https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V49eixVsUE&t=5s

In the latest episode of the "Jameson Files," host Carrie Weber sits down with special guest Anne Duffy, the driving force behind Dental Entrepreneur Woman (DEW). In a conversation brimming with inspiration and passion, they delve into Anne's journey and her remarkable initiative aimed at empowering women in the dental industry.

A Legacy Born from Passion

Anne Duffy's journey in dentistry is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting as a dental hygienist, Anne has dedicated over 46 years to the profession. Her journey included ownership and editing of the Dental Entrepreneur Magazine, setting the stage for what was to come. In 2016, she launched Dental Entrepreneur Woman, a community and organization that aims to support and uplift women in dentistry. Despite the challenges faced by women in the field, Anne has created a thriving community of professional women, eager to develop and support one another.

Building a Community of Empowerment

The core of Anne's mission is to build a strong community where women in dentistry can gather, grow, and thrive. As Carrie Weber highlights, the advisory board of DEW reads like a hall of fame of extraordinary dental professionals, consultants, and leaders. Within this community, members are encouraged to overcome head trash, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace their unique strengths and talents. Anne believes that every woman has the potential to be a leader, regardless of their role or experience.

Challenges and Opportunities in Dentistry

Despite progress, women in dentistry still face notable challenges, such as underrepresentation at major conferences. Anne passionately advocates for women to step into leadership roles and support one another. She emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's career and unlocking personal potential. By fostering environments of encouragement and empowerment, Anne and DEW aim to break down barriers and foster lasting positive change in the industry.

The Power of Vision and Connection

A significant takeaway from the conversation is the idea of creating a personal vision. Much like setting a vision for a dental practice, individuals can craft a personal vision to guide their career path. This forward-thinking approach helps professionals at every level determine the steps needed to achieve their goals. Anne and Carrie stress the importance of personal connection and community. By going beyond surface-level interactions and establishing genuine connections, professionals can build the relationships that are essential for personal and professional growth.

A Call to Action for Women in Dentistry

Anne Duffy's message is clear: don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Women in dentistry should actively seek out opportunities for growth, connection, and leadership. Whether it's through participating in DEW events, finding mentors, or simply embracing new challenges, women have the power to transform their careers and the industry as a whole. Anne's enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to the cause make her a beacon of inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of dentistry.

For more information on Anne Duffy and Dental Entrepreneur Woman, visit DEW's official website, DEW.life, where you can find resources, events, and a welcoming community ready to support and empower you in your professional journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T87C_BPcR4c

In recent years, the buzzword "Artificial Intelligence" (AI) has permeated various sectors, including dentistry. In a recent episode of the Jameson Files, host Carrie Weber had an enlightening conversation with dental expert Laura Nelson, who is spearheading the integration of AI in dental practices. Here’s a comprehensive look at their discussion and what AI holds for the future of the dental profession.

The AI Journey in Dentistry

The conversation began with an overview of how AI has become more than just a technological advancement; it's a tool poised to transform dental practices. Laura Nelson, a trailblazer in the dental industry, shared insights on how AI can enhance efficiency, especially within the dental business team. AI's integration is not about replacing jobs but optimizing tasks, allowing team members to focus on patient interaction and customer service.

AI's Role and Impact

A significant highlight from the conversation was how AI is moving past its early adoption phase to being widely accepted. Laura emphasized that AI in dental practices can revolutionize how tasks such as radiograph analysis, appointment scheduling, and patient follow-ups are handled. By reducing mundane tasks, AI can empower dental teams to dedicate more time to areas that require human touch, such as patient care and communication.

Overcoming Concerns and Embracing Change

Despite the promising benefits of AI, there's an underlying fear among dental professionals about job security. Laura addressed these concerns, reassuring that AI will not replace jobs but rather redefine them. The key is embracing these changes and leveraging AI as a tool to improve overall practice efficiency.

Training and Communication

One vital area highlighted was the importance of training and communication around AI tools. AI’s potential is fully realized only when teams are properly trained to use these technologies to enhance patient interaction. Laura shared gripping examples from her personal experiences, showcasing how effective communication around AI tools can change patient perceptions and improve treatment outcomes.

