Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa serves as the Administrator for Children’s Dental Surgery in Jackson, New Jersey, a position she assumed last month. She brings more than 20 years of experience in dentistry, with expertise in clinical operations, workforce strategy, and organizational transformation.
Throughout her career, Melissa has worked in a variety of care settings, serving patient populations ranging from pediatrics to the elderly. She has also worked in hospital-based environments, where she supported and trained dental residents in practice management and the transition from academic training to private practice.
Melissa began her career managing a $1.1 million private dental practice in Summit, New Jersey. There, her mentor, Dr. James Lassiter, Jr., guided her professional development and taught her the fundamentals of practice management, dental diagnostics, such as reading X-rays, and effective patient communication.
She holds a Doctorate in Health Science and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, where she currently serves as a mentor. Melissa is passionate about the transformative impact dental care can have on patients’ lives and takes pride in helping individuals feel confident and supported through their care.
Known as a trusted advisor and mentor, she remains committed to advancing healthcare education, professional development, and creating sustainable organizational impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mentor, Dr. James Lassiter, always encouraged me never to stop learning. Because of his guidance, I made a commitment to continue growing and expanding my knowledge throughout my career. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and the science of the human body is both fascinating and complex, which has always motivated me to keep learning and understanding its many dynamics.
He was deeply invested in my success and wanted to ensure that I continued to grow within the field of dentistry. Even after he retired in 2006, we stayed in close contact and spoke about once a month. Whenever I faced a challenge or needed advice—whether it was about a professional decision or how to handle a situation—he was always willing to listen and guide me through it. His mentorship and support remained constant.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise her to remain open to learning from everyone, because every person you encounter has something valuable to teach you. It is also important to welcome constructive criticism and not take it personally. In healthcare and many other professional fields, young professionals sometimes interpret feedback as personal criticism rather than an opportunity for growth.
Early in my career, I was often defensive and quick to argue when someone challenged my perspective. Over time, I learned that feedback is part of the development process. The purpose is not to discourage you, but to help shape and prepare you to become better than when you first started.
You may not spend your entire career in one organization, but the knowledge, skills, and experiences you gain along the way stay with you. Those lessons become the foundation that allows you to continue growing and achieving whatever level of success you define for yourself.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In a professional environment, one of the most important and ongoing skills to develop is the ability to communicate effectively with different personalities. Learning how to understand and navigate the perspectives of both patients and colleagues is a key factor in achieving success in any field.
Much of this comes down to recognizing and managing the many dynamics that come with different personalities. It’s a skill that is rarely taught formally, but as you grow in your career, it becomes one of the most valuable abilities you can develop in a professional setting.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I don’t believe in joining organizations or committees simply for the sake of being involved. While many people feel the need to always be part of something, my focus is on making a meaningful impact on individual lives. For me, involvement should align with your purpose, your direction, and the goals you want to achieve.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.