I owe it to my mentors
Dr. Murphy: My Mentor, My Guide
In my journey through the dental industry, there are few people who have shaped my path as profoundly as Dr. K. Michael Murphy. He is not just a mentor; he is one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever had the privilege to know.
When Dr. Murphy took a chance on me, I was young and eager to learn, but I had no idea how transformative those years would be. He invested in me, not just as an employee, but as a person. He molded me into the professional I am today through countless lessons—many of which were challenging at the time, yet they spurred tremendous growth in me.
I spent nearly a decade of my young life under his guidance, learning from his vast talents, but also from his deep compassion and love for what he does. One moment, in particular, has stayed with me—a testament to the kind of man Dr. Murphy is. One evening, as I was leaving the office, I accidentally said, “Good night, Doc. Love you.” I froze the moment the words left my mouth, embarrassed by the slip. But Dr. Murphy, with his gentle eyes and kind smile, simply popped his head around the corner and said, “I love you too.”
In that moment, I realized that Dr. Murphy was more than a boss to me. He was a mentor who cared deeply, who saw potential in me, and who was willing to invest the time and effort to help me grow. His influence goes beyond the skills and knowledge he imparted—he shaped the core of who I am as a professional and as a person.
I owe so much of my success to Dr. Murphy. The time he dedicated to mentoring me, the wisdom he shared, and the love he showed will forever be a part of me. I truly would not be where I am today without him, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Dr. Ritter: A Mentor Who Brought Laughter and Boldness to My Journey
In the tapestry of my career, Dr. Ritter stands out as another extraordinary mentor who not only refined my skills but also infused my professional journey with joy and boldness. Talk about funny! I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as much with anyone else as I did with Dr. Ritter. He made coming to work something I looked forward to every day, and that in itself is a rare gift.
By the time I joined Dr. Ritter, I was already well-versed in digital dentistry, but he took my abilities to new heights. Together, we were often pioneers, exploring uncharted territory in workflows that had little to no existing resources. Most of the time, we learned by trial and error, but Dr. Ritter’s fearless approach made it exciting rather than daunting. That "no fear" attitude—his belief that we could figure it out as we went along—became a core principle I carry with me to this day. It’s a motto to live by, both in work and in life.
Beyond enhancing my technical skills, Dr. Ritter also influenced my already strong work ethic. I vividly remember the long nights, and even spending Christmas break at the practice, working alongside him while we expanded the office and acquired another practice. So many fine details needed attention to ensure everything was perfect, and I was more than happy to be there, contributing to our shared vision.
Dr. Ritter was more than just a mentor; he was a leader who knew how to blend hard work with humor, challenges with camaraderie. The lessons he taught me—about fearlessness, dedication, and the importance of enjoying the journey—have left an indelible mark on my career and life. I’m grateful for every laugh, every late night, and every opportunity to learn by his side.
A Tribute to Ms. Stith: My Guardian Angel, My Best Friend
There are moments in life when you meet someone who changes you forever. For me, that person was Ms. Stith. I met her many years ago while working at Dr. Murphy's office. She was already in her 90s, full of grace and wisdom, and had come to us for a single Cerec crown on tooth #8. It was one of those difficult days—no lunch break, exhaustion creeping in, and I desperately needed to use the bathroom. But there I was, chairside, when she walked into my life and melted away every bit of stress I was feeling.
Her crown turned out beautifully, but it was more than just the success of the procedure that stuck with me. The very next day, I found myself at her apartment, drawn to the kindness and warmth she exuded. It was as if we were destined to meet, our souls recognizing each other across an almost 80-year age difference. What began as a simple patient visit blossomed into one of the most profound friendships I've ever known.
Ms. Stith was my confidante, my teacher, my guiding light. At 102, she became my son’s "Great God Mother," a role she cherished as much as I cherished her. She lived nearly 105 incredible years, passing away on June 26, 2023, just two months and two days shy of her birthday. The loss of my best friend has left a void that words cannot describe, but I find solace in the many lessons she taught me.
Ms. Stith was a woman of wisdom, and her sayings have become mantras in my life, especially as I embark on new business ventures. "You have to have alligator skin," she would say, reminding me to be resilient, to stand tall in the face of challenges. "Get the money, honey," she'd add with a sparkle in her eye, encouraging me to know my worth and to never shy away from pursuing my goals.
She was bright, funny, always positive—a beacon of sunshine on even the darkest days. It’s this light that inspired me to name my daughter Elaine, a tribute to the sunshine Ms. Stith brought into my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss her terribly, but I carry her with me, confident that she is walking beside me every step of the way.
Ms. Stith wasn’t just an angel on earth; she was my angel. Our connection was immediate and undeniable, a rare and beautiful gift that I will treasure for the rest of my life. She taught me more about life than I could ever learn on my own, and I am forever grateful for the love, wisdom, and strength she imparted to me.
In sharing our story, I hope to honor her memory and the incredible impact she made on my life.
