Issuu

Dr. Amel Hassan (Winter Haven, FL) & Dr. Jumoke Adedoyin (Affordable Care)

the drill QUARTERLY CLINICAL NEWS

WELCOME TO THE DRILL,

THE NEWSLETTER JUST FOR DENTISTS. 2022 VOLUME V

IN THIS ISSUE Introducing Clinical HQ 2022 C.A.R.E. Conference NewsWorthy Special Report: Women in Dentistry Enlighten Special Report: BioHorizons CSS Team PictureWorthy Clinical Support News: This Just In, Favorite Things & Fixed Arch Solutions

MESSAGE FROM THE CCO Dr. Anthony Naranja, DDS Chief Clinical Officer It's hard to believe we are halfway through the year already! As I reflect on 2022 thus far, I am struck by the unpredictability of this journey as a clinician over the past several years the ups and downs, the challenges and victories - that have truly shaped our experiences as caregivers in the dental industry as well as within the Affordable network. It would be fair to say this year has brought some bumps in the road. We've experienced a country in political unrest, dramatic inflation, and heartbreaking acts of violence. Dentistry has been impacted in many ways, with continued labor challenges, slower patient volumes, and ongoing practice closures due to COVID-19. In March, we lost two of our esteemed peers, Dr. Blake Sinclair and Dr. Jack Burroughs, in a tragic shooting in Tyler, Texas; an incident that personally shook me to my very core, as I know it did many of you.

the drill

It's certainly not been all negative, though! As I survey our network of dentists and their commitment to their patients, it brings me joy and hope for the future - and the Affordable Clinical team has been diligently working to improve our support for you and your teams in making that a better reality. This year, we've been thrilled to kick off the Just Smiles program, launch Clinical HQ, deliver innovative product solutions in partnership with Sevaredent and our vendor partners, refine and improve our clinical support to practices, and offer more comprehensive Clinical Education programs than ever before. We aren't finished, either! I'm anxiously awaiting our upcoming C.A.R.E. Conference on October 6-9, where I hope to meet each of you in person to celebrate your accomplishments and get to know one another in this amazing community of like-minded caregivers, while also experiencing the outstanding lineup of industry-leading educators and connecting with our invaluable vendor partners. Join me in Miami this October, and together, we will make 2022 the best year yet!

HQ CLINICAL

Meet the Doctor: Anthony Naranja

Favorite Things

INTRODUCING CLINICAL HQ Your Source for All Things Clinical Did you miss a recent volume of the Drill? Need the most updated Clinical Education Event Guide? Looking for more information on how to contact a vendor? You're in luck! The Clinical Team is thrilled to announce our new and improved Clinical HQ on Inside Affordable. We've compiled our most-requested resources with you in mind, and will continue to add more information in the future.

VISIT CLINICAL HQ FOR MORE INFO ON: CLINICAL EDUCATION GUIDE

TRAINING PHOTOS

CLINICAL SWAG STORE

VENDOR RESOURCES

THE DRILL ONLINE

AUXIILIARY CONNECT

COMANAGED CARE PROGRAM

CLINICAL TEAM CONTACTS

2022 C.A.R.E. CONFERENCE

LINKS & MORE!

Check out HQ for yourself! Visit the Inside Affordable Homepage, and select CLINICAL on the top menu under Workspaces. We hope you find it useful!

We are getting excited...

THE 2022 C.A.R.E. CONFERENCE IS ALMOST HERE! Join your dentist peers from across the Affordable network for a professional networking and learning experience designed just for you!

Cutting-edge Clinical Education

Clinical and Operational Best-Practice Sharing

Mentoring and Networking with Peers

Celebration of Dentist and Practice Achievements

Engagement with Key Vendors

Insight into the Vision of Affordable Care

It's an event you won't want to miss!

Visit www.CARE-Conference.com to register and learn more!

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NEWSWORTHY SPECIAL REPORT

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN DENTISTRY HONORING THE INCREDIBLE WOMEN OF THE AFFORDABLE NETWORK

Dedication. Tenacity. Passion. Perseverance. These words could easily apply to every female paving her way in the predominately male-dominated field of dentistry. Today, the face of dentistry is dramatically changing, and it's taken more than a few determined women to transform the industry. The first practicing female dentist was Emeline Roberts Jones, who taught herself dentistry in secret due to such strong resistance to allow females in the field. Emeline married a dentist in 1854, at the age of eighteen, and became fascinated by the profession. Her husband, however, believed women had no place in dentistry, and so Emeline taught herself privately. In 1855, after Emeline had secretly performed several hundred extractions and fillings, her husband finally agreed to permit her to practice alongside him. She ultimately garnered a reputation for clinical expertise and practiced dentistry for over sixty years, long after her husband's death in 1865. In 1914, Emeline was made an honorary member of the National Dental Association. In 1866, Lucy Hobbs Taylor became the first woman to earn a doctor of dental surgery degree. Lucy had been practicing dentistry since opening her own practice in 1861 at the age of 28. She'd earned the support of her male peers which allowed her to be accepted into dental school, an uncommon practice at the time. Lucy practiced dentistry until her death in 1910, leaving a legacy of outstanding patient care and a compassionate chairside manner. Despite such impressive early trailblazers, transforming the industry would require much patience. Over a hundred years after Lucy earned her degree, in 1968, ADA statistics indicate only 1% of dentists were female. Fortunately, the last several decades have shown tremendous change, and today, the future is most certainly female. In 2020, ADA statistics report nearly 35% of all practicing dentists are women, and that number is rising. Enrollment in dental schools currently indicates that female students account for over half of the total student population, and it continues to increase each year. Throughout the Affordable network, over a hundred female dentists lead and demonstrate clinical excellence in patient care every day. The following NewsWorthy stories highlight a few of the many amazing women who have defeated challenges and persevered with the goal of practicing dentistry. To all the incredible female dentists: Thank you for your dedication to dentistry and for changing the lives of your patients, one smile at a time.

