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My professional journey didn't begin with childhood dreams of owning a recruiting agency or sitting in meetings with executives. It began with me gluing brackets on models of teeth because of a family lineage in dentistry. My future was guided by the profound truth that ‘sometimes the dreams that come true are the dreams you never even knew you had’. This truth was learned through multiple failures in my pursuit.
In 2007, I graduated from dental hygiene school, fueled by dreams of making a significant impact on patients affected by periodontal disease. While practicing clinically, I began coaching dental hygiene teams across the southeast, trained practices to implement comprehensive care, and helped doctors increase their revenue through effective communication with patients. Despite a fulfilling clinical career, the desire for more challenges continued, as I, like many clinicians, found limitations in my impact.
Refusing to stay stagnant, I took a leap of faith in 2018 in an attempt to redefine my future by leaving clinical dentistry. I began working remotely for a large dental insurance billing organization. There, I helped build the consulting division alongside some of the most influential consultants in the industry. The long hours put a toll on me and my family so I took a leave of absence. Soon after, the founder of an orthodontic tech startup lured me with promises of a company buyout and my pivotal role in it. While I successfully launched the company in Atlanta, my bank account didn't mirror the success, leaving me without a paycheck and a sense of worthlessness. I resigned, feeling used and powerless.
Following my resignation, I battled three months of depression while searching for a new job that met my qualifications. After an interview for a job that I was overqualified for, I had a moment of clarity: I was not meant to build someone else’s dream, I was meant to create my future. The setbacks and past employers that once crippled me with self-doubt soon became the catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey. Because of them, I found the fuel to succeed.
The Dentele Group emerged spontaneously, with zero expectations or prior experience. Built on principles of integrity and transparency, I selectively choose to partner with organizations that share my values and ethics. My commitment extends to aligning candidates and companies based on values, not just qualifications. I am launching a second company, an app that will change the way companies hire. I intend to address the flaws I have discovered that deeply affect the recruitment process; from the lack of feedback that leaves a candidate wondering why they aren’t qualified enough to the overwhelming amount of messages received by those that are. I am on a quest to solve the problem that so many people are deeply affected by—their self-worth in their job search.
I am humbled to say that the Dentele Group was nominated Top Talent’s Recruiter of the Year and Startup Agency to Watch in 2023. Those nominations are a testament to our commitment to excellence. My commitment to integrity and truth led to our fast-growing success. I have been fortunate enough to earn awards such as Who’s Who in America as well as the Denobi’s inaugural Rising Star award. My dedication to the dental industry extends beyond recruitment. My goal is to empower dental professionals to recognize their worth and explore their full potential. I also serve as a mentor for the Mom Project which is led by Serena Williams. I will always remain grounded in humility and my success is because of the support of my network. My success is ultimately owed to those who have supported me along my journey.
As a clinician and female leader in the dental industry, my story resonates with empowerment through actions. From being dismissed as "just a hygienist" to launching a company featured in multiple magazines and articles, my journey speaks volumes, silencing naysayers and inspiring aspiring clinicians. To them, my story is a testament to resilience and self-confidence. For me, it underscores life's unpredictable journey, where dreams evolve, and success often emerges from unforeseen paths. To those discovering their true calling not in childhood dreams but in the pursuit of passion and resilience, my story is an invitation to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that lead to triumph
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