Preparing for the Future

As AI technology in dentistry continues to evolve, the conversation highlighted the importance of staying informed and being open to change. Engaging with reputable AI companies and dental experts is crucial in ensuring the correct integration of AI tools in practices. Laura advised practitioners to seek information and demo available tools to understand their functionality better.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we look to the future, embracing AI in dentistry is less about the fear of change and more about the opportunities it presents. The shift to AI-powered practices promises a future where dental professionals can focus more on patient care and building relationships. It’s a cultural change that requires adaptation and a willingness to explore new horizons in dental care.

AI in dentistry isn't just a technological advancement; it’s a change maker. Practitioners are encouraged to stay connected with industry leaders like Laura Nelson, who are at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring they are informed and prepared for what lies ahead.

For more insights into AI in dentistry and Laura Nelson's work, keep an eye out for her latest developments and contributions to this ongoing evolution. Together, let's embrace this exciting era and revolutionize dental care for a better tomorrow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70IBGeLJ778

Welcome to our exploration of dental service organizations (DSOs) and their evolving role within the dental community. In a recent episode of the Jameson Files podcast, host Carrie Weber sits down with two remarkable leaders, Jennifer Vickery, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Dental, and Brandy Williams, Chief Growth Officer at Catalyst Dental Allies. Their insights highlight the growth, challenges, and opportunities within DSOs, particularly in Oklahoma, where these organizations are making significant strides.

Celebrating Leadership in DSOs

Jennifer and Brandy have charted inspiring paths in dental service organizations. Both have dedicated themselves not only to their company’s growth but also to fostering community and leadership within the dental industry. Jennifer is a medical school dropout who discovered a passion for the business side of dentistry, while Brandy started in dentistry in a straightforward role and found herself captivated by the evolving opportunities within DSOs.

The Rise of DSOs: A New Norm

DSOs have often faced skepticism due to the stigma of being "corporate." However, as Jennifer points out, what was once considered unconventional is now becoming a norm. The duo emphasizes that DSOs are not one-size-fits-all; instead, they offer a variety of structures and models tailored to different needs and markets. This diversity enables DSOs to support practices and professionals alike, providing avenues for professional growth and patient care enhancements.

Cultural Shifts and Leadership Challenges

An integral part of their discussion is the cultural shift in workplace dynamics and employee expectations. Jennifer and Brandy recognize the need to adapt leadership approaches to meet the motivations of a younger workforce. They talk about embracing flexibility, listening actively, and prioritizing engagement through cultural development initiatives. Whether it’s through company newsletters or annual summits, their efforts aim to connect employees, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Emphasizing Training and Development

A recurrent theme in their conversation is the crucial role of training in ensuring success within DSOs. Both leaders highlight the importance of consistent communication, targeted training, and developing managers to lead effectively. By focusing on growth opportunities and building confidence among their leaders, they strive to create an environment where every team member feels equipped and empowered to excel in their roles.

Finding the Right Fit in DSOs

When looking at potential DSO partnerships, Jennifer and Brandy advise that understanding the "why" behind a transition is essential. Compatibility between a practice and a DSO is akin to a matchmaking process—where philosophical alignment and shared goals are key to successful collaborations. They recommend prospective partners thoroughly inquire about a DSO's priorities, leadership models, and development opportunities to ensure a good fit.

Contributing Beyond DSOs: A DOM Involvement

In addition to their extensive work within DSOs, Jennifer and Brandy actively contribute to A DOM, an organization offering support and resources for dental professionals. Their commitment to fostering an educational and supportive community aligns perfectly with their personal mission to "leave the ladder down" for others aspiring to rise in the industry.

Conclusion

The discussion with Jennifer Vickery and Brandy Williams is a testament to the dedication and innovative thinking within DSOs today. Their stories and perspectives provide valuable guidance for industry professionals, offering a blend of empathy, empowerment, and strategic leadership to navigate the shifting landscape of dental health. Whether you're contemplating a future in DSOs or enhancing your current practice, their insights underscore the importance of leadership development,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-oaYnApC1k

In this solo session from the Jameson Files podcast, host Carrie Weber dives into a vital topic for dental professionals: How to strategically plan for 2025 to lead your practice to greater success. Whether you're a dental team member, practice owner, or business leader, this guide offers actionable insights to navigate the common challenges facing the dental industry. Here, we'll break down the podcast session into a comprehensive blog post, exploring key strategies and providing practical steps for future planning.

