As I step into one full year of ownership, I want to take some time to reflect on this year. When I purchased my practice in Spokane, WA the first year was hard, but I felt after being there for three months, the challenges became easier to manage and the expectations of patients, the team, me as the employer settled in. I do not feel that was the case here in Carlsbad. This year has been challenging for many reasons.
Becoming a practice owner while introducing a third child into the mix was challenging. Managing a new born baby, the patients, the team, leadership, my family life, my personal life has come with challenges. I came into the practice with a fresh set of eyes. I want to build a brand where patients see the true difference in their oral health and how it reflects on their general health; I want my children to see that I am a strong willful mother who will raise them with love but also focus on my career; I want my team to see that I am here to lead them into succes whether it’s a difficult patient that enters, whether they need to diagnose and implement a hygiene protocol, whether we have to explain to a difficult patient their insurance fees and why “more is not covered”, and whether they need to implement systems to help facilitate billing, scheduling, answering phones, etc.
Looking ahead, as I enter year two, I’m excited to continue improving our patient experience, investing in our team, and creating a dental office where people truly feel comfortable and cared for. The first year taught me that practice ownership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning, adapting, and never losing sight of why you became a dentist in the first place.
If you are a new practice owner, mother or someone who is trying to figure out the working mom guilt, I see you, I hear you and I am always here for you.
xx
