With 12 women and more than 148 years of combined experience, the team at Dentistry for Children brings together a unique mix of talents, personalities and strengths. Represented by Julia Isherwood Schreiber, D.M.D., and LaKeshia Thomas, D.M.D., the practice celebrates women who are leaders, mothers, grandmothers, caregivers and friends. For more than 50 years, Dentistry for Children has served River Region families, creating an environment where excellent pediatric dentistry goes hand in hand with compassion, connection and a little fun.
“A child may not remember every detail of a dental appointment, but they will remember how we made them feel.”
HOW DO THE WOMEN ON YOUR TEAM HELP BRING THE COMPANY’S MISSION TO LIFE?
Our mission is to provide excellent, compassionate pediatric dental care to children and families throughout the River Region. Our team brings that mission to life in the little moments—a reassuring smile, comforting an anxious child, answering a parent’s questions or celebrating a child’s successful visit. Excellent dentistry is important, but how we make children and their families feel is equally important.
HOW DO THE WOMEN ON YOUR TEAM SUPPORT, ENCOURAGE OR LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER?
We encourage shared ideas and open communication because ultimately we are all working toward the same goal. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of her role or how long she has been with the practice. We are always looking for ways to learn from one another and improve the care and experience we provide our families.
HOW HAS YOUR TEAM OF WOMEN GROWN, AND HOW HAS THAT SHAPED YOUR COMPANY?
Dentistry for Children has been serving families for more than 50 years, so our team has naturally evolved. We’ve watched longtime team members retire and welcomed new women into the practice. Those transitions have been successful because our senior team members have taken pride in teaching and mentoring the next generation. They don’t just pass along knowledge, they pass along the culture and traditions that have made this practice special.
WHAT HAVE THE WOMEN ON YOUR TEAM TAUGHT YOU ABOUT LEADERSHIP, COLLABORATION OR SUCCESS?
They’ve taught me that communication is essential and that leadership doesn’t look the same in everyone. Some people lead from the front, while others quietly lead by example. Some teach, some encourage, some solve problems and some are simply the person everyone knows they can count on. A strong team needs all of those kinds of leaders.
WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE WOMEN WHO MAKE UP YOUR TEAM, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I’m most proud of their loyalty to our patients, our practice and one another. We recognize that we’re all very different, but those differences are part of our strength. Different personalities allow us to connect with different children and families and help create a place where everyone can feel welcome. Most of all, I hope they know that what they do matters. Every member of our team has the opportunity to make a child feel safe, cared for and loved.
