like a baby book. The question asked was, "What is your best advice about life?"

“Never say, 'I wish I would have.' Try to fulfill your dreams.”

That resonated within me deeply. It is time to answer my destiny. I have taken the two loves of my life, dentistry and social outlets, to create a non-profit organization called The Dental Oral Care Project (The DOC Project).

My audience is the general public, and my focus is on education. I’m going back to my desire to be an on-air personality by focusing more on the media aspect of attention. I will work with others to make a global change. My business plan is to work with both the dental and medical communities by providing educational tools to deliver oral health care starting before birth through geriatrics. I have ideas worth sharing that will not only educate individuals of all ages but also

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provide continuing education credits to providers and profitability to their practices. I firmly believe that it is possible to significantly reduce dental disease. People are simply not being educated on proper tooth care. It’s not just for dentistry anymore!

It is emotionally draining, devastating and frightening to put myself back out there. I have had to learn how to work around the family dynamics of raising an active 7-year-old daughter and maintain the role I chose as a wife. I decided to invest in myself, though. I attended self-improvement seminars and workshops. I hired a business coach. I joined local entrepreneur clubs and used my contacts to network and grow my contact list.

As with any long-term breakup, it is a difficult journey.

But you will find that my resiliency is even stronger, and I refuse to mope around because I am one tough woman.

I am here to live my dreams, so I am moving on with my "happily ever after." Entrepreneurship can be scary, and it surely gets me out of my comfort zone; but don’t be upset about it because it’s not about you, it’s about me.

Lynda 2.0.

About the author: Lynda Sherman is an Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary who practices in Columbus, Ohio. Though she initially attended school for broadcast journalism, her next-door neighbor introduced her to dentistry. Not only did that change her career path, she found her purpose.

Lynda’s innovative approaches to the placement of direct restorations makes her a master clinician. She has also collaborated as Clinical Manager for a DSO. She has been working on growing her dental consulting company this past year, but her passion for dental disease prevention has taken over the direction of her future. Noticing that dental disease is still as prevalent today as it was 10, 20, and even 40 years ago, if not worse, she is using her influence to inspire the dental industry to shift their thinking from treatment and replacement to prevention instead. She is utilizing her speaking skills to make an impact by advocating at the medical level for dental education intervention. And she is pushing for national media recognition to get the word out that this disease is 100% preventable. Lynda would call herself an activist, as she is on the journey to eradicate tooth decay.

You can follow The Dental Oral Care Project (The DOC Project) on Facebook and Instagram @thedentaloralcareproject.

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

LIVING ON PURPOSE IN 2020 By Claudia Lovato, CDA

A

re you living your best life?

We’ve all seen the posts, hashtags and photos on Instagram. Sometimes it’s obvious what it means to live your best life. Other times, we squint our eyes to try to focus and see what about the cute, filtered Instagram post represents “living your best life.”

Last year, my 19-year-old son posted the picture on the next page of him and me on Instagram with the caption, “Me and Momma living our best life.”

Of course, the fact that my 19-year-old would post this pic of us on his social media with that caption made me a little misty-eyed. #momgoals But what is it? The “live your best life” movement seems to have started with a certain age group. So out of curiosity, I researched the hashtags about living your best life to see what images would come up and if there were any notable trends.

I found countless travel images as well as images of people with groups of friends at parties, events and baby showers. I found the groups that used this hashtag the most was Gen Xers, I’s, millennials. I happen to be a Gen Xer. No matter which category you fall under, don’t we all want to live our best life? I think they’re on to something.

What does “living your best life” mean to you? As a DeW or a DeWd, at some point, you decided to enter the field of dentistry. DENTISTRY? One of the most vilified and feared professions. There’s been much talk of the suicide rate among dentists. It’s real. And yet, you still entered this field. Why? I know I entered it because I love people,

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and, more than that, I love to help people. My first role in dentistry was dental assisting. The first big case I assisted on was a patient with advanced periodontal disease. Her teeth were as mobile as piano keys, and we saved them! This patient feared dentists due to a bad experience as a child back in the 1960s. Yet, somehow, she found her way to us, and we poured our hearts and souls into saving her teeth and helping her with her dental fears. We did it! My boss was a young dentist, and I was his first dental assistant. We spent three years working and learning together, and that was where my love for dentistry began. Dr. Lusk and I were living our best lives back in the 1990s: two fresh young dental people just helping people. We had fun, primarily because we were both new clinicians and every day was a new adventure.