DID YOU KNOW? AS OF 2020, 60% OF ALL PRACTICING DENTISTS UNDER THE AGE OF 44 ARE FEMALE.

NEWS WORTHY

NEWSWORTHY SPECIAL REPORT

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN DENTISTRY FULL CIRCLE Dr. Amel Hassan, DDS, FICOI, MAAIP Practice Owner | Winter Haven, FL “When I want something, I just go straight for it,” Dr. Amel Hassan declares. “There is nothing that I can’t do.” Dr. Hassan’s confidence is warranted: she’s a recent Harvard graduate, Implant Pathway mentor, All-in-One Solution fixed arch provider and the practice owner of a busy AD&I practice in Winter Haven, Florida. It would appear success is quite effortless for Dr. Hassan. Upon meeting her, one might imagine her career has been filled with easy wins when considering that she and her practice continue to grow and thrive beyond all expectations. On the contrary, Dr. Hassan has encountered countless challenges and heard the word ‘no’ plenty of times throughout her career. What truly sets her apart is how she has managed overcome those obstacles and pave her own path to success. Born and raised in Sudan, East Africa, Dr. Hassan set her sights on dentistry at a young age. She completed dental school and finished her residency in Sudan in 2004 before moving to Chicago, Illinois, in 2007, to “pursue her dreams.” It came as a shock when she arrived in the U.S. and found she would have to attend dental school all over again, and amidst the pregnancy of her son. Frustrated but resolute, Dr. Hassan applied to the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry (UIC) and readied herself to start over. Dr. Hassan’s second shock came upon receiving news that her application was denied by UIC, citing her lack of hands-on experience, less-than-perfect exam results and lack of a Masters’ degree. She refused to allow this to deter her and wasted no time in working to overcome each of the noted barriers for acceptance. Dr. Hassan enrolled in a Masters’ degree program for Public Health, began volunteering at Red Cross and re-tested to achieve better exam results. “There are no failures,” she says candidly, “It’s part of my journey.” Just as she was ready to try again, Dr. Hassan was discouraged to learn that UIC was no longer accepting applications. She instead applied to New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry and was elated to learn she was accepted, though it required relocation to a new city, far from friends and family. Ever determined, Dr. Hassan made the difficult decision to move to New York and her resolve paid off. She graduated NYU in three years, an OKU honor and ranking fifth in her class. “Patients often ask me if I’m old enough to have finished dental school,” Dr. Hassan says with a laugh. “They’re surprised when I tell them I’ve graduated dental school twice!”

Though her first years in the U.S. presented many unforeseen challenges and required sacrifices, Dr. Hassan reflects on the experience as simply one part of her story, one that strengthened her while in pursuit of her goals. "You can be whoever you want to be no matter the circumstances,” she asserts. “I refuse to use circumstances as an excuse.” After graduation, Dr. Hassan returned to Illinois, where she joined a multi-clinician practice in Springfield, IL, as a general dentist. There, she felt at home, with a collaborative, supportive practice team and a patient population that provided her with plenty of experience in extractions, dentures and surgeries. She quickly realized that she’d found her true calling in tooth replacement, and while she loved the practice environment, she found that she was professionally ready to venture out on her own. Yet again, she was faced with a bittersweet decision. “Sometimes people are forced to make a decision when things aren’t going well, but it’s the quiet times for me, when things are comfortable – those are the moments of growth opportunities,” she attests. “I never settle in the comfort zone, never settle for less. If there is room to improve, if there is something more to learn… you’ll see me there.”

