Amy Bowman

	When you meet Office Manager Krista Smith and her mother, Dr. Shelley Shults, it’s clear that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Over the course of the past 15 years working together in dentistry, they’ve become inseparable.

 in Powell, Ohio, this mother-daughter team and their staff are fulfilling a mission to incorporate all-over health and wellness care with each patient exam.

	The philosophy has worked out well for the practice, which has grown by leaps and bounds through word-of-mouth referrals alone. The practice is averaging 60 new patients a month, requiring the addition of two doctors and four hygienists over the course of the past few years. As the office manager, Smith contributes to the success of the practice by handling all human resources tasks, including managing and training staff. She also completes medical and dental insurance coding and billing, as well as accounts receivable. With a background as a 

, she helps educate patients, and does everything she can to ensure a positive experience for every patient who walks through the door.

More from Amy Bowman: One a mission: How one dentist is educating patients

	Smith’s membership to the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) has been instrumental in helping her gain the skills necessary to lead the practice. After joining AADOM in 2014, she was inspired to begin a Columbus, Ohio, chapter in 2015. With the help of Patterson Representative Chris Sanford she was able to obtain support from Patterson, an AADOM Diamond Sponsor. As Smith’s founding sponsor, Patterson helped her get the chapter off the ground and contributed to its success. “Krista is so generous in helping other people out. I wanted to support her in starting the Columbus chapter knowing that it will be beneficial to her, and that she will be able to share the knowledge she gains with others,” said Sanford.

	The continuing education opportunities, support from other office managers, and the organization’s online forum have helped her learn and grow. “Joining AADOM is the best thing an office manager can do for their career,” she said. “Whether you’re brand new or an experienced office manager, you will find the education, support and learning opportunities you need to enhance your dental management career.”

More from Amy Bowman: One dental office manager's philosophy: Set the course and get out of the way

	Smith says that AADOM helps her provide guidance to her staff members, too. She recently led a team exercise to prove how important each member of the team is. She gave each of them a puzzle piece with the following question on the back: “What do you contribute to our team?” and then put the outline of the puzzle down and asked the team to put it together. “The office manager is the glue that holds the puzzle together,” she said. “And if one puzzle piece is missing, you can’t get the job done. Every role in the office is essential to what we do.”

	For Smith, that role is to be sure that every patient gets the best care possible and that office functions are running smoothly, so that Dr. Shults and the rest of the team can focus on patient care. “I’m thankful to Patterson for their help in paying training and chapter fees as well as allowing our group to use the branch facility for meetings,” said Smith. “It’s clear that Patterson values the role of the office manager as a key component to running a successful dental practice.”

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When you meet Office Manager Krista Smith and her mother, Dr. Shelley Shults, it’s clear that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Over the course of the past 15 years working together in dentistry, they’ve become inseparable.

How AADOM helps office managers be their best

	For Nancy Shelton, DDS, attending her nephew’s graduation ceremony at Loma Linda University last spring was an emotional event. Not only because of the pride she felt for her nephew but also because she recognized that it had been 40 years since she had donned a cap and gown, taking part in Loma Linda’s dental school graduation ceremony herself.

	“It was a strange feeling to think well, here I am 40 years later, right in the same place,” she said. In the same place maybe – but a changed person in many ways. Over the course of her career, Shelton has helped to improve the health of her patients at the practices where she has worked, provided volunteer dental work on mission trips abroad, opened her own practice, and learned to use advanced technology that was nonexistent at the start of her career.                       

Trending article: How the right practice management software helps one dental practice rock and roll 

	“Dentistry has been an amazing career because if you do good things for people you receive so much love and kindness in return,” Shelton said. One of the ways that Shelton does good for others is by focusing on comprehensive exams and educating her patients on the role that dental health plays in overall health. When she recommends treatment, she wants her patients to understand exactly what it entails and why it’s needed. That’s where 

 come in. “It’s so much easier to help a patient understand a recommended treatment when you can show them a clear image,” she explained.

