In this episode, I wanted to take a moment to share a poignant story about a patient I’ll call James Doe. Over a year ago, James reached out, seeking help for a sharp tooth problem that was cutting his tongue. When I first visited his charming home, I was greeted by his wife, Elaine, and navigated through their cozy residence to find James seated in a recliner. Our initial appointment was filled with heartfelt conversations; James regaled me with stories about his five kids, grandchildren, and his adventurous past, including his service in the military and a long career that took him around the world. After treating his immediate dental issue, I advised James that he needed a comprehensive oral exam to address other dental concerns—advice he surprisingly heeded.

Weeks later, I returned for a complete examination and treatment planning session. James and Elaine were faced with tough choices, such as whether to undergo transportation for oral surgery or to manage his condition at home. Elaine’s emotional response emphasized the overwhelming nature of caregiving and the importance of support systems. Despite the challenges, James made pragmatic choices typical of many of my patients: opting for SDF placements and focusing on visible restorations to maintain his appearance. Unfortunately, James's health took a downturn, leading to a temporary stay at a care facility where dental hygiene was not prioritized. This exacerbated his dental issues, and upon his return home, we had to adjust our treatment plans.

The story reached a touching and insightful conclusion during our last session. James, now bedridden and beset by rheumatoid arthritis, chose comfort over aesthetics for his dental care. He shared life lessons with me, reflecting on the time he wished he could reclaim to spend with his family. This sentiment resonated deeply, reinforcing my own philosophy of valuing time and cherishing moments with loved ones. House-call dentistry, as James' story illustrates, is not just about medical procedures—it’s about connecting with patients on a personal level and making a profound impact on their lives. This fulfilling practice model is a unique and rewarding career choice that stands apart from traditional chair-side dentistry. If you’re interested in exploring this path, I invite you to join my free masterclass, “Own a Practice That Doesn’t Own You.”

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Visit: AccommoDental

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As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their colorful descent in Western New York, it's more than just a signal that fall is on its way. September marks a key moment to step back and focus on your business, especially if you’re running a dental house-call practice. With the kids back in school and a brief respite before the holiday rush of Q3, this is the prime time to conduct a thorough audit of your practice. Assess whether you achieved your goals, identify any shifts in priorities, and set new objectives that reflect your evolving vision. This reflective pause can ensure that your practice is not just surviving but thriving as you head into the new year. Taking a day off from patient appointments may seem counterintuitive, but it's crucial for long-term growth. When I evaluated my progress and personal goals after becoming a mom, I recognized a paradigm shift where quality time with my daughter took precedence over strict income targets. This led me to establish firm boundaries, such as limiting patient appointments to align better with my personal life. The nimbleness of a house call practice allows for these kinds of quick adaptations, sparing you from bureaucratic hurdles and long waiting periods that can plague traditional practices. For those still in the early stages of establishing a dental house-call practice, now is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in learning and strategic planning. My free ebook, "A Day in the Life of a House Call Dentist," and the comprehensive online course, Dental House Call Practice Academy (DHCPA), offer valuable resources to get started. Taking decisive action today can set the stage for a successful 2025, providing the structure and momentum needed to reach your professional and personal goals. Whether you're adapting your current practice or starting anew, use this September to make impactful changes that will benefit you and your future patients.

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

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This week I wanted to address why starting a dental house-call practice doesn't have to lead to a mountain of debt. While traditional brick-and-mortar practices can cost upwards of half a million dollars, a dental house-call practice can be launched for as little as $30,000. Opting for cost-effective equipment and making savvy choices, like sterilizing at a friend's practice initially, can significantly reduce startup costs. This low-budget approach provides the flexibility to invest more as you grow your practice, avoiding the looming burden of servicing massive loans. The key to a debt-free start is discipline! Much like dieting, saving cash requires spending less than you make, just as losing weight requires consuming fewer calories than you burn. This process may not be easy, but it is straightforward. Building your practice with cash rather than financing ensures you won't be working just to keep up with loan payments. Instead, you'll have the freedom to adjust your schedule as needed and truly enjoy your work, all while providing your patients with excellent care free from financial pressures. It's essential to remember that living debt-free isn't about luxury; it's about security and freedom. Saying no to unnecessary spending allows you to save for significant purchases, providing peace of mind and the ability to make choices without financial strain. Starting your dental house-call practice with cash not only sets a solid financial foundation but also allows you to work without desperation, making your professional life more fulfilling. For support and advice on beginning your journey, reach out at hello@residentialmovement.com. Thank you for joining me on this path to financial freedom and professional satisfaction.

Open Enrollment For Dental House Call Practice Academy

Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website

Visit: AccommoDental

Visit: Home Smile Care Foundation

Let’s Get Social:

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Produced by: Social Chameleon