Dental Entrepreneur Woman - Spring 2021 by Dental Entrepreneur Media

Spring 2021

FROM INDIA TO THE UNITED STATES AND FROM DENTIST TO EDUCATOR – A JOURNEY BLESSED WITH MANY GIFTS Anna Singh, DMD

YOUR JOURNEY SHOULD BE A GROUP EFFORT Carrie Wucinich, RDH & Debora Carrier, RDH

WHEN YOUR WHY IS IMPACT, YOUR MESSAGE MATTERS Anissa Holmes, DMD

REALIZING A NEW POSSIBILITY Lori Noga, DMD

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21PD90613 (2/21)

Spring 2021 Editor and Publisher Anne M. Duffy, RDH Assistant Editors

Patterson Fuse Shofu

Michael Duffy JoAnn Schutte Creative Consultant Beth Linesch Design and Layout Brian Rummel Production [CURAtive] James B. Kennedy Reilly Williams

Emeritus Linda Miles

Spring Contributors Krista Butler Debora Carrier Anissa Holmes Lori Noga Jodie Pearson Kriston Reisnour Anna Singh Karen Thomas Karen Braswell-Winkle Carrie Wucinich Social Media Nicole Mackey Web Management Bhakti Kulmala Charter Sponsors A-dec Crest Mary Fisher-Day Inspired Hygiene Patterson D5

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

Advisory Board

Advisors to the Board Victoria Peterson Katherine Eitel-Belt Board Dr. Meghna Dassani Cris Duval Vanessa Emerson Dr. Hazel Glasper Jasmin Haley Suzanne Kump Tonya Lanthier Dr. Laura Mach JoAn Majors Rachel Wall Junior Board Dr. Shakila Angadi Christie Bailey Dr. Erinne Kennedy Minal Sampat Dr. Amisha Singh

Happy Spring 2021! What a difference a year can make. On our way from Charlotte to Atlanta to attend the Hinman Dental Conference as we listened to the radio, we realized it was the one-year anniversary of our world's shutting down due to COVID-19. Kudos to the Hinman! They were the first to shut down and one of the first to open up. Here we were on our first trip to engage with our dental family, finally face-to-face after a year. Where did the time go? It seemed like a blur. I ask you, “How are you DeWing now?” I hope the insight included in this issue of DeW Life will give you some inspiration on how to move forward and upward. I was surely inspired and empowered as I read the entire edition. Every principle we follow here at DeW was referenced. I saw it, and I truly hope you see it, too. About those principles... you’ll find them in this mag. We’re also going to make sure they’re front-and-center on our new website that is launching in April. We’re thrilled to have a revamp by none other than Bhakti Kulmala, supported by Nicki Mackey. Check it out at www.dew.life because there are a lot of exciting new additions, such as our DeW directory, the DeW Book Nook and our DeW Shop. On to this issue! First off, I’m delighted to introduce you to Dr. Anna Singh. She epitomizes what DeW stands for and is committed to passing it on to the young dental teams she educates and supports. I found myself thinking about her “Can DeW” spirit throughout her journey, as she realized that nothing is impossible if you look for opportunities that build on your strengths. You will also notice a thread of spirituality in this edition. We never plan on this, but somehow it shows up. I guess you could call that divine intervention or intuition. I hope you’ll read Karen Braswell-Winkle and Jodi Pearson to understand why. Another common theme we see in DeW Life is getting outside your comfort zone. As women, I think there are challenges we face that many don’t understand, but Dr. Lori Noga’s story is a great example of how saying, “Yes!” can break down those barriers. We’ve got a ton more resources in these pages, so please run through them and reach out to us on social media with your thoughts and inspirations! As the pandemic hopefully fades away and we all adjust, don’t forget the important lessons we learned. There is nothing more important than loving, growing and giving. Look for ways to DeW it today and always.

All the best,

Anne M. Duffy

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Spring 21

From India to the United States and From Dentist to Educator – A Journey Blessed With Many Gifts

Anna Singh, DMD

When Your Why is Impact, Your Message Matters

Anissa Holmes, DMD

18 a New Possibility Realizing

Your Journey Should Be a Group Effort

Wearing Heels and Rising Up the Ladder

Follow Your Intuition

I Do Believe - Good DeWs Finding Good DeWs

Lori Noga, DMD

Carrie Wucinich, RDH & Debora Carrier, RDH

Krista Butler

Karen Braswell-Winkle

Kriston Reisnour, RDH, BSDH, CCSH, CSOM, FAAOSH

My32 Mum, My Dad, My Advocate: Mental Health Affects Every Family Karen Thomas, RDH, LN, ND, CNS

3 6 A Long Journey to Divine Intervention Jodie Pearson

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FROM INDIA TO THE UNITED STATES AND FROM DENTIST TO EDUCATOR – A JOURNEY BLESSED WITH MANY GIFTS

rowing up in India, I was raised by my mother, who was a schoolteacher, and my father, who was in the military. From an early age, my parents gave me an incredible gift: an independent spirit. They could have easily stereotyped my sister and me into traditional roles within our culture, but instead they encouraged us to be who we wanted to be; to be independent, yet open to receiving support (more on that later).

when I was able to eliminate patients’ pain or help them improve their smile. As women, we have a natural ability to genuinely care for patients and make lasting connections with them. As dental professionals, we have the ability to change not only someone’s smile but also one’s personality, confidence and outlook on life. What a great gift we women have been given to impact patients in this way!

When deciding on a career path, I considered both medicine and engineering. With an innate desire to care for people, I knew medicine was the best choice for me. After applying to a variety of different schools, I settled on pursuing a career in dentistry. I enjoyed every minute of dental school and was valedictorian of my graduating class at the Punjab Government Dental College and Hospital.

I believe we are given many gifts – or blessings – throughout our lives. And, whether we see them as challenges or opportunities, we must recognize the gifts along our journey and work hard to make the most of each one. Oftentimes that means taking a leap of faith and being open to change.

As part of my training, my classmates and I were sent to remote, underprivileged areas to distribute supplies and provide limited oral health care. I can still remember the children following our bus into their village because they were eager to receive a new toothbrush! That experience sparked a lifelong desire of mine to serve others and help those less fortunate.

I was first challenged in this way at the young age of 23, after entering an arranged marriage and moving to the United States. At that time, I was also applying to dental schools to continue my education and become a practicing clinician. Adjusting to a new relationship in a new country, along with battling some serious health issues, I could have easily given up on my dreams. Instead, I chose to overcome my setbacks and use them to fuel my independent and entrepreneurial spirit.

These experiences helped me to quickly discover my passion for dentistry – which I see as a process of art and science becoming one. I felt instant gratification

By Anna Singh, DMD

During a yearlong journey of getting back to good health and settling into my new life, I discovered the incredible

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DeWERS love and support of my husband, who to this day is one of my biggest champions. Sure, I still had that independent nature, but I was willing to let him and all those around me offer their support and encouragement. Recognizing that gift early in my life has been key to my success. I was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1998. Although I desperately missed my home and my family, I treasured this gift and poured myself into furthering my education and learning all that I could to become the best clinician possible. I was blessed to have received the International Dentist Award, which was presented to an international student dentist based on performance, interaction with teachers, and effective treatment of patients. Additionally, I was honored to be inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. While at the University of Pennsylvania, my true passion for education emerged, and, from that point on, I found myself striving for constant and never-ending improvement. Long after graduation I came to truly appreciate my time there, realizing the impact that my education would have on my future career as a dental professional. Starting my dental career, I faced many hurdles. As if being a female dentist wasn’t hard enough, my Indian background and my accent were holding me back from the positions I desperately wanted. I longed for someone to give me a chance. I knew that if I could just get someone to meet with me and hear my story, my passion for dentistry would shine through.

skills but also help me focus on my leadership skills. While admittedly I believed this opportunity to likely be a "short pit stop" to fulfilling my dreams as a dentist, I ended up learning many life lessons which define me today. I chose to take advantage of every educational course offered to me, and I began building on my strengths and my ability to connect with people.

That chance finally came when I was invited to Effingham, IL to meet with Dr. Rick Workman, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Heartland Dental, and Pat Bauer, the company’s President and CEO. My husband and I set off on a five-hour road trip from our new home in Nashville, TN, to Effingham, IL – which seemed to be in the middle of nothing but cornfields! Sitting at a long conference table, I listened intently as Dr. Workman shared his passion for dentistry and the vision he had for his dental support organization.

That time of my life proved to be another great gift – although a pivotal one – on my career journey. I discovered so much more about dentistry, both clinically and non-clinically. Believing in the Super GP model, I wanted to offer my patients all that I could under one roof, rather than just being limited to performing restorative dentistry. Over the coming years, I again immersed myself in continuing education to help me master endodontics, esthetics, oral surgery, implants and IV sedation. Learning for me happened through attending various CE courses and being open to mentoring by other doctors, as well as by adopting best practices of successful clinicians. As a result, I improved my toolset to be the best I could be for my patients.

