How has ASDA helped you build your leadership skills?
Holding the position of President for my local ASDA chapter has significantly helped me develop my leadership skills in trust-building and delegation. In previous leadership roles, I used to think that “if I want something done right, I’ll have to do it myself.” This mindset led to burnout, led me to come across as a micromanager, and overall did not achieve my goals in inspiring others to share my vision. However, serving as president has taught me the importance of trusting my team and empowering others to achieve a common goal. By clearly setting expectations from the get-go and offering support throughout the planning and execution process, I’ve learned how to inspire confidence in others to make their tasks more meaningful. My team frequently provides positive feedback with this leadership style as it makes their jobs easier and more fulfilling.
What do you think is the most vital quality in a leader?
In the military, they would call this quality “military bearing.” Military bearing is a way of conducting oneself that reflects the ability to act with pride, with confidence, and by doing the right and ethical thing in all situations. In the civilian world, we would call this a demeanor of professionalism and integrity. As a leader you are being watched at all times, whether you know it or not. The way you respond to stressful or ethically demanding situations is being observed by your superiors and subordinates. Maintaining a level head in stressful situations and making the tough but ethical choice is the most vital quality of being an effective and integral leader.
Why should members get involved with ASDA leadership positions?
I regret not getting involved sooner, because now I only get two years to make a difference in my chapter, district, and nation while I’m still focused primarily on learning. Being a member at the chapter level is a wonderful way to find a sense of community and reap the benefits of membership, however being a leader in ASDA opens doors you could never have imagined. Leaders talk to leaders. Networking can’t happen if you are not involved with the planning of events, attending conferences, or applying for leadership positions. Having a network of like-minded professionals can make or break a dental student’s success, because, as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a baby dentist.
What future leadership roles in organized denstiry interest you and why?
I hope to hold positions in my local and state dental associations. After attending the Florida Dental Association House of Delegates meeting at the Florida Dental Convention and attending the National Leadership Conference for the second time in Chicago, it became clear everything that happens to me as a student or a future dentist is not solely in the hands of non-dentists in government offices in Tallahassee or Washington. My future is in the hands of those that advocate for us and fight for ours and our patients' needs. I want to be part of that team—one that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of dentists and patients across my county, state, and country. While I have a strong passion for public health, I don't see myself pursuing a public health dentistry residency. Instead, to make my mark on the world of dentistry, I intend to hold positions in organized dentistry for the entirety of my career.