(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) Lately, I’ve found myself struggling with the idea of “allowing.” As someone who deeply values spiritual alignment and inner peace, I recognize the importance of this concept, yet it has felt especially challenging given the instability and chaos brought about by the new presidential administration and their actions. I’ve allowed the turbulence of the external world …
Harnessing the Power of AI to Enhance Course Content
(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI) Crafting engaging, accurate, and impactful course content can be both rewarding and challenging. From navigating complex clinical topics to capturing the interest of your audience, building an exceptional presentation requires time, effort, and creativity. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful assistant in content creation—simplifying tasks, enhancing materials, and saving you valuable time. If …
Four-Legged Leadership
(by Sandy Baird, MBA ) Who thought a dogsledding trip would give me a fresh, insightful view of leadership and teamwork? I certainly didn’t. I was focused on a totally different aspect, like not freezing to death. Being a sun-loving, heat-seeking, southern woman, camping out in negative thirty degrees Fahrenheit essentially meant misery and death. I can’t express how far outside my …
Are You Suffering from Burnout?
(by Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF, FDSI ) In a world of long hours and grueling work, it’s no surprise that many hygienists are experiencing stress and strain. It was a cause for celebration! My sister-in-law had gone into labor, and she was preparing to deliver the much-anticipated first grandchild of the family. The whole family gathered in the …
Contingency Planning 101 for the Dental Practice
(by Paul Caselle, DDS) The pause in our daily routines initiated by the coronavirus pandemic has created severe challenges. It has also provided an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of your contingency plan and how well your business will recover once the epidemic passes. What changes will be needed to the plan once you return to the new normal that …
The Weight of our Multiple Roles: Embracing Duality in Life’s Dance of Belonging
(by Dr. Maggie Augustyn) Ryan Holiday is one of my favorite authors. He introduced me to stoicism, a thought with which I am madly in sync. I listen to his books on Audible, but I also re-read the text of his work. I remember his voice and allow the words to envelop me, to develop me, to shape me, to carry …
Crafting Emotionally Engaging Messages for Greater Audience Impact
The best presentations don’t just inform; they connect, inspire, and cultivate change in an audience. Imagine this scenario—two speakers walk on stage to give a similar talk about leadership. The first speaker is polished and articulate, presenting all the best data and theories about how to lead a team effectively. The second speaker? They weave their message into a personal …
What is an Evolving Expert?
(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI; Dental Speakers Bureau Founder) What does it mean to be an Evolving Expert? At its heart, it’s a commitment to mastery—a blend of professional growth, personal alignment, and the ability to ignite change in those you serve. It’s about stepping into a leadership role within your field while continuously refining your skills, broadening your perspective, and …
Are You Monitoring Your Practice’s Vital Signs?
(by Sandy Baird, MBA ) Vital signs? Are you suggesting my dental practice has a heartbeat, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate? Absolutely! As with the human body, if studied over time and compared to standards, these vital signs can alert you to weakened operating systems, work culture dysfunctions, threatening trends, and money leaks. Some practice monitors are obtainable from your software …
She was Called a B**ch Before She was Called a Leader
(by Dr. Maggie Augustyn) In 1998, during my junior year in college, I had my first mental breakdown. I was hospitalized and under care for months, resulting in lost time to study and take the Dental Aptitude Test, traditionally submitted in the third year. Although I was still able to graduate on time, I couldn’t make up the hours necessary to …