It has been 30 years since I hung the proverbial shingle, and a lot has changed in the dental world since that day. Technologically it has been light years in advancements.
Back then, the X-rays were hand developed and root canals took 3 hours a visit! I used to put in metal mercury based fillings and I had a choice of only 6 shades for your “state of the art” tooth colored fillings. Oh to be young again. I don’t miss those days, and I’m sure you don’t either as the one sitting in the chair.
Aside from the technology, another aspect that is changing; which is more disconcerting, is the disappearance of the old business model of the family practice, single owner. Due to competition, insurance involvement, and the cost of running a stand alone dental practice (the US average is 62% overhead), many dentists are selling out to corporations. These companies are market driven, high volume entities with deep marketing pockets that focus on cost minimization over customer service and care. If you had a dental phobia before... just wait till you see what’s over the horizon!
I am writing about this not to alarm you. This is to thank you and assure you, that this will not be my business model if you keep doing what you are doing as caring patients of our office! Your referrals are the life blood of our practice. As a patient at Smile Savers Dentistry, you know what it is to have quality dentistry in a caring, fun and professional environment, and you share that with your family and friends. Keep up the good work and we’ll keep up the good dentistry!
In Health,
Dr. Stewart