We recently connected with Heather Becker-Andres and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I believe what my parents did right is simple, but it has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. They loved me unconditionally, supported me wholeheartedly, and took a genuine interest in the things that excited me, no matter how small or unconventional those things may have seemed. Their willingness to be there for me, even when faced with something unfamiliar, made me feel valued and empowered, which in turn gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward with my passions. This kind of involvement showed me the incredible value of having people in your life who show up not only physically but emotionally, with genuine care and encouragement.
The most important thing my parents did, however, was instilling in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. They didn’t teach me to fear failure, instead they taught me to embrace it as part of the journey. They always reminded me that failure wasn’t the end but rather a stepping stone in the learning process. Whenever I fell short, they encouraged me to try again, reflect, and improve. That mindset has stuck with me and has been a game-changer throughout my life. The resilience to keep moving forward and believe in myself, even when things didn’t go as planned, has become one of the most valuable lessons I carry into every aspect of my life and career.
Although it may sound simple or even cliché, the unwavering love, support, and confidence my parents gave me laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved. It’s not just about the lessons they taught me, but about how they showed up for me every single day. They were present in my life, both physically and emotionally, and that presence has been the greatest contribution to my success. I firmly believe that having that kind of foundation, someone who believes in you no matter what can truly make all the difference and change the trajectory of your life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I can probably say that most people haven’t read about me before, and that’s completely okay. My career might not seem as glamorous or exciting as that of a musician, artist, or someone in another “fun” profession, but I believe the substance of my story is something that some people can relate to and maybe even find inspiration in.
Currently, I’m the Director of Patient Experience and Marketing for a 13-location DSO in New York City. I know what you’re probably thinking—dental? Not exactly thrilling, right? But I can assure you, I genuinely love what I do, the team I work with, and the impact I get to make on a daily basis for the wonderful people of New York City. In fact, this year marks my 10th anniversary with the company I work for.
The funniest part of this story is how it all started. I’m not joking when I say that I was job hunting after moving to New York City (without a job secured) and came across a job ad on Craigslist for a dental receptionist position. I thought to myself, “Dental sounds fun, and since it’s healthcare, it probably pays well.” I would later find out that only one of those things was true. I was hired as a call center representative at the world’s busiest dental office, right in the heart of Times Square. I may be exaggerating a little, but it was a 22-operatory office, so it was extremely busy every single day. That’s where my passion for the dental industry began, and it’s been growing ever since.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of growing and moving up through various positions across the company as my knowledge and passion for dentistry and creativity expanded. From starting as a call center representative, I’ve been a front desk manager, office manager, clinical office manager, director of operation support, and now, my current role as Director of Patient Experience and Marketing. The growth I’ve experienced is one of my proudest achievements. It’s not every day you hear about someone in an executive position who worked their way up from an entry-level role. It takes hustle and grit to get to that point, and I hope my story can inspire others to believe that it’s possible if you’re willing to work hard and make sacrifices.
But beyond growth, the most proud and rewarding part of my journey has been fully embracing what it means to be a leader. I remember a time when I thought being a manager was simply about managing tasks, but I now know it’s much more than that. Every day, I work to inspire my team to challenge themselves and be the best versions of themselves, and my ultimate goal is to help them achieve any and all goals they set for themselves. Seeing people grow into their best selves is, without a doubt is the most rewarding aspect of my role.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I love this question because it’s the area where I’ve experienced the most growth and learning in my career. I believe a successful team begins with a humble and transparent leader. At the end of the day, we’re all human. Regardless of our job titles or position in the hierarchy, we are equals.

A healthy culture and morals starts with trust and transparency. You need to create space for people to try new things, make mistakes, and challenge one another. I regularly tell my team that just because I’m a Director doesn’t mean I know everything, or that my ideas and strategies are always right. I encourage them to challenge me and question my thinking. That kind of healthy conflict, and the willingness to give and receive radical candor, builds a strong foundation.

In my experience, most people want to contribute and feel valued so let them. People don’t need to be micromanaged to do their jobs well. If you foster a culture of transparency, empathy, and support, your team will show up for you and perform at their best again and again.

Ultimately, I want my team to feel confident enough to take on my role one day. If I can help transform my team from managers into leaders, then I’ve done my job well.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Yes, I think I would. Even though dental is a niche field, it consistently challenges me to be more creative and innovative which is what keeps my job interesting and allows me to grow. I’m the type of person who loses motivation when things become repetitive or routine, but in my role, I’m constantly kept on my toes. The dental industry is always evolving, especially in a highly competitive market like NYC, which pushes me to problem-solve, pivot, and think outside the box. That’s what keeps me engaged and motivated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myunderbite.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-becker-andres-b1a36b54/