Instantly, I was drawn to the pair as they discussed the company’s mission to provide dentists with non-clinical support so that dentists could, in turn, focus on being great clinicians and the leaders of their practices. What a profound concept, I thought! To this day I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me as I signed on as a supported doctor, and I feel truly blessed to have had their support and guidance throughout my journey. I was immediately provided with resources and opportunities to not only help me enhance my clinical

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At the same time, I knew that my communication and leadership skills were very important to my success and to the success of my practice, so I attended Bell Leadership courses. Through my coursework, I found that being a leader is not just about managing people, but more about building a great team and being the best version of myself – giving my team the respect

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they deserve and empowering them to accomplish their goals. And, for the first time, I felt empowered to make an impact on my team and my patients. I was fortunate to be coached by some leading communication specialists to learn how to better approach my team and talk to my patients in order to get higher case acceptance. That was life changing for me, both professionally and personally. Because of the success within my practice, we were able to expand from a 6-chair facility to an 18-chair facility. During that time, the stars were perfectly aligned, and I received another gift – the opportunity to work with Heartland to create the first of many Free Dental Days to provide complimentary dental treatment to those in need. My previous experience in those remote areas of India certainly contributed to my desire to serve my community in this way. Having a large facility proved to be very beneficial in helping touch many more lives. Along with the help of many fellow supported doctors and 50+ volunteers, we treated over 300 patients in a single day! I treasured the gift of leading my team and connecting with my patients; I was rapidly growing my practice and soon emerged as the top female supported dentist at Heartland Dental. As I started to eagerly take on more roles in leading continuing education classes for my fellow supported doctors, I found myself facing another pivotal moment in my journey. Feeling as though I couldn’t give my full attention to my team and my patients nor to my work within the education department, I shared my thoughts with the

company’s leadership team. It was then I was offered the opportunity to immerse myself fully into leading the clinical education team and the numerous clinical initiatives for other supported dentists. For the first six months into my new position as Vice President of Clinical Training and Development, I was heartbroken over missing my patients and the daily interactions with my team. I soon realized, however, that by designing new resources and providing more opportunities for supported doctors to enhance their own clinical and leadership skills, I could actually make a greater impact on thousands more patients than when I was in my own practice. The challenges I faced, however, would lead me to the need to once again further my skills as a leader and manage the change I was experiencing. With the new role came unchartered territory. I was carving out my place on the team and defining a job description that had not previously existed. There were gaps in some of the clinical offerings and obstacles that needed to be moved to continue providing supported doctors, hygienists and team members with the highest level of CE. In recognizing the need for improvement and not being afraid to create and introduce new courses and listen to feedback, my team and I overcame the challenges; and, as a result, we helped supported doctors enhance their patient care. Having now been in this new role for a few years, I recognize career shift – and what I thought were many roadblocks – as simply more incredible blessings. I’m so grateful for my nearly 20 years of experience practicing

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dentistry. If it weren’t for that specific path, I wouldn’t be able to speak effectively to the clinical needs within education. And, because of Heartland’s doctor-led philosophy, I learned the operational side of the practice which has given me the ability to make sounds decisions regarding CE that directly impact both the supported doctors and the company. On the home front, I have also come to believe that raising a teenage daughter may in fact be one of life’s greatest lessons in leadership. Those of you with teenagers can certainly understand it’s about listening, loving, picking up on data points, and knowing when to lead and when to follow. I’m sure this, too, will prove to be a true gift on my continued journey! While I know there are many more roads on which I’ll likely travel, I believe it’s not about my ultimate destination but more about the paths I’ve been gifted and the roadblocks along the way that have undoubtedly helped to shape me into the doctor, educator, leader, wife and mother I am today. Nuggets of Wisdom Along Life’s Journey In sharing my story with you, my fellow DeWs, I hope to provide a few nuggets that will hopefully help you in navigating your own path. First, take time to develop yourself and to become a lifelong learner. No matter what your skill or where your career takes you, continue striving for mastery. I often say, "Fake it until you make it," but the important part is to believe in yourself while you learn and grow. If you display confidence, others will be confident in you too! to your peers and your mentors, and make any necessary changes to enhance your skills and build yourself. You Second, be 100% committed to what you do. Despite any won’t regret it! title you might earn in life, you should immerse yourself into being the best you can be, empowering others along the way. I promise you’ll receive the results you desire by fully committing to your goals. About the author: Third, never be afraid to take risks. Step outside of your comfort zone, and accept a new project or responsibility. Let yourself be vulnerable. This is where you will learn and connect with people and ideas that you hadn’t previously had the opportunity. This is where you can truly enrich your life. Don’t allow a door to close on an opportunity. Plow through any negativity you might have about your ability or your skills. And finally, practice limitless thinking. By staying open, positive and mentally flexible, you’ll have a greater opportunity to learn more, become more, and do more in both your personal and professional journey. This includes the ability to ask for feedback as well – genuinely listen

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Dr. Anna Singh welcomed Heartland Dental’s support as a newly graduated dentist and built the practice from 6 chairs to an 18-chair facility. Today, she leads clinical efforts across the Heartland Dental network by partnering with operations to support the growth and success of doctors and their teams. As VP of Clinical Training & Development, she is responsible for all clinical and professional education opportunities available to supported dentists and their teams. She oversees the development and execution of over 1600 hours of CE, including in-person events, hands-on workshops, virtual study clubs and regional events. Her team consists of developers, scanner trainers and clinical directors who specialize in topics like esthetics, clinical leadership, lasers, scanners, implantology, endodontics, strategic clinical initiatives, general dentistry and clear aligner therapy.

DeW Dish

MARY DAY www.thedentalbusiness.com

First, Last

www.website.com

What DEW leaders do? A leader sets the tone for the culture of his/her business. They show up early, say “Thank you“ often, and treat all team members equally. A leader will give credit for wins to their team. Leaders inspire with action.

How do you turn around a bad day? I snuggle with my hubby and my fur babies. I find gratitude in what I have; and I take a hot bath, say a prayer, go to bed early and get up with a new attitude.

What is your guilty pleasure? I have two: 1) Chocolate ice cream 2) A dusty martini with blue cheese stuffed olives.

What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? My favorite indoor activities are a tie: snuggling with my fur babies and cooking. My favorite outdoor activities: 1) Being in or on the water 2) Watching a college football game.

What do you love about your job? Helping dentists successfully transition into or out of practice ownership. Most dentists are under prepared and under represented when making the most important decisions of their careers. As a Transition Advisor, I level the playing field by providing dentists with clarity of options and guidance while they navigate the transition process. As an experienced practice management consultant and transitions broker, "I know which stones to turn over, and where the skeletons are buried." ;-) I understand the significance of the decisions that need to be made and how the results will affect the dentist's life, family and legacy.

What Ignites your sense of Injustice? Lies, inaction, and lack of accountability.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life? My mom is the strongest, most positive woman I know. She is the mom she did not have to be as she didn’t give birth to me. I’m a bit of a hardhead so it couldn’t have been easy to raise me. Yet, she chose to love me and give me a safe place to call home.

They are playing your theme song as you walk on stage. Name that Tune! I love music so it is difficult to pick just one song. If I were to walk on stage with a theme song for the stages of my life, the following songs would fit: The early years: “Alyssa Lies” | The pre-teen years: “Stand by Me” | The teenage years: “Love Can Build a Bridge” | Early adult years: “Unwritten” | Thirties: “Settlin'” | Fourties: “Girl on Fire” | Fifties so far: “Roar.”

What is your favorite place on earth? I have several favorite places... Anywhere in the British Virgin Islands, especially Jost Van Dyke; I love the water and the people. Other favorite places are Key West, Emerald Isle, Sanibel Island, Amelia Island, St. Helena, CA., and Cakebread Cellars (ha!).

What is your Motto? “Remember where you came from. Help others when possible. Live a life of kindness, integrity and gratitude.”

What is the best gift you have ever received? Unconditional love

ALLISON LACOURSIERE

www.yourclearalignercoach.com

for others is visible with everything she does. She has an innocence and love that is present in people who, despite their hardship and challenges they have been through, still believe the best in people.

How do you measure your success? I measure my success by the impact I am creating while maintaining my personal health, wellbeing and joy. My goal is to help a million people in my lifetime; and I want to do that while taking exceptional care of myself, leading by example, and not compromising my health, wellbeing, energy or joy. I also measure my success by how much I am growing and learning. Money always feels like an obvious measure of success to the majority of people. Yet, to me it is not about making a million dollars or having a successful company; it is becoming the person who can create that kind of wealth, impact and abundance. Who is that person? Success is in the becoming of that.

What obstacles have you overcome in your career?

What is the best part of your job? Helping people grow and seeing people achieve their goals, overcome challenges or tear down barriers that were holding them back. I am humbled and honored I get to be a part of other people's growth. I love being challenged and having a variety of different people to work with, problems to solve, and being able to use my creativity to uncover solutions to problems that seem unsolvable.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life? My mother. She is by far the most resilient person I have ever met. She is the kindest and most loving, giving person I know and has taught me so much by example. She is one of the hardest working people I know and stays true to herself and her values with a fierceness that is uncommon. She has the kind of love that makes you feel safe, accepted and completely cared for. Her compassion

At the age of 24 and after being a dental assistant, I became an office manager; and I was the youngest person in my office who had brought forward a lot of suggested strategies for improvement. Because of that, a lot of my coworkers felt threatened; and I had a lot of bullying, hostility and negativity projected at me. It took a lot as a young person to not feel extremely hurt and demotivated by that. I was able to overcome it by aligning my success to my values and always operating out of a place of service and genuine helpfulness. I took the high road, and it ended up with my driving positive change and creating a new team with new energy... and ultimately achieving massive success in the practice. A side benefit was creating a pretty strong backbone and an ability to handle myself in really uncomfortable or challenging moments.

What do you do to turn around a bad day? When I am struggling, I will always turn to gratitude. Outside of that I will typically play with my dog, Leo, do a quick meditation, find someone to give me a hug, or dance it out. I don't typically have "bad days" unless something terrible or unexpected happens. I find that we can typically turn our frustration or disappointment around with gratitude or movement very quickly.

MINAL SAMPAT

MinalSampat.com

What obstacles have you overcome in your career? I started my first business at a young age. As a female entrepreneur in her 20s, I had to go through the trenches to simply be taken seriously and be “good enough” at my work. However, as I look back, I am thankful for that experience. Those obstacles helped me become the person I am today.

What do you do to turn around a bad day? I reach out to a DeW. Seriously.

What is your guilty pleasure? Dark chocolate!

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

What is the best part of your job?

