(SB) Small dental practice near Boston still strong

I own a small dental practice in Malden, Mass., a town of about 55,000, five miles north of Boston. Evidence of the economic downturn in Malden includes unused office space and vacant lots that sit patiently while construction projects are put on hold. Though dental practices across the nation are being hard-hit by the shift in the economy, my practice still is going strong.

Articles in dental journals recommend dental practices return to the basics and wait out the slow economy. Many of my professional peers are changing the focus of their practices, specifically by decreasing elective procedures. Fortunately, my practice always has focused on the basics. Neither my practice nor my lifestyle relies on the influx of cash that high-priced elective procedures may generate.

Instead, we concentrate on providing traditional checkup and cleaning, simple fillings and single crowns, root canal treatment and removable full and partial dentures. These procedures always will be the basis of general dentistry. Therefore, my practice is and will continue to be less affected by economics than others'.

The downturn even helped my practice when we recently had to fill an empty position; the entire process was much easier and faster than in the past. A single Internet local classified ad produced more than 30 responses in less than a week. We had more than a dozen applicants, all well-qualified. I was able to hire a top candidate within a short timeframe. The entire staff and the new dental assistant were happy.

Even though my practice is doing relatively well, we have noticed some unfortunate changes. Many of our patients are in transition. They worry about their income and how it may change. Some press for appointments before their insurance terminates. Others ask for treatment plans that take into account their recently reduced salaries. They ask if a procedure can wait, or if a less expensive procedure will tide them over until they are more secure.

While my practice continues to perform relatively well in this economy, I can't help but worry this will change. If more of my patients lose their jobs and their insurance, I will need to look at ways to cut expenses, possibly by shortening office hours and decreasing staff hours. For now, we are making changes that will benefit the practice when the economy improves. And we will continue to focus on the basics, as we always have.