MEET

Rita Carstens Office Manager Sorrento Dental Care Florida Region 3	Linh Pring Hygienist McDonough Center  Family Dentistry Georgia Region 1	Dr. Jung Lee NADG Partner & Dentist Stonewalk Family Dentistry Georgia Region 1

 What is an interesting hobby or talent that you have that someone might not know?

Rita:

I love boating, fishing, and camping. When I “grow-up” I want to be a camp host and travel the United States. I’d like to live in Colorado during the summer months.

Linh:

During the pandemic, I became a crazy ‘plant mama’.

Dr. Lee:

A new hobby for me – learned how to play piano.

What is the proudest moment in your personal life or career?

Rita:

When I married my best friend and when my children and grandchildren were born. Also, seeing my grown children and spouses accomplishing their career goals.

Linh:

It’s always rewarding when I can put smiles on patient’s faces when they overcome their fear of dentistry and that it’s ok to come to the dentist and not have to worry about pain.

 Dr. Lee:

The day I got my dental school acceptance letter, it was a long haul for me.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

Rita:

Rita and her mother.

My Japanese mom raised me to be hard working, dedicated, grateful and appreciate everything that you have. Respect your elders!

Linh:

My heritage has shaped me into the person I am today by being open and understanding of other cultures.

Dr. Lee:

As a 1.5 generation Korean American who immigrated to the U.S. as a child and grew up in the states, my parents never ceased to instill the values of common sense and respecting others. My parents always taught me to treat others as you’d like to be treated, and that hard work always pays off. I try my best to practice that philosophy each day.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

Rita:

On New Year’s Day we make and eat mochi which is a Japanese rice cake.

Lihn’s daughters – Chloe (2) and Brooklyn (6)

Linh:

Yes, every year we love to dress up in traditional dresses (ao dai) and pass out red envelopes with money (li xi) on Lunar New Year.

What does Asian Pacific AMERICAN Heritage Month mean to you?

Rita:

Recognizing different heritages that makes this great nation come together as one. It recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States.  My mom came to the United States in 1967 and became a citizen years later so Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is special to me.

Linh:

I think it’s a great opportunity for people to recognize Asian history and culture.

Dr. Lee:

It’s a time of reflection and gratitude. As a matter of fact, we should all celebrate every ethnic heritage every day of the year, and not just one single month. We should value each of our unique cultural heritage with respect and understanding for others. Mutual respect for one another seems to be lacking lately.

Thanks to these exceptional and generous team members for sharing their personal stories and letting us get to know them a little better.

Pittsburgh, PA (May 11, 2021) – North American Dental Group (NADG), a leading dental support organization, has named Shawn M. Blake as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Blake will be tasked with bolstering administrative resources and business strategies to more fully support NADG’s field clinical operations and improve patient experiences.

Blake moves into the COO chair from his previous role as NADG’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), a role he had held since joining the company in November 2020.

“It is a new day at NADG as we enthusiastically renew our commitment as servant leaders focused on the ‘field first,’” said NADG CEO Ken Cooper. “Under Shawn’s direction, we will empower our dental practices to lead and deliver exceptional patient care at every office visit. Our practice teams will have the support and resources they need to do what they do best – practice dentistry and heal our patients.”

Cooper said Blake will work closely with NADG’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Frank Nia, a practicing dentist in Atlanta, GA, to achieve the company’s operational goal of seamlessly aligning exceptional provider care with sound business approaches which leads to best-in-class oral care.

As NADG’s CIO, Blake led all information technology and information security efforts and led a business intelligence team that provided data analysis tools and insights used to inform real-time business decisions. Prior to joining NADG, Blake held CIO positions at Optum Care and MedExpress and had earlier career stops at Aetna, Coventry Healthcare, Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Deloitte.

Blake earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Slippery Rock University and a master’s in public management from Carnegie Mellon University.

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About North American Dental Group

North American Dental Group (NADG), based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was co-founded in 2008 by Ken Cooper and Dr. Andrew Matta. NADG was created to transform the dental experience for patients, clinicians, and its support teams and today consists of a network of 250+ supported dental practices across 15 states. The values of maintaining an emotionally intelligent approach, being thoughtful educators, and displaying a healthy bravado fuel its day-to-day patient care and operations. These founding values are alive and well as NADG celebrates its pioneering spirit by solidifying its partnership with Jacobs Holding AG. For more information, please visit: www.NADentalGroup.com.