I would love to have lunch with Ruth Bader Ginsburg! My question to her would be, "How did you find the strength to persevere?" I am amazed by her resilience and passion to build equality for women.

Through my work I am able to empower, teach, collaborate and build relationships with incredible people. It makes my heart happy to see others succeed!

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

Who has been the most influential woman in your life? My mother is the most influential woman in my life. She grew up in a humble family and did not have an opportunity to receive formal education. Yet, she is the most kind, generous, brilliant woman I know. When I look at her life and everything she has had to face, I am in awe of her strength. I wish to one day be half the woman she is!

How do you measure your success? I measure success by seeing others succeed. My goal for my work is to be able to provide tools for others to be successful. As long as I am able to be a part of the growth journey for others, I am successful... creating that kind of wealth, impact and abundance. Who is that person? Success is in the becoming of that.

"Umbrella" by Rihanna “When the sun shines, we’ll shine together. Told you I’d be here forever. Said I’ll always be your friend. Took an oath, I’ma stick it out 'til the end. Now that it’s raining more than ever, know that we’ll still have each other. You can stand under my umbrella.”

What is your dream vacation? Anywhere warm with people who make me laugh!

What is first on your dental bucket list? DeW Life Retreat 2021!

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WHEN YOUR WHY IS IMPACT, YOUR MESSAGE MATTERS By Anissa Holmes, DMD

ust over a decade ago, my business coach asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks.

it to move to Jamaica. No, I wasn’t retiring to live a life of luxury. In fact, the opposite.

At the time, I’d just been selected as a finalist for Global Female Entrepreneur of the Year for ActionCOACH, and I was excited about what I’d built and how I could continue to grow.

My Jamaican husband had his own dream — to serve the people he had grown up with as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. He had worked and studied for years in order to bring his skills back home and make an impact on his community.

And then came the question. It shifted my focus completely. It shaped me — and became the driver for all of my future decisions. Thanks to this thought-provoking simple question, in the last 11 years, I’ve built dozens of computer labs, whiteboards and playgrounds for schools, treated thousands of kids for free in my dental practice, changed the lives of my teams, and built schools in Kenya. I’ve helped and inspired thousands of fellow colleagues to build healthy and profitable practices. When I’m exhausted and want to crawl under a blanket with a bowl of ice cream, it’s this question that gives me the strength to show up. And it’s all because my coach looked me in the eye and asked: "What will your legacy be, Anissa? What will be your impact?"

I was equal parts excited and terrified. How would I fit in as an American in a new country? How would I make friends and build a business where I did not understand the culture? At first, I took a job as an associate in an established practice; but after a few years, I was ready to open another startup of my own. I had big ideas and a vision to revolutionize how dentistry was done — the technology and services we could provide patients would be cutting edge — and I knew exactly how I wanted to run the business. We focused on delivering WOW experiences to our patients — and word spread quickly. After just a few years we were getting over 150 patients a month and were one of the highest producing practices on the Island.

How I began…

I also was a founding member of a local study club that began educating fellow colleagues on interdisciplinary patient care and became obsessed with CE and doing complex cosmetic and restorative care, getting referrals from general dentists and specialists island-wide.

I built my startup practice from scratch after graduating from the University of Alabama. Seven years later, I sold

At the same time, I became obsessed with the business side of dentistry to understand how to build a powerful

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of the scariest moments of my life. Every tiny sound in my office felt impossibly loud. My throat was dry, and I couldn’t remember anything I wanted to say. My office manager told me afterwards, “It sounds like you’re reading from a script.” Uh, yeah, because I was. Part of me wanted to scrap that episode and forget all about podcasting, visibility and all of it. But my coach’s question poked at me. team of leaders and associates and scale profit margins so that my business could create lifetime passive recurring revenue of multiple tens of thousands a month independent of me.

What came next... When my coach asked me, “What will your legacy be, Anissa? What will be your impact?” I thought long and hard, and I gave her an answer. I wanted to write a book — to share my journey with other dentists and give them the tools to replicate my success in their own lives. I just had one small problem. Outside of my beautiful island home and my thriving community of patients, no one knew who I was. I wasn’t anyone special in the dental world. Even though I am a natural introvert, I’d have to get more visible to get my message out there. I became the first female dentist podcaster.

"What will your legacy be, Anissa? What will be your impact?" “It’s like riding a bike,” I told myself. “I’ll get better with practice. I just have to be consistent and move forward, one step at a time.” So I did. And as a podcaster, I was able to identify a huge need — to connect educators to dental colleagues. Right around that time, Facebook released "Groups," and I created the Dental Boss Movement group to connect industry experts to colleagues for community and collaborative conversations. This was one of the first groups in the industry and was in alignment with my vision of impact. Before too long, other doctors started reaching out to me asking for coaching. That definitely wasn’t part of my plan, so I turned them all down. But a few — specifically Drs. Robert Malone and Saba Rizvi — were persistent, and they convinced me to launch my Executive Business Coaching and Facebook Marketing programs.

Sitting at my desk to record my first episode was one

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My challenge… Success always brings new challenges. One of my biggest challenges was learning how to build a virtual coaching business. I couldn’t travel to teach and speak — I had kids and a practice to run. Dentists weren’t exactly leaping into the virtual world, and the idea of virtual coaching didn’t feel natural to them. I invested hundreds of thousands of dollars with mentors and coaches to understand how to build powerful programs where now over 2000 doctors and their teams could thrive even without in-person contact. Email automation, software development, building support teams, and learning how to build programs with high impact returns and personal accountability that keep advancing practice owners to their next level of growth — I didn’t anticipate any of this when I was in dental school.

and to learn through failure. We are resilient. We hire the best experts we can find to teach us how to reach even our most audacious goals, and we become their best students. We implement, execute, and know that when we serve others hard, profit will follow. We know that the more money we make, the bigger impact we can have on the world. We also know that we will make mistakes — and we will learn from them and make our businesses better. We grow by serving people hard.

What’s next… As entrepreneurs, we look forward to our next steps. How do we serve our people harder? How do we serve more people and build more impact? For me, what that looks like right now is... • Continuing to build out my executive coaching programs and innovating to create new solutions to serve my fellow dentists so that they can turn around and serve their patients.

And then there was my marriage. “Why do you need to spend all this time and effort, Anissa?” my husband asked. “You have a wildly profitable practice. What are you doing?”

• Learning and exploring new platforms, such as Clubhouse, where, inside of the Dentists Club, thousands of dental colleagues are coming together from around the globe to connect, collaborate and communicate.

Again and again, I explained, "It’s not about the money." Yes, I like earning money, but that’s never been my driver. Legacy. Impact. Purpose. My goal is to solve complex problems and provide solutions that improve people’s lives. In my practice alone, I can help a few thousand people in Jamaica every year. By serving other dentists, who can better serve their patients, I can impact hundreds of thousands of people all over the world.

• Building higher level impact by speaking on more stages and building deeper relationships with other DeWs because when we surround ourselves with the right people success becomes inevitable.

What we do matters… The road to success as a DeW is not a straight path. There are many hills and valleys, twists and turns, early mornings and sleepless nights. BUT... it is worth it. Focus on progress, not perfection.

The power of belief…

In our front pocket, we have our friends, our family, perhaps even our spouse. But in our back pocket, we have our people, our tribe, our community. The people whom we can lean on and talk to about our businesses and our passion to serve.

As women entrepreneurs, we hold the belief that we can change the world. Everything is possible once we know how.

Surround yourself with like-minded people who get you and believe in you. Our message matters. Our voice matters. Your impact is changing the world.

We have learned to replace “I can’t” with “How can I?”

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DeWERS About the author: Founder of the Delivering WOW Platinum Coaching program, Dr. Anissa Holmes helps practices grow by focusing on leadership, effective case presentation, systems optimization, and implementing high return marketing. Dr. Holmes is also dentistry’s leading digital marketing expert, having trained over 5000 practices to leverage social media to effectively grow their practices. Dr. Holmes has been named one of Ultradent’s Female Icons of Dentistry, Dental Product Report’s TOP 25 Women in Dentistry, and has been featured in top publications such as Dental Economics, Dentistry IQ, Dental Products Report, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Dr. Holmes is also the author of the bestselling book, "Delivering WOW: How Dentists Can Build a Fascinating Brand and Achieve More While Working Less." In addition to coaching and being an International Dental Speaker, Dr. Holmes has been a featured speaker at Social Media Marketing World and Funnel Hacking Live and her Delivering WOW Dental Podcast has listeners in over 125 countries.

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REALIZING A NEW POSSIBILITY By Lori Noga, DMD

hen first asked to write an article for DeW, a flood of thoughts entered my head, and what I call my “Counsel of Inner Critics” popped up. I quickly began playing a mental round of Whack-A-Mole, trying to squash them down. This “Counsel” is my internal stream of negative conscious thoughts, all representing various versions of myself: the one that lacks self-worth, the one who tells me I’m not smart enough, the one who screams at me with doubt and little confidence, the one that tells me I’m not deserving, and the biggest, loudest one... the one who holds the lid on my potential by keeping me small and safe in my comfort zone. But, this request was made in person; and I had to answer quickly, so, I silenced my Inner Critics and responded, “YES!” with no hesitation. I’ve never written an article, especially not for a magazine that will have a plethora of eyeballs on it, so this is an experience that will put me in a place that requires a lot of vulnerability, exposure and confidence, and a place that pulls me pretty far outside of my safe zone. So, how did I manage all of the noise inside my head at that moment? How did I shift my mind so quickly from fear of a risky unknown to accepting this opportunity with certainty, knowing full well I could be a colossal failure at this?