	In 2001, Shelton traveled to the Fijian island of Vanua Levu for her first dental volunteer experience at an open-air clinic. She discovered an immense need for oral surgery on the islands, which she didn’t have a lot of training in. Upon return to the states, Shelton went to work as the assistant to a dentist who did mostly oral surgery and when she returned to Fiji for three additional mission trips she was able to put that training to good use. Her two sons have joined her on the trips. “I think everyone should go on a mission trip because it changes your life,” Shelton said. “I was different at the end of each trip and I know that my sons were changed by their experiences, too,” she said.

More from Amy Bowman: The top 5 tips for starting your own practice

	In 2013 Shelton discovered that she could continue her mission work in the tri-city area of Pasco, Washington, where she recognized the opportunity to share her knowledge with people who might not otherwise have access to care. She approached her friend Cyndi Hanna, a dental hygienist, about opening a dental practice together. When the women were connected with Patterson Representative Annette Halverson, she helped them secure a loan and connected them with the right people who helped put design plans together, choose equipment, and get the whole project on track.

, a three-operatory practice equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including 

 and digital X-ray. With minimal technology experience, Shelton has embraced the new equipment. “I’m not great with computers, but I can handle our new technology. We had a trainer who helped us get all set up and our office runs so efficiently now,” she said. With a new office and updated equipment, Shelton can continue to do what she does best – serve others. “The only way you can really be happy is if you’re doing this for other people, because that’s where the payback comes,” she said. “There’s nothing that feeds the human spirit like giving because you get back way more than you give.” 

For Nancy Shelton, DDS, attending her nephew’s graduation ceremony at Loma Linda University last spring was an emotional event. Not only because of the pride she felt for her nephew but also because she recognized that it had been 40 years since she had donned a cap and gown, taking part in Loma Linda’s dental school graduation ceremony herself.

On a mission: How one dentist is educating patients

	For many professionals working in industries across the board, having a mentor was vital in helping them get from where they were to where they wanted to be.

, that person was her childhood dentist, Dr. James Saycich. During high school, Meevasin worked as an assistant to Saycich, whom she credits with encouraging her to become a dentist. “He was just so passionate about dentistry – he was fun and enthusiastic,” said Meevasin. “I loved seeing him interact with patients – he inspired me to become a dentist.”

More from Amy Bowman: How Patterson Dental streamlined the startup process for one new practice

	Meevasin credits her mentor not only for encouraging her to pursue dentistry, but also for teaching her how to run a practice. While working as an assistant to Saycich for five years after graduating from dental school, Meevasin was responsible for doing her own insurance billing, managing her assistant, managing the front desk, and doing payroll. “In addition, if I had a technical question Dr. Saycich would look at the 

 and go through all of the steps with me,” she said. By 2011, Meevasin was ready to branch out on her own, which led her and her husband (who is also her office manager) to open 

	Studies have shown that a mentor can make a significant impact on a person’s career. In fact, the results of a 2014 Gallup poll show that “graduates who had a professor or professors who care about them as a person – or had a mentor who encouraged their goals and dreams, and/or had an internship where they applied what they were learning – were twice as likely to be engaged with their work and thriving in their overall well-being.” The results were based on feedback from close to one million Americans of varying ages and with different educational backgrounds.

	Finding a mentor can be challenging but the payoff can be great. A mentor can help you with practice management, interpersonal skills, and real world experience that is not normally taught in dental school. He or she can help motivate and inspire you to keep going when times are tough and can help you to see the “big picture.” A mentor can help you discover the easiest, best way of doing things and can help you to avoid having to learn more lessons the hard way.

Trending article: How the right practice management software helps one dental practice rock and roll

	When seeking a mentor, it’s important to look for someone who has a good reputation among his or her peers and in the community. It also helps if he or she has a higher level of involvement in organized dentistry. Because you might face many new problems and challenges as a new dentist, it’s important to feel like you can contact your mentor at any time, which is why it helps if the mentor has the time and availability to work with you. For some, this means regular face-to-face meetings. For others, communication via email and few face-to-face interactions is more realistic.