Dr. Lusk is still practicing dentistry, living his best life in Farmington, New Mexico. I moved on and transitioned into speaking, consulting and education.

Back to the picture my son posted and captioned and the moments when it was captured- what was it that gave him that feeling that he and I were living our best life?

Antonio had asked for a camera and professional photography kit during his senior year in high school.

It was a new hobby, and he was enjoying taking senior photographs for his classmates. I happened to need a photographer for a business conference I was hosting, and, after seeing some of Antonio’s work, I decided to give him the opportunity. This event was a two-day, live training conference for DeWs and DeWds, and I had always hired a professional photographer. I was really taking a risk hiring my rowdy 19-year-old whom we nicknamed “Wreck it Ralph." I had no idea how he would interact at this conference.

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

Last year, my 19-year-old son posted the above picture of him and me on Instagram with the caption, “Me and Momma living our best life.”

When he showed up, he had Vans, jeans and a t-shirt on.

Oh boy, we’re off to a rough start here. In no time, he was capturing moments from crazy angles, taking people outside and in areas of the building where the light was good to take professional headshots. I was too busy facilitating the event to micro manage him or knit pick his clothing choices. I just had to let him go do his thing.

What I noticed throughout the event was the attendees embracing him and complimenting me about what a great kid he was. What I saw after the event were some of the best shots of people who normally aren’t comfortable in front of the camera, including myself. Somehow, he managed to make people feel at ease, smile and look their best. Their joy shined through, and he literally captured their sparkle. Perhaps he knew he needed to dress comfortably so he could move freely and that it would make his subjects feel more at ease. Perhaps it was just luck. Either way, it worked.

He had so much fun. He was treated with kindness and gratitude by much older business professionals. He felt valued and important. He was on cloud nine. He participated in the social events instead of sitting in the corner on his cell phone wanting to be somewhere else with people his own age. He was in the middle of the dance floor having fun, leading us in a line dance after a long two-day training session. And most importantly, he was with me. Perhaps the responsibility gave him a true sense of purpose. His role was important, and he owned it. He took extreme ownership of it, and it showed in the images.

So, yes, at the very moment he and I were captured in that sweet mother and son pose, we were truly living our best life... on purpose!

I believe as DeWs and DeWds, we all want a sense of purpose, and we all want to be living our best life. I also believe living our best life isn’t always Instagram-worthy pics of us on exotic vacations or jumping out of airplanes.

Sometimes living our best life is simply doing the right

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things, helping our patients achieve optimal oral health and helping our teams achieve career fulfillment under our charge.

How can we as employers and team leaders create a culture and environment where there are Instagramworthy moments when your employees can post them using the hashtag #livingmybestlife #bestcoworkersever #ilovewhatigettodo?

Simple. Give your teams clarity. What are the vision, purpose and core value systems in your company? What do you do? For whom do you do it? Why do you do it? How do you do it?

Those things are not small tasks. They require us DeWs and DeWds to dig deep and be present. They require intention and action as well as persistence and extreme accountability.

Once you take action and these values and intentions are all defined and understood by your team, celebrate the work: the moments that they hit the target or came close to it. Daily reminders of the who, what, why and how we do things help keep things on track. It helps people stay focused, it allows you as a DeW leader to live YOUR best life and it helps your teams to lead THEIR best lives.

When we have the who, what, why and how defined, we are actually living life on PURPOSE. We are creating a purpose-driven culture.

If you do not take the time to define these things and operate within them every day with your teams, your people will move on to live their best lives someplace else.

There is an old classic country song by Alan Jackson called “Living on Love." Maybe it’s time someone wrote a new song called “Living on Purpose.”

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS About the author: Claudia Lovato is a self-titled Professional Problem Solver who is obsessed with helping people create a purposedriven work culture.

WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU. For over 100 years, Patterson Dental has built relationships with practices of all kinds, listening to needs and delivering industry-leading solutions. From office design to dental supplies, we offer the help you need to create the ideal practice environment. And a de-stressed office means you’re free to provide the best possible care to every patient.

As an experienced educator, speaker, career coach, key opinion leader, and entrepreneur, Claudia knows what it means to bring service and solutions together.

In her 20+ years of serving the dental community, she has developed operational, team development and patient education initiatives for both live and online environments. She also founded Morado Dental Academy and Morado Allied Speakers & Consultants with the goal of establishing an inclusive and growth-focused organization for seasoned speakers and consultants as well as transitioning dental professionals.

WE ARE PATTERSON.

Technology Partner

Comprehensive Solutions

Practice Well-Being

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH 800.873.7683 | PATTERSONDENTAL.COM

Your Guide to Practice Success

Her personality is that of a restless spirit who cannot settle for the status quo. It is that personality along with her spirit of service that make Claudia an engaging and inspiring speaker, trainer and consultant.

Claudia believes that all things are possible when done with a furious passion and the drive to put in the work.

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dew.life

LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

ENOUGH:

THE ABUNDANCE VS. SCARCITY MINDSET

By Stephanie Baker, RDH

W

e are all on a journey. What is your desired destination? What fuels you to go to work every day? Bills? You’ve got to put food on the table?

What about your daughter’s dance lessons? Your son’s college tuition? Ever stop to think how much of your life is motivated by stress? You are traveling at high speed on Desperation Highway with scarcity as your fuel. You can’t travel very far on fumes; and believe me, if this represents your life, your engine is beginning to sputter.

Trying to run a business on an empty tank leads to dead ends and ghost towns. If you don’t intend for your business to settle in Death Valley, you’re going to need to adjust your mindset. Some call it "dispositional optimism." For simplicity, we’ll call it "abundance."

Ever wonder how that one gal in business always comes out on top? I’ll tell you how. She believes she will always come out on top. And if she doesn’t, she accepts it as a learning opportunity, shakes it off and moves full steam ahead recognizing there was value in the fall.

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about and reminding yourself to live gratefully will always ensure you maintain that position.

Once you adjust your personal mindset, adjusting your business mindset will inevitably follow. You need to make money. We all do. Approaching your workday out of desperation due to impending bills and looming deadlines conveys desperation to your team, and more importantly, your customers. Pushing yourself or your team to produce because you are panicked over whether or not you can make payroll sends an underlying message based on fear.

Approach your day with confidence. Confidence is knowing assuredly you have the answer to your clients' concerns and you are perfectly positioned to meet their needs. Resting in confidence means never allowing fear to write the script. You have succeeded at surviving 100% of the difficulties life has thrown your way, and you won’t fail this time.

Being grateful for who you are and belief in yourself is the ideal place to live a life of abundance. You are intelligent and proficient, and you bring a unique skillset to your profession every day. You have capabilities you take for granted. This isn’t about hype. It’s about letting go of paradigms that affect your ability to prosper. Adjusting to this mindset will adjust your approach to life and, specifically, your profession. This profound shift starts with an attitude of gratitude.

Stand resolute in your pricing, protocols and processes. There is no need to operate your business always thinking, “They’ll never pay $xxx.xx for THAT!” You’ve priced your services competitively to your market. Don’t be dissuaded because a business on the other side of town is offering their services at bargain-basement prices. Your skills are worth it!

Your team provides excellent service and your care is exceptional. Why would your customer believe it if you don’t?

Gratitude for where you are right now and what you have right now places you in the pole position for success.

Remembering you are living the life you once dreamed

I have a friend who owns an RV service lot. Their fees are nearly double the price per hour than other local RV businesses. His wife & bookkeeper never flinched

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS when he recently proposed another price increase. Why? She’s been on this roller coaster with him for years, and she’s learned the cream always rises to the top. He was resolute in his position. He stated, “I don’t care if we get less business. The business we get will be from those who want exceptional work done by the best team around.” He is rock-solid in his belief in himself, his team and their work. Their business has boomed, and the customers have noticed.