The simple answer is: I don’t play small anymore. When an opportunity that feels out of my safe zone presents itself, I almost always say, "Yes!" I don’t want this to be confused with saying “yes” to everything someone asks of you. That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about those opportunities that take you so far outside of your comfort zone, it makes you sweat, or stirs up a level of anxiety that makes your heart palpitate, or makes you question your own level of ability.

Saying "no" to writing this article would be one act of my "playing small." By passing up this opportunity, I would be staying safely in my comfort zone, scared to test my limits, and paralyzed with the fear of taking a risk because I might fail or look stupid. After all, playing small is comfortable, familiar and feels more predictable, right? But what does playing small really get us? I’m here to tell you, it gets you nowhere. Fast. No growth ever comes from standing still. I can’t live to my highest potential by staying safe. I know this because “Play it safe” was once a mantra of mine. The reward I got from that was a continual pattern of robbing myself of opportunities and growth, personally and professionally. Every time I chose to play it safe, I was betting against myself: subconsciously telling myself I was incapable, inadequate, or not smart enough... fueling those “Inner Critics.” We all have a different recipe for how and why we have gotten to this place of playing small. Maybe you’re like me and your life experiences have brought you to a place where you find comfort in staying small, and those experiences have reinforced the intensity of your fears. Maybe it was upbringing. Maybe it was relationships that reinforced those feelings. Maybe it was past or present work experiences with bosses who did it to you. Whatever the recipe, it doesn’t matter. What matters is understanding that the power and ability to change your position and move out of the safe zone is 100% within your control. Untapping your potential, realizing new possibilities, and moving closer to becoming your highest self is merely a process. What would it feel like to bet ON yourself all

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What matters is understanding that the power and ability to change your position and move out of the safe zone is 100% within your control. of the time, rather than against? Who better to bet on you than YOU?

attempt (see Step 3). It also allows me to test my own abilities and learn more about what I’m made of. It paves the path of forward progress. I will never be able to go I have found there are three steps I take to realize a new back and undo it, and what’s exciting about that is I now possibility. The way I do it may or may not work for you, have this experience to build upon. I’m actively laying the but at the very least maybe you’ll gain some insight into foundation upon which I will continue to grow. how you can modify or expound upon what has worked for me and start moving toward your highest self. And even So, start saying "yes" more often when you would simpler, maybe this brings you some self-awareness on normally say "no." Better yet, don’t wait to be asked this topic and you start to recognize patterns that exist to step outside of your comfort zone! Seek out those in your life. opportunities for yourself, and put yourself in the arena! You are the owner of your own journey: Take responsibility for it, and don’t expect others to present opportunities to KNOW WHAT YOU’RE UP AGAINST (hint: it’s YOU!) you. (Side note: this is an excellent "hack" for those in dead-end jobs or those with bosses who aren’t equipped First, you MUST know your Inner Critics well and then or aren’t willing to develop you. Finding opportunities create an intention around ignoring, taming and existing for your own development should start with YOU.) Feel alongside them. I could share story after story about how too scared? Then start small, and build confidence in my past experiences and the noise of my Inner Critics yourself. Don’t dive into the deep end if you don’t know have tried to make me stay small and safe. What’s more how to swim! Wade into the shallow end first, and gain important is that each experience is an opportunity to some confidence. learn how to recognize them faster and quiet them a little more. It starts with accepting that they will never A perfect example of this in my experience is getting up be gone, learning how to willingly share the space with on stage and speaking in front of a large audience. Yikes. them, and inviting them into the moment. This process I’m a super shy introvert who hates small talk. However, doesn’t allow them to hijack my mindset. When I’m in opportunity presented itself, and I knew that if I wanted to that moment of fear, anxiety and uncertainty, I can now really reach my highest potential and expand my impact be intentional about allowing them to exist while looking on the world, moving away from that safe zone was past them and more easily move to action. Just taking imperative to my growth. I started small-ish. The very first action has become the antidote to their noise. time I spoke in front of a group, there were about 80 of my peers in the audience... enough to make me not sleep for I gave my example of this at the beginning of the article. I a couple nights prior and feel incredibly nauseous before talked about how these Inner Critics showed up and how I got on stage. I did it, and, not only did I survive, I actually I quickly tamed them because I know them now. I count thrived in that moment. Pure euphoria sets in for me in on their always being in the bleacher seats, waiting to get those moments of accomplishment. It becomes the fuel rowdy; but I’m ready for them, and saying "yes" to writing that ignites the next booster. I’ve done more speaking this article became the action that moved me past them. since, in front of larger and larger audiences. Each time I am more and more comfortable and equipped. I’ve set my sights high now and aim to be a keynote speaker in TAKE ACTION (say "YES!" more often) the future, partly because I want to see what I’m made of and partly because I want to continue to spread my Like I stated above, I’ve never written an article before; and impact. I know that no one is going to come asking me while I am writing this for the audience, I’m also writing it to do a keynote. I’m going to have to put myself out there for myself. Each time I step out of my safe zone and into and possibly risk rejection, time and again. But, with each this place, I learn something about myself. Maybe this rejection, I’m given the opportunity to see what or how I article is complete rubbish, and I totally missed the mark; need to do things differently for the next time. but just the act of trying presents an opportunity for me to receive feedback, which I can then apply to my next

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REFLECT & RECOGNIZE (uncover the opportunities in the experience) Just taking action isn’t enough if you are looking to realize new opportunities and reach your highest potential. You must reflect back on the accomplishments: how you showed up in those moments, what went right and record them. I have learned this the hard way. In the past, I have forgotten to look backwards at where I came from and what I accomplished. What I ended up with was a continuous feeling of stagnation and angst. As someone who has a vision of moving an industry forward, it’s hard to know where I am on that spectrum if I’m only looking at the future and a target that is always moving. By only looking forward, I have the perception that I am standing still and not making any progress. I’ve driven my team crazy because of this and have learned hard lessons. I’ve also realized that taking the time and energy to step out of my safe zone isn’t worth it if I don’t actually learn from the experience. Please stop, and also reflect on what didn’t go right. We are masters at warping reality to make ourselves feel better. Avoid that trap, and dig really deep into how things could be done better next time. Every rejection, every rubbish article, every flubbed speech is an opportunity! And one that shouldn’t be wasted. But, without building a process around reflecting and recognizing those opportunities (aka, mistakes), they are easily missed and the growth that could come from moving out of the safe zone is diminished or lost altogether. I always welcome feedback. I actively ask for it. Sometimes people will give it unsolicited, but not always; and I need it from others. Remember, if I only listen to my own feedback, I’m likely to be wearing rose colored glasses and will bend reality. Asking for feedback is scary and uncomfortable, just like stepping off that cliff into the unknown, but it’s in that discomfort where a new possibility exists.

About the author: LORI A. NOGA, DMD, Founder & CEO Tranquility Dental Wellness stands out by being a veteran-owned, woman-owned, 100% dentist-owned organization that does more than just dentistry. It’s an organization with a deep, spirited team culture of empowerment, continual personal and professional growth, and self-development. The core values (accountability, dedication, abundance, positivity, teamwork, servant leadership) are the guiding principles in how the team treats patients, treats each other, and makes decisions for the patients and organization. Dr. Lori Noga founded Tranquility Dental Wellness in 2012, where she set out to break the mold of how dentistry has traditionally been done. Her concept of “Experience Affordable Luxury” began with a vision to take the fear out of dentistry by removing barriers patients see and feel by offering a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere and a team of amazing employees who deliver a five-star experience every time. Before opening Tranquility Dental Wellness, Dr. Noga began her journey not as a dentist but as an actuary, and it didn’t take long for her to realize her passion was not limited to statistical models and spreadsheets; it really was about empowering others to put their fears aside and reach for opportunity. She left her actuarial job and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, earning her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 2007. After completing dental school, Dr. Noga served as an active duty officer in the U.S. Navy and worked alongside the U.S. Marine Corp in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She enjoyed the vast experience she gained in the military and is proud to have served along the brave men and women who sacrifice so much in serving our nation. After her time with the Navy, she relocated to Washington state with her husband and opened Tranquility Dental Wellness. On a daily basis, Dr. Noga loves to find opportunities for growth in any situation and works hard to inspire those around her to feel safe in doing the same. She acknowledges that there is a lot of “ugly” on the path to self-development, growth and success, but she is moved by the beauty in seeing patients and team members be vulnerable, be bold and transform into better versions of themselves.

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your life. How many opportunities have you passed over because your Inner Critics or your fears have convinced you it was the right thing to do? Or that you weren’t cut out for the job? Maybe you know your Inner Critics but still stay stuck because of inaction. I challenge you to begin to elevate yourself by creating a process for moving through fear. Start exploring your own possibilities, uncovering your own potential, and move toward a new future for yourself. Afterall, there’s nobody better to bet on you, than YOU!

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who, wear, when

DeW DATES Mark your calendars:

DeW Learning Crew Quarterly talks and networking May 14, 2-4 p.m. EDT Virtual platform Speakers Consulting Network June 11-13 Chateau Elan Winery & Resort Braselton, GA AADOM 2021 Conference September 9-11 Boca Raton, FL

RDH Under One Roof July 21-24 Indianapolis, IN RDH Evolution October 1-2 Virtual platform DeW Life Retreat 2021 November 11-13 Charlotte, NC

SUCCESS

YOUR JOURNEY SHOULD BE A GROUP EFFORT

By Carrie Wucinich, RDH with Debora Carrier, RDH

hen you meet someone, you never know how they may positively impact your life.

