Collaboration Leads to Extraordinary Things

Collaboration is defined as "the action of working with someone to produce or create something."

It seems that 2019 is the year of collaboration!

Collaborating with other professionals whether it be by means of exchanging ideas, sharing resources, or partnering together to host a live CE event (our ITFS 2019 was amazing!), something extraordinary always occurs when you have found the right fit.

I used to be afraid of collaborating. At the time, my limited mindset made me believe the narrative that it wouldn't be as fruitful if you work with a partner…."I would be slowed down" OR they will steal all of your ideas. Granted, I've had my fair share of not-so-nice collaborations that were really wrong from the start plus I ignored the signs. Whose fault was that? Mine!

I've been on this journey relatively on my own because frankly I couldn't afford to bring on a massive team. Thankfully, I've found ways to work around that. I've had colleagues gracious enough to share their expertise in exchange for profit sharing or cross-promotion.  With each collaboration, I've grown more as a business woman and person.

My three latest collaborations will be featured in this blog today:

1. The Inspire the Future Summit™ for Dental Hygiene Educators
• For a few years, I've toyed around with the idea of hosting an educator's conference. I saw a need and I wanted to increase diversity in the outlook of the presenters and in the educators selected. I wanted to create an event that would be affordable and impactful.  I know that there is no true success in whatever field you are in if you do not learn how to take care of yourself. So the element of self-care was an important topic to discuss within this conference. I considered a collaboration with a different group of people, even wrote down what I would have liked it to be, started discussing this future event with faculty that I wanted to be apart of it, and I even began trying to solicit a venue. What came about? Nothing came to fruition but I certainly was laying the groundwork. This lands us in 2018, with a chance coaching call with Dr. Joy Void-Holmes where she shared she always wanted to do an educator's conference and then I did the unthinkable, I said to her, why don't we partner together and host one? Her answer was yes! The rest is history. We had a life-changing event June 7-8, 2019 in Largo, Maryland. We hosted educators from across our country virtually and in-person. It was a one-of-a-kind event and we are doing it again in Houston, Texas, July 31- August 1, 2020. Joining our partnership/collaboration is Claire Jeong the CEO of StudentRDH/SmarterDA. We are each using our strengths to create a larger vision and mission to impact the future of our profession. That is the power of collaboration! Join us at the reduced rate of $99 by signing up NOW before June 20th at www.bit.ly/ITFS2020.
2. The Career Advancement Academy

• I host a 12-month self and professional development membership called the Career Advancement Academy that helps professionals who are currently burnt out and have forgotten their own greatness. Each member are ambitious and driven women who have just lost their way and need the support to rediscover themselves, enhance their knowledge, or build their skills. I wanted it to be affordable and pack massive value. This membership I created is roughly around $8,000- $10,000 outside of dentistry. I was just at a conference this weekend for women empowerment and a coach quoted her 12-week program that was similar to mine for $5,000!!! I have to be honest, I immediately thought I'm in the wrong profession….LOL.

I offer it for the incredible rate of $299 and I am going to keep it in that range. How am I able to do that? Collaboration! We have the most giving professionals in our industry who have volunteered their time to share their knowledge. Natalie Fikes, Kristine Berry, Jamie Dooley, Amy L'Ecuyer, Samantha Leonard, Minal Sampat, and one more on the way, have used their most valuable resource, their time to record video trainings, answer questions during Q&A sessions, or host masterclasses just to help professionals out of career burnout. This powerful  collaboration has allowed us to cross-promote each other's brands to help make a greater impact in the lives of the professionals we meet. I feel blessed to provide this to you all. If you are interested in joining our group, send us a message at [email protected].

1. The Beyond the Prophy Editorial Board
• For three years, I've worked on my content for the podcast, blog, and more on my own. Has it been easy? No! In fact, you may have noticed as you have followed my journey that while one stream of content is going, another stream of content may be on pause. Why? I only have two hands and wish I had more! ::smile::.

In the spirit of collaboration, we have a NEW editorial board! Three amazing professionals have joined our mission and are ready to pour into each of you. This newsletter I will only identify them by their bio. Next month, you will get to meet them by video. The Beyond the Prophy Philosophy is built into four pillars: (1) Discovering Yourself, (2) Self care-Mastery, (3) Enhancing your knowledge, and (4) Building your skills.

I can't wait for you  to learn from them, until then, get to know our new team members. Give them a warm welcome via [email protected] and send them your blog topic ideas if you are interested in writing for us!

Heather Crockett, RDH

Managing Editor of the BTP Editorial Board

Heather began her career as a dental assistant in 2000 and also did two years as an office manager before she attended and graduated from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. She enjoys staying current with the latest in dental technology by attending CE courses and networking with dental professionals. Heather’s accomplishments include hygiene trainer, product ambassador, team leader, writer and speaker. Her passion for all things dental can only be matched with her passion for her family, football, and sunny, sandy beaches.

Erica Hoover, RDH, BS

Assistant Editor of the BTP Editorial Board

Erica is a proud RDH, mom, and navy wife. She earned her Associate's Degree in dental hygiene (2016) followed by a Bachelor's of Science (2018), both from the Pennsylvania college of Technology. When she's not cavitroning calculus or educating patients about periodontal disease, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, DIY projects, and exploring the outdoors. Fun fact: Erica knew she wanted to have a career in dentistry since she was 10!

Tonia Socha-Mower, EDDA, PHRDH, BSDH, MBA

Brand Messaging Leader of the BTP Editorial Board

Tonia has served patients in private practice and community health. She started a dental clinic in Eastern Kentucky and recently became the Executive Director of the American Association of Dental Boards.

What collaborations have enhanced your professional journey? Share with me what has worked for you at [email protected]. Interested in collaborating with us? Send us a message. let us know more about you and what you envision in our possible future collaboration. I'm all ears!