Her Story
About Kelsey
Kelsey McCormick, FAADOM, is a Dental Operations Manager at Carmi Family Dental in Carmi, Illinois, with nearly nine years of experience in the dental industry. Beginning her career as a Patient Care Specialist and later serving as a Treatment Coordinator, she developed a strong foundation in patient support, office operations, and healthcare administration. In her current role, she oversees employee relations, supports daily practice operations, and ensures patients receive compassionate, high-quality care.
Throughout her career, McCormick has focused on creating a positive workplace culture built on transparency, honesty, and kindness. She plays a key role in addressing patient concerns, helping de-escalate challenging situations, and serving as a trusted resource for team members. She believes that strong leadership begins with supporting people, prioritizing team well-being, and creating an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed.
McCormick is an active member of the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) and is advancing her professional development through leadership and practice management education. She recently completed the Strategic Leadership in Practice Management program through Wharton Online in partnership with AADOM, a milestone she considers one of her greatest professional achievements. Her commitment to continuous learning, patient-centered care, and people-focused leadership reflects her dedication to strengthening both dental practice operations and the overall patient experience.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelsey
01What do you attribute your success to?
I have a really good support system. My husband supports me with whatever I want to do, but also in my office, the doctors are extremely supportive. They want you to go out and learn new things if you feel like that's something that you can use to better yourself within the office, they're all for it. So having the support on both sides really helped put me in this place that I'm in now.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The biggest thing that I always hear is, remember to lead with kindness. And promote your kindness in all that you do. If somebody's upset, the answer, no matter what, is always kindness. It typically will de-escalate the situation.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just keep going. There are days, you know, everybody's gonna have bad days. Some days, it seems like everyone you encounter is having a bad day. But keep going, because you never know who you're going to influence to have a good day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There's always opportunity for growth in our field. The biggest challenge would probably be just finding the right people to bring on the team. Making sure that they hold the same values and goals that the office holds as well.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the biggest things is I really strive for transparency. What you see is what you get. I'm never going to be someone that would lie to you about anything. I want to be honest so that we can get through it, no matter if it is personal or professional.
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