Celebrating Connection and Purpose: MCDC’s All-Staff Meeting 2024 

At MCDC, we know that our success is built on the collective effort of every team member. That’s why, in 2021, we formed our Culture Committee, a group made up of employees from all levels within the organization, to improve internal communication and foster a culture we can all be proud of. The committee’s primary goal has always been to enhance employee engagement, promote recognition, and create a sense of purpose across our teams.  

From their hard work & collective commitment to our culture came the idea: to gather the entire MCDC team from all around the state, in-person for the first time in eight years to foster connections and create a shared space for professional development. Let’s take a glimpse at this unforgettable day!  

People. Purpose. Passion.

This October, nearly 300 of our dedicated team members traveled from across Michigan to come together for a day filled with inspiration, reflection and celebration. The theme for this year’s meeting was “People. Purpose. Passion.”, and it perfectly captured the essence of what makes MCDC such a special place to work. 

We started the day with a state of the organization address from our CEO, Dr. Deborah Brown. The heartfelt stories she shared were a reminder of the profound difference we make, not just in our workplaces but in the lives of those who rely on us for their dental care. 

Thanks to our keynote sponsor, National Dentex Labs, we welcomed the incredible Shannon Cohen, who reminded us to “show up for ourselves just as we show up for our patients.” Shannon shared her expertise on thriving at the intersection of joy and purpose, offering her award-winning insights on battling burnout, connecting emotional intelligence with leadership, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. 

In addition to inspiring wisdom from Shannon, our team participated in a panel discussion with MCDC leadership, interacted with dental vendors, learned more about the latest industry advancements, and participated in breakout sessions.   

Breakout sessions delved into the following key dental profession topics: 

  • Glidewell: Digitally Scanning for Restorative Dentistry  
  • Glidewell: Implant Overdentures – Secrets to Success  
  • Minimally Invasive Dentistry with Silver Diamine Fluoride: Preserving Oral Health Through Conservative Approaches  
  • Stress Reduction through Self-Compassion 
  • Overjet: Revolutionizing Dentistry with AI  
  • Workday Pain and Stress Management 
  • Exceptional Customer Service Starts with Exceptional Communication  
  • Being Positive is a Choice  

We’re grateful to our sponsors, listed below, for helping us provide the resources our dental rockstars need to make an impact in their communities. 

The Impact

Our team works tirelessly every day to make a difference in the lives of our patients. At the All-Staff Meeting, we were reminded of how that commitment shapes our culture. 

To learn how the event was received by our team members, the Culture Committee launched a survey, and we were grateful to receive responses from over 50% of our attendees. We learned:  

  • Out of a scale from 1-5, our team members rated their overall event experience as a 4.72 
  • Their favorite aspects including our keynote speaker, panel discussion with the leadership team and the opportunity to network with their peers  
  • 153 out of 160 respondents said YES! to another all-staff meeting in the future 

By investing in our team members through the All-Staff meeting, we’re fostering a supportive, empowering environment, and building a culture where every team member feels valued, motivated, and ready to make a difference.

MCDC’s People-Powered Culture | Looking Ahead

There’s something truly magical about seeing so many people who share the same passion for their work come together. The excitement was contagious, as we celebrated not just the work we do, but the people who make it all possible. Every part of the day reinforced the fact that we are stronger when we work together. 

As we reflect on this incredible event, we’re reminded of the power of community. The All-Staff Meeting wasn’t just a celebration of where we’ve been; it was a launchpad for where we’re going.

By empowering our culture committee and amplifying the voices of our passionate dental professionals, we’re better prepared to serve our patients, support our communities, and pour into one another. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, strengthen our connections, and work to create a culture that we can all be proud of. 

Looking for a team that’s as passionate about purpose as you are? Visit our careers page to discover how you can achieve your career goals with MCDC.