In April, we celebrated four years of Doswell Orthodontics serving the Westhampton community. I’ve been in the ortho world much longer than that, but these past four years have flown by, and it’s hard to remember a life without Doswell Orthodontics, because it is such a big part of our family in the best of ways. I got to share a little bit about my journey at my high school’s career day recently when I served on, not the healthcare panel, but the entrepreneurship panel. It made me reflect on my story, the mentors, teachers, and coaches who have had such a big impact on my life, and why my husband and I decided to take the risk and do a start-up orthodontic practice.
From the beginning, the goal was to create a practice where patients feel known and heard, cared for, and confident – not just in their smiles, but in their overall experience. I wanted a more boutique practice that really centered on patient care and developing relationships with patients and families, while creating healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. Four years in, and that vision continues to grow, shaped by the relationships built within this community and the values that inspired it from the start.
I’ll continue with a quick Q&A based on some career day questions and conversations…
What inspired you to start Doswell Orthodontics?
My parents have been my greatest inspiration throughout my life and my professional career. They modeled what it looks like to work hard, care deeply about people, approach life with integrity, be humble, and most importantly, be the best parents, who were, and still are, there for my four sisters and me (and our husbands and kids) for everything. They showed us that you can love your job, make a big impact on others, and have a family, and do a pretty awesome job juggling all of it with grace and humility.
Over the past four years, what moments have been the most meaningful?
It’s always the relationships that stand out, and watching patients grow in confidence throughout treatment is incredibly rewarding. For adults, treatment can truly be life changing. I have seen it, and it’s brought me to tears. For our adolescent patients, I literally see them grow up before my eyes, and I joke that they start shorter than me and are looking down on me at the end of treatment, but it’s true. They grow up in so many ways, and I love getting to know patients as they see and experience that transformation.
How has your training and experience shaped your approach to care?
I am extremely thankful for my education – my undergraduate years at Duke, getting to be a teaching assistant in the Human Development Department, and my seven years at UNC, learning from truly the best of the best in the field of dentistry and orthodontics. My teachers, coaches, and mentors gave me the foundation, knowledge, skills, and confidence to be the person and clinician that I am. Most of all, they modeled a high standard of excellence in life and patient care. My approach every day is to apply that knowledge and education and treat each patient as if they are a family member, as if it were my son or daughter, sibling, or parent sitting in the chair.
As you celebrate four years, what are you most grateful for?
Everything! My husband, kids, parents, sisters, coaches, mentors, teachers, office team, friends, and this community! I’m incredibly grateful for the trust our patients and families have placed in us, and for a team that brings positivity, expertise, and care to every visit. It takes a village, and I can’t thank that village enough.
What advice would you share with others?
I’ve always thought it’s so important to focus on what truly matters and not get caught up in comparison. I am a firm believer in the quote “comparison is the thief of joy”. This idea is beautifully portrayed in Charlie Mackesy’s book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse when the boy asks, “What do you think is the biggest waste of time?”, and the mole responds, “comparing yourself to others.” It’s such a simple reminder, but an important one. Stay focused on your path, be the best version of you that you can be, and appreciate the people and moments in front of you. In addition to that advice, I like to rely on the advice of those that are wiser than me, so I will share a couple of my favorite quotes below (I have many though). Surround yourself with quotes to inspire you on the good days and the tough days, and every day in between.
When it comes to the creatures you love and the things you love and the life you love, what on earth could possibly be more important than soaking them up right now while you still have the opportunity? If it’s something you want to do, don’t wait until you’re less busy or richer or “ready” or twenty pounds lighter. Start right now. You’ll never be this young again. If it’s the people you love, visit them as often as possible. Act as if every time you see them will be the last. If they bug you sometimes, love them anyway. If you’ve got differences, get over them. Don’t get so tangled up in the stupid little stuff that you miss out on enjoying the people who have part-ownership of your heart.
– Jen Sincero
The best legacy you could leave is…a world that has been impacted and touched by your presence, your joy, and your positive actions.
– Jon Gordon
