Meet Ladder5
We are a team of industry-leading mentors, entrepreneurs, and women’s advocates in dentistry helping practice owners develop the mindset and tools to make a bigger impact while spending less time in the chair.
- Meet The Founder
Dr. Summer Kassmel's Journey From Overwhelm to Empowerment
As a practicing dentist with over 23 years of experience, I understand what it means to build a practice from the ground up. Early in my career, I faced the same challenges you might be experiencing right now – overwhelm, uncertainty about leadership decisions, and a constant feeling that success required sacrifice.
I tried following the traditional practice management playbook written by and for men, but something always felt off. I was achieving success on paper, but at the cost of my wellbeing, my values, and my authentic leadership style.
After years of trial and error, investing in my own education, and building multiple successful practices, I had my breakthrough moment: women doctors don’t need to conform to outdated leadership models to thrive. We need a framework designed specifically for our unique challenges and strengths.
Empowering Women In Dentistry
Today, I’m the CEO and owner of two large, multi-doctor practices in Colorado. I’ve been recognized as a Fortune 5000 recipient and serve as faculty for the Dental Success Network. I lead the Lady Leaders of Dentistry Group, a community created to uplift and support women doctors as they build practices and lives they love.
But what truly excites me is my work with Ladder5 Coaching, where I help women doctors implement elite-level systems, reduce overhead, and make smart, data-driven decisions. I’ve created the 5 Pillars framework that transforms how women dentists approach leadership, business growth, and personal fulfillment.
I’ve also founded Dental Assistant Schools Delivered, a program that empowers doctors nationwide to train dental assistants within their own practices, and the Dental Career Academy, a comprehensive online training system for front office teams.
The Ladder5 Movement
My mission goes beyond helping individual practices succeed. I’m committed to revolutionizing how women lead in dentistry – creating a movement where women doctors can build profitable, sustainable practices while staying true to their values and authentic leadership styles.
I believe that when women doctors lead from a place of clarity, confidence, and alignment, they not only create more successful practices but also transform the patient experience, elevate team culture, and ultimately change the profession for the better.
By helping one woman doctor at a time rediscover her purpose and power as a leader, I’m building a community of empowered women who support each other’s growth and success.
Ready to Redefine Your Success With Ladder5?
Our Approach to Coaching and Leadership
Real-World Experience
I’m not just a coach – I’m a practicing dentist who continues to build and scale successful businesses. Everything I teach is battle-tested in my own practices.
Data-Driven Strategy
I believe in making decisions based on numbers, not just intuition. My coaching incorporates concrete metrics and analytics that give you clarity and confidence.
Values-Based Leadership
True leadership isn’t about conforming to someone else’s definition of success. It’s about building a practice that aligns with your values and supports the life you want to live.
Mindset & Systems
Sustainable success requires both the right mindset and the right systems. I help you develop both, creating internal clarity that drives external results.
Community Support
When you work with me, you join a community of like-minded women doctors who understand your challenges and celebrate your wins.
Ready to Transform Your Practice and Your Life?
View The Ladder5 Services
Ready to stop feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Together, we’ll create clarity around your goals, build simple systems that work for you, and help you feel more confident as a leader and in your life. Let’s create lasting change together so you can truly have it all.