Dr. Amel Hassan

With her professional goals laser-focused on implant dentistry, she was carefully considering her next career move when she was introduced to the Affordable network. She interviewed at Dr. Ben Mehta’s practice in Rockford, IL, and he immediately recognized her talent. Dr. Hassan immediately recognized the potential of being part of the Affordable network, and she accepted the position as practice owner for a newly opened Affordable Dentures & Implants practice in Fairview Heights, IL, in 2017. Within her first few months as part of Affordable, she attended an implant training course at Implant Pathway, an experience she describes as another ‘turning point’ in her life. “I learned more than implants there,” she recalls. “Watching Dr. Moody, Dr. Adedoyin and the other Implant Pathway mentors, I saw it wasn’t just the clinical skill. There’s an elegance, a style, a joyfulness in how they perform surgeries. When you’re really good at what you do, it’s reflected in your attitude, your manner of speaking, your lifestyle. I wanted that for myself.” Inspired, she was determined achieve success and also to revisit one day as a member of this elite group of mentors. Dr. Hassan returned to Illinois with intensity and resolve, performing her first implant surgery the very next week. While immediately confident, she’s also quick to humbly acknowledge she had much to learn, noting that her first surgery took nearly four hours. She remained focused and committed, and her work and patience paid off. In less than two short years, Dr. Hassan’s practice had taken off, and it was then that she found herself ready for yet another challenge. This time, she was resolved to move to a busier location in a bigger market, and her sights were set on Florida. Unfortunately, there were no available Affordable practices at the time, and she was faced with a tough decision once more. Dr. Hassan made the difficult choice to disaffiliate with AD&I and move to Florida on her own. “Leaving wasn’t a fun decision for me, but it wasn’t a right fit at the time,” she remembers. Dr. Hassan & her team in Winter Haven, FL

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NEWS WORTHY

"Dr. Hassan’s dedication to learning, her passion for serving others, and her dedication to always strive for more have been pillar characteristics throughout her affiliation. We are extremely fortunate to have her in the network, she is the epitome of the 'can do attitude' for her patients, her staff and her peers." - Karol Twilla, Sr. Vice President, Field Operations

With her parents and son in tow, Dr. Hassan packed up and headed for Tampa, FL, where she joined a private practice that generated a small amount of implant business. Though she was initially content with the change, she quickly grew fatigued by performing fillings and root canals and the goal of returning to Affordable always lingered in her mind. When an opportunity arose in 2020 to become a practice owner of a newly-opened AD&I practice in Winter Haven, FL, Dr. Hassan jumped at the chance. The practice initially opened in March of 2020, and Dr. Hassan became the practice owner in June of that year, just as it re-opened following the COVID-19 closure. Undaunted by the pandemic, Dr. Hassan leapt into her new practice with the same tenacity that has guided her life. Success swiftly followed.

“Affordable was always right for me, but now I’m in the right place. Here, I’m an artist with the teeth, and this model allows me to take leadership over the final result. I feel like I’m cared about and supported; I feel connected to the network. I know I can be the surgeon, and as long as I’m doing the right thing to support my patients, the network will support me in return.” In addition to Dr. Hassan’s unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding patient experiences, she reaches beyond clinical care as a leader in her practice. “It’s not just the skills. I want to achieve the dreams… This is how I run my life, the spirit I pass on to my team,” she reveals. “Work doesn’t have to be boring, even though patient care is serious. You can deliver clinical excellence while also experiencing joy.” Dr. Hassan and her team seem to dance through every day, intentionally adding in an element of fun to their rigorous routine by playing music, celebrating every milestone, birthday and holiday, and cheering on one another. The team is always up for a laugh, prepared with a full collection of photo props and holiday outfits for every occasion as well as a trove of entertaining stories to share at a moment’s notice. With her seemingly endless supply of energy and dedication, Dr. Hassan also aims to thrive beyond her practice walls, carving out energy and focus to being the best mom, daughter, friend and person that she can be. “I have boundaries, but I give 100 percent to what matters most to me and keeping balance,” she explains. She sets aside devoted time to traveling, spending time with her beloved family and friends, staying healthy and active, and experiencing life to the fullest.

Dr. Hassan & her son

With all she’s accomplished, Dr. Hassan never tires on her lifelong quest for advancement. Just months after becoming practice owner in Winter Haven, Dr. Hassan applied to the post-graduate program at Harvard Medical School for Safety, Quality, Informatics and Leadership. As has been the case with much of her professional development, it was a hurdle that she’d encountered before – she’d applied for the program years before, while practicing in IL, and she’d been rejected. This time, however, was different. She was accepted and completed the program remotely over the course of one year, achieving the certification in October 2021. If this were not cause enough for celebration, Dr. Hassan has also recently completed both the AAID MaxiCourse and ILAPEO Zygomatic Implant course this past year.

In April of 2022, yet another of Dr. Hassan’s goals was realized when she was selected to be a mentor at Implant Pathway, teaching other Affordable network dentists to place implants, where she had once been so personally inspired. Alongside her was Dr. Jumoke Adedoyin, who had been a mentor at Dr. Hassan’s very first course. It was the fulfillment of an achievement she’d aspired to years before. She can now impart her passion and dedication to implant dentistry to countless students, inspiring a new generation of dentists. Today, Dr. Hassan has most certainly attained success, though her accomplishments were rarely effortless. Despite many obstacles, she has never compromised her vision nor her ability to achieve it through hard work, positivity and determination. She’s conquered her goals, met each challenge with tenacity, and acquired the captivating “style” of confidence, joy and clinical excellence she’d once admired in others. She’s finally arrived, having come full circle to achieve the dreams that may once have seemed out of reach, she’s attained the unattainable. Her future is bright, and she’s proven that nothing can stand in her way. Without a doubt, Dr. Amel Hassan is unstoppable.