	If you’re seeking a mentor, there are a variety of resources to consider. You can start by talking to a dentist in your community, or contact your state dental association. By joining a professional organization, you’re more likely to be introduced to professionals who may be available to mentor you, or who may know someone who could serve as a mentor. Visit ADA.org for career mentoring web resources and don’t forget to be open to possibilities, and to meeting new people. A wise and trusted counselor could be waiting to help you get from where you are to where you want to be.

For many professionals working in industries across the board, having a mentor was vital in helping them get from where they were to where they wanted to be.

The importance of mentorship in dentistry

For Office Manager Cyndi Hanna and the staff at 

 in Pasco, Wash., dentistry is about far more than clean teeth and healthy mouths – it’s about people, friends and community.

	After 29 years working as a dental hygienist, Hanna transitioned to the front office, where she now serves as office manager. With past experience helping to build three other dental offices, and a desire to work with her good friend Nancy Shelton, DDS, Hanna was confident when she approached Shelton about building a practice that would bring something different to the Pasco area.

More from the author: Top 5 tips for starting your own practice

	As soon as Shelton was on board with the idea, the two began looking for property and making plans. “We sat down at lunch one day and sketched out what we wanted our practice to look like as far as the design, the placement of the 

 and the flow of the practice,” said Hanna. The planning stage also involved contacting suppliers and representatives from at least four different companies – which made the process disjointed and confusing.

 Territory Representative Annette Halverson and things began to look up. Halverson took the time to meet for coffee and talk over Hanna’s vision before introducing her to Patterson Equipment Specialist Jack Brown. “Once we started working with Annette and Jack, it just became such an easy process,” said Hanna. “We went from gathering information from all of these different companies to working with a cohesive team that provided solid information, including pricing and guarantees on equipment packages.” 

More from the author: How the right practice management software helps one dental practice rock and roll

	Brown helped with equipment selections by showing Hanna and Shelton a variety of equipment options and helping them determine what was important to spend money on and why. Halverson helped them create a supply list, anticipating what they would need when they opened the doors of the practice. The list was created in plenty of time to plan payments, and Halverson introduced them to the Patterson Advantage Program, which provides rewards for purchases.

	One of the most important additions was the implementation of 

 practice management software. After looking at other software systems, they chose Eaglesoft because of the many features, its intuitive design and how easy it is to use. “It was seamless,” said Hanna. “Everything just went together. Eaglesoft is an all-inclusive program that makes coordinating between the front and back office simple and easy. This was a huge decision for us and I’m so glad we went with Eaglesoft. It affects all of my day-to-day responsibilities.”

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	“I’m really grateful that Patterson was part of this office build,” said Hanna. “Our Patterson team simplified everything and made it such an easy process. They were great – once everybody got together it was like a family. I’ve worked with other dental companies before and you don’t get that kind of personal service. And the result is amazing – we have a great practice. We have a private practice with a doctor who cares in an area where there aren’t a lot of private practices. It’s so nice to offer our patients high-end equipment and the best dental care possible.” 

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	Downtown Dental on 4th opened in March of 2015. With a bilingual assistant as part of the team, they are able to serve the Latino population in the area. “There’s a lot we can do individually for each patient and there’s a lot we can do for the community,” said Hanna. “We think if we treat people right they’ll bring in their family members and friends, and we’ll take care of them as well. We’re just really looking forward to growing this practice. We want everybody in Pasco to know that we’re here and that we’re available to them.”

After 29 years working as a dental hygienist, Hanna transitioned to the front office, where she now serves as office manager. With past experience helping to build three other dental offices, and a desire to work with her good friend Nancy Shelton, DDS, Hanna was confident when she approached Shelton about building a practice that would bring something different to the Pasco area.

How Patterson Dental streamlined the startup process for one new practice

 just three blocks from the ocean in Manhattan Beach, Calif., they took the advice of the experts. They not only built a new and improved practice, they incorporated technology by purchasing a CEREC, which Steven calls “the wave of the future.” 

The Ozers consider themselves early adopters of new technology and say it doesn’t build a practice but can help tremendously.

“We work in a community that is rich with long-standing dentists, and we chose to pursue a technology-based practice to separate ourselves from the status quo,” Steven said. “With updated technology, we set the bar higher for local dentists. To keep their patients satisfied, they need to emulate that standard.”

