{"id":21464,"date":"2025-05-01T15:37:46","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T19:37:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/?page_id=21464"},"modified":"2025-11-04T10:30:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T15:30:17","slug":"the-new-professional-journal-column","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/mda-journal\/current-journal-issue\/the-new-professional-journal-column\/","title":{"rendered":"The New Professional Journal Column"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1698696973333{margin-top: -40px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #009ba7 !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;white-text&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>The New Professional Column<\/h1>\n<p><nav  aria-label=\"breadcrumb\"><ol class=\"breadcrumb\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BreadcrumbList\"><li class=\"breadcrumb-item active\" aria-current=\"page\" itemprop=\"itemListElement\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ListItem\"><span itemprop=\"name\">Home<\/span><meta itemprop=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Evaluating a Practice Purchase: Guidance for the First-Time Buyer<\/h2>\n<p>By Amrita Patel, DDS<\/p>\n<p>For many new dentists, buying a practice is a chance to shape their own career, set the tone for how they care for patients, and build financial stability on their own terms. But stepping into ownership for the first time can also feel overwhelming. How do you know if an office is really the right fit? How do you avoid mistakes that could follow you for years? The truth is, evaluating a practice is more than just the price tag. Yes, the numbers matter, but so do the people, the culture, and the opportunities that come with it.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1761596696320{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]Start with the financials, because they\u2019re the backbone of any purchase. Ask for at least three years of tax returns and profit-and-loss statements, and take the time to understand what they mean. Collections, overhead, and net income give you a snapshot of health, but it\u2019s the patterns over time that really matter. If production has dropped, was it because the seller cut back hours or because patients stopped coming? A dip caused by reduced schedules may not be a red flag, but a shrinking patient base should make you cautious. Also, don\u2019t overlook accounts receivable. Any business can look profitable on paper yet struggle to collect what\u2019s owed. And, take note of the insurance mix, because if the practice leans too heavily on one plan, a change in reimbursement rates could shake the bottom line.<\/p>\n<p>Still, numbers only tell part of the story. Patients are the heart of a dental business, and understanding them is critical. Look closely at how many are \u201cactive,\u201d which is typically defined as being seen in the past 18 to 24 months, and how many new patients come in each month. Just as important is the community the practice serves. Are you stepping into a neighborhood of young families, retirees, or a more transient population? Each will shape the kind of dentistry you\u2019ll be doing and the long-term potential for growth. And remember, patients often stay loyal to the doctor, not just the practice. If the seller is beloved for personal relationships, you may see some attrition after the transition. But if loyalty is tied to strong systems and great staff, the base will be far more secure.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of staff, don\u2019t underestimate their role in your success. An experienced, welcoming team can make all the difference. They know the patients, the systems, and the flow of the office. On the other hand, high turnover or an unhappy team can create stress right when you need steadiness the most. When evaluating a practice, pay attention to the culture: how the team interacts with each other, how they greet patients, and whether the atmosphere feels warm or rushed. You\u2019ll be inheriting that culture, so make sure it\u2019s one you want to lead.<\/p>\n<p>Facilities and equipment are another area to weigh carefully. The number of operatories, the condition of the equipment, and the technology in use will affect both how you work today and what you may need to invest in tomorrow. Location matters too. Accessibility, parking, and visibility all influence new patient flow and can\u2019t be fixed as easily as old chairs or computers.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22110&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748368749075{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/dentalpracticetransitions.henryschein.com\/complimentary-phone-consultation\/?utm_source=State%20Journal&amp;utm_medium=Print&amp;utm_campaign=Denise%20Sara%20MI&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;25px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;24477&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1761596629573{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.mdaprograms.com\/mda-insurance-programs\/health-life-disability\/health-insurance\/&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Don\u2019t forget to ask about systems. Scheduling, billing, recall, and marketing may not sound glamorous, but they\u2019re what keep the practice running smoothly. Strong systems reduce stress and free you to focus on dentistry.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, think about the future. A practice isn\u2019t just about what it is today, it\u2019s about what it can become in your hands. Are there procedures currently being referred out that you\u2019d like to keep in-house? Is there room to add an operatory or expand services? Is the community underserved in areas like implants, orthodontics, or cosmetic dentistry? Spotting growth opportunities can turn a good purchase into the cornerstone of a thriving career.<\/p>\n<p>For new dentists, the first practice purchase is more than a financial transaction. It\u2019s a leap into leadership and independence. Approach it with curiosity, caution, and optimism![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>The Unspoken Costs of Saying \u2018Yes\u2019 to Everything<\/h2>\n<p>By Amrita Patel, DDS<\/p>\n<p>As a new dentist or associate, saying \u201cyes\u201d often feels like the right (and only) choice. You want to be seen as a team player. You want to build goodwill with your employer, colleagues, and patients. You want to prove yourself. You might even feel like you have to say \u201cyes\u201d because you\u2019re still new, still learning, still establishing your place.