Reflect on Your 2024

Before embarking on a new year's plan, take a moment to evaluate your journey over the past year. How did 2024 unfold for you? Did you accomplish your goals? Understanding what worked well, and what areas need improvement, will set the stage for your 2025 strategy. Remember to ask yourself:

How did the year end up for you and your team?

What worked well and what could be improved?

What is your focus for the coming year?

Understanding the State of the Industry

Strategic planning requires awareness of the broader industry context. The American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute offers valuable insights into emerging issues via surveys and reports. The most recent report identified three top concerns for 2025:

Staffing (62%): Finding the right team members remains a prevalent issue, with supply not meeting demand.

Insurance Management (58%): Navigating insurance complexities continues to challenge practices.

Rising Overhead Costs (45%): This aligns with shrinking profitability and rising salaries.

Let's delve into these concerns and explore strategies to address them in your practice.

Addressing Staffing Challenges

Building a strong team is crucial, especially when the market is competitive. Consider the following steps:

Revise your job ads to stand out and reflect your practice's unique culture and values.

Maximize the efficiency of your current team through clear roles, responsibilities, and cross-training.

Create an exceptional onboarding experience to ensure team members understand your practice and excel in their roles.

Navigating Insurance Complexities

Streamlining your insurance processes can alleviate burdens on your practice. Some suggestions include:

Define clear roles for staff responsible for insurance management.

Consider outsourcing aspects of your revenue cycle management, if beneficial.

Evaluate your relationship with insurance plans by assessing profitability and patient acceptance rates.

Enhancing Profitability Amid Rising Costs

Improving your financial health involves increasing production, adjusting fees, and cutting costs:

Increase production through improved patient acquisition strategies and treatment acceptance.

Perform a fee analysis to ensure competitive pricing.

Review inventory control, marketing investments, and overall spending to cut unnecessary costs.

Crafting Your Vision and Strategy for 2025

Crystalizing your practice’s vision is a vital step toward success. Start by asking yourself, "What does right look like?" and manifesting a clear vision across various practice aspects (dentistry focus, team composition, facility appearance). Then, prioritize goals to achieve this vision.

Specific Actions to Propel Your Practice Forward

Here are actionable steps you can implement in 2025:

Increase referrals and patient reviews.

Add new customer service elements to enhance patient experiences.

Use intraoral cameras and scanners more frequently.

Evaluate and optimize your marketing efforts.

Update your facility to reflect modern standards.

Plan team meetings with intention and clear agendas.

Cultivating a Strong Practice Culture

A positive practice culture attracts and retains both the right team members and patients. Leadership, clear vision, accountability,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHy0h5zu5Jw

Introduction: New Year, New Goals

Welcome to the Jameson Files! As we step into a new year, many of us are focused on strategizing and setting goals for our practices. Marketing plays a crucial role in these plans, and today, Carrie Weber and her teammate Nate Porter explore this ever-evolving world and how to enhance your marketing efforts.

Understanding Marketing Trends and AI

January is a time when many practice and business owners strive to redefine their strategies. Often, the buzz words and shiny new approaches, like artificial intelligence (AI), dominate the conversation. While AI-driven strategies hold potential, it’s essential to approach them with caution. AI can assist with idea generation and structuring content but cannot create original works. Instead of solely relying on trends, find ways AI can complement your existing efforts.

The Importance of Internal Marketing

In today's competitive market, traditional approaches continue to generate solid results. Looking at practices nationwide, the American Dental Association states that approximately 60% of new patients are gained through internal referrals. Hence, focusing on internal marketing remains essential.

1. Personal Outreach: Utilize resources and communication tools to engage current patients, enhancing your relationship and fostering loyalty.

2. Analyzing Reports: Delve into practice management reports to identify which treatments have been prescribed but not yet accepted, and which patient groups could be targeted for follow-up.

