We spoke this week to two clients who show the amazing range of women in our profession. Dr. Linda Ricks of Naperville IL has been a successful practicing endodontist for 24 years. Dr. Kiya Stack-Miller of Sioux City IA is already very successful after just 2 years in the profession.

What advice would you give other women in endo?

Dr. Linda Ricks: “Endodontics is great. Most patients appear to be happy to see you because you are a female and automatically have the perception that you are gentle. It’s the best of all of the specialties because you can practice when you want, especially if you share your practice with another doctor. Start practicing with a coach—it’s worth the investment just as much as the first operatory that you built.”

Dr. Kiya Stack-Miller: “Be you. You are a force. You are strong. You are incredible. Each of us has a uniqueness that is important to this specialty and this profession, and it is powerful when we can shine that uniqueness into what we do.”

How do you face the challenges of being an endodontist?

Dr. Linda Ricks: “My challenge has been balancing home and family life with my career. That is the biggest and most difficult. It’s important to have a lot of support because it’s very difficult to manage entirely on your own.”

Dr. Kiya Stack-Miller: “Get yourself a network of good humans. Someone to push you to be the best version of yourself. Someone to cheer you on. Someone who has no idea what you do but inspires you in an outside view. And most of all, keep these people close.”

What is important to you to feel successful?

Dr. Linda Ricks: “Setting goals for the practice, my home life/family and being able to accomplish them. It’s not easy, life isn’t easy. There is a lot to learn, and a lot of growth that takes place in the process. I’ve enjoyed it immensely. I would definitely choose endodontics again if given the option.”

Dr. Kiya Stack-Miller: “Success, for me, is connection. It is building an experience, not only for my patients, but also for my referring dentists. My favorite marketing tools are the events that we host for our referring doctors and their families. By including those most important to them, we grow and connect on a more personal level.”

We thank these doctors for being part of our endodontic family and coaching community. We admire so much their dedication to the profession and the success they have achieved.