We later moved to Houston, Texas. That’s where I spent most of my upbringing. Throughout all of life’s challenges, I found solace and strength through football and in my unwavering faith in the Lord.
When I was nine years old, I attended summer school in Houston. I will never forget the time I was on the school bus, and we were slowly pulling out from my bus stop. I watched as my mother was walking to work, pushing a mop bucket and cleaning supplies down the street. The lump in my throat was an overwhelming feeling of love and determination. That feeling has stayed with me all these years to help fuel my motivation to succeed and bring pride to my mother.
Watching my family endure struggles and witnessing my mother’s tireless efforts to provide for us, I became fiercely determined to break free from the cycle of hardship. I knew that I had to create a better life, not just for myself, but for my family too. I pushed myself to excel both academically and athletically throughout my years in school.
During my undergraduate years, a friend helped steer me towards becoming a dentist by highlighting the opportunity to be the owner of my own dental practice, which resonated with my mother’s advice to always strive to be the owner in whatever I do.
In my fourth year of dental school, I felt a calling to Joplin, Missouri. As I started receiving job offers from all over the U.S., I realized that my bilingual skills, a rare trait for a dentist, set me apart. An email from Dr. Bentlage in Joplin caught my attention, and after meeting him, I knew he would be a great mentor. After falling in love with the area, I knew that Joplin was where I was meant to be.
Inspired by my mother’s wish for me, I set my sights on opening my own dental practice. A feeling of calling was stewing in my heart, urging me to take the next step in becoming the owner of my own practice.
One afternoon, I spoke to an area dental representative and mentioned that if he knew anyone looking to sell their practice, to let me know. Unbeknownst to me, a local dentist informed the same dental representative that he was ready to sell and retire that very same day. The serendipity of the timing felt preordained, like it was meant to be.
I opened my practice, Team Dental of Joplin, in Joplin, Missouri. The name “Team Dental” was chosen to reflect my belief in the importance of teamwork and collaboration. The team at Team Dental consists of individuals carefully selected by the founder himself. I value qualities such as hard work, generosity, and a genuine desire to help others, which are traits I saw in my mother. By choosing my team members, I ensure that everyone shares the same values and dedication to providing exceptional dental care.
For me, ownership is not just about financial success; it is about having the autonomy to choose the people I work with and creating a positive and supportive work environment. I believe that treating people with respect and kindness is paramount, and I strive to provide the same level of care and compassion to my patients that I would expect from myself.
I take great pride in my accomplishments, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives through dentistry. It brings me great joy to spread God’s message of unconditional love and grace, knowing that it has the power to transform lives and bring hope to those who may be struggling. My story serves as a reminder that with determination, perseverance, support of loved ones, and faith in God, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
And the rest is history.