Danielle Avila & Laura Bettencourt

Meet Danielle and Laura, co-founders of L’Diamante Dental Coaching. With 30+ years of experience, they’re empowering dental professionals to overcome burnout, rediscover purpose, and grow in their careers.

quip: Can you share the pivotal moments or experiences in your dental career that inspired you to become a mentor and guide for others in the field? What personal realizations or challenges motivated you to support other dental professionals on their own paths?

Danielle: A pivotal moment in my career came during a time of personal hardship, which forced me to pause and reassess my life. I realized I was experiencing burnout and knew that there had to be more to my career than the routine I had fallen into. I needed to make a change. It was in the midst of this struggle that I discovered how few resources existed to help guide me through such a challenging transition. This gap sparked my desire to help others. I wanted to be a source of light and support on their journeys, empowering them to thrive both personally and professionally. 

Laura: Throughout my clinical career, I’ve often found other hygienists coming to me for advice, whether it was about navigating difficult conversations with a patient or colleague, or even something personal. Over time, I realized that this wasn't just a coincidence—it felt like a calling. I know it may sound corny, but mentoring and guiding others is something I genuinely feel destined to do. I believe that every individual has their own unique superpower to share, and they deserve the chance to let their light shine in the world. My personal challenges and experiences have taught me that we all need a little encouragement to see that potential within ourselves, and I want to help others recognize and embrace their own strengths, so they can thrive in both their careers and personal lives.

quip: As mentors, you’re often inspiring others—but who or what inspires you? Are there people or experiences that continue to fuel your passion for personal and professional growth?

Danielle / Laura: Our families inspire us every day—they are our constant source of strength and motivation. Each other, of course, we continue to inspire and uplift one another, and we are incredibly grateful for the amazing group of individuals we’ve had the privilege to work with. The genuine connections we’ve formed along the way, and the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional coaches in the industry, keep pushing us to grow personally and professionally. A few individuals who have profoundly inspired us are Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, Sarah Crow, Vanessa Emerson, and Allison Lacoursiere. Their dedication, leadership, and passion continue to fuel our own drive for excellence and growth.

quip: As we enter a new year, what emerging trends or opportunities do you foresee for dental professionals across the industry?

Danielle / Laura: EMS-Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), Artificial intelligence (AI) and endoscopy are a few of the emerging trends we will continue to see explode in 2025. 

quip: How can dental professionals leverage the resources and community at L'Diamante Coaching to advance their careers in 2025?

Danielle / Laura: Dental professionals have so many exciting ways to tap into the resources and community at L'Diamante Coaching in 2025! First up, we'd love for you to join our Diamond Study Club—we’ve lined up some seriously amazing speakers for our Spring Semester, covering all the hottest trends and innovations in the dental world. It’s a great way to stay ahead of the curve and connect with a vibrant community.

If you're looking to beat burnout and reclaim your spark, check out our Flex & Freedom Group Coaching. Our next cohort kicks off in February 2025, with more opportunities throughout the year to jump in and grow alongside other passionate dental pros.

For new grads, we’ve got something special just for you—our New Grad Coaching, led by the wonderful Letitia Hill, is designed to give you that extra boost as you start your career. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got the tools, support, and community to help you shine!

quip: For dental pros looking to set meaningful professional goals this year, what advice would you offer to make those goals impactful and achievable?

Danielle / Laura: When setting meaningful professional goals as a dental professional, it's essential to anchor them in a strong "why." Understanding the deeper purpose behind your goals ensures that they align with your core values and motivates you when challenges arise. Ask yourself: Why is this goal important to me? How does it align with the care I want to provide or the impact I want to have in my career? Once you've clarified your "why," your goals become more than just checkboxes—they’re tied to your larger purpose and values.

Next, create a clear roadmap. Start by visualizing your ultimate goal, whether it’s advancing in your career, improving patient care, or achieving work-life balance. Break this down into smaller, actionable steps that build toward the bigger picture. This could mean cultivating new habits, learning new skills, or refining systems in your practice. For instance, if your goal is to improve efficiency, the first step might be streamlining your daily workflows or adopting new technology. Each small step brings you closer to your bigger objective.

Finally, stay committed by continuously checking in with yourself. Adjust your approach when needed, and always keep your core values front and center, allowing them to guide your actions. With the right mindset and consistent effort, you’ll find that your goals are not only achievable but also deeply fulfilling.

quip: Can you share a success story from your coaching experience that highlights the potential for growth and advancement in dental careers?

