Taking a stand for success

Editor’s intro: Endodontic Practice US Publisher Lisa Moler introduces her column with tips for building a lasting, successful business. 

At a recent seminar on growing business practices, one particularly meaningful session started with the speaker asking people to stand if their business has lasted 1 to 5 years. After that group sat down, next, the 5- to 10-year group was asked to rise. When recognizing people in the 10- to 15-year category, I looked around to see very few in that category standing in this large room. I was surprised and humbled, and also very proud that after 1½ decades, I was still standing — both literally and figuratively.

With the ever-changing business climate we are currently living in, it is often difficult to keep track of all of the details needed to keep your business in the public eye while staying laser-focused on expansion and growth. While general dentists and specialists alike need to concentrate on all of the technology and techniques that lead to better patient care, you also must remember, and already may be painfully aware of, the vital importance of understanding how to keep your business side booming. From social media to networking with colleagues, to methods for hiring and retaining employees who will have your back and your practice’s best interests in their minds, both entrepreneurs and dentists have to find a work-life balance between our personal and business lives.

In our upcoming issues, my column will offer tips on how to be a successful entrepreneur while being a caring business owner and running a profitable business! As a woman entrepreneur, I understand the frustrations and triumphs of tackling the world of business with all of its complexities and the competition of others who are also chasing success. It’s a massively competitive world we are living in!

As always, this issue’s articles discuss topics to help your endodontic practice expand both clinically and professionally. The CE by Dr. Sandra Tipanta, et al., compares the efficacy of three agitation devices for removal of debris and smear layer from the root canal system — an essential part of endodontic treatment. Dr. Naheed Mohamed, et al.’s CE on the cortical window, part 2, discusses the role of computer-guided endodontic surgery and how surgical templates printed from three-dimensional imaging allow for greater efficiency and accuracy for creation of the access window, resulting in less trauma than alternative techniques. Drs. Trent Lally and Kent Sabey’s interesting case study shows how creativity in unusual situations can result in “the patient being distinctly grateful at being able to retain her tooth, to have resolution of her discomfort, and to enjoy a return of normal dental function.” Dr. John Khademi also focuses on 3D-imaging technology that has changed the way he diagnoses and treats patients, as well as his relationship to referrals. We hope that reading all of these articles helps endodontists take their practices to the next level of patient care and reach their fullest potential.

Through my future columns, I hope to connect with you not just as dental specialists, but business people and entrepreneurs. At Endoodontic Practice US, we care about your stress AND success, and the often challenging and even painful journey to achieving your goals. After 15 years, I’m still standing — proud of the hard work that it took to get here, proud of my amazing, unwavering team that constantly has my back, and looking forward to all of the exhilaration of embracing and conquering business speed bumps and hurdles, while still learning with every step. I’m still standing. My goal is for you all to stand with me in the coming years, with our fierce entrepreneurial spirits — tackling life, propelling us upward, and pushing us forward to unlimited success in both your business and personal aspirations!

To your best success!

Lisa Moler

Founder/Publisher

MedMark Media

Watch Lisa Moler interview dentists who have built a lasting, successful business on DocTalk Dental!