Debora and I knew dental hygiene was an awesome career to be in, but we both felt there was so much more we needed to do. Many people, especially women, feel this way but have a fear of going for the “GOLD.” Taking a big step toward change can be a very scary thing. So we are here to say, "DO IT! GO FOR IT!" Your journey can be such an amazing process; but unless you try, you will never know. One thing we both feel has been invaluable to our journeys is the relationships we’ve formed over the years through networking. Debora coined the phrase “No Goal Networking,” and she explains it this way: “I look at everyday as a new opportunity to reach out to new people, learn what journey they are on, and share my passion and journey with them.” These meetings, whether planned or unplanned, almost always result in some type of opportunity, either immediately or over the ensuing years. And sometimes, the conversation raises an unexpected opportunity for someone else you encounter along life’s journey. We have also learned not to sweat the small, or even big, things and just let life’s journey unfold before you. No amount of worrying will change

the outcome, and worrying can negatively impact your health and wellbeing. Our advice is to concentrate on positively helping yourself and others, rather than on negativity or worry. Five years ago, we didn’t know each other, lived on opposite sides of the country, and were in completely different places in our personal lives. Plus we have a significant age difference. The one thing we did have in common is that we are both dental hygienists with dreams of doing more. Through social media, I reached out to Debora to learn more about her brandnew business and to see how we might support each other. Despite never having met in person, we put together a fun giveaway for students through my company, “Pass It.” Then, we arranged to meet at a dental hygiene convention where my business partner and I offered to model Debora’s new uniforms. We formed a bond immediately and kept in touch over the years. A couple years after this initial meeting, Debora was at a dental trade show in Las Vegas. She was hosting a fashion show to showcase her Twice as Nice Uniforms, but her models cancelled at the last minute. She didn’t hesitate to call me, and I didn’t hesitate to show up with two friends in tow. We enthusiastically jumped right in and modeled Debora’s uniforms in several fashion shows over the next three days.

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SUCCESS Fast forward to 2020: We are still working together and finding ways to support each other. As we all know, 2020 has created some major roadblocks for dentistry. We were able to be a part of the virtual DeW Retreat that was simply AMAZING and a perfect way to, once again, lift each other up. At DeW, we both had the opportunity to meet other women who are on a mission to make a change for the better. We have made plans to kick off 2021 with Childrens Dental Health Month in February to debut my new childrens book “Where the Sugar Bugs Live.” We will also attend Dentistry's Got Talent in April, ADHA, RDHOUR and other virtual events throughout the rest of the year. Events like these help dental professionals connect with others who share their goals of learning and growing. When our paths crossed, we never imagined what the future would hold for us together. We had no idea we would soon be collaborating on some incredible products to bring the FUN and education back into dental hygiene. These products will help dental and medical professionals have critical conversations with their patients. The illustrated characters from my children’s book came to life on Debora’s Twice as Nice Uniforms surgical caps, compression socks and masks. The garments keep dental and medical professionals comfortable and safe, while creating conversation pieces and bringing the FUN back into learning. As an added bonus, we are proud to be donating a portion of the proceeds from all products to families affected by childhood cancer. We both have many stories of other relationships formed along our journeys with the common denominator of being there to lift each other up with support, physical help, or just a shoulder to lean on. We have each built a great support network that we can rely on when we need a helping hand. And, we know these relationships could blossom into things much bigger than we ever dream for us personally and professionally and truly help our world at large. Let’s face it, being a woman entrepreneur as well as a dental hygienist, wife, mom etc. can be tough! Historically, women have not always supported each other in business and constantly battle male counterparts. It’s time for all women to truly join together and support one another. Find out what your fellow women entrepreneurs are doing, lend them a hand, and support them however you can. We know that an open mind and an open heart can help lift others up. By working together, we can create something AMAZING in this world. The more we all come together and use our talents to help lift other women up, the more successful we ALL will be. This is easy to say, but once you “walk the walk and talk the talk” you’ll see what wonderful doors will open for you!

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We both encourage you to reach out for any support you might need. Learn more about Debora and Carrie on their websites and social media pages.

About the authors: Carrie Wucinich is a Registered Dental Hygienist and has been in the dental industry for over 15 years. She is also the mother of two children. Throughout the years, she has seen the struggles parents have faced when it comes to establishing a dental care routine. Since having her son, she has an even better understanding of the difficulty. She knows the importance of proper dental care and hopes this book will create the visual children need to discover the importance of taking good care of their teeth. Debora Carrier, RDH is the founder and CEO of Twice as Nice Uniforms and a practicing dental hygienist. She is a member of LaunchPad 2X, Entrepreneur Organization Accelerator, Facebook Leaders Network, Upgraded Life, winner of Apparel Magazine's Most Innovative Company and a KOL/Spokesperson for Crest OralB. She has been featured on The Doctors, Dr. Phil and Good Morning America as well as other radio broadcasts and international videos. She spends her spare time mentoring other dental entrepreneurs and supporting her fellow dental professionals any way she can. Her goal with Twice is Nice Uniforms is to provide comfortable, stylish, professional and safe uniforms and PPE. yellowribbonbooks.com twiceasniceuniforms.com

SUCCESS

WEARING HEELS AND RISING UP THE LADDER By Krista Butler

orking as a sales leader for one of the leading solutions companies for health care professionals, particularly in the dental sector, was a dream come true. I vividly remember the day I received a call from a friend asking me if I would be interested in speaking with Tim Jones about a potential position with Henry Schein. Of course, I answered with excitement, a resounding, “Yes!” I spent the next few weeks learning about the company, having many conversations with members of the sales and leadership teams. I quickly realized a common theme: the company is focused on their customers, but the biggest assets are their team members. I recall thinking that I wanted to be part of this team. I loved the culture and everything it had to offer. I eagerly awaited my interview. The interview lasted much longer than a “normal” interview. We discussed many aspects of the business, mainly that the business is built on strong relationships and the importance of building lasting relationships. At the end of the interview, while he recognized that my education, background and work experience were a great fit for his team, he emphasized that most important was my ability to connect with others and that my eagerness to mentor and help others to reach their highest potential would be my biggest assets. I remember the gratitude I felt for Tim and the leadership team for allowing me the opportunity to be part of the team. Like so many people, the excitement of my newly accepted position quickly turned to feelings of selfdoubt playing over and over in my mind. Would I be able to balance my professional and personal lives, feeling my three daughters still needed my time and attention? I felt

very comfortable with my ability to develop, mentor and grow a sales team but not so sure about how I would balance it all... especially how it would impact my daughters and the presumption of my “not being there.” I needed honest, solid and non-judgmental advice, so I asked the source: my daughters. Of course, they were fully supportive and agreed to work together to help when I was away at the occasional trade show, sales meeting or customer visit. I decided instead of keeping my position as a sales leader separate from my personal life, I would incorporate some of my successes and challenges into our nightly discussion. What would you do in this situation? Jessica, Lindsey and Catherine always enjoyed bantering back and forth about their perspective on the nightly subject. Hearing their perspectives, which always tied into their own experiences and interactions, encouraged them to speak their minds, while also providing them an opportunity to hear from one another and respect varying viewpoints. These interactions were some of the best everyday moments with them growing up, and I believe they helped shaped the intelligent, strong women they have become. It was flattering when my daughter Lindsey began taking an active interest in joining the same line of work as me. Lindsey grew up in dentistry and worked at her father's practice at a young age and after earning her college degree. Her keen insight and passion for helping others has been apparent since those spirited days long ago at the dinner table. I view Lindsey’s choice as a culmination of her experiences, fueled by an inherent desire to help others; and in this role I am proud of the difference she has already made with the doctors who have already engaged her and look forward to watching her career trajectory as well.

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SUCCESS Defining meaning in what we do is to love the work we are doing, and I truly enjoy the work I do. We can all relate to the joyous highs of winning and crushing moments of defeat. Many of us know the feeling of self-doubt when facing a challenge that seems insurmountable. The one constant in a career is an inevitable struggle, and if we’re lucky we can foresee downturn and adjust accordingly. However, many tests are not perceived in advance, and in those moments is where we find meaning along with strength. The work I do every day is meaningful because I have the support of a great team who believes in the benefits of a cohesive, collaborative environment. Years of experience and wisdom become a welcome gift to share with reps in the field who need uplifting reinforcement to strengthen their resolve. Working with our customers is a professional and personal balance. We provide them a great service and in turn they rely on us like a trusted friend, and some of these relationships turn into lifelong friendships. I don’t believe we find meaning; we discover it every day by being actively engaged and working towards the highest good. Meaningfulness in what we do is always there. We just need to see it. I think the best way to realize or measure your strengths in life is to watch the evolution of the people you’ve positively impacted. I’ve been blessed to maintain relationships and mentor people from each phase of my career and witness them become proficient in a way that represents their own definition of success. My connection to people has never been about guiding them to mirror my accomplishments but to help them realize their own unique abilities and gifts. One often places high regard on anyone who reaches the pinnacle of their career, but often overlooks the talented leaders working in each stage along the way to the top. There is no singular formula for success, and our aspirations are subjective. I’ve always been mindful to relate to people by understanding them, listening to them and offering personalized support so we can each achieve our individual successes. It is a great compliment to converse with someone who admires the history of my career and wants to know exactly how it evolved. And while I’m always open to discuss the winding path to where I am now, I’m ever mindful to encourage people to understand the gift of self-awareness because that is the key to unlock their potential and ultimate success, however they choose to define it. I feel grateful to have grown within the dental industry and honored to have been part of the success for those I’ve supported over the years. With a culture that encourages diversity, community engagement and dedication to meeting the needs of our customers, I am also proud that blending my personal and professional lives has made a positive difference in my family and in the lives of my customers.