Danielle / Laura: We are incredibly proud of all our clients and their achievements, but one recent success story truly stands out. A client who completed our Flex & Freedom program was on a mission to make a difference, not only in her career but also in raising awareness about mental health within the dental field. She identified a company that aligned perfectly with her values and set her sights on pursuing an opportunity there. Through hard work, dedication, and strategic goal mapping, she was able to make that vision a reality.

She recently celebrated her last day as a clinical hygienist and is now stepping into a new role where she’ll have an even greater impact, aligning her career with her larger mission of promoting mental health. Watching her transition into this new chapter with purpose and passion has been inspiring, and we couldn't be more proud of her growth and success.

quip: How does your coaching approach help address common issues like burnout and work-life balance in the dental field? 

Danielle / Laura: Our coaching approach tackles burnout and work-life balance in the dental field by addressing the root causes of what you’re experiencing. We help you uncover your "why," align with your core values, and become intentional with your actions. Together, we create a personalized roadmap, breaking down your goals into small, manageable steps that build the habits needed to achieve them.

But here’s the key—there’s no such thing as perfect work-life balance. Sometimes, work demands more of you, and other times, your family or personal life takes center stage. It's not about keeping everything equal; it’s about creating harmony in how you manage it all. We help you find that flow, so you can adapt and thrive no matter where your focus needs to be. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, our approach will help you regain clarity, energy, and purpose. You deserve to find that balance in a way that works for you—let us guide you!

quip: What role does continuing education play in a successful dental career, and how does L'Diamante Coaching support ongoing learning for professionals?

Danielle / Laura: Continuing education plays a crucial role in building a successful and fulfilling dental career. The dental field is always evolving, with new techniques, technologies, and best practices emerging regularly. Staying current not only enhances your skills but also allows you to provide the best possible care for your patients. At L'Diamante Coaching, we strongly encourage dental professionals to actively engage in their local associations and participate in study clubs to stay connected and grow alongside their peers.

That's why we created our own Diamond Study Club, specifically designed for professionals looking to stay ahead of industry trends and deepen their knowledge. We bring in incredible speakers to cover a variety of topics, ensuring members have access to the latest insights and tools. Whether you’re looking to learn about a specific area of dentistry or want to engage with a community of like-minded professionals, we’re here to support your journey. We encourage anyone interested in ongoing learning to connect with us and join the Diamond Study Club—it’s a fantastic way to elevate your career and stay inspired!

quip: For dental hygienists specifically, what skills or experiences would you recommend developing to unlock new career pathways within the dental industry?

Danielle / Laura: For dental hygienists looking to unlock new career pathways within the dental industry, the key is to first learn your strengths. Understanding what you excel at—whether it's patient care, education, leadership, or clinical expertise—can help guide your next steps. Once you know your strengths, you can start to carve out a path that aligns with those natural abilities.

Next, focus on enhancing your soft skills. Skills like communication, empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving are crucial, not only in patient interactions but also in leadership roles, education, or even consulting. These skills help you stand out and open doors to opportunities beyond the operatory.

Most importantly, find your passion. What excites you the most about dental hygiene? Is it educating patients, advocating for prevention, or perhaps diving into the latest technologies? Once you identify that passion, dive deeper into it. Whether that means taking specialized courses, attending workshops, or networking with industry leaders, investing in what you're passionate about will naturally create new opportunities and career pathways.

By combining self-awareness, developing your soft skills, and aligning with your passions, you'll be well-equipped to explore the many diverse and exciting career options available to dental hygienists today.

quip: For all dental professionals, what are some practical steps or strategies you would recommend for enhancing their professional development and staying competitive in the field?

Danielle / Laura:  Here are some pro tips to keep you sharp and ahead in the dental game:

1. Stay Curious & Keep Learning: Attend workshops, conferences, study clubs (like ours!), and online courses to master the latest techniques and tech in dental care.
2. Network Like a Pro: Connect with colleagues at events and on platforms like LinkedIn. Sharing ideas with peers opens doors to new insights and opportunities!
3. Sharpen Your Soft Skills: Patients remember your kindness just as much as your skills. Brush up on communication and empathy – it’s the secret sauce!
4. Get a mentor/coach: If you are looking to grow in your career, hire a coach or find a mentor to keep you accountable. It's always nice to have someone who has been where you are to help propel you forward faster. Stay fresh, stay fearless, and keep those pearly whites shining!

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