Top 25 Women in Dentistry: Terrisa Singleton, Foundation Manager for Delta Dental of Oklahoma Oral Health Foundation

Terrisa Singleton is the Foundation Manager for Delta Dental of Oklahoma Oral Health Foundation, an organization that works with free and low-cost dental clinics and programs. She sees her career and the work she does with Delta Dental as important and fulfilling because she knows she is making an impact in the lives of the people the foundation helps.

“In a role like this, you get the best of both worlds,” she said. “You get the opportunity to work with volunteer dental professionals and service organizations and provide them support and you get an opportunity to connect with the public, deliver education to them and show them how they can find resources to fill the dental needs they can’t afford otherwise. It’s extremely rewarding.”

Singleton attributes her success to her knack for helping people find their own way to reach their goals. She enjoys being the facilitator to individuals and groups who have a common goal and need guidance getting there.

During her years in the marketing and advertising field, Singleton found she greatly enjoyed working with nonprofit clients. Over time, she developed a burning desire to move to the not-for-profit realm and serve those in need.

“I was so fortunate when about three and a half years ago this position came open, and it’s just absolutely perfect for me because I have the opportunity to use that communications background to educate the general public,” she said.

As a woman, Singleton feels that many women have a special gift for facilitation in mission-focused programs, and to her it makes sense for women to find a position and career that really allows them to maximize their natural intuitive gifts.

Having a mentor has been a huge part of her success. One of the most important lessons she learned was how to find her value in the organization she was in, and to know her strengths while also being aware of where she could improve.

“You get what you settle for, so you need to take that personal inventory and ask if you’re settling or if there’s something you can accomplish beyond where you are now,” she said. “I think you’d be amazed at what you can accomplish if you choose not to settle.”