Steven and Anne are excited about CEREC for the usual reasons. For starters, it makes dentistry more fun and interesting. 

“When we got CEREC it just struck a chord in me,” Steven said. “I had an affinity for it and wanted to learn more. I think this kind of technology can energize and invigorate dentists who have become bored or stagnant in their careers.” 

The technology has been a springboard to other technologies, including GALILEOS, which allow them to do 3D virtual implant planning and use CEREC to its fullest capacity while optimizing implant placement and the restorative workflow. Plus, the technology allows doctors to provide the best possible care. 

“It’s great for patients,” Anne said. “They get numb once and watch a movie while we do their crown and deliver it -all in the same appointment.”  

The Ozers are excited about CEREC for another reason-one that is a complete surprise to them both: They’re excited about the CEREC community. As a mentor for cerecdoctors.com, Steven communicates with other CEREC users online on a daily basis. He also mentors ACCEPT events in Scottsdale and other locations around the United States and in Canada several times a year, in addition to leading a local study club for CEREC users. 

The CEREC community includes a unique subset of dentists who want to learn more about what technology can do and have more of a presence in their profession. Steven describes the CEREC community as “enlightening” because it includes a group of doctors who have a passion for the technology and want to share what they’ve learned with one another. 

“I enjoy sharing my experiences and enjoy working with people who are new to the digital world – to see their eyes open wide. I like that ‘aha’ moment,” he said. “Being a restorative dentist, I would probably say that CEREC has made the biggest impact on my career. I am in no hurry to retire. Maybe someday I’ll work less, but the idea of retiring means giving up all that socialization. I really enjoy coming to work every day.”

From Sept. 17-19 Steven and Anne, along with many other CEREC users, will be in Las Vegas to attend CEREC30. The event is a 30-year anniversary party and celebration of CEREC-a technology that in the past three decades has changed lives, practices and the patient experience. For more information visit cereconline.com






When doctors Steven W. Ozer and Anne Norris-Ozer built a new dental practice just three blocks from the ocean in Manhattan Beach, Calif., they took the advice of the experts.

Why these dentists believe CEREC is the wave of the future

, have been rocking dentistry. When they opened the doors at their Maryland practice, they chose a rock-and-roll theme that has carried over to their new practice in San Diego, 

The rock-and-roll theme not only creates a 

, but it gives the couple a reason to buy music-related artwork, including a life-sized Elvis; a guitar signed by Lynyrd Skynyrd; coffee table books about Johnny Cash, the Beatles and AC/DC; a painting of a New Orleans street music scene; and posters of everyone from Frank Sinatra to Jimi Hendrix. 

As office manager, Laura is responsible for more than finding musical relics to add to the office. She handles scheduling, statistics, goals and day-to-day duties for 16 employees and three general dentists at the seven-operatory practice. She said 

The software enables users to view schedules, patient accounts, medical history, prescription history, proposed treatment and clinical images easily. The view can be adapted for providers and clinicians or front office staff to see the information they need more easily. The color-coded schedule also helps in planning for the day, with emergency appointments scheduled in red, primary appointments in green and other procedures in orange. “It’s visually awesome to make sure the front and back office are getting what they need,” Laura said. “It seems simple, but it makes a big difference. It makes everyone more efficient and more productive.” 

 give the provider or clinician a clear view for better diagnosis. “Before we had to bridge with another software system to view X-rays. With Eaglesoft, it’s integrated, removing a step from the process and providing a much better image,” Laura said. 

10 things you should be using in Eaglesoft that probably aren't

 is a patient communication tool that sends text and/or email messages to patients at automated intervals. If a conversation about the need for a crown takes place during the provider appointment, a code is entered into the system. If the patient doesn’t schedule that day, RevenueWell can send messages, including reminders, a treatment plan and an informational video. If staff members get busy, RevenueWell reaches out to the patient, providing reinforcement. “It’s another way to communicate with the patient,” Laura said. “It has increased our case acceptance by letting the patient know we’re doing everything to take care of them.”