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About the author: Krista Butler has more than 30 years of success in the dental business. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Pfeiffer University and has been with Henry Schein since 2002. Krista began her career with Henry Schein Dental as a Zone Technology Sales Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region overseeing technology sales. She went on to become the Regional Manager in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2012, Krista began working for Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions (Henry Schein PPT) as a part-time Sales Consultant while continuing her role as Regional Manager. In 2015 she became a full-time Henry Schein PPT Sales Consultant. She was the top producer during her five years as a Henry Schein Transition Sales Consultant. In 2019 she was promoted to the position of National Sales Manager for Henry Schein PPT, where she works closely with the Transition Sales Consultants to develop new territories, to facilitate the sharing of best practices among the consultants, and to support the development of new and existing consultants to grow the business. As a longtime Henry Schein Dental employee and former Henry Schein Transition Sales Consultant, Krista understands the priorities of the dental business and has strong relationships across Henry Schein Dental and can help Henry Schein PPT to best serve its customers.

LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

FOLLOW YOUR INTUITION

By Karen Braswell-Winkle

t was April 2014. I was sitting on the balcony of our hotel room in Maui drinking coffee with my husband, Rob. The surroundings were breathtakingly beautiful so I should have been distracted by them, but I just could not stop talking about Ivy. Ivy Rose Wenger, born August 22, 2013, to my daughter Madison. She was our first grandchild of now seven! I talked about how she should be sitting up and saying words by now. She should have crawled by now. She should be bigger, that at eight months she was so tiny. She should not be making tight fists held closely to her chest. Infants of a few weeks clinch their fists, and then their little hands open and they grasp things. I talked to Rob about how I thought it odd that she was always stiff and could not bend at the waist. I had been deeply worried about Ivy for months and wondered what could be wrong. Because I knew in the depths of my soul, something was seriously wrong. Madison was a young mother and didn’t know the signs of development issues. I’ve had four children, and I didn’t know what we were seeing either. I asked Madison questions frequently, and she assured me that the pediatricians were not alarmed with Ivy’s growth. While on that balcony in Maui, Hawaii, I began to research her symptoms on the internet, to see if they made sense for some diagnosis. I found mostly neurological disorders... I should have been distracted by the beauty surrounding me, but I was not. I was on a mission. After a little research, I decided that she needed to see a different pediatrician because someone should have

been alarmed at the lack of development in Ivy. I called Madison and said, “Maddie, I feel deeply that something is wrong with Ivy. When we get home from Hawaii, I want to take her to a different pediatrician and ask some hard questions.” Madison said, “Mom! She is my baby. I will take her to a different pediatrician. I don’t think the other one is listening to me. But you can come with us if you want!” That was perfect. Madison is a good mother, and very protective of Ivy. She was put off with my declaration and rightly so. I overstepped her boundaries. But I wanted to make an impact without scaring her. I asked that she make the appointment for the next week when we would return. She said, “Of course I will.” The day of the appointment I drove to pick up Madison and Ivy and took them to the new pediatrician’s office, Providence Pediatrics. After the new patient paperwork, we were escorted to the area where they measured and weighed Ivy. They then escorted us to the examination room where we waited for the doctor. Ivy laid quietly on the examination table. At eight months old, she should have been a little wiggle worm. A few minutes later Dr. Lucia Ferreras Cox entered the room. She was kind and concerned about how small Ivy was. She took her stethoscope and listened to Ivy’s heart. It seemed like she listened for 30 minutes. The longer she listened the more worried we became. She finally looked up at us and said, “I will be right back.” The nurse came in and put a pulse oximeter on Ivy and left the room. The oxygen level on the monitor read “70.” After about 20 minutes, Dr. Cox entered the room and announced, “Ivy has a life-threatening heart defect. I have called an ambulance to immediately transport her to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.” Madison collapsed to the floor in guttural sobs. My heart was broken for her and worried for Ivy. When the ambulance

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I was only listening to my gut. Some may call that your conscience. I call it the voice of God. I believe there is a difference. arrived, they placed my daughter’s tiny daughter on the gurney and strapped her in; and we watched in horror as they took our baby girl away with the sirens. We hugged and cried and thanked Dr. Cox. Madison told Dr. Cox that I knew something was wrong with Ivy. Dr. Cox said to Madison, “Your mother saved Ivy’s life!” (I completely disagree with that statement.) Once we informed the family and arrived at the hospital, we entered in the emergency room where Ivy was surrounded by an army of doctors and heart surgeons. They explained that Ivy had a defect called TAPVR and that it was quite a miracle that she had survived that long. Without surgery Ivy would certainly die. Why she was not diagnosed earlier was a great topic of conversation along with many questions we had for the doctors at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Why had her pediatric exams not detected this before today? But the most pressing questions were "Is she going to live through the surgery" and "If she does, what will her quality of life be?" Ivy came through the surgery well, and we cannot thank the surgeon, Dr. Daniel Velez, head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery division at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and the pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Ashish Shah, enough. Dr. Velez is an amazingly talented surgeon to repair defects in hearts that are about the size of a walnut! Some people have said that I was instrumental in saving Ivy’s life. Madison had been worried about her too, but neither one of us could have possibly known the seriousness of Ivy’s condition. She certainly would have died without the surgery, but I reject the assertion that I saved Ivy’s life. I was only listening to my gut. Some may call that your conscience. I call it the voice of God. I believe there is a difference. This ‘voice’ is not audible and comes across as though what I am ‘hearing’ I am thinking on my own. However, it is different. It is something I have experienced sporadically throughout my life. It is different than my instincts, or

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conscience. It is powerful. It is compelling, undeniable. It is persistent. Throughout my life I have learned that, if you practice kindness and integrity and if you intend to help and do good, your conscience will certainly guide you to do the right thing. It is a practice: the practice of relying on your inner voice, your intellect. I do not always do the right thing and have made a multitude of mistakes in my life. I seem to have perfected the skill of failing for sure. I have an incredibly positive outlook and believe that things will always work out... maybe not the way I want them to, but I am optimistic. Even if I mess up and cause some of the problems, I still believe I can make it right and things will work out. Sometimes, it does not work out, and then I must manage the disappointments. Through failures and successes I have learned to use this conscience and instinct with my clients. My goal is to make them wildly successful and wealthy! While I have not always been able to make that kind of an impact, I do know how to make that happen. There are so many variables involved to impact the outcome of a business,

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but my job is to use my skills, intellect and intuition to guide and teach. I know what variables will cause a failure and what to look for to discover them. I use the power of persuasion and, because I am sure that what I know will make a positive impact on their life and business, I move very confidently and present in a very powerfully convincing manner.

Hawaii. “I am taking Ivy to the doctor." The reaction to that kind of provocation is not usually positive. Sometimes it creates a negative reaction. But the outcome is to cause an action toward good. If we will allow the things that poke us or make us angry to awaken us, then the outcome will be a positive one. We may learn something we did not know. It may save our life.

I have not always been this sure of myself. This assuredness has come through a series of successes that I have enjoyed which builds confidence. It is also a result of significant failures that I have endured which cause introspection, vulnerability and humility. I learn through life’s troubles. I have been the cause of some of those troubles, and some of them are just a part of life. I have experienced the voice of God compelling me to act on a thing and the conscience that guides me, and I have the wisdom to know the difference.

When I perceive something as being negative toward me, I have learned that I am assuming something about the issue or person. The question I have learned to ask and tell others to ask is “What else could this mean?” or “Could there be something else about this that I do not know?” Because if I operate my life solely on the assumption that because I am thinking it, it is true, then I will always be right, and you will always be wrong. I will miss a lot of learning opportunities, and I will continue to not know what I do not know. Sometimes the reaction to the "poke" or "statement" can be so negative that the relationship severs. But if we are intentional in our purpose and the goal is toward the outcomes, then the means to get there is necessary sometimes. I do not mean to hurt or harm. Hurt people hurt people; healed people heal people. I am talking about feedback for improvement or an action or a statement to cause a movement in a direction toward the goal.

That week in Maui, Hawaii, I heard the compelling voice of God. Ivy Rose is now a healthy, happy 7-year-old with a little brother, Silas, and five cousins... Marlee, Maxwell, Maisy, Audrey and Alex. I have had some successes in my life and will continue to experience life with its successes and failures. Whatever I do, the greatest success I can achieve is to listen to this "voice" because this "voice" guides me and works hard for my good and the good of others. I want to make a difference in the lives of others and leave them better. And I want others to enter my life with that same intent. But without the guidance of this "voice," I am relying on myself, my knowledge, my intellect. I know what I know; I know what I do not know (I do not know how to repair Ivy’s heart); but I know there are things that I am not aware of that I do not know! To learn the things about myself that I do not know, I need the "voice" of God. And He uses others to speak to me as well. Do I listen?

I felt compelled to get Ivy to a different doctor. I knew I had to get Madison to agree that the current doctor or doctors were missing something. I had to do it in such a way that did not make her wrong. So, I made a statement which I knew would cause an action. It worked because I am persuasive, and Madison loves Ivy. I did not save Ivy’s life. I listened to the "voice." I acted when I felt that compelling voice, and Madison agreed. Madison found Dr. Cox, who sent us on our way. I believe God, through the hands of many people and her mommy, healed Ivy Rose.

Sometimes to create an action it takes a provocative statement, such as I made with Madison that day in

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

ISSUE CLASS OF 2021 | SPRING

About the author: Karen Braswell-Winkle is the president and co-founder of Phoenix Dental Consultants, LLC. Established in 2009, Karen has established Phoenix Dental Consultants as a reliable source for dentists seeking coaching and training for their dental businesses. Karen attended the Southwestern Assemblies of God University and graduated from The Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, OK. She started her dental career at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry as the dental assistant to the university private practice serving the teaching dentists. Karen has extensive experience as a chairside dental assistant as well as in dental office management. After moving to Phoenix, Arizona, Karen joined several multinational dental consulting firms, creating content and teaching seminars as well as analyzing dental practices. She traveled weekly to consult with many dental clients throughout the United States. After years of a very busy "road warrior" career, Karen partnered with Robin Winkle to create Phoenix Dental Consultants, a consulting firm located in Phoenix, Arizona, serving dentists nationally. Phoenix Dental Consultants focuses on all aspects of the dental practice. Creating systems and accountability in a fun and trusting culture, she has been able to push these dental practices to amazing growth. With high attention to detail, Phoenix Dental Consultants will analyze and identify many areas of opportunity to force growth and give the dentist the work/life balance that so often eludes them.

