Orthotown December 2023 - 32

OFFICE VISIT
You have an affinity for hiring
new grads. What has your
experience been with the
newer generation of docs?
When it comes to hiring orthodontic
associates, I typically prefer recent
graduates to those with years of experience.
They often retain a student
mindset, brimming with eagerness
and enthusiasm for learning. This perspective
renders them highly receptive
to constructive criticism and adaptable
to the crucial feedback loops in
their professional development. Additionally,
they haven't yet formed treatment
habits that could conflict with
our practice's established approach to
patient care.
However, their relative inexperience
usually calls for a substantial
investment of time in training and
mentorship. They require instruction
not just in clinical skills but also in
effective communication with parents
and children. Furthermore, they need
to develop leadership abilities, such
as managing a team and directing
patient flow in the clinic-skills that
traditional educational settings may
not impart.
Transitioning from more than a
decade of structured learning to
suddenly assuming a leadership role
can present a steep learning curve for
some, particularly when understanding
the responsibilities of a boardcertified
orthodontist and managing
the expectations of patients, referring
dentists, and other specialists.
While I appreciate that many of my
colleagues choose seasoned professionals
to minimize the training
phase, I have found that nurturing
the capabilities of new graduates is
incredibly fulfilling. Their eagerness to
signature brand aesthetic, providing a
sense of familiarity and consistency for
our patients at all locations.
Because the orthodontic side also
serves adult patients, it's important for
me to create a space that is both childfriendly
and sophisticated enough for
an adult to feel comfortable receiving
treatment. The photos showcase
our flagship office, where the high
ceilings create a sense of openness and
space-a rarity in Southern California,
where space is at a premium.
This spaciousness also fosters a sense
of freedom and reduced confinement,
which can be especially comforting in
a dental setting where patients might
otherwise feel anxious. The dramatic
pendant and sculpted ceiling elements
not only make a visual impact but
are constructed from acoustic foam,
serving a dual function to dampen the
typical sounds of a dental office.
The treatment coordinator's room is
learn and grow transforms them from
fresh faces in the clinic to integral
members of our practice family, shaping
the future of our patient care.
Tell us about the specific office
we visited for this photo session.
Building a new office presents its
challenges, but it's an adventure I thoroughly
enjoy. Each office gives me the
opportunity to play with new design
elements-particularly in the reception
area, where that first impression
can truly wow our patients. By adopting
the latest design trends, our offices
remain fresh and modern, but I'm careful
to ensure each office retains our
DECEMBER 2023 | 32 | ORTHOTOWN.COM
at the heart of the back office. Positioned
prominently and encased in
glass, it serves as a functional space
and a design statement that neatly
demarcates the orthodontic and
pediatric treatment areas. The bursts
of color on the floor add a touch of
whimsy and break up the uniform
color scheme. My goal is to build
offices that are places of professional
expertise infused with comfort, ensuring
that everyone who walks in feels
immediately at ease.
What advice do you have for
doctors fresh out of school
or just starting out in practice?
Exercise great care in selecting your
first workplace. The setting in which
you practice during your initial three
to five years can significantly shape
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Orthotown December 2023

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