Holly Rivera

I attribute my success to discipline, vision, and adaptability. I have a strong ability to see potential in people, systems, and teams, and I am not afraid to take calculated risks to realize it. Consistency and gratitude keep me grounded, even as business grows rapidly. Currently, I work in organizational leadership within the dental industry, overseeing operations, growth strategy, and patient experience initiatives. My role blends dentistry, finance, and business development, allowing me to help practices increase efficiency while maintaining exceptional patient care. With over a decade of experience spanning pediatric and family practices as well as the financial and operational side of dentistry, I have a comprehensive understanding of the field from front desk to boardroom. I am proud to have implemented follow-up systems that improved patient retention and revenue, and streamlined financial and operational processes that reduced inefficiencies and boosted team morale. These experiences have reinforced my belief that leadership grounded in empathy, structure, and strategic vision creates sustainable, long-term success.

The best career advice I have ever received came from leaders who model calm confidence and lead by example, empowering others rather than micromanaging. One mentor in particular taught me that the key to great leadership is listening before leading, taking the time to understand what motivates people before asking them to grow. This approach has shaped the way I lead teams, foster collaboration, and create environments where people can thrive.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to be confident but stay teachable. Every experience, even the challenging ones, builds your leadership voice. Learn to trust your instincts, set boundaries, and remember that collaboration will always take you further than competition. Embracing both confidence and humility creates a foundation for long-term success and meaningful impact.

The biggest challenge in dentistry right now is balancing patient-centered care with the business demands of a rapidly growing industry. Practices can expand quickly, but without structure, it is easy to lose the personal connection with both patients and staff. The opportunity lies in strategic leadership, empowering teams with effective systems, training, and communication to sustain growth while maintaining the human element that defines exceptional care.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family and integrity. Family grounds me and reminds me of what truly matters, while integrity guides my decisions, interactions, and leadership style. Together, these values ensure that I approach every situation with honesty, accountability, and a focus on what is meaningful and sustainable.