NEWSWORTHY SPECIAL REPORT

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN DENTISTRY MAKING THE MAGIC HAPPEN Dr. Beverly Rice, DDS Practice Owner | Wichita Falls, TX There is something close to magical about Dr. Beverly Rice, practice owner at the Affordable Dentures & Implants practice in Wichita Falls, Texas. Despite her petite frame, she seems to fill a room with her presence, exuding charm, quick wit, and a genuine love of people. In a few short years, she has enchanted a community while successfully transforming a struggling practice through her charismatic and dedicated service to patients. In truth, Dr. Rice does not have a magic wand, but instead, her steely determination, steadfast optimism, and clinical integrity have achieved extraordinary results. Born in Fort Worth and raised in the small town of Tyler, Texas, Dr. Beverly Rice grew up with a severe malocclusion. “My teeth were so bucked out that if I closed my mouth, my two front teeth still stuck out,” she remembers. As a result, she visited Baylor School of Dentistry many times as a patient, receiving what she describes as “the whole nine yards” of treatment ranging from orthodontics to bone grafting. She grew fond of the dentists and the staff, who helped to reconstruct her smile into one she was proud to show off. It was on one such visit to Baylor, while observing the dentist at work, Dr. Rice thought to herself, “I can do this.” And do it she would. Reaching that dream would require time and patience, however. Dr. Rice completed her bachelor’s degree at University of North Texas in Denton, TX, but couldn’t afford to immediately enroll in dental school upon graduation. While she saved towards her education, she took a job as a high school physics teacher to earn money, and it was time well spent. Dr. Rice, with her natural gift of human connection, developed a love of teaching, and when it was finally time to make the leap to dental school, she did so with her students rooting her on. She reflects on the experience with affection, noting that one of her proudest accomplishments with her students was personally demonstrating the commitment and passion it takes to achieve your goals. “You can be whoever you want to be. You just have to put in the effort,” she asserts. With dental school finally in her sights, Dr. Rice enrolled at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, where she’d spent so many years as a patient. “I had a personal experience with dentistry that truly changed my life,” she explains. “My confidence shot up when my teeth were fixed, and I wanted to pass on that experience to others.” Upon graduation, Dr. Rice took a position as a Locum Tenens dentist, fueling her love of travel while paying off the steep education debt. She immersed herself into the dental community as well and was elected as Program Chair for the Dallas County Dental Society. It was there that she introduced to the Affordable network through a colleague. Within a few months, she was acting as a Locum Tenens dentist in an Affordable practice in Texas, and it wouldn’t be long before she found her schedule monopolized by Affordable practice assignments and she became a sought-after resource. In 2019, Dr. Rice’s affiliation with the network would become permanent when she took a long-term Locums Tenens assignment at the affiliated AD&I practice in Wichita Falls, TX. The previous dentist had left abruptly and most of the practice staff had resigned, leaving a worrisome situation in progress. (Continued on Next Page)

NEWS WORTHY

Business was decidedly slow, she’d heard rumblings of disgruntled patients, and realized practice’s success hung in the balance. Despite the unusual circumstances, Dr. Rice embraced her time there; the closeknit community reminded her of her own upbringing in Tyler, TX, and she could envision the practice’s potential just on the horizon. Her positive influence was quickly recognized and she was offered practice ownership at the location. Dr. Rice carefully weighed her options, decided it was well worth a “leap of faith” on her part, and signed on in November of 2019. Within months of becoming the practice owner, Dr. Rice’s excitement was unexpectedly derailed by the onset of COVID-19. With the pandemic came another round of staff resignations, leaving only the front desk auxiliary and the lab manager remaining in the practice other than herself. Though a daunting time, she refused to give up, often working long hours alone while also building her reputation within the small community. Desperate for staff, she began seeking talent through unconventional methods. On one notable occasion, she even recruited a breakfast server at the local IHOP to be her dental assistant. “I had to get creative, and I see talent and potential in unlikely places. The waitress gave excellent customer service, and I immediately thought, ‘I can work with that!’” she recalls. Within months of becoming the practice owner, Dr. Rice’s excitement was unexpectedly derailed by the onset of COVID-19. With the pandemic came another round of staff resignations, leaving only the front desk auxiliary and the lab manager remaining in the practice other than herself. Though a daunting time, she refused to give up, often working long hours alone while also building her reputation within the small community. Desperate for staff, she began seeking talent through unconventional methods. On one notable occasion, she even recruited a breakfast server at the local IHOP to be her dental assistant. “I had to get creative, and I see talent and potential in unlikely places. The waitress gave excellent customer service, and I immediately thought, ‘I can work with that!’” she recalls. In the face of the pandemic and staffing challenges, Dr. Rice continued to pursue her vision to fulfill the practice’s potential. She invested in building her own clinical skills in addition to her team’s, enrolling herself in a course at Implant Pathway in August of 2020, a time when few others were willing to travel. She was determined to learn implant dentistry to provide her patients with more comprehensive treatment options and COVID-19 would not disrupt her goals. She excelled at the course and had high hopes upon returning to her practice. She found herself challenged, however, when she began the task of implementing the learnings into her daily routine. Ever resourceful, Dr. Rice called in support. From Affordable, Clinical team members Andrew Gallegos (Trainer of Practice Excellence) and Jana McKee (Regional Implant Specialist) sprang into action to deliver onsite support. From BioHorizons, Matt Shipley (Customer Support Specialist) joined the team. Together, they were all focused and committed to help Dr. Rice and her staff successfully implement implant surgeries consistently and confidently. “Jana and Andrew have been my two right hands, and Matt Shipley has also been really amazing,” Dr. Rice attests. “They were in the trenches with me, which was priceless! Without them, we wouldn’t have had the success in transitioning to implants. They kept me motivated at critical moments when I needed them most. They believed in me.” As Dr. Rice’s confidence grew, the practice began to rapidly build momentum. With COVID-19 stimulus checks rolling Dr. Rice with her Lab Manager & RDA/FDA in, new patients emerged. At the same time, the previous dentist's patients began to return, demanding corrective treatments. Dr. Rice, with her unfailing optimism, saw an opportunity to transform the previous patients’ experiences and grabbed hold of the moment. She balanced the need to run a business with her commitment to patient care and concentrated on building what she describes as “dental disciples,” patients who would refer friends and family because of their positive experiences with her.

