When/where did you get your degree?
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (UDMSOD), 2014
Can you share some career highlights?
I purchased a small practice where revenue had been declining as the previous dentists prepared for retirement. The office had no computers or modern equipment, and the interior was outdated. I redesigned and rebuilt the space almost entirely myself—installing new flooring, painting, updating countertops, and buying new furniture and equipment. I also modernized the practice by introducing digital X-rays, practice management software, and a digital panoramic machine. Beyond the physical upgrades, I restructured operations, introduced hygiene services, quadrupled the number of active patients, and established a presence on social media (we've been doing reels lately which has been so fun!). Being a practice owner has been so rewarding!
What are some wins and challenges associated with building your own practice?
Wins:
- Being my own boss and having full control over practice operation
- Implementing new systems and learning from trial and error
- Balancing work and family life, like bringing my newborns to the office while I eased back part-time after maternity
- Taking vacations whenever I want—enjoying a flexible schedule
- Creating a positive, healthy, and fun environment for my employees while providing them with stable jobs
Challenges:
- Finding, training, and retaining great staff
What CE has made an impact on your patient care?
- Clear aligners: A fun add-on for my practice (especially with my orthodontist spouse available to guide and oversee my work).
- Surgery: I’ve always enjoyed extractions (even if it sounds morbid!) and have expanded my skill set to include bone-grafting at the time of extraction which is fun and profitable.
- Botox and fillers: These are fun to perform, and while I mostly treat family, friends, and myself, I’m working on fully integrating these services.
What are your current goals?
I’m focused on incorporating more MedSpa services, such as Botox and fillers, to enhance the range of care we provide and have patients who actually want to see us. It's a different feeling when patients come in for an elective service like in-office whitening, fillers, or veneers, versus a filling or crown. I would also love to figure out how to implement add-on services so people can be efficient with life tasks while they are at the office.
How do you maintain work-life balance?
Being my own boss is the key. I’ve created a practice where I can adjust my schedule to fit my family’s (and my staff's family's) needs. It’s all about building a workplace where both my team and I can thrive and be happy to work.
What advice would you give dental students/new grads?
Running your own practice is the best. The one thing that pushed me to buy my own practice was a Richard Branson quote: "If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes, then learn how to do it later!" I didn't know anything about running a dental office, but there are plenty of lawyers, accountants, and advisors who can help you set up and run the show. Don’t let fear hold you back—take the leap!
Editor's note: This article appeared in the January 2025 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