3. Consistency and Repetition: Repetition is key. Consistent outreach and marketing efforts ensure your message resonates with patients, thus encouraging reactivation. ---

Creating a Roadmap for Success

Marketing success lies in having a strategic roadmap. At Jameson, we offer a Dental Marketing Bootcamp designed to equip practices with the necessary skills and strategies to implement effective marketing plans.

Event Focus:

Communication Workshops: Enhance verbal skills and learn how to sequence conversations with patients effectively.

Photography Sessions: Improve content quality with better practice documentation.

Social Media Planning: Develop a yearly strategy with our templates and guidelines. By attending, your team will have a tailored plan ready to implement, driving practice growth from the ground up.

Sustainability through Proven Approaches

Success is often rooted in practices that have stood the test of time. While trends like AI may offer new methods, integrating them with proven strategies will yield the best outcomes. Relationships and consistent communication are central to achieving growth from within.

Conclusion: Plan, Execute, and Grow

As we launch into 2025, remember that marketing is fluid yet foundational. Consistency in your efforts, guided by a comprehensive plan, will ensure sustained growth. Embrace both new trends and time-tested strategies to achieve the vision you have for your practice. Join us at the Jameson Dental Marketing Bootcamp, and let's make 2025 a transformative year for your practice. Stay connected with the Jameson Files community, share our podcast, and continue learning and growing with us. Here's to a successful year ahead!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-i2iy-XEYY

In the dynamic world of dentistry, integrating new services into your practice can be both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge. Whether you're considering adding orthodontics, introducing new technology, or expanding your practice's range of services, preparation and planning are crucial. As highlighted in a recent episode of the Jameson Files podcast featuring McKenzie Webb, successful integration involves much more than just acquiring new skills. It requires a comprehensive strategy that involves the entire team.

1. Embracing a Unified Vision

The first step in successfully implementing new services is ensuring that your entire team is aligned with the practice's vision. This means having open conversations about what the new services are, why they are being introduced, and how they will benefit the practice and patients. It's essential that every member of the team understands the goals and feels invested in the new direction. **

2. Comprehensive Training for the Entire Team

While acquiring the clinical expertise is vital, it's equally important that both the clinical and business teams are thoroughly trained. McKenzie Webb emphasizes that effective implementation requires everyone to be competent and confident, from the receptionists handling phone inquiries to the assistants supporting orthodontic procedures. This includes understanding new coding requirements and having rehearsed verbal skills to discuss treatments with patients.

3. Developing Effective Systems and Processes

Creating clear systems and processes is crucial for ensuring smooth operations. This involves planning how to execute the new clinical services and developing case presentation skills and financial arrangements. The objective is to make sure that everyone in the practice is prepared and knows their role, which in turn helps minimize disruptions and maintains efficiency.

4. Marketing the New Services

Introducing a new service requires more than just internal preparation—it also involves marketing it effectively. McKenzie Webb notes the importance of promoting the new offerings both externally to the broader community and internally to your existing patient base. This includes updating your website, using social media, and having visible promotions within your practice to raise awareness.

5. A Collaborative Approach to Implementation

Successful integration of new services is truly a team effort. It involves a shared understanding of the practice's objectives and a commitment to thorough planning and execution at every level. By following these best practices, you can ensure that new services not only integrate smoothly but also become a valuable addition to your practice. In conclusion, expanding your dental services is a substantial undertaking, but with the right strategy and collaboration, it can lead to great success and growth for your practice. If you're looking for tailored guidance to refine your skills or expand your services, consider exploring resources such as Jameson's Grow Coach online virtual coaching program, which provides personalized coaching and learning tools to support your journey. For more insights and guidance, listen to the full episode of the Jameson Files podcast with McKenzie Webb. Continue to stay informed and proactive in your approach to practice growth and service integration for a successful future in dentistry.

https://youtu.be/YKCatslzGRQ?si=bWpe2Tjj81Ok1DKC

This transcript with our Jameson Files host Carrie Webber has been lightly edited for flow. To enjoy the audio, you can watch on YouTube or listen to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or Spotify.