“If I had a returning patient from the previous owner who wasn’t satisfied, I couldn’t charge them again since they’d already paid. I’m willing to do the hard thing if it’s the right thing, and it was the right thing. Once the patients realized the level of care they were receiving, they were converted,” she remembers. Dr. Rice’s focus on patient care and doing the right thing has paid off. As Dr. Rice’s “dental disciples” grew in number, word of mouth spread throughout her community and the practice flourished. By 2021, the practice had almost tripled in revenue over the previous year, and it continues to grow today. Friends, colleagues, and family members of patients are referred to the captivating Dr. Rice for treatment. Dr. Rice attributes the dramatic growth to the unique patient experience that she has so carefully constructed, stating her intentional focus on listening to patients has been instrumental.

"Dr. Rice has set the bar high with her style of communication to her patients. Her ability to explain treatment allows patients to enjoy the process of rehabilitating their smiles." - Jana McKee, Regional Implant Specialist

“I joke with my patients, treat them like family,” Dr. Rice explains. “As doctors, we often miss the mark by not listening. I ask my patients lots of questions, let them talk freely, and repeat back what they said to me to ensure I understood it. Patients are often shocked that I listen to them and that builds their trust in me.” Even with the impressive success of her practice, Dr. Rice remains humble and consistently focused on delivering exceptional service to each patient. One of her many slogans is “Everything is nice with Dr. Rice!” It is familiar phrase heard daily in the practice, a hallmark of her commitment to make each patient’s visit a pleasant and positive encounter.

"LET'S MAKE THE MAGIC HAPPEN" Dr. Beverly Rice

Today, Dr. Rice’s practice continues to grow and thrive, and she’s only begun to scratch the surface of her own potential. A devoted student, Dr. Rice takes full advantage of Affordable clinical education courses whenever she can to continually advance her clinical skills to offer more complex treatment options to her patients. She seeks mentorship from trusted colleagues in the network while also maintaining close relationships with the Affordable Clinical team members for encouragement and support. “Affordable has been a blessing… the support has been great and the education is wonderful. Every class is a jewel where I can bring back something I can instantly use,” she says. One of Dr. Rice’s many slogans - perhaps the most famous - is “Let’s Make the Magic Happen!” It’s a frequent sentiment in Wichita Falls; one that has kept she and her staff motivated through tough times. There is no magic at work, however. Instead, it is the intentional joy, determination, positivity and hard work that Dr. Rice has meticulously woven into her practice. It’s her commitment to her patients; her tireless efforts to transform their lives as hers once was. The magic, it appears, is Dr. Rice herself.

Dr. Rice & her team in Wichita Falls, TX

NEWS WORTHY

NEWSWORTHY SPECIAL REPORT

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN DENTISTRY SHAPING THE ENVIRONMENT Dr. ArNelle Wright, DMD Dentist | East Orlando, FL When thinking of Florida, sunshine naturally comes to mind, and Dr. ArNelle Wright has perhaps the sunniest personality one can imagine. Upon entering the East Orlando AD&I practice, her contagious laughter and energetic voice can be overheard as she quickly and easily connects with anyone in her path. While one might assume Dr. Wright’s charisma has led to her success, what lies beneath her cheerful disposition is a strength and resolve unlike any other, a quiet confidence and maturity far beyond her years, and a passion for serving others. Dr. Wright’s determination to professionally excel and achieve greatness, her honest and engaging disposition, and and her tireless quest for excellence are profoundly impacting not only the environment in the AD&I practice of East Orlando, but the dental community of Florida itself and beyond. Born and raised in Winter Haven, Florida, Dr. Wright was driven to succeed and excel at a young age. Following high school graduation, Dr. Wright enrolled in University of Florida in Gainesville, a milestone in itself - she would be the first generation of her family to go to college. An enthusiastic and ambitious student, Dr. Wright successfully completed her undergraduate degree and jumped into university life with fervor. “Finishing with an undergraduate degree would have been enough, it was the achievement of my family’s dreams,” Dr. Wright remembers, “but I wasn’t done.” She went on to enroll in the University of Florida’s Master’s program, achieving a Master of Science in Nutrition. It was when she encountered her first dentist that she found her true calling. “I like to say that dentistry found me,” Dr. Wright laughs, recalling that it certainly wasn’t top of mind as she considered her career options. Having grown up without access to dental care, she’d heard lots of horror stories about dentists. When her first dental appointment was a positive experience, she found herself immediately drawn to the profession. “I was pleasantly surprised,” she remembers, “And I had never seen a black dentist, or a female dentist, so I just decided I would be a dentist.” Dr. Wright remained at the University of Florida, completing her DMD at the College of Dentistry, and used her personal experience with dental care to focus on how she would shape her own career as a caregiver. “I realize most people don’t have a pleasant experience at the dentist, and I wanted to reverse engineer that,” she says. She closely observed the faculty, emulating behaviors that led to better patient interactions and outcomes. She quickly learned that actively listening to patients and making them feel comfortable were keys to success.