The reporting tool provides easy access to information, including production, collection, referrals, the most commonly used codes and day sheets showing daily production. It makes end-of-year analysis and next year’s planning much simpler and easier. “I can get a good pulse on the practice, whether I’m here or not, by using the reporting tool,” Laura said.  

Eaglesoft practice management makes communication simple, easy and effective. In addition to making everything run more smoothly at Scripps Rock Dental, it gives everyone more time to sit back and enjoy the music.

5 ways Patterson Dental's Eaglesoft can simplify your daily routine

 Since 2003, Laura Hatch and her husband, dentist Anthony Hatch, have been rocking dentistry. When they opened the doors at their Maryland practice, they chose a rock-and-roll theme that has carried over to their new practice in San Diego, Scripps Rock Dental, which they opened in 2008.

How the right practice management software helps one dental practice rock and roll

	Opening a practice can be a daunting task full of many unknowns. One practitioner shares her top tips for making the process easier.

, has learned a lot from her mentor, Dr. James Saycich, her dentist since she was a child. Dr. Saycich inspired her to go into dentistry while she worked as his assistant in high school. After graduating from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, dental school in 2007, Dr. Dee Dee worked with Saycich at his dental office for five years. “He taught me how to run a practice,” Dr. Dee Dee said. “Everything from managing my assistant to doing payroll.” 

As Dr. Dee Dee’s patient load grew, and she became anxious to work with updated technology, she decided it was time to open her own practice. She and her husband, Mike, opened 

 in 2011. As the office manager, Mike handles many of the details so Dr. Dee Dee can focus on patient care. They learned these five important lessons along the way: 

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A solid business plan is the foundation of a new practice. Dr. Dee Dee developed a basic business plan and recruited a friend who works as a financial planner to help with the hard numbers. “At first, try to keep everything you do in-house,” Dr. Dee Dee said. “If you have a family member or a friend who can help out, by all means, ask for it.” Dr. Dee Dee revisits her business plan annually to compare financials with the prior year. 

Dr. Dee Dee said it’s important not to overestimate the amount of 

 you’ll get right away. She said to keep your business plan simple and straight-to-the-point. If anything, underestimate the amount of money you and the business are going to make right away. 

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“The hardest thing is building the team,” Dr. Dee Dee said. “A great team will have the same vision as you, and it’s hard to find good people that are on the same page.” To do this, Dr. Dee Dee suggests interviewing lots of candidates and involving the team in the selection. “You want to find people who see this not just as a job,” she explained. That’s why each candidate is asked: “Which matters to you most: Job satisfaction or pay?” If the candidate responds with “pay,” it’s a red flag.

 good people, give them a reason to stick around. 

At Dee for Dentist, this means profit sharing, team lunches, holiday parties, scavenger hunts, 5K races and volunteer events. “If employees get along and are friends with one another, they are going to enjoy being at work, and they’re going to stick around,” Dr. Dee Dee said. 

“Technology is expensive,” Dr. Dee Dee said. “But if you’re investing in it to make yourself a better clinician, the investment will be worth it because it will set you apart from other offices. Your patients will know you care about their treatment. It’s a steep investment, but if it’s part of your business plan, it’s always doable.” 

Dee for Dentist was opened when the economy was down, but, despite that, business has grown tremendously. Dr. Dee Dee and Mike have hired more staff members, continue to add new technology and are enjoying great success. “I’m very proud and surprised,” Dr. Dee Dee said. “I didn’t realize we would get to this point this fast.”

 Opening a practice can be a daunting task full of many unknowns. One practitioner shares her top tips for making the process easier.

The top 5 tips for starting your own practice

	"So, how do you put a geeky germophobe to good use? Make him the office manager."

introduces himself. Irreverent? A little. Self-deprecating? A lot. But that’s how they like it at 

Dee for Dentist Family & Cosmetic Dental Care

 using fun, quirky descriptions, and Cruz’s introduction goes on to explain that his “extensive knowledge of film and pop culture guarantees that awesome movies and great conversation can always be found at Dee for Dentist.” 

