Most dentists I know didn’t go to dental school to become full-time managers, yet the daily demands of running a practice often pull them in ten different directions. That’s where a strong, empowered office manager becomes indispensable…not just as an administrator, but as a true leader.
And one of the most powerful investments you can make in that person?
An AADOM Membership and the Annual AADOM Conference.
The Most Overlooked Leadership Role in Dentistry
The dental office manager is often the most underappreciated and under-supported leadership position in private practice. And yet, this individual is:
- Managing patient flow, case coordination, and insurance follow-ups
- Keeping the schedule productive and aligned
- Fielding team concerns and maintaining morale
- Supporting you, the doctor, in protecting the vision of your business
In other words, they’re already leading your team in a thousand ways. The question is—are they equipped for it?
What Happens When You Invest in Their Growth?
I’ve worked with hundreds of practices over the past two decades. Without fail, the most sustainable and profitable improvements come when the office manager is brought in as a true leader, not just a doer.
When dentists invest in their growth, the return is clear:
- Improved accountability across the team
- Better alignment between doctor vision and team execution
- Greater team retention and morale
- More confident decision-making
- Fewer daily fires to put out—and more space for growth
I’ve seen practice transformations begin the moment the office manager felt seen, supported, and developed as a leader. And that’s exactly what AADOM does best.
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: The Tammy Story
I’ll never forget a moment at AADOM’s annual conference a few years ago. I ran into Tammy, an office manager I had known for years. She was in tears, not from joy, but burnout. She was ready to leave dentistry altogether. The pressure was high, and she felt completely alone.
That week changed everything for Tammy.
At AADOM, she found others who understood her challenges, mentors who offered solutions, and a sense of purpose that reignited her passion. Today, Tammy is not just thriving in her role—she’s actively mentoring other leaders in AADOM’s local DPLN. The ripple effect back into her practice? Tangible, powerful, and lasting.
Smart Leaders Build Other Leaders
As a dentist-owner, you already wear many hats. But the smartest dentists know you don’t have to lead alone. And you shouldn’t.
If you want your practice to run more efficiently, your team to stay longer, and your vision to scale—develop your leadership team. Start with your office manager.
Send them to AADOM. Enroll them in the DPLN (Dental Professionals Learning Network). Then support them when they come back excited to implement new ideas.
Leadership is contagious. When they grow, so does your whole team.
Ready to Start the Conversation?
Download this quick resource:
“5 Conversation Starters to Empower Your Office Manager to Attend AADOM”
- “You’ve taken on so much in the practice this year—and I’d love to invest in your growth as a leader. Have you heard of the AADOM conference?”
- “I think it’s time we look at how we can better support you. AADOM seems like a place where you could gain tools and confidence to keep leading well.”
- “What would it look like for you to come back from a conference like AADOM and share what you learned with the whole team?”
- “You’re already such an important part of how this practice runs. I want to help you grow your leadership in a way that helps both of us.”
- “Let’s talk about what it would take to make sure you get the time, support, and budget to attend AADOM this year.”
Because great practices aren’t built by doctors alone. They’re built by leaders that are working together.