Following graduation in 2017, Dr. Wright took a position at a dental and orthodontic practice while also focusing on her growing family. By 2021, she was married with two young boys when she was introduced to Affordable Care through a recruiter. Having little experience with implants, she was initially skeptical. The recruiter, who must have sensed her hesitation, suggested she spend a day in the Port St. Lucie, FL, AD&I practice to determine if Affordable would be a good fit. A day of shadowing with Dr. Daniel Fenton piqued her interest. “I could see the impact he had on his patients… it was really touching how happy they were,” Dr. Wright recalls. Following the visit, she sought out Dr. Jumoke Adedoyin through social media, pursuing advice from a female in the network. After much consideration, she took the leap and joined the soon-to-opened AD&I practice in East Orlando, FL. Life, however, threw Dr. Wright an unexpected curve ball. Shortly before joining the practice, Dr. Wright was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent surgery, and began a regimen of chemotherapy and radiation therapies. Undaunted, Dr. Wright joined the practice after recovering from surgery, only a few short weeks after her originally planned start date. Her first chemotherapy treatment happened to coincide with her first week at the practice, but she approached it with her usual enthusiasm.

Dr. ArNelle Wright

“Being at work during my cancer treatment has been transformational and therapeutic,” Dr. Wright says, a clear testament to her strength and optimism. For nearly a year, Dr. Wright underwent treatment, yet she remained committed to the practice and her patients. Over the course of many months, she started each morning with radiation therapy at 7:30 AM, with her first patients then scheduled at 8:30 AM. It was a routine she grew accustomed to, and while unimaginably challenging, she met each day with positivity and resilience. Today, she has cause to celebrate: her final radiation treatment was completed in April and she’s in full remission. “Life is short; I value constant progress,” Dr. Wright reflects on her journey through a difficult time. “I have learned to focus on the more important things. I love harder, I travel, I read… I’m always on a quest to better myself.” Constant progress is certainly a hallmark of Dr. Wright herself. Her mantra of continual growth has proven invaluable since joining the Affordable network, a time she describes as being a “big learning experience.” With the East Orlando practice newly opened in summer 2021, Dr. Wright acknowledges that practice team is still figuring out their “groove,” having undergone several staff changes since opening. Despite a few setbacks, her willingness to grow and advance is unwavering. She focuses on what lies ahead, with the practice poised for future growth and expansion, supported by a dedicated practice team who she credits with collectively encouraging, respecting and supporting one another as they build momentum. Dr. Wright also recognizes the support from the Affordable network as having been critically important, noting she and the practice staff have taken full advantage of the clinical education opportunities, auxiliary and lab training, clinical mentors and operational support. “We are blessed to have these resources,” she says, noting that Dr. Fenton and Dr. Adedoyin, once instrumental in her decision to join the network, are still frequent contacts as she navigates more complex cases and needs occasional mentor advice. Dr. Wright has never forgotten her first encounter with a dentist, the event that launched her career as a compassionate caregiver. True to those roots, Dr. Wright drives focus with the team on creating a special and engaging environment with patients as the central focus. “I always strive to ensure that every patient feels heard, because the greatest human need is to be understood.” Dr. Wright says, noting that setting realistic expectations and respecting her patients’ perspectives are nonnegotiables for her. The practice staff has followed her lead of creating excellent patient experiences by putting best practices in place to ensure communication and satisfaction at every point of interaction. She commends the practice team for their commitment to patients and willingness to learn and grow alongside her; the outcome is a win for everyone. (Continued on Next Page)

