Cindy Roark, DMD, MS
1. Consider other degrees.
When setting out on a career path in dentistry, it’s important to consider education channels and formal training beyond obtaining a degree in a dental discipline. Women who aspire to a leadership role can achieve this in a variety of ways, including taking elective business courses while pursuing a dental degree, choosing business administration and dentistry as a dual degree or obtaining an MBA after receiving an undergraduate dental degree.
2. Never stop learning.
It’s also important to remember that one’s education in any field of medicine should not end the day you move the tassel on your square cap from the right side to the left. Leaders in dentistry do not fall into the trap of believing they have learned all they need to know once they’ve obtained a degree and have practiced dentistry for several years or longer. It might be challenging to embrace the philosophy of always learning—on and off the job—but those who don’t think this way could fall behind.
3. Keep up with technology.
The dental technology landscape is evolving rapidly, from AI-based X-ray diagnostic software to intra-oral scanners to teledentistry. Knowing how to use all of this emerging tech can be critical to having a successful dental career. Women who want to take on leadership roles in the practice where they work or in a dental service organization should make sure they have access to the latest in dental tech and be trained on how to use it. To have the most positive impact on patient care, successful practices are characterized by leadership that prioritizes implementing the most advanced technology available.
4. Perfect your communication skills.
Going to a dental appointment can be a stressful and intimidating experience for many patients, and, as such, it’s important to prioritize the best possible communication between the dental staff and patients. The best way to establish trust with patients is for leaders to instruct their teams to have honest conversations with patients that are free of technical terminology.
5. Surround yourself with excellence.
Team leaders will only be as successful as those they surround themselves with. If the receptionists, managers, dental assistants and hygienists don’t represent the organization’s core values, then even the most well-appointed, modern, high-tech practice will be set up to fail. In today’s world of online star review systems, social media and even the age-old channel of word-of-mouth, negative patient experiences can have a devastating impact on a practice or DSO. Work to build a team that embraces the patient-first approach and, if necessary, be prepared to make tough decisions about staffers that might need to find a job elsewhere.
These are, of course, only some of the things that women who aspire to be leaders in dentistry should consider as they work toward the education and training required to enter the field and set out on their careers. The phrase “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” aptly summarizes what it takes to succeed in dentistry.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cindy Roark, DMD, MS, is Chief Clinical Officer & SVP at Sage Dental and a member of Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Board of Fellows.