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1758724039682{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]But there\u2019s a cost to always saying \u201cyes,\u201d and too often, it shows up late: after the burnout, the resentment, and the loss of time that can\u2019t be reclaimed. Full disclosure: I gave so much time, energy, and attention to building my professional career and leadership assignments that I neglected myself and my personal life. In doing so, I made some choices that I\u2019m not the proudest of. Still, every one of those was a learning opportunity, and a chance to grow.<\/p>\n<p>In those first few years out of school, everything felt like an opportunity. Can you come in on your day off? Can you skip lunch to squeeze in an emergency? Can you attend this weekend\u2019s CE course, cover for a sick colleague, or stay late to finish the crown prep that ran over? You probably can, and you probably will. But just because you can doesn\u2019t mean you should. The dental school mindset, which is to say yes, hustle, and compete, doesn\u2019t turn off at graduation. It often becomes magnified in private practice. There\u2019s a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) pressure to be accommodating at all costs. Many new dentists fear that saying no will label them as difficult or unmotivated. The irony is that trying to please everyone usually means letting yourself down first.<\/p>\n<p>Overcommitment rarely announces itself loudly. It looks like working through lunch for the fifth day in a row. It looks like promising to review a complex treatment plan after hours, even when your brain is fried. It looks like agreeing to a Saturday shift you didn\u2019t want, or volunteering for a committee when your plate is already full. In the beginning, it might feel manageable. But soon, you start to notice that you\u2019re exhausted before your day even begins. Your patience wears thin. You\u2019re less efficient. You may feel quietly resentful. This pattern isn\u2019t unsustainable. And it\u2019s common.<\/p>\n<p>Saying \u201cno\u201d doesn\u2019t have to mean being rude, unhelpful, or inflexible. It just means honoring your own limits and acknowledging that your time, energy, and focus are not infinite resources. Here are a few scripts that can help:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cI want to give that my full attention, but I\u2019m currently at capacity. Can we revisit this later?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cI appreciate you thinking of me, but I need to decline this time.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cI\u2019m not able to take that on right now, but I\u2019d be happy to help in a different way.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22110&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748368749075{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/dentalpracticetransitions.henryschein.com\/complimentary-phone-consultation\/?utm_source=State%20Journal&amp;utm_medium=Print&amp;utm_campaign=Denise%20Sara%20MI&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;25px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;24070&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1758723969047{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.mdaprograms.com.pages.services\/auto-and-home\/?ts=1686680115987&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Boundary-setting is a skill, not a character flaw. The earlier you learn to advocate for yourself, the more respect you\u2019ll earn, and the more sustainable your career will be. One of the hardest parts of saying no is the guilt that comes with it. But guilt is just a feeling, it\u2019s not a reliable metric for whether your choice is right. You are allowed to prioritize your own well-being. You are allowed to have a life outside of work. And you are allowed to protect your time and energy, even when someone else is disappointed.<\/p>\n<p>Being professional means being reliable, competent, and respectful. It doesn\u2019t mean being a martyr. When you model healthy boundaries, you give others permission to do the same, and that creates a more sustainable workplace for everyone.<\/p>\n<p>Your early years in dentistry are formative. They\u2019ll shape your habits, your mindset, and your sense of self-worth. If you start practicing boundaries early, you\u2019re setting the foundation for a long, fulfilling, and balanced career. Your value isn\u2019t measured by how much you give up. It\u2019s measured by how intentionally you show up, and how well you take care of yourself along the way.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1753889097469{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]In the context of hygiene, production per hygiene visit and percentage of patients scheduled for recall appointments are valuable metrics. For practice owners, these numbers speak to the strength of the preventive care system and its contribution to overall practice revenue. A strong hygiene department supports both patient health and business health, often serving as a feeder for restorative and elective treatments.<\/p>\n<p>Likewise, patient satisfaction scores and online reviews, while more qualitative, have become essential KPIs in today\u2019s consumer-driven marketplace. These metrics reflect the patient experience and can have a significant impact on reputation and new patient acquisition. Monitoring feedback through surveys or online platforms provides real-time insight into service quality and helps identify areas for improvement.<\/p>\n<p>Accounts receivable aging is another critical area, especially for owners managing the financial side of the practice. This shows how long insurance companies or patients take to pay. A healthy practice maintains low receivables over 90 days; excessive aging can lead to cash flow issues and indicate inefficiencies in the billing process.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22088&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1753889067311{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.aftco.net\/&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1698696973333{margin-top: -40px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #009ba7 !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;white-text&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] The New Professional Column [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] Evaluating a Practice Purchase: Guidance for the First-Time Buyer By Amrita Patel, DDS For many new dentists, buying a practice is a chance to shape their own career, set the tone for how they care for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":21409,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-template-full-width.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","protect_children":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-21464","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-11-17 13:47:22","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21464"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24628,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21464\/revisions\/24628"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}