TMD to Esteemed Educator: Ann-Marie DePalma's Personal Journey to Dental Education
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Show Notes
How can a personal experience with TMD spark a fulfilling career of helping others?
In this episode of the Just DeW It podcast, Anne Duffy sits down with Ann-Marie DePalma, a trailblazer in the dental world, to peel back the layers of her remarkable career. From earning the prestigious Esther Wilkins Distinguished Alumni Award to becoming a Fellow of numerous esteemed organizations, such as the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries and the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Ann-Marie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. However, it was a personal health challenge—developing TMD while working as a clinical hygienist—that truly sparked her creative evolution. Discover how her journey through treatments and surgical intervention became a catalyst for her prolific contributions to dental education, filling vital knowledge gaps for both practitioners and patients alike.
Anne and Ann-Marie dive deep into how personal narratives, like Ann-Marie’s TMD experience, can be foundational tools in crafting engaging presentations and educational content. They discuss her expanded focus on diverse topics such as dental implants, child developmental delays, and even the intriguing realm of artificial intelligence in dentistry. Together, they highlight how blending passion with expertise not only enriches individual careers but also has a wider ripple effect in helping others. With practical insights into leveraging groups like Toastmasters for honing public speaking skills, they offer a roadmap for professionals eager to merge stable careers with impactful storytelling. Wrapping up, Ann-Marie shows how sharing knowledge through writing, speaking, or volunteer work can significantly contribute to a long-lasting and fulfilling career.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How personal challenges can inspire educational and professional growth.
- The transformative impact of storytelling in professional settings.
- Insight into patient treatment, AI, and cybersecurity.
- The importance of passion and expertise in creating impactful presentations.
- Practical advice on balancing a stable career with new opportunities in writing and speaking.
Step into a story of transformation and inspiration—listen now to fuel your own professional journey!
You Can Learn More About Ann-Marie DePalma Here:
Website: depalmaannmarie.com
Email: de*************@***il.com
Ann-Marie’s DeW Article: DeW Winter 2025 Edition
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Just DeW It Podcast is the official podcast of Dental Entrepreneur Women (DeW), founded by Anne Duffy, RDH. The mission of DeW is to inspire, highlight, empower, and connect all women in dentistry. To join the movement or to learn more, please visit dew.life. Together, we can DeW amazing things!
References:
Events/Communities:
DeW Retreat 2025
Toastmasters
Acronyms:
CDA – Certified Dental Assistant
RDH – Registered Dental Hygienist
MEd – Masters of Education Degree
FADIA – Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association
FAADH – Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene
FADHA – Fellow of the American Dental Hygienist Association
TMD
- Temporomandibular Disorder
TMJ – Temporomandibular Joint
Education:
Forsyth School
of Dental Hygiene
Northeastern University
UMass Boston
Esther M. Wilkins Distinguished Alumni Award
Businesses:
DDSmatch
Strengths Tests:
StrengthsFinder
People:
Minal Sampat
Lisa Copeland
Jasmine Haley
Vanessa Emerson
Music/Musicals:
Taking My Shot
Hamilton
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