Cruz opened the Las Vegas, Nevada practice in 2011 with his wife, dentist 

, who patients call Dr. Dee Dee and Cruz refers to as “Doc.” The couple started the practice with the goal of creating an amazing patient experience and it just so happens that they’ve had a lot of fun along the way. Because of that, their patients have fun, too. Everything from the modern, bright apple-green and gray décor to the coffee bar, the movies playing throughout the office, the latest technology and the creative messaging is part of the brand that Cruz helped build – a brand that revolves around fun. 

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about changing dental fees and what you're charging patients

“We want patients who appreciate our humor and personality,” said Cruz. “We try to connect with our patients, and our personality drives everything we do.” Staff members are definitely on board, one being described as “Inventory Princess,” on the practice website and another as, “a supernova of fun and excitement that explodes every morning at 9 a.m.” 

Cruz and Dr. Dee Dee balance each other out nicely. As the office manager, Cruz oversees daily tasks and ensures that team members have everything they need so that Dr. Dee Dee can focus on patient care. “Doc and I have a vision together,” he explained. “Her focus is more on the practice in terms of treatment and things like that. I kind of get to steer the technology. Seeing what makes sense, figuring out how to incorporate it and make it work, then coming up with how we can integrate it with the team to make sure it’s seamless. I set the course and get out of the way,” he added.

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Part of setting the course has involved the integration of technology including 

. “Technology sets the tone and is one of the big ways to differentiate your practice,” said Cruz. “But it’s more than that. It works – and it can help diagnose and help treat and help you work more efficiently. These are all things that make a practice successful.” 

This foresight is part of what makes Cruz successful in his role. It’s also what earned him a scholarship from 

 in San Diego. According to Evan Gilfoyle, the Patterson territory representative who nominated him, “Mike and the team have a vision for the future of the practice and Mike looks for opportunities to achieve that vision.” 

With a uniform that includes bright green shirts, the team is unified in more ways than one. “The uniform is keeping everything in theme, keeping our brand together,” said Cruz. “Really, it’s just an excuse to make it easier to get dressed in the morning,” he added laughing. Fortunately, the office manager with a great sense of humor is far more than a self-described geeky germophobe. 

 "So, how do you put a geeky germophobe to good use? Make him the office manager."

One dental office manager's philosophy: Set the course and get out of the way

 starting his own dental practice had its challenges. When he opened 

 in Chicago, Ill., in 2000, he realized how difficult it is to attract patients to a new practice versus buying a practice with an existing patient base. Despite the difficulty getting off the ground, he and his staff were highly motivated and excited about the work they were doing.

By 2010, the practice had grown tremendously. Unfortunately, the excitement level had died, the day-to-day tasks had become routine and the work was no longer challenging. Find out how Dr. Cooper integrated new technology into his practice to make dentistry exciting again.

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When did you first consider CEREC and why?

 representative, Michele Geno, invited me to visit another doctor who was using 

 successfully. I was blown away by the technology and the quality of restorations that CEREC was able to produce.
	


What made you decide to purchase a CEREC?


I started looking at some of the hard numbers and how I could actually incorporate this into my practice. My Patterson representative told me everything I would need to know as far as costs and productivity.

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The convenience of being able to provide one-day dentistry is amazing. I have total control over my restorations and patients love the fact that they do not have to deal with 

 and temporaries.  Seeing the detail of my work magnified on a computer screen has made me a better dentist.


Before getting CEREC, I was taking impressions and sending all of my cases to a lab. Now I can complete most restorations the same day, for less time and less money.

Related Article: How CEREC allows you to practice dentistry your way


It literally changed the way I practice dentistry and essentially changed my life. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t get up and look forward to going to work. I’m excited about dentistry again, and I’m more integrated in the dental community than ever. I’m doing presentations on CEREC and 

 and am now educating other doctors about the technology.

When did you decide to integrateOrthophos XG 3D CBCT into your practice?


About four months after getting CEREC, I went to a 

 and after the first hour I tracked down my Patterson equipment specialist and said, “Let’s make this happen.” I had signed on for 

What has been the best thing about having GALILEOS XG 3D?


