John Collier, DMD, and Franklin Kimbell, DMD

Combining experience and improving patient care with HighFive

What can you tell us about your background?

Dr. Collier: I am a graduate of Samford University, University of Alabama (UAB) School of Dentistry, and University of Alabama endodontic program.

Dr. Kimbell: I went to college at Spring Hill College in Mobile, dental school at UAB (’88), did my Endodontic residency at UAB (’90) training under Dr. Robert Barfield, joined Endodontic Associates immediately after completing my endo residency (July of ’90), and joined HighFive approximately a year ago.

Do your patients come from referrals?

Dr. Collier: We have a mix of return patients who need treatment on other teeth and new patient referrals from a great group of general practitioners.

Dr. Kimbell: We’re honored that they’ll trust us to take care of their patients.

What is unique about your practice?

Dr. Collier: It is extremely fulfilling to our team to help someone in need and to continually strive to exceed our patients’ expectations. Our ultimate goal is to have every patient feel loved and cared for. We send every patient a survey following treatment; the team gets such positive gratification with each positive review.

Dr. Kimbell: Joining HighFive has definitely made us a unique practice. We’re able to use each other’s experiences to help us choose each patient’s best treatment path. We just simply have a greater pool of knowledge and experience.

Professionally, what are you most proud of?

Dr. Collier: Seeing improvement in the patient experience. The new technology in 3D CBCT and improved armamentarium have allowed endodontic treatment to become better than ever.

Dr. Kimbell: I’ve always tried to treat every patient as though they were a family member — spending the time required to take care of them to the absolute best of my ability.

What is your most satisfying or challenging aspect of your practice?

Dr. Collier: It is challenging when patients have to wait for an open appointment. Patients should have access to quality endodontic care in a reasonable amount of time instead of having to wait a week or more in discomfort.

Dr. Kimbell: I am most satisfied when I know that I’ve really helped my patient.

What is your perception of the future of endodontics?

Dr. Collier: With new technology and materials, we can treat patients more efficiently with more confidence. This will lead to better patient experience and care. Hopefully, this will change how people view root canals.

Dr. Kimbell: New instruments and equipment are always being developed, and new philosophies of treatment are always being discussed. If endodontists will continue to focus on what’s best for the patient, endodontics will continue to be a great field of dentistry.

What is your advice to budding endodontists?

Dr. Collier: Have as many experienced advisors as possible when determining patient needs and treatment. Also, to remember how fortunate they are to be able to help people who are in pain and in need.

Dr. Kimbell: Don’t think that you’ll be practicing the same way for your whole career. Philosophies will change, and tools will change. Be open to all of this, but strive to see the difference between a vendor trying to sell you something and someone trying to help you better treat your patient.

What are your tips for maintaining a successful specialty practice?

Dr. Collier: You need a team of like-minded, loving, caring staff who will help you provide the care you desire for your patients.  Also, find a like-minded experienced peer group to share ideas and treatment decisions with. Don’t try to do it alone.

Dr. Kimbell: Treat your patients as you would like to be treated.

What is your favorite aspect of being a part of HighFive?

Dr. Collier: The collaboration with so many other excellent doctors. It is truly amazing how much you can learn from other clinicians. I’m so blessed to be a part of this family.

Dr. Kimbell: I have learned so much the other doctors’ experience and many different ways of approaching treatment. I feel like I’m doing the best endo that I’ve ever done. I feel very blessed to be a part of the HighFive family. They’ve helped me be a better endodontist.