Every great vision begins with a spark—a moment of inspiration that propels us forward, even when the odds seem insurmountable. For Tooth & Talent, a dental assisting institution and continuing education platform that will also serve as a research and technology center, charitable foundation, and dental employment agency, that spark was ignited during what felt like one of the lowest points in my career.

I’ll never forget that pivotal lunch with my dear friend and colleague, Alyssa Simpson, RDH. I was feeling defeated, questioning whether my full dream could ever materialize. But sometimes, the universe aligns in ways we can’t foresee.

Alyssa listened intently to my struggles and, with unwavering belief in my mission, connected me with Dr. Chrislyn Fite. From the moment I met Dr. Fite, her energy and positivity were contagious. She didn’t just hear my mission—she embraced it wholeheartedly.

Her immediate support led to an introduction to her husband, Logan, who would later become my business partner and an instrumental driving force as co-founder of Tooth & Talent.

But the story doesn’t stop there. When I shared my vision with Logan, it was still in its infancy—a fragile idea yearning for growth. Logan didn’t just see a small piece of what I wanted to achieve; he grasped the full scope of my dream and encouraged me to think even bigger.

For the first time in my professional journey, I felt truly free—free from limits, free from doubt, and free to dream as expansively as I dared. The glass ceiling didn’t just crack; it disappeared entirely.

Today, Tooth & Talent stands as a testament to resilience, collaboration, and the power of believing in something greater than yourself. What started as a simple idea has blossomed into a multifaceted organization that not only educates future and existing dental professionals but also empowers them through continued learning, innovation, and community impact.

This journey taught me an invaluable lesson: no matter how many setbacks you face or how many people fail to see your full vision, keep pushing forward. Surround yourself with those who believe in you—those who challenge you to dream beyond what you thought possible. Because when the right people come together at the right time, magic happens.

To anyone reading this who feels like giving up on their dreams: don’t. Your story is still unfolding, and the best chapters are yet to be written.