The CBCT shows me pathologies that we otherwise wouldn’t see, so we’re recognizing work that patients need to have done that we otherwise wouldn’t have seen on traditional 2D X-rays. It has also made implant placement much more predictable, because of the integration with 

. It allows me to plan my implants from the crown down, which leads to better results.

Why are you glad that you incorporated this new technology into your practice?


I have total control over the process from start to finish and it’s totally digital. Coming to the office is 

 now. All of these products that are the newest, the latest and greatest, are making my day-to-day work very smooth, very easy and mostly predictable. The level of care that I’m able to provide is the highest – this is going to be the standard of care one day, we just happen to be ahead of the curve.

This article originally appeared in the September 2014 issue of Dental Products Report. For articles on other upcoming products, 

click here to subscribe to DPR's newsletter. 

 For Rich Cooper, DDS, starting his own dental practice had its challenges. When he opened West Loop Dental Associates in Chicago, Ill., in 2000, he realized how difficult it is to attract patients to a new practice versus buying a practice with an existing patient base. Despite the difficulty getting off the ground, he and his staff were highly motivated and excited about the work they were doing.

A dentist revitalized by CEREC and Galileos

	When graduating from dental school, many graduates know a great deal about their topic of study, but very little about where to go with all the knowledge they’ve gained. For recent graduates, finding the right dental practice may require some effort, but the payoff can be great. Finding a practice that offers the things you need to learn and grow in the profession can boost your career and help you reach your goals.

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When Dr. Bill Shattuck graduated from the dental program at the 

 in 2012, he narrowed his practice search down to three criteria. “I took some classes on transitioning and what to look for in a practice,” he said. “I knew what I wanted to improve upon when I moved into private practice and I knew what was important to me.”

Dr. Shattuck was offered several associateships in major metropolitan areas but only two of his three criteria would be met. It was the job offer at 

 in a small, rural town in Oklahoma that had everything he needed. He accepted the position in 2013, moved his family to Oklahoma and hasn’t looked back.

Dr. Shattuck’s three criteria when seeking an associateship at a private practice included the following:

 – Dr. Shattuck knew that he wanted to work with staff members who had the knowledge and drive to make the treatment process a positive experience for both doctors and patients. By talking to staff members during the interview process, he was able to ask questions about how they felt about working with the doctor and gauge their level of enthusiasm about the practice. Because he found a practice with great staff members, Dr. Shattuck says that coming to work everyday is a joy. “Even if it’s a difficult day, everybody pitches in and does a great job and helps out,” he said.

 – The opportunity to work with updated technology that would allow him to grow as a dentist was extremely important.“Not only does technology allow you to provide the best patient care, it can accelerate your learning and growth in the profession,” Dr. Shattuck said. Recent graduates are at an advantage because they are still hungry for more knowledge and are open to learning new technologies. “It is vital that you take advantage of this time to learn and grow as much as possible.”

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 – Dr. Shattuck wanted the opportunity to begin working on patients right away, and a senior dentist willing to become a mentor in order to help him develop in the profession.

That’s exactly what he found. His first day in the office, Dr. Burris asked him if he wanted to see a pediatric patient after he had been there for just an hour. Since then, Dr. Burris has been a mentor who has actively guided Dr. Shattuck every step of the way.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m where I need to be right now,” Dr. Shattuck said of his decision to join the practice. He is glad that he determined what’s most important for him and put the energy into finding a practice that offered those opportunities.

He has since signed papers agreeing to take over the practice in several years. Until then, Dr. Shattuck’s goals are to keep improving and keep growing. “If you’re not growing, you’re moving backwards,” he said. “It’s important to live and grow and become a better person than you were the day before.”

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This article originally appeared in the October 2014 issue of Dental Products Report. For articles about other great products, 

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 When graduating from dental school, many graduates know a great deal about their topic of study, but very little about where to go with all the knowledge they’ve gained. For recent graduates, finding the right dental practice may require some effort, but the payoff can be great. Finding a practice that offers the things you need to learn and grow in the profession can boost your career and help you reach your goals.