Scranton 11/1/2012 7:51:38 PM
News / Business

Dentists Who Start Their Own Business Fill a Need

Starting a business from the ground up is the American dream for many who want the independence and unlimited earning potential that comes from owning your own business. Upon graduating from a dental school and becoming a licensed dentist, many new Pennsylvania dentists are deciding to start up their own dental business. Instead of working for another dentist where flexibility of working hours is dictated, some are taking on the challenge of entrepreneurship early in their career. According to the American Dental Association, three out of four dentists in this country choose to own their own dental practice.

Starting any business requires dedication and sacrifices, but young professionals who take the plunge are finding the rewards well worth the effort. They enjoy the feeling of being in control of their own destiny. Those who make the choice to be in charge of their own practice reap the rewards of an engaging career and enjoy the financial benefits.

A thoroughly planned marketing strategy is required for every type of new business and opening a new dental office is no exception. Many new dentists seek the assistance of others such as an architect, attorney and financial adviser. They must consider all aspects of building the business including choosing a suitable design for the clinic and estimating the cost of construction and equipment needed just to get started. This involves spending time researching and planning before getting the project off the ground.

A Pennsylvania dentist usually starts a small practice at the beginning of their career and then considers expansion as their practice becomes more successful. Patients prefer the intimacy of a small practice. This type of setting is more conducive to strong patient loyalty. The dentist who owns his own business has more control over the practice than one who works for another dentist or a dental firm.

Once the decision to start a new business has been made and initial preparations are underway, the successful ones build an awareness of their business through marketing efforts. Advertising is necessary for any new business. Word of mouth is great advertising, but it takes time for this to be successful. Pennsylvania dentists are setting up websites as an alternate method of attracting new patients and keeping current patients up-to-date on their practice. A simple website that is attractive and informative helps make a practice more successful. Technology provides new businesses with a competitive edge.

The most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who plan and focus on establishing and maintaining a loyal client base. Those who perform a market survey, get professional advice from others in the same field, determine start-up costs and obtain the proper funding reap the benefits of owning their own practice. Those who understand the necessary requirements for running a successful business are the ones who focus on the day-to-day aspects of the business. Proper early planning, a comprehensive written business plan and secure financing are necessary for anyone contemplating starting their own business. Dentists who plan and know what it is they hope to achieve in their practice find success.