Today we’d like to introduce you to Frances Jones.
Hi Frances, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started in dentistry in 2004 in Jacksonville, Florida. I knew I wanted to be in the field as early as 14 years old. When I graduated high school I knew what I wanted to do . After receiving my dental. Assisting with expanded duties certification I started working immediately. Being a Dental assistant and a military spouse can have its ups and downs but I can honesty say I’ve had more ups than downs . The opportunities have been amazing . I’ve assisted not only in Florida , but Georgia, California, Germany and now Texas . Once I realized that it was way more to it than being and assistant I went with it and ran . While in Germany I migrated from the back office to the front office where I did marketing , became familiar with insurance and wanted to know more about the patients experience at our practice .Being able to speak to the patients as an assistant and as a front team member I found intriguing. I understood their nervousness of having treatment and now I understand their experience, their time , and their insurance . While in Germany I completed my Associates Degree in Psychology and completed my Relationship vouching certification. When I returned to the states I knew I wanted to be a lead, I wanted to educate the patient in more ways than one . Over the span of 20 plus years I can honestly say I speak about dentistry as if it’s my first day in the classroom learning. The feeling I get to just be able to serve the community within the dental field is amazing .
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I believe for me I always see things as half full stead of half empty. So with anything we know the bumps will come trust me they will but I don’t look at the bumps look at how I get over the bump . What’s my posture, what’s my attitude, what’s my thought ?. During covid was hard it was hard because we knew nothing about it . All we knew was that we stood behind plexiglass while speaking with patients, wore gloves and masks at all times and made sure we had the proper PPE ordered . Patients were just as nervous as us. One day my teammates were complaining about not being able to get all of our hours and not being to do certain procedures and how we were losing money because of it . I was about to jump in the bandwagon and I thought . Is it really about that ? Is it about not having the time or being able to do certain procedures or losing money ? I age them a piece of paper and told them to write their “Why “ about their job. I did it as well and what I came up with was that I was in the dental field to serve. From that point on I go to work everyday in a mission to serve each person rather a teammate or patient better than before .
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Im a front office team member in the dental field, I verify insurance , schedule , handle patient concerns ,
Im known for smiling , serving the patients , being a team player, bringing positivity to the work place.
I’m most proud of my family , my colleagues and working along side Dr. Mehta and Dr. Patel who are the owners and providers at SA Family Dentist . They have been a vital part of my growth in the dental field. They are such great leaders you can’t help but step your game up when around them . I really don’t know what would set me apart if I had to say something it would be that when I walk in a room I never want myself or anyone to leave the same way they walked in . I’m intentional about making sure I’m giving those that I’m serving a memorable experience that’s done in excellence.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
LISTENING!!!! Listening not to respond but listening for understanding/clarity . That comes with age and wisdom I believe. Listening to whats not being said is definitely the key in my field . Being at the dental office is not a place one kids wakes up to say they are going . For some it’s a moment of vulnerability and you have to be aware of each persons state so you know how to serve them correctly.
Contact Info:
- Website: Safamilydentist.com / dualarcdental.com
