Here We Go!

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Mark Twain

Just so you know, the first time I met my stellar business partner, I really didn’t meet her. Instead of going eyeball-to-eyeball, I chose to rotate my head 90 degrees to the left and utter something memorable like, “Thanks for coming by” and continued on treating my patient. This story has some serious published history; if you’ve already heard a version of it, please indulge me just one more time. When I share the tale it’s like I’m doing penance the equivalent of thirty-two Hail Mary’s, one for each tooth in the human dentition.

It was the day after some 24-plus years ago, that under the threat of a team walkout, citizen’s arrest, or four flat tires that Dani Williams, Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), granted me a second chance and an interview. And things haven’t been the same ever since.

Even as a new team member, Dani drew instant respect, generated trust on “Hello,” and projected a calm sense of confidence and purpose. Dani’s initiative was understated, she processed challenges, brought solutions, and even before officially becoming Team Leader, her leadership was infused with a generous sense of kindness, accountability, and empathy.

Dani became our Team Leader after leading community projects and contributing her voice of reason during morning huddles, team meetings, and team trainings. Dani was the Crown Council Dental Assistant of the Year before she became Team Leader. For some Crown Council perspective, the organization was leading edge progressive and included some of the best dental educators on the planet. In 1998, we were the first office in LA's San Gabriel valley to provide dental laser care and offer a formal Hygiene program; at that time, almost all Crown Council practices across the U.S. and Canada had already taken similar steps.

I always valued Dani’s feedback and honesty; her concern for others was right in line with the December 2^nd birthday she shares with my dad. Dani's core values went miles toward her effective teaching and training new co-workers, in-service trainees, and yours truly. I’d come to think of Dani as the daughter I never had, and it’s ironic how sometimes the assumed parental roles can seem reversed.

Today, after a continuing State of California licensing Oddysey, including twists and turns and some outta state Trojan Horse grifting, Dani will again be leading the way, training fortunate students to be amazing dental assistants. And great news for me, we’ll be working together again and sharing decades (most of them mine) of experience and training.

Our school, Impact Assisting Academy, LLC, will be operating straight outta Temple City Dental Care (TCDC), the dental practice I founded way back during the Carter Administration and mid/late Disco. The current TCDC owner and my friend, Dr. Kyle Low, has been beyond gracious in allowing us to use the 9929 Las Tunas Dr., Temple City space for the school.

Our founding class will begin this fall and include thirteen 8am to 5pm Saturdays. We'll coordinate in-service training with local private dental practices and welcome visiting speakers while covering lecture, lab, and hands-on clinical training addressing current materials and technology. We'll bundle our passion for leadership, teamwork, communication, service, and business culture into all aspects of our training.

If you have friends or family who have an interest in learning more about making a difference for others in oral health (and therefore, general health) please call, email, or connect with us at our website: impactdentalassistingacademy.com for more information and/or to register.

Our founding class will be limited in size and tuition established at an affordable level.

We’re excited to meet the next generation of amazing Dental Assistants and have fun in the process! Who will be the next Dani Williams, RDA?

Impact Assisting Academy, LLC

Dani Williams, RDA

Jack Von Bulow, DDS

626-509-0312

impactdaa@gmail.com