The single most important step in a career in dentistry is to serve the public by establishing your first practice. It is an action that creates the possibility for professional growth and personal fulfillment. Thus, I focused
on two major goals in writing this book: (1) Preparing senior dental students and recent graduates for entry into the practice of dentistry, and
(2) providing relevant information in an easily accessible format.
For some time I pondered the idea of training students to become dental health practitioners in this era beset with ramifications unlike any experienced in former times. The now outdated model in which fees for
services were paid directly to the dentist by the patient served practitioners well in the past and enabled them to maintain their offices as well
as their families. However, this era of simplicity came to a close decades
before the end of the 20th century. Events during this first decade of the
21st century have further convinced me that the business side of dental
practice needs specific emphasis in the dental curriculum.
This book is meant for true beginners in the business of dentistry. It is not
required that readers of this book possess previous business experience or
have a family member already in the field of dentistry. Every effort has
been made to emphasize the fundamental issues in the startup of a dental practice using easy-to-read, informative guidelines without ponderous
fluff. I have included key points and terms in the margins to reinforce
important concepts and for easy reference; in addition, online resources
are presented (as indicated by the mouse icon in the margin) to allow the
reader to access additional information. This is done, however, with the
caveat that some links may no longer be valid at the time of reading.
The range of topics is not intended to be exhaustive or perfect, and I do
not claim to have presented any “new” knowledge. However, by collaborating with colleagues who understand the rigors of making decisions
in a climate of uncertainty and incomplete knowledge, I am able to offer
the reader a compilation of experiences garnered over the years and conPrefacevii
densed into a single source. Each contributor has personal experience in
both private practice ownership and practice management education.
It is also important to point out that the book is not intended to substitute for legal, accounting, insurance, and commercial advice. Rather, it is
meant to provide pertinent information that will equip students and graduates with basic tools to understand business concepts and vocabulary in
order to ask appropriate questions. It is worth remembering that success
and happiness are not guaranteed by the lawyer, accountant, or business
advisor; they offer advice and recommendations—nothing more.
The future is yours to make. Good fortune to all.