In this uplifting conversation, Tia walks us through her unconventional career path—from selling jeans on commission to landing an entry-level dental assistant role with zero experience, then earning credentials at night and stepping into leadership. She explains how Neighborhood Dental Care scaled to 11 locations while keeping patient-first care and quality at the center. Tia also opens up about sending her oldest to college, why “one day at a time” is her life mantra, and how positivity is a daily choice, not an act of denial.

• How Tia navigated young motherhood, school, and work—one day at a time

• The decision that traded short-term pay for long-term purpose (and how it paid off)

• Building systems, standards, and a culture that truly puts patients first

• Scaling with technology: same-day crowns and other investments that respect patients’ time

• Leadership in real life: turning the light on for others and building bigger staircases

• Practical ways to reduce dental anxiety (hello, comfort menu!)

• Why positivity isn’t ignoring reality—it’s choosing what you focus on

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