After surviving a home invasion where she was kidnapped, assaulted, and almost killed before escaping, Deborah McPhee knew her life had changed forever. “My passion is educating people on how to stay safe, so it doesn’t happen to them,” Deborah explains. This traumatic event became the driving force behind her desire to help others stay safe and empowered, leading her to work with police chiefs and psychologists. “Three women a day die from intimate partner violence,” Deborah shares. “They all wanted to know what I did differently that helped me escape.”
The “Why” Behind Deborah McPhee’s Mission
That experience was the seed that grew into her business, focused on risk management and mitigating employee and patient-related threats. Deborah initially launched a business teaching Sexual Harassment Prevention Training in Illinois. After the success of her first Mid-Winter booth, she expanded nationally. “For the first year, I was just running around Chicago with one class—Sexual Harassment Prevention Training. After that, I closed Illinois Sexual Harassment Prevention Training and opened SALUS Training Systems.” Today, Deborah’s company has representatives in different states and industries, supporting nationwide clients.
Deborah’s passion for protecting women, particularly those working in dentistry, stems from her own experiences growing up in the field. “I was a dental assistant after high school and spent most of my adult life as a dental rep,” she explains. Now, she uses that background to help business owners connect how personal challenges, like domestic violence, affect office performance. “Business owners are losing money because their team members are bringing their personal problems to work, and that dramatically impacts their production. OR they’re complaining to patients about their kids, husbands, or jobs.”
Meet Deborah McPhee
Deborah has spent more than 20 years advocating for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She holds a BA in healthcare sales and marketing and an MA in organizational leadership and adult education from DePaul University. These credentials are important but secondary to her unique perspective as a survivor and expert. “Why am I running around the country teaching dental assistants and hygienists how to stay safe? Because I used to be one of them,” Deborah explains. She was once a single-mom dental assistant by day, a student by night, juggling homework, childcare, and a busy work schedule.
“I got mixed up with the wrong man, and my life changed,” she recalls. “It all happened so fast. One day, you’re chugging along, and the next day, you’re pleading for your life. On the day I was kidnapped, I was supposed to be killed. I got away. Now, I spend my time teaching others how to stay safe. This is not a job; it’s a calling. I’m alive today to help others.”
Her work with police officials and women’s shelters has revealed just how common intimate partner violence is—affecting 1 in 2 women in their lifetime. She notes that over 600,000 women are underrepresented in the dental industry, including 220,000 members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 363,880 registered dental assistants, and around 80,000 female dentists. Not to mention, 51.6% of graduates from U.S. dental schools are now women.
Founding SALUS Training Systems: A Mission Rooted in Safety
Deborah’s journey as a business owner began with the creation of Illinois Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, where she taught a single class for the first year. However, the more she taught, the more her business expanded. “Dr. Emily Letran invited me to speak with her in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Denver. With national clients, I closed ILSHPT and opened SALUS Training Systems!”
SALUS was the Roman goddess of safety and well-being, welfare, health and prosperity
Named after one of the oldest Roman goddesses, SALUS represents safety, welfare, health, and prosperity. The name was fitting. “The women of the dental industry all need the protection of a Roman Goddess,” Deborah says lightheartedly, but with conviction. Founded to educate workplaces on preventing incidents of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, SALUS helps businesses comply with state and federal regulations while safeguarding employees.
“The more educated your team is, the more they keep each other in check,” Deborah explains. For practice owners, addressing issues early is critical to avoiding legal troubles and public scandals. “It’s important to have someone on your team who your employees can talk to about work or personal problems.” Since the #MeToo movement, sexual harassment claims have spiked, and business owners must be prepared. “Am I prepared IF this happens to me?” is the new mindset.
What Sets Deborah’s Approach Apart: Prevention Over Reaction
Deborah stresses the importance of planning before an emergency occurs. “Before every emergency, there is a chance to plan. Take it!” Owners often miss early warning signs because they’re overwhelmed with running the business and practicing dentistry. “Offices without a designated HR or Risk Management person can have a lot of slips through the cracks,” Deborah notes. Her programs create an outlet for staff to discuss concerns early, reducing workplace drama that can drain production dollars.
“Hi all! If you don’t know Deborah McPhee and all about her Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for your team, this is someone you need to get to know right now! My incredible team and I have used her for several years; she is the best in the business! You will NOT be disappointed!” says Dr. Bob Pick.
Deborah’s services are available through in-person workshops, virtual sessions, phone, and social media support groups. By fostering a culture of safety and trust, she helps practice owners stay ahead of issues.
Navigating Crises: Deborah’s Expertise in Action
Despite proactive efforts, some conflicts still occur. Deborah offers immediate intervention to minimize damage and guide practices through crises. One notable case involved a group practice with 30 doctors and 70 team members. “The office manager called me, saying she had eight women complaining about one of the associate doctors,” Deborah explains. “With so many locations and employees, the owner cannot keep tabs on everyone and know when a crisis will arise.”
“The new reality is that we need professionals like Deb McPhee to help navigate us and our team through this important and potentially litigious area,” says Ivan Valcarenghi, DDS. “This is vital protection for our practice.”
The Personal Strength Behind Deborah’s Success
Deborah’s personal story of surviving a life-threatening kidnapping fuel her passion for empowering others. “Since the kidnapping, I’ve spent over 20 years working with police and psychologists. Three women a day die from intimate partner violence. They all wanted to know what I did differently that helped me escape.” Deborah has since become a domestic violence advocate, sexual assault crisis intervention advocate, and a Certified National Safety Trainer with the NRA. “Everything I do and teach is to keep people safe and alive.”
Many victims don’t realize they’re in an abusive situation until it’s too late. “Often women are in crisis mode, just trying to survive life with an abuser,” Deborah explains. These personal challenges can spill over into the workplace, affecting production and creating toxic environments.
“Deborah McPhee, your strength and compassion are truly remarkable,” says Dr. Kim Martin. “You are always standing up for the underdog and creating a safe space for those who feel too embarrassed or afraid to share their stories of workplace harassment.”
Why Dental Practices Need Deborah McPhee
As a Dentist-Owner, taking a proactive approach to protect your practice and empower your team is SMART choice. Working with McPhee Coaching can save your practice from legal challenges, help maintain strong productivity, while fostering a culture of safety and trust.
Dental practices face unique challenges, from managing patient interactions to addressing internal team dynamics. Deborah’s programs offer practical strategies to avoid costly legal issues and ensure smooth operations. “Systems. The world runs on systems,” she says. “Utilizing systems in your practice ensures an easy, stress-free day.”
Deborah also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for employees. “An assistant may call me with something she doesn’t feel comfortable telling her boss. This is where a coach on your team helps you handle concerns before they become legal problems.”
Bob Tysoe, owner/manager, Hearing Healthcare Marketing Co. King City, Oregon agrees: “Deb McPhee is an indomitable force of nature with the people skills to match. Deborah is a helper and problem solver who is a person of integrity and grit.”
The Impact of Deborah McPhee’s Work is Profound
Deborah McPhee’s story exemplifies how personal trauma can be transformed into a mission that benefits others. Through SALUS Training Systems, she not only helps dental businesses comply with regulations but also fosters healthier, safer work environments.