Jameson Hygiene Coaches Discuss Pain Points in Your Practice

Carrie:

Welcome to the Jameson Files. I'm your host, Carrie Webber, and I am so excited today because I have more members of the Jameson team as guests with me. I have Becky Spear and April Welker. Both are Jameson advisors, both business and clinical advisors for the Jameson team. And so, thank you ladies for being with me.

Becky and April:

Thank You.

Carrie:

Absolutely. We are here together at the Jameson offices doing work on our own personal skills and development, just like we do with all of our clients, helping you to be better and better every day. We do the same thing. So we gather together, and we meet, and we work through areas that we can improve so that we're bringing our very best to our clients across the country. 

And the cool thing about Becky and April is, like I said, they're business and clinical advisors. So these ladies are both hygienists that have worked clinical and dental practices. April's actually still a working hygienist out in the world. And so they bring to the table in their work with our clients, not only the perspective of those business systems that are so important, but the clinical systems and how to truly have a high performing clinical team and hygiene team in your practices. So what I really wanted to talk about today is from your perspective in the work that you do with practices across the country and what you're seeing in the industry as a whole, what are the trends in hygiene specifically, what are the pain points that you feel like practices are struggling with, and where are those opportunities that practices need to perhaps put some attention on that could really help improve their practices from that perspective?

The New Periodontal Classification System Helps Patients Understand the Value of Care

Becky:

Right now, I think one of the big things that we are teaching in many of the practices that we go to is staging and grading, which is the new periodontal classification system. It's not a new periodontal classification system, but we are finally starting to get that into our practices, getting the documentation to be correct, because we know how important documentation is. And it also is a system that is creating some urgency, and it's more understandable, I think, for the patients, and I think that's why they came up with this. 

Carrie:

I like that. So it really plays a role in educating patients on the need for treatment and that focus on their ongoing health.

Becky:

Right. You know, we could say stage one to four in the past, you know, you’re stage one, stage two, or I shouldn't say stage, it was class, class one to class four, but now when you tell somebody stage 1, 2, 3 or four, we're used to hearing stages in the medical world. And so I think that's what they've done by bringing the staging and grading into dentistry. Now people who are already familiar with that terminology are hearing that in the dental office as well.

Carrie:

Such a great point. And any opportunity to help patients see the urgency of the need for treatment and the disease that's happening in their mouths is helpful. Do you find that when you're practicing, does it make a difference in terms of patient education? 

April:

Absolutely. I think that's a great point, Becky, too. And I think anytime a patient hears they have a stage of any type of disease, they're listening more. They want to hear what's going on. They are ready to sometimes accept it or not accept it, but they're more likely ready to hear what the treatment is going to be and move forward with getting that care that they need.

Proper Time Management Aids in Communicating the ...

https://youtu.be/sqC6Wr8kr3Q?si=LoCrgVydl3GGlK1T

This transcript with our Jameson Files host Carrie Webber has been lightly edited for flow. To enjoy the audio, you can watch on YouTube or listen to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or Spotify.

Carrie:

Welcome back to the Jameson Files. I'm your host, Carrie Webber, and it's always so great to have our Jameson Files community joining in. Wherever you're viewing the podcast, you may be watching us on YouTube or on Facebook, or you may also be listening to us through iTunes or Google Play. Whatever you do, thank you for being a part of the community. And if you have friends in the dental industry that could benefit from the conversations we have here, please share and help us spread the word and grow our community. I'm really excited today because we're here at the Jameson offices in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and we have members of the Jameson coaching team here, which is awesome because we're all over the country, and we always look forward to those times when we can come together, and just like we encourage dental practices to do, work on our skills, work on the business together, improve our efforts, and grow and develop together.

And so that's what we've been doing today. And so in this episode, I have two members of the Jameson coaching team, Brenda Wittenbauer, and Suzanne Wardell, both of which are business advisors for Jameson, and have their own incredible history in dentistry. Something I always love to say is that the members of our coaching team all come from dental backgrounds and have that direct experience and empathy for all of you and the work that you do day after day after day. And so, thank you ladies for joining me for the episode. 

Brenda:

Happy to be here. 

Suzanne:

Yeah. Excited.

