Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2022 - 61

MyStyle
adults. Six years ago, we added back general dentistry
to meet the needs of our patients as they aged out of
pedo and wished to remain within our practice. We
look to expand further, providing on-site oral surgery
services.
As your practice grew, how did you welcome
associates?
Over the years, we have brought in multiple wonderful
and talented associates. Some of these associates
have become partners. My original partner, Dr. Dixon,
retired in 2020. I was fortunate to have practiced
and partnered with him for 35 years. Currently, the
practice has three partners and three associates. My
lovely wife, Lori Good, a pediatric dentist, has been an
associate in the practice since 1991.
Benefits of a Pedo-Ortho Practice
□ Internal referrals-the quality of the patients is
second to none. Patients are aware of orthodontic
needs early on. Patients are well educated and
ready to accept care when the time comes.
□ Camaraderie and collaboration among the doctors
and staff.
□ Common diagnosis and treatment-planning
philosophies.
□ Co-sharing responsibilities with multiple doctors
in the running and managing of a practice.
□ Being able to focus 100% on the orthodontic part
of the practice and patient care without having to
deal with the marketing aspect of a practice.
□ Having a large staff, which leads to fun social gatherings
and lots of friendships among the staff.
□ Having a practice that is well known and integrated
into the community. Patients like the co-consulting,
wires in and out, extended hours, and availability
on Saturdays. All staff are made aware of [the need
to work] occasional Saturdays upon hiring.
□ Having the room and ability for the staff to grow
and develop. For example, back office staff may
initially be hired as a sterilization techs and then
be trained in dental assistant skills while working
towards their registered dental assistant license.
There is also room for change from back office to
front office if desired, whether it be as a financial
coordinator, a scheduling coordinator, or a treatment
coordinator.
□ Being able to afford a full-time office manager due
to the size of our practice. She is responsible for all
human resources. She does the hiring, the firing,
the reviews, the schedules, coordinates doctors
and staff schedules, and stays current with and
implements new employment laws.
Challenges
□ Large staff is a lot to manage and coordinate.
□ Doctors need to give up some autonomy.
□ Decision-making may be slower due to multiple
doctors needing to review issues and come to a
consensus.
□ The office must balance between being too kid
friendly or too adult heavy. We still have classic
video games in the waiting room, such as Ms.
Pacman, which adults seem to enjoy more than
the kids!
□ It is hard to integrate practice management
software, and there is not an ideal system for a
ortho-pedo-general practice. Separate systems
ultimately are necessary.
Personally, I made a great choice in 1985. Each generation
has its challenges and opportunities. The proliferation
of corporate practice, more group practices
with ortho services, general dentists providing aligner
therapy, and DIY orthodontics all expand the market
for our profession and offer new graduates plenty
of options. For those of you who enjoy co-sharing
responsibilities, embrace collaboration, and do not
want to wear all of the hats that is necessary to run
a practice, a group practice type of setting could be
perfect for you.
Fall 2022 PCSO Bulletin
61
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2022