For Further Information Contact:
Reginald Fields
FieldsR@nadentalgroup.com
614-537-7943    

Moms….you’re doing a GREAT JOB!

In honor of Mother’s Day, please join us in celebrating a few of the special “Moms of NADG” as they share personal insights on being a mom.

MEET SARAH STRONG, Mom to Shane (22), Lexi (19) and Chadd (16) and Hygienist at Mandarin Smiles in Florida Region 3

Where do you find inspiration as a single mom?

I draw my inspiration as a single mother from GOD. I am grateful he allowed me to be a mother to three incredible humans, not perfect but perfect for me. Raising children is a challenging task in itself, so being a single parent is not easy. Although the job I face daily is challenging, the rewards are that much more valuable. To see your children, start to mature into independent, successful young adults is the best blessing. I gain support and guidance from a host of sources, my mother, other awesome mothers, male role models, and my church family. When the picture is not perfect, and no one seems to know the answers, that is when I lean on my faith in GOD to guide my steps as a mother. I know my journey as a single mom is not easy, but I would not change it for the world.

GET TO KNOW KIMBERLY NEWBY, Mom to Lakely (1) and Office Manager at Cloudland Dental – Chattanooga Shallowford in the Tennessee Region

The journey to motherhood does not look the same for everyone. What did your journey look like?

My husband and I had tried for several years to start a family but found out after about a year of doctor’s appointments that we were unable to have children on our own. We prayed and prayed that God would allow us to be parents and knew that someway, somehow, he would provide.

At the end of 2018, we knew that God was calling us to pursue domestic adoption (adoption within the US). We knew that adoption was expensive, so we started fundraising which included multiple yard sales generating $500-$6,000 in sales each!

We matched with a birth mother which unfortunately resulted in a very traumatic, failed adoption. Although our hearts were broken, we were able to find comfort knowing that God was still good in the heartache and that he had a larger purpose and plan for our family.  We continued to trust in the Lord.

3 1/2 weeks after our failed adoption we received the call that changed our lives forever! An expectant mother had heard about us through someone sharing our story and wanted us to adopt the baby she was carrying.

Our little blessing was born March 2020. With Lakely, our family is complete, and we thank God daily for his faithfulness and his goodness! We are so undeserving of his blessings!

HELLO GWYN RUTHVEN, Mom to Liam (13) and Grace (10) and Dental Assistant at Eaves Family Dental – Bath in the New York Region

As a mom of school aged children, how did you manage the challenges of working and home schooling during the pandemic?

In the beginning we thought it was going to be for just a little while, right? When I realized that wasn’t the case, I was so thankful to be home with them because I knew they couldn’t have gotten through the rest of the school year without my help.

I returned to work for the summer and realized it was short-lived when I learned that school in the fall would only be two days in person and 3 days virtual. How could I not be home with them on those virtual days when I knew how difficult last year was? Thankfully Eaves Family Dental allowed me to work the days they were in school and be home on the virtual days. This way, I was able to still hold my job and be there for my kids when they needed me. I know how hard my teammates had to work to make-up for my absence. I truly appreciate it. Really managing it came down to doing what needed to be done, one day at a time. Believe me, I wasn’t always positive and chipper. I’m pretty sure my kids thought I was losing it at times. I was also grateful for my husband taking over when needed, especially when the school would sporadically shut down. He is a disabled veteran dealing with his own daily needs. All in all, thank you Lord for getting us this far!

REMINISCING WITH DR. VASANTHI RENGA, Mom to Sravan (29) and Charanya (20) and Doctor at Canton Family Dentistry in Michigan Region 1

When reminiscing about your childhood, what is one of your favorite memories with your mom? What is one of your favorite memories with your own children?

My 80-year old mom, Jambaga, lives in India. I always loved the way she helps people. The best memories that I have with her growing up is watching her always doing things for others. She’s truly a great social worker. Very good in all forms of art. Never can she be idle. A very caring person who is concerned for others well-being. Very helpful and giving, and she taught us to be the same way. She taught us not to complain. Not to whine. To be content in what we have with a grateful heart.