NEWS WORTHY

Along with practicing dentistry, Dr. Wright also manages to nurture her personal life, carving out dedicated time and energy to being a mother, wife, friend and daughter. “As women, we often feel we have to carry the weight of the world,” she acknowledges, a common theme among female professionals – especially caregivers - that can prove overwhelming at times. She concentrates on staying organized through time-management while also staying laser-focused on her relationships rather than her to-do list. She and her husband balance meal planning, travel obligations and daily scheduling, and she relies heavily on her family and support network to help with her young boys, now five and two years old. It’s a delicate dance, but she seems to thrive in the rhythm of it all. In addition to serving her patients and her family, Dr. Wright is passionate about serving the greater dental community through leadership and advocacy in organized dentistry. She has been actively involved with the American Dental Association (ADA), Florida Dental Association (FDA) and Dental Society of Greater Orlando (DSGO), holding a number of various positions focused on creating solutions to better serve and engage her dentist peers in her home state and beyond. Her current appointment as 17th District Representative to the ADA New Dentist Committee allows her to represent the voice for all new dentists (defined as those with less than 10 years in practice) in the state of Florida and at the national level, with her primary focus on dentists in their first five years of practice. Dr. Wright works alongside representatives in the other 16 districts across the U.S. to provide leadership training to rising dental leaders, wellness resources, and to help dentists navigate the plethora of resources available to them as ADA members, Dr. Wright & her family while also working to create new resources to meet their reported needs. She currently also serves as Editor and on the Board of Directors for the DSGO, as a Guest Consultant for the FDA Workforce Innovation Task Group, and as a Host and Moderator for ADA Webinars focused on topics including wellness, resilience, mentorship and leadership. Most recently, Dr. Wright was hand-selected by Dr. Cesar Sabates, President of the ADA, to participate on the Task Force to Eliminate Barriers for Underrepresented Minorities into the Dental Profession. Quite fittingly, she has been featured this year on ADA News as an industry influencer.

"It has been my privilege to serve as a mentor to ArNelle Wright. She has an insatiable desire to learn and grow as well as a passion for providing outstanding care to her patients. While she is early in her career, she has already demonstrated tremendous leadership in both her practice and in organized dentistry as a whole. I can't wait to see what mark she will leave on dentistry!"

While her free time is certainly limited, Dr. Wright never loses sight of her goals for the future and her own professional development, fueling her love of learning and dedication to progress as often as possible. She remains an avid student, regularly participating in clinical education courses and soliciting peer advice, while also acting as a mentor for predental and dental school students as they embark on their professional journeys.

Dr. Wright is quick to apply a meaningful quote to any conversation, whether from one of her many beloved authors or simply a recent conversation with a colleague. Her favorite quote is from James Clear. “Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.” She rattles it off from memory, - Dr. Jumoke Adedoyin, Director of Clinical Relations noting that she’s intentionally surrounded herself with others who’ve inspired her. In her humble manner, she’s perhaps missed the irony that she in fact also creates the kind of environment where her patients and practice staff thrive in the presence of her dedication, steadfast focus on progress, and unrelenting optimism. Dr. Wright’s reach extends far beyond her charismatic presence as well, as she shapes the very environment of the Florida dental community and her passion for serving others expands to a national stage. As memorable and magnetic as the warm sunshine in her home state of Florida, Dr. Wright is a radiant example of resilience, commitment, and devotion to serving others. Undoubtedly, Dr. ArNelle Wright is a bright light in the industry, shaping the future of dentistry for a better tomorrow.

NEWS WORTHY

ENLIGHTEN UNLOCKING PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

for

CLINICAL SUPPORT your SUCCESS Tapping into the BioHorizons CSS Team Support to Promote Your Practice Growth Even the most skilled dentists still need assistance and mentorship on occasion, and when that time comes, the BioHorizons Clinical Support Specialist (CSS) Team is ready to help! With a highly trained team of dedicated industry professionals, the CSS team can provide invaluable services to you and your practice. As the Affordable network has grown and the demand for clinical support increased, the CSS team has evolved in response. Within just the past three years, BioHorizons has expanded the CSS team from four specialists to twenty-one highly skilled team members, all exclusively dedicated to supporting the Affordable network of practices. CSS team members have in-depth dental backgrounds and undergo rigorous preparation before providing practice support to ensure practices are provided the most comprehensive services and support possible. The CSS team is available to assist you and your practice with implantology, biologics, bone grafting, CBCT training, case acceptance, aseptic technique, and treatment planning. Additionally, the CSS team always ready to provide chairside support for surgeries, pick-ups, conversions, impressions, and more. "The BioHorizons CSS Team has been instrumental in clinically supporting the ACI doctors within the network," says Dr. Daniel Fenton, Director of Clinical Education and Implant Training. "Their vast knowledge of implant dentistry and commitment to helping the clinicians and their staff achieve optimal results has made their role invaluable to our organization." Dentists in the Affordable network are offered valuable CSS support at no cost to the practice. and the result is practice growth at every level of clinician skill. The CSS team aims to support all dentists, with an acute focus on building a lasting and supportive relationship to best position your practice for success. For clinicians new to implant dentistry, utilizing CSS support will prove instrumental to successfully implementing implants in practice quickly and effectively - CSS services include navigating hands-on materials, assessing product and inventory needs, coaching auxiliary team members, attending patient surgeries, and providing chairside clinical mentorship. As dentists continue to grow in skill and practice, the CSS team will continue to support the practice through routine visits aimed at continued growth and efficiency, assessing opportunities for development, introducing new products and technologies, and integrating best practices. For the seasoned clinician, the CSS team specializes in All-in-One Solutions and Full Fixed Arch procedures, helping clinicians gain the confidence and skill to ensure predictable outcomes.

