A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CHAMPIONING OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS. PHOTOGRAPY BY JESSICA WHITLEY.

Signature Dentistry of Macon
Dentist/Owner
1495 Forsyth St., Macon
478-741-0046
staff@signaturedentistryofmacon.com
signaturedentistryofmacon.com

WHAT IS YOUR MISSION?
Our mission is to become lifetime partners in the healthcare of our patients, helping them to achieve the highest standard of diagnostic, preventative and restorative care. Our goal is to educate our patients of all ages on the importance of their oral health and promote at-home maintenance. We treat our patients with modern, state-of-the-art dental care, while respecting their individual needs and desires. Our team provides dental care in a warm, welcoming environment and our patients will always be our first priority.

How has your business shifted because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Due to COVID, we were closed for seven weeks in 2020 per CDC and state guidelines. In order to provide the care our patients have come to expect and value, many new protocols were put into place to help protect our patients and staff. We screen our staff each morning prior to the start of the day and we also screen each patient coming into the office for an appointment. Dentists are experts in infection control and have been using universal precautions since the 1980s. By using theprotocols we have always followed, we continue to maintain a sterile environment for our patients, but have taken additional measures. We have installed a new air purification system and now wear N-95 masks while providing treatment. Even though things are different, we are so grateful to still be in business, doing what we love and providing quality care for our patients.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR WOMEN SEEKING TO OPEN A BUSINESS?
Surround yourself with a team of experienced business professionals to help guide you in the business world. You know your industry, however in order to be successful, you need to know accounting, marketing, legal and human resource management. That is where your team comes into play. My accountant, attorney, banker and consultant have been vital to building my business.

WHAT IS THE MOST GRATIFYING PART OF YOUR JOB?
Transforming someone’s life by giving them the ability to smile again.

How do you define success?
In business, being able to do what I love and find fulfillment in every day. It’s one of the greatest gifts God has given me.

You might be surprised to know:I started working in a dental office when I was 16.

What has been the most challenging part of being a female business owner?
Figuring out a healthy work/life balance, but that applies to all business owners – women and men!

I admire women who: are genuine. They are honest and share their mistakes and their triumphs. Those who show compassion and care for others solely for the purpose of lifting others up are true leaders.

What was the best business advice you ever received?
Treat everyone like you want to be treated.

I hope more women will: Find what drives you to work harder, to be better and go for it.

How can women better support each other?
Women need to focus on ways to build each other up and point out each other’s strengths. Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.