Leadership Lessons for a Successful Practice

Carrie:

So this is for business coaching. We wanted to take this opportunity to talk about on the business team, or in the leadership of the practice, what the pain points are that we are finding over and over and over again right now- the trending pain points, I guess we could say, that we're seeing in practices and then give you all some insights and hopefully some helpful tips on ways that you can address these areas in your practice if they're pain points for you as well. So, which one of you would like to take this on. What are you seeing in the trends of the practices that you work with, and what are the opportunities for practices to really put in some effort to improve? What are you seeing and recommending?

Holding Team Members Accountable

Brenda:

Okay. So hot points in my practices that I've been working with my teams all year–accountability or lack thereof. And how do we hold team members accountable? How do we not feel powerless in our own practice to hold people accountable for fear they'll leap. And that's the theme repeated in practices. It doesn't matter where you are, the pool for talented team members is so limited right now,  or so it seems, and they are settling for mediocre–afraid to hold people accountable– and it's a difficult situation and not one I want to see my doctors or my office managers in.

Carrie:

Yeah. And when you think about accountability and the lack thereof, how's that showing up in practices? Where are they finding the struggle when people are not being held accountable or that mediocrity is starting to rule the day? What’s that looking like?

Suzanne:

I see it so much in time management. It's always, “I don't have the time. I can't get that system done. I don't have the time.” So when I've come back six months later and we say, “What have we been working on?” Well, it's, “We didn't have the time to do it.” So working on that time management and what's “mission critical” for me to do today to be able to get that system done? What are some good “to do’s” and what's not really something that I need to focus on, but what's “mission critical"?

https://youtu.be/499eBRMKtv4?si=4Ly36FNrI-hRQ34y

This transcript with our Jameson Files host Carrie Webber has been lightly edited for flow. To enjoy the audio, you can watch on YouTube or listen to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or Spotify.

Carrie:

Welcome to the Jameson Files. I'm your host, Carrie Webber, and it's always so great to be with the Jameson community introducing you to amazing people in our profession that are doing amazing things for dentists and teams.  I'm really happy to have Geri Gottlieb on my podcast today. Geri, if you don't know Geri and, and her company, GG Practice Coaching and Development.... Did I get it right, Geri? 

Geri Gottlieb:

You did.

Carrie:

…she's doing amazing things and has been in the dental industry for, goodness, almost 30 years.

Geri Gottlieb:

32

Carrie:

Over 30 years. So doing great things throughout that history.

Geri Gottlieb:

Started in ortho.

Carrie:

Oh, wow. So, this is a woman that if you don't know this person, you need to know this person, if for nothing else, then if you need a good dose of energy in your life, Geri's the person to bring it to you. So, Geri, thank you for being with me today. I appreciate you.

Geri Gottlieb:

My pleasure. My pleasure. As soon as I got the invitation, I said, of course, I would spend time with Carrie. You kidding?

Carrie:

I have a feeling this conversation may go off the rails at least three times, but I'm gonna love every minute of it. 

Geri Gottlieb:

Exactly.

Geri Gottlieb’s Beginning in Dentistry

Carrie:

So obviously I need to learn a little bit more about your story into dentistry, too. So let's start there. Tell me a little bit about how you started, how you found yourself where you are today. I'm sure there's a lot of interesting stuff in that journey.

Geri Gottlieb:

So, I was recruited into my first dental practice, which was an ortho practice, while I was in college pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in music.

Carrie:

Oh my gosh.

Geri Gottlieb:

I know Miss. Singer,  we're twins, like, we're spirits.

Carrie:

Okay, keep going. 

Geri Gottlieb:

So I was, and I was working full-time for Macy's. It wasn't Macy's at the time. So I'm from Seattle area, and at the time it was actually called the Bon Marché, and then Macy's bought them out. But I was managing a Clinique cosmetic counter and going to school, and one day I was helping a gentleman with skincare products, and he said, “I want you to come work for me.” And I said, “What do you do?” And he said, “Well, I'm a dentist.” And do you know that little Christmas story cartoon thing where the little elves and the one little elf that wants to be the dentist? And then he says that at the table and everybody goes, “Ah dentist!”

