Practice Downsizing

Several years ago, I decided that I did not want to spend the rest of my professional career in a high-volume orthodontic practice, with limited time for talking to patients and parents. I therefore made a deal to take over a satellite office in a small town closer to my home.

My staff and I manage the practice so we have time to spend with the patients and parents. This reduces the need for "damage control" and multiple progress reports. We feel we offer a more personal service than the "go-go" practices, and our patients seem to appreciate the low-key atmosphere. Our treatment quality is up and treatment times are shorter.

The five staff members, all loyal, long-term members of our team, are essentially on part-time status. I still offer generous benefits, including a profit-sharing plan and a monthly stipend for health insurance. We manage to compete well with the high-volume practices--and my stomach quit hurting.