In the fall of 1992, I purchased a one-chair dental practice from a retiring dentist. I had one employee who operated as my receptionist and assistant. My goal was to build the practice and expand it by working 50 – 60 hour weeks. This was my way of expanding my practice. After struggling and experimenting with this method for five years, I decided to phone a friend whose practice was booming at an incredible rate. I asked him how it was that he was doing so well? What was I doing wrong? He told me about a company called Sterling. He advised me it was my lack of management knowledge that was holding me back; this was not taught to us in dental school. I phoned them right away to talk about my practice and the problems I was having expanding it. I told them I knew I was a good dentist. I just couldn’t get the business side of it to boom.
Unknown to me at that time, it was the most profitable phone call I have ever made. They understood everything I told them, and they assured me all the barriers preventing me from expanding my practice could be handled.
Since that phone call, my practice has grown close to four times what it was when I started. I now have five treatment rooms, one associate, two hygienists, two assistants, a receptionist, and an office manager. I wish I had space for more treatment rooms.
The most amazing part is that I treat patients an average of 30 hrs per week. My net income has increased by 3X, and I work less than I did when I started in 1992!
I tell my dentist friends (not my competitors) to call Sterling. I was not growing my practice at the rate I expected, and I did not have enough time to spend with my family. I knew my practice had much greater potential. I urge you to click here for their free DVD on Practice Management.
James Walter, DMD
