Orthotown November 2024 - 28

OFFICE VISIT
You've leveraged your background
in art to create a beautiful
practice. What elements are you
most proud of?
I love things that are unique and
non-traditional. While I have great
respect for other dental and orthodontic
practices, I didn't want BOCA to be
a typical, cookie-cutter orthodontic
office. " Traditional " has never been my
style. So, when designing my studio,
I drew inspiration from art galleries,
luxury hotels and spas.
I wanted to create a concept, an
experience, a feeling-something
truly unique. I wanted to shake up the
industry and carve out a brand that
was as focused on the patient experience
as it was on the patient's smile.
That's why I designed BOCA as a smile
sanctuary, where every detail is intentionally
selected to reflect our core
mantra: that smile care is self-care.
What I am most proud of is creating
something entirely my own, even if it
goes against the grain. Some specific
design elements I really enjoy are the
private patient suites named after
specific artists, the calming monochromatic
aesthetic, the sculptural
curved walls, the lounge filled with
lush greenery, the light oak benches
with storage, the large quartz island
in the clinical area and the dedicated
whitening studio.
From a more practical standpoint,
what were some learning
experiences you could share
for doctors thinking of opening
a new office?
One of the most important lessons
I have learned is that you can't do
everything yourself. While it might
seem like a given, it took me a while
to realize that learning to delegate
is crucial-not just for the success of
your business but also for preserving
your sanity and relationships.
For doctors thinking about opening
a new practice, managing your expectations
is essential. When you first
open your doors, it's natural to hope
for a flood of patients immediately, but
that's rarely the case with startups.
Expect ups and downs, busy days and
slow days. Patience with both your
practice and yourself is key.
My proudest moment
in the profession
has been venturing
out on my own and
starting my practice.
Creating something
from scratch, without
a safety net, in a
town where offices
being bought by
corporations was
becoming the norm,
was both terrifying and
incredibly rewarding.
Additionally, it's wise to have a
significant source of income outside
of your startup during the initial
growth phase, which often spans a
few years. This could come from a
variety of sources, such as personal
savings, a spouse's income or working
as an associate while you build your
practice.
NOVEMBER 2024 | 28 | ORTHOTOWN.COM
I am just past two years into my
startup and still work three days a
week as an associate outside of BOCA.
While I would love to be in my studio
every day, designing smiles in my little
sanctuary, I am incredibly fortunate to
have other jobs I love and from which I
continue to learn and grow.
You've said that you " bet on
yourself " in starting such a highend
boutique office. What was
behind that bet?
I believe the primary indicator of
readiness is motivation. If you're truly
motivated, you will move mountains
to make your vision a reality and
achieve success.
My motivation stemmed from
a deep desire to offer more to my
patients and to myself. My experiences
creating smiles at other practices
left me desiring more-more quality
time with patients, more customization
and a more experience-based
approach to care. On a personal level,
I wanted to practice more artistically
and intentionally. These desires
sparked the creation of BOCA and
fueled my commitment to this significant
endeavor.
Of course, starting a high-end
boutique practice involves much
more than motivation. Here are some
key areas I focused on to ensure I was
able to confidently embark on this
venture:
* Research and planning.
I invested considerable time
researching the market, understanding
the area and pinpointing
the needs and desires of my
target demographic. This research
allowed me to craft a detailed
business plan.
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Orthotown November 2024

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