With my own children, I have several special memories but one of my favorites is letting them go parasailing and watching them soar! Now, I’m enjoying watching them as adults pursuing their dreams – My son, Sravan, works for Amazon in Seattle and my daughter, Charanya, is in her third year of pre-med at the University of Michigan.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT ELISE HORNSBY, Mom-to-be and Field Marketing Manager on the Marketing team

As an expectant mother, what are you looking forward to about being a mom for the first time this August?

I am most looking forward to all of our “firsts” together as a family. She’s our first child and the first grandchild (on my mom’s side of the family). I’m so excited to watch my husband become a daddy and our fur baby (Coal) become a big brother. I can’t wait to celebrate the holidays as a family of three this year and look forward to all of her first milestones!

CONNECTING WITH SANYA HATIMI, Mom to Alya (7 months) Hygienist at Alpine Woods Family Dental in the Indiana Region

As a first-time Mom, what are the moments that have made you smile and what advice would you give to a future ‘mom-to-be’?

I am truly blessed to have my Alya. She makes me smile with her cutest little tricks of crawling wherever she is not supposed to and with her funny facial expressions all day long. Despite a tough pregnancy that included multiple ER trips and losing 12 pounds along the way, I can say that she was the best thing that has happened to me. The advice that I would give to a ‘mom-to-be’ is that every pregnancy is different and the fruit of that journey in form of your little one is going to make it ALL WORTH IT. The kid is going to change your life completely, and trust me, for the BETTER.

CHATTING WITH ALEXIS WARNER, Mom to Liam (13), Elena. (11), Annelise (9) and Gabe (3) and Senior Regional Director of Operations for Michigan Regions 1, 2 & 3

NADG recently introduced five Team Resource Groups (TRG’s) as part of our mission to ensure diversity and inclusion in the workplace. What inspired you to lead NADG’s new TRG, “Working Parents Network”?

Leading the new Working Parents Network is an exciting way that we can connect and support as parents. I started my professional career when I was 7 months pregnant in a new field and company. Learning how to lead a team while also learning how to be a mother was challenging. I was so fortunate to work for a leader who demonstrated great work life balance as a working single dad. In addition, I was surrounded by peers who were also seasoned parents. Throughout my career I have been blessed to have the support of the organizations I have worked for as a working parent but the best support I have received has been from my peer group. I can enjoy work life balance caring for my four children.

Thanks to all of these exceptional moms for sharing their stories. And thanks to all of the mothers at NADG. We appreciate your hard work, dedication, and commitment to juggle work and family especially during these trying times. You are an inspiration to us all. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.

Here’s what Mr. Cooper had to say about the the company’s foundation and operating strategy:

1. NADG was built on the foundation of recognizing practices as customers. By supporting them and removing all non-clinical services such as finance and accounting, dentists can dedicate most of their focus on crafting both a better patient experience and clinical outcomes.

2. While Mr. Cooper oversees the administrative side, Andrew Matta, DMD, the DSO’s co-founder, focuses on building partners’ clinical strength. This co-leading model has been a pillar of the group’s success, as both of these areas play a role in fostering a better patient experience.

3. NADG operates on a group affiliation model instead of a single acquisition affiliation model, setting them apart from other DSOs. That means identifying and partnering with strong dental group founders and embracing their entrepreneurial spirit Mr. Cooper said, noting that NADG doesn’t do buy-outs and instead supports group founders through the next stages of their careers.

Click here to listen to the full episode.

What Inspires You? When Did You Know That You Wanted to Pursue A Career In Dentistry? What Is Rewarding About Your Career?

As I walk down the hallway with my young patient to our ‘treasure chest’ of goodies, I smile to myself. That was me at 5 years old, seeing Dr. Bob as his little patient. The very same letters still hang over my head, “Grove Dental.” Back then, the walls were covered in a wallpaper with a palette of avocado green, maize yellow and burnt orange of yesteryear. I have fond memories of going to the dentist as a child but would have never imagined becoming a pediatric dentist at the very place where I was a patient.

My Chicago roots kept me here. I attended college at the University of Chicago and received my dental education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. When I was ready to be a pediatric dentist, joining Grove felt like the best fit. And after more than 17 phenomenal years, I am still here. Grove has served the Chicagoland community for over 50 years and is unique in that it was at the forefront of the multi-specialty, multi-location dental practice model. Grove’s origins began in 1968 with 3 dentists, eventually becoming 4 locations with over 30 dentists and 250 team members. In 2019, the group affiliated with North American Dental Group, with an even greater network of dental practices in the East and West.

