Orthotown June 2023 - 38

successfully implemented then. Create internal
offi ce systems and clearly defi ned roles and
expectations for each team member, with a plan
to regularly review these aspects before your
new hires show up on their fi rst day. Without
this structure clearly defi ned and in place before
you begin your startup journey, individual team
members will not grow in the same direction
toward the same practice goals. Direction, consistent
review and endless communication are
required during the early phases of growth.
It's also important for you to be a leading
example of the offi ce culture you want to cultivate.
Your team will watch what you do, not just
listen to what you say.
In my offi ce, we recently hired an orthodontic
assistant who had many years of experience.
In the middle of her fi rst day with us, a patient
came in with very muddy boots and brought a lot
of dirt into the clinic. As she was sweeping up the
dirt, I grabbed the dustpan and helped her clean
it. I could tell she was a bit taken aback that I
had decided to help her. I later found out that she
later commented, " I've never seen a dentist or
orthodontist help sweep the fl oor. " Be an example
to your team.
Patience, as well as patients
When you open a practice from scratch, it goes
without saying that much of the advice you seek
will be on how to bring more patients to your
practice. Although patients are critical for practice
growth, it's also important to remember that
patience is essential during a startup.
During times that your practice is not as
busy as you would like, look to be generous.
Be generous with your team, your peers, your
community and your profession: Treat your team
to lunch, organize a continuing education event
for your peers, give back to your local community
through sponsorships, and give back to
Dr. Christos Papadopoulos earned a Bachelor of Science degree
with honors at the University of New Brunswick, a DDS at Dalhousie
University and completed his orthodontic residency at Western
University. He also did a one-year pediatric internship at British
Columbia's Children's Hospital before his orthodontic residency.
He opened his startup practice, PapadopSmiles, in his hometown of
Saint John, New Brunswick, in 2022.
JUNE 2023 | 38 | ORTHOTOWN.COM
your profession through volunteering your time
with the American (or Canadian!) Association
of Orthodontists.
Th e most rewarding aspects of practice ownership
have come through my ability to build
strong relationships with my team, my patients,
my community and my profession. Remember
that in addition to envisioning practice growth
with your startup, you should also strive for personal
growth as well.
Opening a startup practice will present many
challenges, but it also presents many opportunities
for both personal and professional growth
and satisfaction.
Although my journey is new and has been
undoubtedly unpredictable, it has also been
undoubtedly rewarding. If you feel a strong
internal desire to start your practice, do your due
diligence, create an action plan, seek the advice
of mentors and colleagues whom you trust and
go for it.
You will never feel 100% ready, but if you
believe in yourself and are prepared to work
extremely hard, you can't go wrong. Bet on yourself.
OT
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Orthotown June 2023

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