The patrons are aware they could drive across town for less expensive service. But they’ve noticed the activity and say, “They must be good, really good!” Why do they return? It’s because the owners believe they are the best in town and the customers have adopted that mindset.

There are people who pay $150,000 for a vehicle and several hundred dollars and beyond for a designer bag. These people recognize the value in quality craftsmanship. The consumer/patient motivation is not our concern. Louis Vuitton clearly isn’t concerned over the guy who thinks $2500 is too much to pay for a purse.

They focus on producing a quality product, and the rest takes care of itself. Your value isn’t based on anything other than the value your customers take away from your product and exceptional customer service. Focus on quality every day, believe you’ve got the solution to their problem, and the rest will take care of itself.

While we’re adjusting our mindset, let’s remove comparison from our thought processes. Don’t obsess over your college roommate who seems to be making money hand-over-fist while you’re still paying off your college debts. Envy, comparison and bitterness disguise themselves in the most cunning way. Don’t stifle your growth with negativity. Let the toxicity go.

Ever notice the most successful people are almost annoyingly positive? They aren’t stressed about what happened in the past or the guy down the street.

Abundance says there is enough for everyone. Truly, there is enough money and business to go around.

Believe it, and watch your business grow. See yourself making money and living comfortably. Imagine yourself living the life you’ve always envisioned. Imagine your workplace is the business you’ve dreamt of having.

Feeling even more emboldened? Write it down! Make it a written, tangible goal. Refer to it often. Before you know it, you will find it a reality.

push harder and reach further than you ever have. Get over the insecurities, and be the little duck in the big pond. Iron sharpens iron. Break out your motivational sharpening stone, and get to work. You’ve got greater things in you than you ever thought possible. Get to work on getting that greatness outside of you and sharing it with the rest of the world!

There are stories of folks who won the lottery and are broke in a few years. Why is that? They live out of a place of scarcity. They blow their winnings on things that create no return. It’s all me, me, me! Sports cars and pretty things will leave you with rusted, broken-down reminders of depreciation and regret. Plant seeds for your future, and you will yield abundance in your golden years. You will harvest precisely what you plant. When you invest in goodness, you will yield goodness. Invest in yourself and others, and watch the overwhelming return on your investment. Share in good things and people of value.

Finally, walk in integrity. Do good business even when no one is watching. Ethics are invaluable. It’s the only way to conduct your life in such a way that never brings regret. There’s a saying, “Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you, no one would believe it.”

Unashamedly make this your mantra.

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Plans and promises are futile until you map out a journey for success. Create an intentionally grateful life, and you will enjoy a joy-filled journey as you travel cross-country toward prosperity. Live your best life. Fuel your tank with abundance, and you will never run out of fuel.

About the author: Stephanie Baker is a dental hygienist, contributing writer, speaker, coach and consultant. Her clinical and support team experiences are the inspiration for her writing and the motivation behind her passion for coaching clients to success. She is a board member of the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists and a member of ADHA. She is a professional singer and spends time with her husband, children and grandchildren in sunny Florida.

Adjust your social network to reflect a life of abundance.

Wanna fly with eagles? Don’t hang around with buzzards.

It’s that simple. Find a network of positive, prosperous people, and learn what makes them tick. Success and abundance are infectious. Associating with people more successful than you will motivate you to dream bigger,

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For You, About You,

By You!

SUBSCRIBE! Please consider subscribing to DeW Life Magazine.

Subscriptions are available through our website dew.life

DeW Life Magazine is both a digital and a print publication devoted to highlighting and empowering all women in dentistry. Our goal is to inspire women to connect and move each other forward lifting one another up to heights we only dreamed possible.

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We are delighted to receive general submissions from you,

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women in dentistry. What is your story? How can you inspire us? What are some of your ‘top of mind’ questions or comments

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explore that could be introduced on our website as a blog or as a

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feature in our print edition? We want to hear from you and share your narratives.

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Just DeW it.

Please send photographs and narratives to: Anneduffy@dew.life and rebecca@dew.life

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