"I have used many different implant systems in the past; however, the Clinical Support Team at BioHorizons is unmatched in service and support." - Dr. Shane Tewis, DDS Broken Arrow, OK

"The BioHorizons Clinical Support Team has been invaluable to my practice," says Dr. Jumoke Adedoyin, Director of Clinical Relations. "They are so much more than an implant rep. They have become a part of the team, from organizing my implant supplies to assisting during surgical procedures." If your practice hasn’t yet experienced support from CSS team, we encourage you to try it out! For more information, contact your local BioHorizons CSS or email Jim Smyros, Sr. Director of Implant Services (Jim.Smyros@AffordableCare.com).

ENLIGHTEN UNLOCKING PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

clinical support specialist network

Carlos Riojas Sheri Harrison Marcia Curro

Becky Wallace Knowles

Jahleda Ford

Ed Dettling

Philip Stanford Faith Tilley

Matthew Shipley

Paul Price

Jennifer Lewis

Mariana Uribe

Tatiana Ramirez Becky Wallace Knowles Steve Whitfield Cayla Barrett

"The BioHorizons CSS role was specifically created for the Affordable network and is an integral element in our strategy to support and accelerate implant services. I have such respect for the CSS team and appreciate the ways in which they tailor education and support to meet the needs of our practices. I encourage each practice to get to know their CSS - they are a tremendous resource and asset!" - Jim Smyros, Sr. Director of Implant Services at Affordable Care

Vavi Bohbot

Eastern Director of Special Markets 514.238.5547 vbohbot@biohorizons.com 40 years experience in dental industry 19 years of those with BioHorizons

Hannah Llop Strategic Account Specialist 775.303.6964 hllop@biohorizons.com 11 years of dental experience and Dental Anesthesia Certified

Matt Goff

Western Director of Special Markets 720.438.8800 mgoff@biohorizons.com 18 years of field-level support and management in the dental implant industry

Shanna Flood Strategic Account Manager, Southeast 850.851.8303 sflood@biohorizons.com 16 years in the dental industry as a sales consultant, trainer and implant specialist.

Dr. James Sanderson Jr.

Clinical Advisor 205.936.0336 jsanderson@biohorizons.com 32 years of practicing Comprehensive Dentistry

Matthew Shipley Strategic Accounts Manager 469.545.4833 mshipley@biohorizons.com 12 years in the dental industry as a certified trainer, hygienist and implant specialist

Cayla Barrett

Sheri Harrison

Becky Wallace Knowles

Sr. Clinical Support Specialist 561.430.9813 cbarrett@biohorizons.com 7 years experience in dental industry 4 years - Dental Assistant

Sr. Clinical Support Specialist 651.242.1141 sharrison@biohorizons.com 13 years experience in the dental industry supporting biologics and implants

Sr. Clinical Support Specialist 425.750.4291 bknowles@biohorizons.com 35 years in the dental industry as a certified trainer, consultant, biologics and implant specialist

Tatiana Ramirez

Paul Price

Carlos Riojas

Sr. Clinical Support Specialist 904.460.4403 tramirez@biohorizons.com DDS / Prosthodontist. Over 20 years experience in the dental clinical field, dental implant sales and non-profit management.

Sr. Territory Manager / Clinical Support Specialist 501.551.3230 pprice@biohorizons.com 10 years in the dental industry supporting digital technologies, biologics and implants

Strategic Account Support Specialist 401.408.1188 criojas@biohorizons.com 14 years - NREMT 14 years - Health Care Specialist

Philip Stanford

Mariana Uribe

Faith Tilley

Clinical Support Specialist 615.974.1415 pstanford@biohorizons.com Over 6 years professional sales experience ranging from medical to industrial. Started with BioHorizons in operations.

Clinical Support Specialist 469.728.5278 muribe@biohorizons.com 10 years in implant dentistry as an internationally trained General Dentist and Periodontist, U.S.-based Dental Assistant and Surgical Specialist

Clinical Support Specialist 919.741.1756 ftilley@biohorizons.com 4 years of experience in the dental industry

Jahleda Ford

Jennifer Lewis

Marcia Curro

Clinical Support Specialist 610.301.8047 jford@biohorizons.com 8 years experience in dentistry 5 years experience in implant dentistry as an EFDA

Clinical Support Specialist 205.919.7070 jlewis@biohorizons.com 12 years experience as a Surgical Assistant 3 years experience in customer service and case management

Clinical Support Specialist 847.815.9584 mcurro@biohorizons.com 25 years in the dental industry 21 years of experience in Periodontics as a Surgical Assistant

Ed Dettling

Steve Whitfield

Clinical Support Specialist 303.437.5820 edettling@biohorizons.com 38 years experience as an expanded duties, oral and periodontal Surgical Assistant.

Clinical Support Specialist 713.551.1943 swhitfield@biohorizons.com 40 years as an expanded duties, oral and periodontal Surgical Assistant.

Will Coleman

Strategic Accounts Analyst 205.259.9788 wcoleman@biohorizons.com 5 years as a Customer Care Representative, Trainer

Learn more by visiting Clinical HQ at Inside Affordable and click Vendor Partner Resources on the Auxiliary Connect page!

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