This is what's happening in my brain. And I'm like, I have teeth. I go to the dentist. Never, never had it ever been a thought in my brain of possible career choices or jobs that I would look to have. And he said “You know, I’m an orthodontist and I'm opening a practice, and I could train you on to be an assistant and  everything. I could train you to do everything I need you to do, but I can't train you to be you.”

And I thought, well, I gotta really think about this. And I was newly married at the time, and I said, “Well, tell me a little bit more.” And he told me to come visit the practice, kick the tires, see what it's like. Here's what I knew. They worked four days a week, no evenings or weekends. And my whole life, and even going to school, I was working in retail, and working that evenings and weekends and holidays. So for me, I was like, “Oh, yeah.”

Carrie:

This sounds cushy.

Geri Gottlieb:

And he said, “You could still finish school. Work around it.” And I was like, “Okay.” Long story short, I started off as an assistant. A couple of really unexpected things happened, Carrie. One is I fell in love with dentistry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0Yb_CctyvU

My Jameson Journey: Milestones and Metrics with Dr. Jarod Johnson

Carrie Weber:

Welcome to the Jameson Files. It's so great to have all of you tuning in once again. As part of the Jameson Files community, I'm Carrie Weber as always, and I'm your host. Today I am really happy to be joined by a Jameson client, an amazing pediatric dentist from Iowa, Dr. Jarod Johnson of Arctic Dental. Dr. Johnson, thank you so much for joining me today.

Dr. Jarod Johnson:

Yeah, Carrie, I'm really excited for this opportunity. I know we've had to push things off a little bit, but we finally got a time we could connect. I'm super excited to be with your listeners today.

Carrie Weber:

We made it happen. You know, if there's anything about you and I, we're persistent. We're not going to give up. You know, I think it was my husband, Jess, that actually asked if you want to be on the podcast. And I'm so glad that he connected those dots because we connected and had our first conversation a little over a year ago now. That's kind of hard to believe. I think it was spring of last year, am I right?

Dr. Jarod Johnson:

Yeah, I think it was. I think we started with Jameson in July of last year, and we got started figuring out how to make that happen in the early part of spring.

Dr. Johnson’s Beginnings as Pediatric Dentist

Carrie Weber:

And as I was preparing to meet with you for this recording, I was thinking back on that in our conversation and something that really stuck with me was how refreshing it is when you get to talk to doctors and practice owners that really understand the benefit of continuous development and learning. Something that I recognized about you in the past year and even when we were first talking was that you were so genuinely interested and curious and ready for guidance and mentorship and everything that we do. You just take it and you run with it. It's just amazing. And I think that's kind of a part of your nature, too, because you're also an educator. So I'd love to give you a chance as we start off to just share a little bit about your dental journey and what caused you to fall in love with dentistry. You’re a pediatric dentist, so pediatrics especially. And what is it that really drives you from that educational and continuous learning side of things? Would that be all right?

Dr. Jarod Johnson:

Yes, so both my parents are dentists and my uncle is a dentist. They're all retired now. But they really got me involved in dentistry early and it was a big part of my growth as a kid. I would go to all the dental conferences with them on trips. It was just an exciting time to learn about. 

And then in high school, I always made a point to take one art class, even though I was very strong with my science and my math, I made a point to take that class every semester and I really enjoyed working with my hands. So they kind of fit together. 

I ended up applying to dental school and got into that and was interested in pediatrics. And I wasn't sure if I could deal with really little kids because behavior can be one of the most challenging parts of pediatric dentistry. But I had the opportunity to be a coach at the junior high for basketball and football during my time in undergrad. And that kind of got my interest. And when I got into dental school, the rotation didn't seem as bad. And personally, I love pediatric dentistry because it's different every day. You get to tell jokes. You don't have to be as serious. And I think one of the things that is really rewarding is to have that patient that came in and wouldn't even sit in your chair, crying in the corner, and all of a sudden three years later, they're giving you a hug. 

Carrie Weber:

I love that. So am I right that you were in Nevada for some time before you moved to Iowa? Is that correct?

Becoming Involved in Dental Education

Dr. Jarod Johnson:

Yes,