Kwane Watson, DMD

Revolutionizing Dentistry through Comprehensive Concierge Mobile Dentistry P, EFDA Melissa Turner, BASDH, RDHE

How Healthcare Delivery is Transforming the Future of the Dental Industry Brian Swilling

The Shift from High Income to High Net Worth Josh Scott

“Ever Since…”

Our sister publication that focuses on the business side of dentistry. Digital current and back issues are available to read online at dentalentrepreneur.com

Karen@PhoenixDentalConsultants.com

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

I DO BELIEVE - GOOD DEWS FINDING GOOD DEWS By Kriston Reisnour, RDH, BSDH, CCSH, CSOM, FAAOSH

o you often wonder what your purpose in life is? Do you question how you can make a difference? I challenge each and every one of you to look deep within yourself and think back to a moment when you may have touched an individual and changed the trajectory of their life. Could it have been just a conversation in which you just listened, letting them know that they were heard, confirming that they or what they had to say mattered?

Have you ever been in a situation where you could feel despair emanating off of a person and just a kindhearted smile or a touch of their arm brightened their day? Where you could feel, even for just a moment, that your actions lifted their burden and touched their heart? Maybe you were able to connect individuals to the right person or organization which helped propel them towards their dreams. In turn they reached back and, with grace and gratitude, lifted up another person struggling on their individual journey. I believe we were put on this earth to help each other fulfill God’s ultimate purpose in reaching the dreams He has placed upon our hearts. He puts people in our lives to help us grow in one way or another, all leading us towards His purpose. This quote from Joel Osteen is so fitting, “God knows the dreams and desires in your heart; in fact, He gave them to you. He will order your steps and take you where you need to be.” He can also open doors that no man can. I am a testament of that. Through the grace of God, I have been afforded many opportunities and have had the privilege of working within the BaleDoneen Method and Seattle Study Club organizations along with working with many esteemed medical and dental colleagues throughout my career.

However, there are still many times when we do not understand the “Why” which can halt our progress as we continually question ourselves, conditions and even situations that are laid before us. This is where we need to trust in His divine wisdom and believe that there is always an ultimate plan and a reason for everything. Even if we do not at the moment understand. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Look at every situation you are in as an opportunity: an opportunity to personally grow, hone your own skills, learn additional life lessons, or maybe help and guide others around you to do the same. Believe that you are where you need to be for this moment, and trust in the process. I have always believed there is something to be learned from every situation. Now comes the human nature part of all of this, which I know we can all say we have struggled with in some way, shape or form throughout our lives; and that is the letting go. Letting go and doing what is right by helping others to succeed. To do this, you have to let go of the paralyzing internal fears, the self-doubt, limiting beliefs that bind us, and the assumptions or distrust in other’s motives and intentions. For all of these will hold us back from reaching our own potential. We have to feel secure enough in ourselves to even begin to offer help to others... trusting that everything will be okay and believing just as you have helped others in your time of need, others will be there for you. I want to share these cherished quotes provided

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

by my favorite inspiring motivational speaker, Mr. Zig Ziglar: “You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” And “The greatest success we’ll know is helping others succeed and grow.” I genuinely believe this and feel that within the DeW community we have an abundance of opportunities to use our influence, positions and network to help each other do exactly that. While working at the Seattle Study Club, Dr. Michael Cohen, Founder of the Seattle Study Club, asked me if I could recommend any speakers for him to consider for the Seattle Study Club’s Annual Symposium. Without hesitation I thought about the wonderful, talented DeWs. I reached out to Anne Duffy, and, at short notice, got as many names and contact information as I could to inform them about the symposium presentation opportunity. At the time I did not know what specifically Dr. Cohen’s brilliant mind was envisioning for the symposium, and the theme had not yet been decided. However, I thought what an awesome opportunity for me to help my fellow DeWs further their dreams, aspirations and get more exposure. Even though I am considered a content expert and present on oral systemic and inflammatory disease content, I was working at SSC doing a specific job that needed me 24/7, and the thought of inserting myself into this presentation equation did not even cross my mind. I automatically thought of my wonderful DeW family. I was asked once by a well-intentioned individual, “What about you? You are always helping others, why do you promote others over yourself?” Although I love to present and educate, this was not the position I was hired to do at SSC. I was hired to help my directors and coordinators develop their educational programs and support them. However, I was able to use my position to help open up doors and promote others, and I will continue to do so whenever given the chance.

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I do believe we as DeWs are in a unique position to do just that. There is a wealth of talent within this group. With that talent comes knowledge and so many resources that can be used to help lift each other up. As Zig would say, “True joy comes when you inspire, encourage and guide someone else on the path that benefits him or her.” Find your joy! Helping others is a common theme that great motivational speakers and leaders live by. Do not be afraid to put others first. As Napolean Hill says, "It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed." I leave you with these questions: Who can you help elevate today? How do you measure success? About the author: An accomplished, sought-after speaker, author and integrated healthcare implementation specialist, Kriston fully believes in the power of building a relationship to motivate and inspire individuals. Her experience as the Dental Program Director for the BaleDoneen Method and work with many directors at the Seattle Study Club solidified her passion for coaching and educating healthcare providers on their role in today’s integrated health care system. By combining her own personal firsthand experience with her expertise, she delivers compelling and relatable presentations for conferences, online events, interviews, panels, meetings, retreats, workshops and seminars that have been met with rave reviews and can be adapted to suit your venue and audience. Intentional Hygiene Integrated Healthcare Specialist Email: kristonRDH@comcast.net Website: Intentionalhygiene.com BaleDoneen Method Affiliate Code: IntentionalHyg! Registration link: learn.baledoneen.com

LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

MY MUM, MY DAD, MY ADVOCATE: MENTAL HEALTH AFFECTS EVERY FAMILY

By Karen Thomas, RDH, LN, ND, CNS

s we bid “Good-bye” to the challenges of 2020, us was obvious and immediate. A round of hearty hugs— our hopes for a better year were high. Never did I the relief of being able to touch him—such a blessing. For anticipate 2021 bringing our family something the first time in hours, we exhaled. more horrifying than the pandemic. But, within a couple of minutes, I noticed our son’s But things can change quickly: the dreaded phone call. demeanor change, as if his mind regressed to fourYour gut tells you before a word is spoken... something years-old and needed extra reassurances from his dad. I is wrong. Your child needs you, but you’re thousands of witnessed this a few times over the next couple of days miles away. and grappled to understand the behavior. In early January 2021, we received an odd phone call from our son. Then another one, and another. Each progressively stranger. Something was off, and real details were scarce. We only knew something was terribly wrong. I booked our flight. No time to plan. In a flurry, we threw items into our suitcases. Mine: three pair of pants, two blouses, two pairs of socks, my Sonicare toothbrush, but no toothpaste, no charger, and no makeup. Then we dashed to the airport, with mere minutes to board our flight before they closed the airplane door. Next, we were airborne.

He seemed to be struggling to “keep it together” until we arrived, like his psyche had been waiting to relax. Once we were there, he knew he could unwind: a safe environment established, in case anything happened. A loving family is special. The sound of a mother’s voice, a father’s touch, and the love of family provide soothing peace. It’s a safety net, where you know we—the family— will catch you if you fall. As such a family, we were his advocates—discovering what happened, and working each day to keep him safe.

For the next few hours, anxiety traveled with us. We were The next day, we worked the puzzle. What triggered this? getting there as quickly as humanly possible, and yet it We quickly learned the handling of COVID had much to do didn’t feel fast enough. with it. From there, it spiraled. Once we arrived, a sliver of relief eased in as we saw our In June of 2020, the CDC reported 40.9% of respondents adult son, and he seemed physically okay. His friend was conveyed they’d experienced at least one adverse mental kind enough to drive to pick us up. Our son’s joy in seeing or behavioral symptom related to the pandemic. That’s

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

Additionally, the difficulty many have experienced while being forbidden to socialize has put an extraordinary burden on anyone needing a support network. Without a regular social system, a person can lose track of what “normal” is supposed to feel like. only a few months into the health crisis. By January 2021 It’s all I could think of. Suddenly, he turned his gaze and I’m certain the statistics were much higher and probably stared at me with the blankest expression I’ve ever seen. underreported. A vacant look—an empty vessel—wondering why I was screaming, “In the name of Jesus.” Different areas of the country handled the pandemic in a variety of ways and with various attitudes. Some areas My husband took his legs out from underneath him and tended toward a more fear-based mentality than others. tackled him to the floor, and I ran to call EMS. Blood everywhere. My husband held him tighter than you can Additionally, the difficulty many have experienced while imagine—knowing if he let loose, he would lose his only being forbidden to socialize has put an extraordinary child. burden on anyone needing a support network. Without a regular social system, a person can lose track of what He cried, “I’m not going to lose you. I love you. I love you. “normal” is supposed to feel like. Son, I love you.” He ultimately called his friend and asked for help: an Police arrived with EMS. They picked him up off extremely uncharacteristic request, so his friend dropped the floor—a limp, ragdoll form—bewildered by the everything and went to stay with him. circumstances. They put him on a stretcher, wrapping him on a papoose board for his safety. Our son wrestled to keep it together—every thought, every gesture—as though his mind wrestled to make sense We followed to the hospital, but COVID restrictions meant of the world and how he fit in it. It became like slogging we weren’t allowed inside. We couldn’t see him. We wept. through thick peanut butter. Every medication adjustment As we waited, we observed multiple refrigeration trucks brought more challenges. We witnessed his condition near the ER. They had to be excess morgue storage, a worsening with every change—spiraling downward. We horrendous thought. feared what he might do. Our faith in God gave us hope and helped us pass the time We mirrored his actions. He walked to the bathroom, we while we waited for our son’s return. Twelve days later walked to the bathroom. He sat on the couch, we sat on we picked up our sweet, 36-year-old son. Humbled, he the couch. Never knowing what was next, we did our best seemed ready to reengage in life. to move in sync with him. Our only job, keeping him safe, no matter what. He came home to North Carolina with us. No longer would he be alone while the world attempted to figure out COVID. But in a flash, the unthinkable happened. I put my functional medical detective skills to work, on his behalf. I’d turned for an instant, and five feet away, I heard a scuffle. I spun around to see his leg hanging over the 5th We have more neurotransmitters in our gut than in floor balcony railing. My husband had only a grasp of his our brain. For this reason, it’s imperative we veer from t-shirt. I raced over and put myself between the rail and processed-food diets to whole-food diets. Feeding our our son. I attempted pushing him back from the banister, body whole, nutritious foods is how we give it the good but gradually, I felt my weight being pushed into the information it needs for healing and improved functioning. balcony rail, staring down five floors. I asked, “What had he been eating?” He was eating I screamed at him, “In the name of Jesus. In the name of cereals, ladened with sugar. Not good. No wonder he was Jesus. In the name of Jesus.” deteriorating.