Most of the time when people ask what I do, I reply enthusiastically with “I’m a pediatric dentist.” Oftentimes, the reciprocating facial expressions are of bewilderment. They say, “God bless you, why would you choose to do that?” Then I get to share all the reasons of why I absolutely love my job. Our days are filled with interacting with so many remarkable people and patients. This includes our many infants, children, adolescents and people with special needs and abilities patients. We have the privilege to follow our patients through their formative years and get to appreciate their distinct personalities, stories, and dreams. My youngest patient is just a few days old, and my oldest patient is in his sixties. One of the best parts of my job is the small but meaningful victories, such as helping a new patient get comfortable enough to sit in the dental chair for the duration of the first visit. When our team is able help the patient overcome some of their fears and anxieties (and their parents’ too), it is truly an incredible feeling.

Working with my team continues to be an incredible journey. Despite the challenges that. dentistry faced with the coronavirus pandemic, my team was able to navigate and adapt to provide the best-in-class patient care. This year will be forever marked in our memories, and we will remember that we got through it together, with care for our patients and each other as top priority. For this, I will be eternally grateful. We work together like a well-oiled machine. From our years of closely working together, we have developed the ability the communicate with quick glances, and sometimes without uttering a word. On occasion, we have been known to spontaneously belt out in unison, “The Brushing Song” in tune and in rhythm.  I am constantly amazed by the empathy and enthusiasm of our team. We love any opportunity to engage with the local community through volunteer events and to support each other during times of difficulty. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I say it takes a tightly knit team to deliver outstanding dental care.

At times, I come to work, fix my gaze on the “Grove Dental” sign, words that take me back to my childhood, but also represents something of my present self. It encompasses the years of change through the community that embraced me as a kid and has had a huge impact on my life. I am proud to say that Grove is a part of me, it is my community.

For Further Information Contact:
Reginald Fields
FieldsR@nadentalgroup.com
614-537-7943

Women’s Initiative Founded By North American Dental Group To Host Event Celebrating Women’s History Month

Pittsburgh, PA (March 24, 2021) – Women in Dentistry (WinD), an initiative founded by North American Dental Group (NADG) to empower females in the industry and build equity, will celebrate Women’s History Month by hosting a panel discussion with three dynamic dentists who are shaping the future of dentistry.

‘Challenges, Opportunities, and Growth Within Leadership Roles,’ will be a live discussion about women thriving in dentistry. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. EST and registration is free and open to all. This event will also feature a question-and-answer segment to welcome audience participation.

“An increasing number of women are choosing to become dentists, which means that we will have a stronger voice in determining how dentistry evolves and an elevated role for how patients are cared for,” said Dr. Farah Kar, an orthodontist at Braces Braces in Atlanta, GA and an NADG partner, who will moderate the webinar. “Greater growth opportunities can sometimes bring enhanced challenges that must be addressed, both professionally and personally.”

The webinar’s panel will feature three NADG-affiliated general dentists:

• Mary Ann Hollis, of Grove Dental Associates in Lombard, IL. She is an NADG partner.
• Anna McGuire, of Stonecreek Dental Care in Kettering, OH. She is an NADG partner and Regional Dental Director.
• Anna Warnock, of Complete Dental Care in Shadyside, OH. She is also an NADG partner and Regional Dental Director.

Click HERE to register for the webinar. Click HERE for more information about the event.

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About Women in Dentistry

Women in Dentistry (WinD) was founded in 2019 by North American Dental Group to empower women in the industry and build equity for all. WinD is committed to providing opportunities for women to develop their clinical and leadership skills, bolstering gender equity in the industry, and inspiring and mentoring girls and young women who pursue careers in dentistry.

About North American Dental Group

North American Dental Group (NADG), based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was co-founded in 2008 by Ken Cooper and Dr. Andrew Matta. NADG was created to transform the dental experience for patients, clinicians, and its support teams and today consists of a network of 250 supported dental practices across 15 states. The values of maintaining an emotionally intelligent approach, being thoughtful educators, and displaying a healthy bravado fuel its day-to-day patient care and operations. These founding values are alive and well as NADG celebrates its pioneering spirit by solidifying its partnership with Jacobs Holding AG. For more information, please visit: www.NADentalGroup.com.

