This past weekend, Heartland Dental held its second annual Launch event in Chicago. This brought 100 dental students together representing 57 of the 66 dental schools in the nation to learn about more starting off strong as they decide what career options to explore.
This year, communication was once again a theme. Through the keynote presentations, mini-session breakouts and social events, attendees were encouraged to engage with their colleague students, Heartland Dental representatives and speakers, in order to create an open forum atmosphere. Being a leadership summit, leadership was also a reoccurring theme over the three-day event. Focusing on clinical care in school, dental students may not learn about the leadership aspects of running a practice and leading a team as much. The keynote speakers and breakout presenters all incorporated the importance of leadership in being a successful dentist.
Recapping the Event
- After a welcome event Thursday evening which gave attendees the opportunity to network with one another, Friday’s educational activities were kicked off by Dr. Elizabeth Gulledge from the Bell Leadership Institute. As an analyst, speaker and author who has helped FORTUNE 500 companies internationally and domestically, Dr. Gulledge brings a deep understanding and knowledge of the complex challenges of leadership. She shared this knowledge with attendees, focusing on how they can embrace their alpha state and build themselves first.
- Several mini-sessions elaborated on the importance of communication in the business of dentistry, then the day was wrapped up with Heartland Dental’s President & CEO, Patrick Bauer. With over 30 years in the dental industry, Patrick discussed the current state of the dental industry, what the future looks like and how attendees can take their best foot forward once graduating.
- Following a cruise around Lake Michigan Friday evening, Saturday’s keynote speaker was author, lecturer and President of Sanborn & Associates, Inc., Mark Sanborn. Calling upon his wealth of experience in developing leaders in business and in life, Mark gave attendees key insights on how they can best lead their teams in the future and build the careers they want.
Launch is a limited-access leadership summit for third-year and fourth-year dental students.