INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
I get the feeling that it is hard for the Dental Industry to understand what an Independent Practitioner looks like.
I started my practice because I needed to be at home to support my youngest daughter suffering with extreme separation anxiety, I needed money to pay the bills, wanted to have a family holiday and put a bit aside for a rainy day…For some of us that is enough and it’s a great start…..
This whole story about spending $1 Million +++ to get started as an Independent Practitioner/ business owner (not including enormous ongoing overheads everyday) is fine and achievable for some….
However!!…. what about the rest of us?????
I know there are many of you just like me who just want something unique and different that is tailored to suit your individual goals, aspirations and lifestyle…..
Independent Practice can be whatever you want it to be… and please do not be disheartened or scared to realise your dreams because of what others perceive to be “The acceptable/standard model of Practice”……
Independence means Unique and innovative practice settings and practitioner innovations that have the potential to reach a greater number of patients in a more powerful way than OUR profession has ever known before.
There has never been a more exciting time for US!
How I got started..
6 years ago (In 2014) I started a Dental Hygiene and Teeth Whitening practice with a $45,000 loan… and I set up my own Independent Practice…(of course back then I had a structured Professional Relationship, but no dentist on my premises, no provider number and complete financial independence from any dentist)
With that loan, I was able to buy my ADEC chair, autoclave, cabinetry, fit-out, medical-grade electrical, plumbing, plant equipment, instruments and consumables included…(There are ways to do this even more cost-effectively now!) Everything I needed for a complete setup…
Last Tuesday (now some covid restrictions have been lifted) I started back in my studio, my patients had already booked themselves in online, I have min 1-hour appts with each person, 15 mins before and after for a drink, toilet, pat the dog, plenty of time including clean up and changeover, I am at home, the fire is lit, favourite tunes are playing and I am relaxed and happy in my IDEAL INDEPENDENT workplace…….at 56 years old.. I’ll be happy doing this for a few more years….
MY DAY WENT LIKE THIS…..4 customers, $140 per customer $560 gross…(some days I’ll add a laser whitening extra $350).. I do this 1-2 days a week and sometimes a Saturday….. THIS IS WHAT MY UNIQUE PRACTICE LOOKS LIKE…..
I have set up a course and been working with and mentoring other like-minded Professionals wanting to create their own Independent business, financial freedom, flexibility, family-friendly, and so much more that goes with that….
Here are some examples of what people are already doing and Inspiration to get you started:
*Fit-out a room in your home.. check out my studio here @pearlywhitesprofessional on FB
*Set up in a room in an office and share facilities, reception, lunchroom, bathroom and parking spaces. Low overheads, no need to be there every day, no need to employ any staff, online customer appointments, flexibility with working hours, manage your own social media to build a tribe of people who know like and trust you..
*Rent a chair from a dental prosthetist
*Start a mobile Teeth whitening and Dental Hygiene business
*Set up a room in a residential /aged care facility
*Rent a chair in a dental practice that is vacant and available for use for a set fee or commission structure
Do not be discouraged by thinking you have to spend 100’s of thousands +++ more $$$ to get started…You can make your dream a reality and have minimal expenses..
No stressing about the $1000 needed per day for overheads before you even open the doors.
Why doesn’t the Industry understand there are many levels of business entry and some of us just want to earn enough money to pay the bills, have a family holiday, enjoy life, and own our Own Unique Business .. whatever that may look like 🙋♀️...