At NADG, we stand united in celebration of our differences and respecting what makes each of us unique. We are proud of the women within our organization who are making a difference in dentistry, championing servant leadership and exemplifying best-in-class patient care. Meet Ashton Miller, Charo Earle, Danielle Short, Yanique Griffin, and Kelly Louthain.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Ashton:

The most inspiring person that I have ever met was my mother. She was the epitome of grace and kindness. Having grown up poor, despite her own personal successes, she understood the struggles that people face. When we were very young, she counselled us to look beyond the surface of what people show you and reach out with a helping hand or word when needed.

Kelly:  

Although I lost my mom to cancer six years ago, she continues to lead me through life and is my inspiration. She was a servant leader–professionally and personally. She worked full-time but still made time for me and my siblings and was there for so many other kids that needed support.

Charo:

I’m inspired by my Mom who has continuously been one of my biggest supporters. She taught me to be a leader, to give back, help others, and get along with everyone no matter your differences. She raised me to be independent and to reach for the stars. She did not accomplish all that she wanted to in life, so she pushed me HARD to reach mine. I may not have appreciated then, but I sure do now.

Yanique:

My mother inspires me. She has been my rock for me and my family. I was a single mother for many years and my mother stepped in and was a major support to me and my girls.  She’s supportive and has always encouraged me to never settle and to work harder than expected to reach my goals. I love and appreciate her so much.

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT, PROFESSIONAL OR PERSONAL?

Ashton:

My biggest accomplishment is the work that I have done within the four walls of my home. I have three children – and as a proud mother, two of them are ranked in the top two percent of the state for academia. Plus, they love contributing to team sports and have pure hearts.

Kelly:

Professionally, my biggest accomplishment is being asked to sit on the Professional Dental Alliance’s Oral Health Board as its’ chair of the hygiene committee. I’m honored to be on a board consisting of respected dentists and continue to grow in my career. In my personal life, I feel blessed to be a mom. I am proud of my two-year old daughter and excited to see what the future holds for her. Biggest accomplishment–by far.

Charo:

I’m proud to say that I have gone further in my education and career than my parents were able to. Every parent wants more for their children and knowing that I made my parents proud by achieving this goal is a great feeling. It inspires me to mentor and encourage others to have faith and confidence to reach their goals and dreams – and that is very fulfilling to me.

Danielle:

Raising my daughter on my own since she was 6-weeks old. Now, she is an amazing 16-year old doing great things and I am so proud of her.

Yanique:

Personally, my children! I never thought that I would be a mother and my two miracles have defied those odds. They give me warmth and strength and it’s an honor to be their mom.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO PURSUE A CAREER IN DENTISTRY?

Ashton:

I used to stare at my first-grade teachers’ teeth! I was always wondering why she had the worst breath! That fascination with her teeth inspired me to pursue the dental field.

Kelly:

I grew up in a very small town with very little to do or places to go. To go to the dentist, we had to take a road trip. I loved being able to get out of school, hangout with my dentist, and eat fast food (since we didn’t have fast food, that was a treat!). It was great! I loved the experience so much that while I was in high school, I asked if I could shadow them. It was during that time when I decided that I wanted to be the reason kids loved getting out of school…to see the dentist! (I know..weird, right?)

Charo:

Growing up, I was in awe visiting my dentist, Dr. Roxanne Baker. She had such grace, strength, and confidence and her nurturing way made me feel very comfortable during what could have easily been a scary moment in a child’s impressionable mind. She had a huge impact on my choice to pursue dentistry. We formed a long-lasting connection and continue to stay in touch.

Danielle:

The hygienists in my local dental office made the job look fun and interesting, so I went back to school again and did it! 🙂 

Yanique:

I was 15-years old when I relocated to the United States from Jamaica. I was enrolled in Mount Vernon High School and was given the option between various technical programs and chose “Dental Assisting.”  I fell in love with dentistry from that point on. I later decided to pursue a degree in dental hygiene and excelled there as well, despite several hurdles and setbacks.

Amazing women with amazing stories.