Years ago, if you told Lindsey Gromek, Director of Recruiting, that she’d become an integral part of a growing dental organization—connecting dentists and teams with meaningful career opportunities—she might have raised an eyebrow. After all, her first dream was to chase storms.
Lindsey dreamed of working as a meteorologist, more specifically a storm chaser. Turns out, storm chasing requires a lot of hours clocked in the classroom which wasn’t the adrenaline pumping experience she was dreaming of. She decided that she could love the weather from afar.
Today, Lindsey is a cornerstone of our recruitment team, known for her warmth, tenacity, and people-first approach. She’s not just filling roles at the dental practices in the Smile Partners USA network—she’s helping people find careers they love.
Lindsey found herself drawn to healthcare—specifically, a non-clinical path that still allowed her to work in a wellness-focused field. That led her to a degree in speech pathology, which aligned perfectly with her interests in science, communication, and helping others.
While weighing options and considering next steps, Lindsey was working as a receptionist in a medical management office. It was at this time she was introduced to the world of recruitment. A mentor, Todd Gustke Smile Partners USA’s very own Chief People Officer, recognized her potential, and soon, she was stepping into a new role—first as a coordinator, then a recruiter.
“I realized pretty quickly how much I loved it. I enjoy talking to people, I’ve always been drawn to healthcare, and recruitment let me bring those pieces together in a really fulfilling way.”
One of Lindsey’s defining strengths is her ability to build trust with candidates—quickly, naturally, and without pressure. Her approach to recruiting is centered around genuine connection and active listening.
When Lindsey talks to someone, she doesn’t start with stats or hard sells. She asks about them, the person behind the resume. Why did they choose dentistry or this field in general? What lights them up about their work? Questions like that help her understand where the candidate will thrive—not just what job they might be best suited for.
That same care extends beyond the first conversation. Lindsey is the kind of recruiter who checks in consistently, shares real feedback, and celebrates when someone finds their perfect fit. For Lindsey, getting a message from a doctor or an office saying, ‘We love the person you sent,’—that’s the best part.
Lindsey credits much of her growth to a longtime mentor and colleague, Todd, who supported her through multiple career transitions. “There’s no better compliment than someone bringing you with them when they move to a new opportunity,” she says. “Todd has been a huge influence on my career. I wouldn’t be where I am without that kind of mentorship.” That relationship also played a key role in Lindsey joining Smile Partners USA, where she quickly became a driving force in how the recruitment team operates today.
The entire recruiting team is tight knit and work together to help as many dental professionals as possible. Everyone on the team is committed to the work and to making career matches for the amazing candidates that choose Smile Jobs.
“Our team is great at connecting with candidates on a more personal level, and they love to see the whole process through. They are genuinely good people. I consider myself lucky to work alongside such lovely people every single day.”
Creating a candidate-centered experience has always been top of mind for her. From day one, Lindsey has been passionate about making recruitment feel different—more personalized, more respectful, more aligned with each candidate’s unique goals.
“Recruiting shouldn’t feel transactional. We’re not just checking boxes—we’re building careers and helping people feel good about where they work.”
As the recruitment branch of Smile Partners USA evolved into its own distinct identity, Smile Jobs, Lindsey played a key role in shaping how it connects with dental professionals. “We’re here as a resource, a bridge between amazing offices and amazing people.” This unique model gives practices in the Smile Partners USA network flexibility while allowing Lindsey and her team to customize how they support each candidate’s hiring journey.
Despite being part of a large and growing dental network, Lindsey says the culture still feels surprisingly close-knit. “It’s like the best of both worlds. We have the resources and stability of a big organization, but it still feels like a family. I don’t get Sunday Scaries. I genuinely enjoy coming to work and being part of this team.” And that team-first mentality shows up daily in the way Lindsey works—not just with candidates, but with her coworkers across departments. At Smile Partners USA, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword. Everyone has a voice, and everyone’s invested in doing the right thing—for each other, and for the patients we ultimately serve. Lindsey’s not just helping people find jobs. She’s helping them find the right fit—one that supports both their career goals and their overall wellbeing.
Outside of work, Lindsey’s passion is her family. She and her husband have two young children—a three-year-old son and a six-month-old daughter. They love spending time outdoors, especially boating and hiking. They’re slowly checking off national parks from their list one fun trip at a time.