How to Keep Rockstar Team Members: Real-World Strategies for Retaining and Appreciating Your Dental Team, Presented by: Penny Reed, Teresa Spence, Brandi Williams, and Rebecca Herring

Teresa Spence, DAADOM, has worked in dentistry for over 30 years, and it continues to be her lifelong passion. She currently works with Amelia Dental Group as their Practice Administrator in a practice of 4-dentist, 10-dental assistant, 9-hygienst and 10 administrative team members. After her first experience at an AADOM conference in 2011, she helped to develop the AADOM Northeast Florida AADOM Chapter. Teresa earned her AADOM Fellowship (FAADOM) in 2012 and her AADOM Mastership (MAADOM) in 2020. In September of 2021 Teresa was inducted into the first class AADOM Diplomates (DAADOM). She has twice received the AADOM Office Manager of Distinction award prior to being named the 2021Practice Administrator of the Year. Teresa enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering in her community and is very involved in her local church.

Brandi Williams, MAADOM, is the founding president of the Oklahoma Society of Dental Professionals, an endorsed Dental Professional Learning Network by the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM), and a proud member of Women in DSO. 

As Chief Growth Officer at Catalyst Dental Allies, a  mid-size DSO in Oklahoma, Brandi has played a pivotal role in the company’s remarkable expansion from just four clinics in 2017 to forty-six clinics today, encompassing both specialty and general dental practices. Her 30-year tenure in the dental industry has been marked by a deep commitment to building successful practices and cultivating empowered teams. Known for her adaptability and results-driven approach, Brandi consistently exceeds financial and operational goals, championing innovative growth strategies in the ever-evolving dental landscape. 

Brandi blends her appreciation for group practice with her AADOM passion, fostering collaboration and synergy between these two aspects.

Rebecca Herring is a seasoned dental coach with over 25 years of hands-on experience in the dental industry, a journey that began in her youth while accompanying her father, a dentist, on humanitarian trips to Guadalajara. During these early experiences, Rebecca discovered the transformative power of dentistry and the importance of compassionate care. Her dedication to making a difference has only deepened since, and today, she empowers dental teams and professionals to unlock their full potential, ensuring they are in roles that not only fit their skills but fuel their passion. 

Rebecca is known for her approachable, down-to-earth coaching style. She understands the complexities of running a dental practice and strives to make each team member feel valued, supported, and heard. Her genuine care for others shines through in her work, whether she’s helping a practice streamline workflows, develop leadership skills, or enhance patient care. With expertise in leadership development, standard operating procedures, and team dynamics, Rebecca helps dental offices achieve operational efficiency while creating a positive and motivated workplace culture. 

Rebecca believes that at the heart of every successful practice is a unified, empowered team. By fostering open communication and trust, she creates an environment where dental professionals can thrive. Her personalized coaching approach focuses on strengthening team relationships, improving workflows, and reducing errors, all of which lead to an exceptional patient experience and a stronger, more productive practice.  

As Vice President of the Denver DPLN network, sponsored by AADOM, Rebecca is at the forefront of dental office management. Her commitment to professional development is reflected in her achievements as a lifetime member of the American Academy of Dental Office Management (AADOM), where she earned her Fellowship in 2023, her Mastership in 2024, and is on track to receive the prestigious Diplomate designation in 2025. 

Her deep understanding of dental practice management is further enriched by her active involvement with leading industry organizations such as Women in DSO, Dental Entrepreneur Women (DeW), and the Academy of Dental Management Consultants (ADMC). These affiliations keep her well-connected with the latest industry trends and best practices, ensuring her coaching clients benefit from cutting-edge insights. 

Rebecca’s approachability and wealth of knowledge extend to her role as co-host of the "Dental Decoders Podcast," where she brings her down-to-earth wisdom and practical solutions to listeners. In the podcast, she and her guests—industry leaders, coaches, and mentors—decode the challenges of dental practice management and provide actionable strategies to help teams and practice owners overcome obstacles and thrive. 

One of Rebecca’s key areas of focus is helping practices build their “dream team” through the implementation of virtual assistants. She offers a step-by-step guide on how to leverage offshore support staff to reduce operational costs, enhance productivity, and scale a practice with ease. Her strategic approach helps dental teams stay agile and competitive while improving patient care. 

Outside of her coaching practice, Rebecca finds joy in her family and the great outdoors. She and her husband, Chris, enjoy an active lifestyle in Colorado, where they embrace the changing seasons with activities like camping, hiking, paddleboarding, snowboarding, and ice climbing. Together, they raise seven children and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second grandchild in 2025. Rebecca’s personal life mirrors the values she brings to her professional world—balance, passion, and a commitment to growth and adventure. 

With her vast experience, approachable demeanor, and unwavering dedication to helping others succeed, Rebecca Herring is not just a coach but a trusted partner in transforming dental practices from the inside out.