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LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS

10 Holistic Digestive

Solutions to Improve Mental Health 1. Are you exercising? 2. Are you eating too much sugar? 3. Are you getting enough fresh air? 4. A re you eating processed foods? 5. Are you getting enough sleep? 6. Are you allowing for healthy relationships and social life? 7. Are you allowing time for healthy recovering time? 8. Are you engaging in creativity? 9. Are you allowing for spiritual time and growth? 10. Have you considered journaling to help you sort out difficult feelings?

Next, we ran detailed functional medicine blood work, which revealed very low levels of vitamin D, amongst several other issues. We needed a deeper investigation. Next, came the pharmacogenomic test. This gives your doctor valuable information by looking at how your genes respond to and metabolize depression medications. It’s supplemental information within the framework of a comprehensive medical assessment. Who knew this existed? My functional medicine nutritionist training changed how I think about healthcare and opened up a new wellness paradigm: one which allows me to discover root causes, rather than using the typical band-aid approach on symptoms. Medications can be very important, but what if we also paired medication with the nutrition we take in three times a day? It can make the biggest difference in our overall health. As my son’s advocate, I’m encouraged with how I can help him, not just as his mum, but as his functional medicine mum. I’m already uncovering his hidden issues. I’ll stop at nothing to get him the help he needs to live a healthy and happy life. We all have a renewed sense of hope. Hug your children, your friends, and your family members because each day is a gift and we never know what lies ahead of us.

About the author: Karen is the CEO and Founder of Holistic Digestive Solutions. Karen’s passion for the healthcare industry began at the age of 15 in dentistry. Over 39 years later, her passion has grown to include functional medicine to improve the overall health of her clients. She is a Licensed Nutritionist, Nutrition Dietician, Certified Nutritionist Specialist®, and Certified Biological Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Nutrition® Health Coach, Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® Practitioner (FDN-P), and a motivational speaker, educator and the award-winning author of "Overwhelmed & Undernourished: Use Food as Medicine and Turn Your Life Around" and the 2020 Recipient of the Sunstar/ RDH Award of Distinction. She also holds a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. She currently works with private clients in addition to working with physicians who seek her counsel on finding the root causes of mysterious autoimmune diseases for their own patients. Karen uses functional medicine laboratory testing to accomplish this. She then designs bioindividual protocols to aid in reversing chronic health diseases.

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DeW Learning Crew INTRODUCING

In addition to the annual DeW Life Retreat, DeW is hosting quarterly virtual events focused on personal development, professional development, and connection! This features two keynote speakers and breakout sessions, followed by a virtual happy hour to connect with your DeW community!

Friday, May 14 2-4:30 p.m. Keynote Speakers: Anita M. Sirianni "Believing in the Value of Your Offer" Dr. Joy Void-Holmes "Conjuring Your Courage" space is limited so Don't miss your chance! To register or for more info go to dew.life

REFLECTION

A LONG JOURNEY TO DIVINE INTERVENTION By Jodie Pearson

o my dear DeWs,

“Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for the honor of writing this special message. Thank you for sending me a fresh flow of the Holy Spirit and for your wisdom and guidance to say what you would have me say. Lord, while these stories are about me, help me convey that the real story is about You.” I was the 6th to be born to a mother 27 years of age. Fact is, my mother gathered the courage to answer an alter call to accept Jesus Christ as her personal savior when she was pregnant with me, then brought Him home to us. My parents divorced when I was about 10, and that’s when attending church ended. With Dad gone, Mom working full-time, and my siblings growing out of the house one by one, there wasn’t much nurturing left for me. As a teenager, I found myself searching for pictures of me as a child. Not much evidence of adoring pictures. Searching for pictures was just the beginning a long journey to Divine Intervention. To further cement feeling insignificant, when I was 13 my mom married an alcoholic who’s behavior was unpredictable from one day to the next. From the moment I was able, I had to have a boyfriend. Being without one wasn’t an option, and not knowing how to choose, being verbally and physically abused began at 17. Fast forward to 32. I found what I thought was my night and shining armor. He was a wonderful man, cheerful, caring, successfully self-employed with a wonderful family who truly loved me. We soon had our only child. Kelsey was born with a diaphragmatic hernia with, they said, about a 5% chance of living. In Proverbs 22:6, the

Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I remember cupping my hands together like a boat and said to my husband, “These are like God’s hands, and he’s carrying us in His boat.” That was my first real reference to God since childhood, and the last until my husband left me. I had married an alcoholic. He had stopped making the mortgage and medical insurance payments without telling me. This broke me into pieces, and that search I mentioned previously went into full swing; but I was looking in all the wrong places. It started with talking with his mother, his dad, his brothers, my brother, my sisters-in-law, my sisters, counselors and anyone else who would lend an ear. Nobody could help. I needed a miracle. I was dying inside. I began a different search at Al-Anon, a recovery program for the family and friends of an alcoholic. It was here that I began to find knowledge, understanding and comfort knowing that a “higher power” was saving marriages, saving families and saving lives. But why was I still living in a nightmare? Kelsey was about 4 when I found myself locked in the guest room, crying out loud for God to heal my brain. I told Him I felt like what the Israelites must have felt wandering the desert for 40 years. I begged Him to not let me walk out of that room the same person that had walked in. And He did. He began to show me how His Divine Intervention would manifest. Now, it was between God and me. That was it. Nobody else. Only He could help me recover. He changed my mind. I was different. Instead of spewing purposeless words out of my mouth, I began to send them purposefully up to Him in prayer. Until then, in my

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REFLECTION mind, I was in control of every outcome in my life. He led me to two books of the Bible first: James who taught me how to live life according to God’s wisdom, and Job who continued to trust in God even after losing everything he loved. I had “Let Go and Let God.” I surrendered my pride to Him, (which I learned was shaped like a house), that I was so desperately holding onto. He would be there no matter where we lived. I forgave and surrendered my husband to God to watch over. I surrendered my desperation to Him, my heart, my need to be in control, my thoughts and my words. He became my counselor. I learned to trust Him. This was my surrender. I knew it, and He knew it. And so His Divine Intervention began in my life. He revealed to me why it took, “40 years in the desert” for Him to rescue me from myself. God knew if my pain and suffering had been lifted too soon, I would not have known to give Him the credit. Remember... until I surrendered to Him, I was in control of and took all the credit for my life’s outcomes. Finally, I was able to breathe a huge sigh of relief and begin to move forward with eyes wide open to a brand new kind of search... seeking His wisdom over my own. Divine Intervention is when we surrender to seek God’s wisdom, and He answers in HIS timing and in the way HE knows we need. • The judge moved my husband out of my home. I was devastated when he took his own life a few short years later. His parents blamed me. I prayed for them. They came forward 6 years later to say they forgave me! • I was out of PTO so my sister paid my wages for five days for me to come to Texas and coach her medical front office team for 2 hours on how to collect at the time of service! • That Sunday at church, there was an alter call. I was stuck to my chair. My 18-year-old, 6’5” nephew stood up in the aisle and held out his hand. He escorted me to the alter where I surrendered and dedicated my life to the Lord! • My home was in foreclosure, $30K in arrears. I had no idea there was PMI insurance. I receive a phone call. They said, “You wanna keep the house?” I said, "YES!" I’ve lived here since 1991. • I had recently been recruited for an interview for 1-800-DENTIST for a part-time Member Consultant position. I was hired. I could then afford to refinance the house with an offer of 5%!

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Kelsey grows up - Mommy-Daughter

• I stopped looking for a husband and asked God to do it for me. I met Bill at church, stalked him, then asked him to marry me 6 months later! Yes, I did! I would love to talk with anyone that feels led to reach out. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow, Love, Jodie James 1:2-8 Faith and Wisdom

About the author: Jodie has worked with hundreds of dental teams and patients using The Art of Conversionology. She is the Senior Account Manager at Trojan Professional Services and an Affiliate of DIY Dental Consulting, a digital consulting experience designed for today’s dental world. Jodie is currently working on her book, “The Art of Conversionology - Dentistry’s Secrets to Changing it Up!" Jodie Pearson is a member of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants, Dental Speaker Institute, AADOM Speaker Consultant Alliance, Lifetime Member of AADOM, and a member of the Dental entrepreneur Women’s DeW Crew. She enjoys writing, teaching and is a frequent podcast guest. To book a complimentary conversation with Jodie, contact her at jodie.diydentalconsulting@gmail.com or jodiep@trojanonline.com

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