Glidewell's 2024 Guiding Leaders Program Empowers Women Dentists Nationwide

On April 5, 2024, Glidewell Laboratories announced the selection of 25 women dentists from across the United States for its esteemed Guiding Leaders program. This initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to nurture potential key influencers within the dental industry. The selection process was rigorous, with nearly 100 applications reviewed by the Glidewell selection committee. The chosen candidates for the 2024 cohort are Oreoluwa Adegun, Tejeshwini Bharati, Thomia Campbell, Holli Careswell, Miriam Carmean, Bianca Clark, Deanna Davis, Sheila Dobee, Maryam Ekhtiar-Kord, Simone Ellis, Niromi Fernando, Amanda Hoffmeister, Agata Konopka, Debbie Dong Eun Lee, Linda Oh, Ellen Paulisick-Wolf, Kelly Paxton, Laura Sharbash, Leora Sheily, Jaclyn Smrecek, Loray Spencer, Karly Sukut-Neppl, Lillian Wang, Tamaara Willis, and Tiffany Young.

The Guiding Leaders program has been credited by its alumni for contributing to their professional growth in various areas such as practice expansion, public speaking engagements, office culture improvement, workflow enhancement, and profit increase. From May to October 2024, the new cohort will undergo training on several key topics designed to propel their careers forward. These topics include developing an outward mindset, becoming an effective presenter and leader, building a financially sound practice, finding strength in negotiations, practice management, improving case photography, and creating an online presence.

Stephenie Goddard, CEO of Glidewell Laboratories highlighted the significant shift in the dental industry's gender demographics. "Previously, women accounted for less than five percent of our industry. Now they comprise more than half of all graduating dentists," she stated. This change prompted the creation of the Guiding Leaders program to develop leaders that mirror the current state of dentistry.

Alumni of the program continue to play an active role by offering mentorship to current participants and sharing their insights through podium lectures at events like the Dentistry on the Rise Symposium hosted by Glidewell in September. This event features an all-women panel and celebrates the contributions of women leaders to the dental industry.

Bobbie Norton, director of strategic partner relations at Glidewell Laboratories expressed admiration for the program's impact. "Having observed three cohorts successfully complete the program," Norton said. "It’s awe-inspiring what unfolds when you provide these incredible women with the tools and guidance they need." Many alumni have reported that their participation in Guiding Leaders reignited their passion for dentistry.

For those interested in learning more about the Guiding Leaders program or the upcoming Dentistry on the Rise Symposium at Glidewell this September can visit guidingleaders.com and glidewellsymposium.com/dentistry-on-the-rise respectively.