First Practice? Get Savings, Support for a ‘Smart Start’

Struggling with a lengthy wish list of equipment for your first practice? For many dentists, it’s an experience that likely seesaws between excitement and a high level of stress, depending on the day and the decision. No two practices are exactly alike, and every clinician has a very different set of priorities. Still, for most dentists, it usually comes down to esthetics, cost, and ergonomics. After working as an associate dentist in an area practice, Jackie Hassenplug, DMD, took the leap and opened her own practice. And while the days spent setting up were full of challenging decisions, she is very grateful for the expert guidance and purchasing incentives offered to first-time practice builders like herself through A-dec’s Smart Start program.

“Having the A-dec Smart Start program—and especially my rep, Molly—was a tremendous resource for me because they answered my questions and explained what many similar startups do, which helped give me some guidance,” Dr. Hassenplug shared. “One great word of advice was to purchase just what I thought I would need right away so I would have enough cash flow. The fact that the Smart Start program offers a discount for two years allows me to get quality equipment right away at an affordable price and not have to stress about finances in the beginning. As I grow, I can add equipment at the same affordable price. This helped tremendously as cash flow is tight the first month or two, so having the flexibility of being able to buy more equipment as I grow makes it a little bit easier financially, while still having the best equipment.”

Financial Incentives and Support

A unique program designed to assist dentists as they launch their first practice, A-dec’s Smart Start program offers a 25% discount on A-dec equipment for two years, along with training, customer service and team support, access to a dealer network, and guidance on equipment and furniture selection decisions.

After discussing her vision and goals with others in the industry, Dr. Hassenplug, who owns Smile Haven Dental Studio in St. Charles, Illinois, realized the A-dec Smart Start program offered the guidance she needed, as well as a product selection that aligned with her goals.

“I wanted equipment that stood the test of time,” she explained. “I have worked in both new and older offices and I saw that even 20+ years later, A-dec equipment still works incredibly well and looks brand new. The support A-dec provides if you have questions—even if the equipment is older—is amazing and the company will walk you step-by-step through any issue you may have.”

‘Disney for Dentists’

Dr. Hassenplug was particularly impressed with the personalized assistance A-dec offered, especially during an in-person visit to the A-dec showroom. It’s a visit she highly recommends to other dentists in the process of outfitting their practices with new equipment and furniture.

“We went to the showroom in Nashville, Tennessee, which truly helped me understand the A-dec difference since I was able to see everything in person and in one place,” Dr. Hassenplug said. “I highly recommend making that visit—it was like Disney for dentists!”

Dr. Hassenplug is grateful for the guidance and support she received, particularly when it came to the challenging decision of whether or not to use side cabinets, as well as how to choose between custom or dental-grade cabinets.

Decisions That Follow Your Gut

“There are so many different theories about how to set up an operatory ‘the right way,’ but no two doctors work the same way,” she said. “Many people advised me against purchasing the side cabinets. However, with the support of my Smart Start team, I was advised to follow my gut and ended up purchasing one side cabinet with the ICV vacuum-line cleaning system as a start for each room; but my long-term goal is to purchase a side cabinet for both sides of the room. I do not regret it one bit!”

In addition to durability and esthetics, Dr. Hassenplug was also looking for ergonomically designed equipment and furniture, meaning that both her body and the equipment would function well for many years to come.

“I have worked in other offices that didn’t have A-dec equipment, and I couldn’t make it through the day without my body hurting,” she shared. “The ergonomics are key when picking equipment. I do not go home in pain—ever—when working in an A-dec operatory! With A-dec equipment, I knew my body would last the test of time.”

Dr. Hassenplug encourages other dentists to contact their local A-dec Territory Manager for details and eligibility requirements for the Smart Start program. And having recently completed the process of setting up her new practice, she also has some words of wisdom for those embarking on the same experience.

“Do everything A-dec that you possibly can,” she offered. “The quality is the best of the best and will last you. In the beginning of a startup, you do not need every room equipped, so A-dec’s Smart Start program allows you to grow at the pace your office is growing. A-dec wants to see new businesses succeed and do well.”