by Metro Dentalcare is an affiliate of American Dental Partners, Inc., a national company that provides management support to group practices. Metro Dentalcare is comprised of 50 dental practices throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. William Johnson, DDS, practices at Maplewood Metro Dentalcare, a general dentistry office that is home to two dentists, six hygienists a couple of licensed assistants and a front-desk staff member.
“Being part of a group has given our office greater access to patients, as well as offered us greater purchasing efficiency and staffing support,” says Johnson. “We have been able to add more staff members and more advanced technology, enabling us to provide excellent patient care.” In turn, patients have experienced not only optimal treatment but better customer service, he points out. “Our patients can visit a conveniently located office, and they have access to more on-site services,” he explains.
Efficiency in Group Practice: How does your practice implement new technology efficiently and effectively?
William Johnson, DDS: As a group, we research new technology and work together to find the best results and most efficient equipment. We look at outcomes-based research and pilot new materials to ensure that our technology meets the needs of our doctors, our team and our patients. It’s especially helpful to have so many brains in the game. We benefit from a lot of knowledge, feedback and information being shared by so many team members in the group. A unique benefit of our practices is that we are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This means that we are constantly reviewing protocols and best practices around risk management, environmental safety, patient rights, clinical records and other areas of concern.
Efficiency in Group Practice: As more millennials enter the dental industry, how has this impacted your practice?
William Johnson, DDS: Metro Dentalcare is very interested in seeing its team members pursue new technologies and achieve a work/life balance, which I believe many millennials value. Belonging to a dental service organization makes it possible for us to accomplish this. For one, our clinicians needn’t worry about addressing business and management responsibilities. They can focus on practicing dentistry and providing great patient care. And they have more time to pursue activities outside of work. For my part, I feel like I can plan and schedule treatments so as to meet the best interests of my patients.
Efficiency in Group Practice: We hear more and more about the connection between oral and physical health and the need for dentists to take a holistic approach to patient care. How has this impacted the way your dental professionals work with patients?
William Johnson, DDS: At Metro Dentalcare, we use a comprehensive, whole-body approach to bridge the gap between medical and dental, and strive to educate our patients on the entire picture of oral health. Our doctors and hygienists focus on the clinical aspects of dentistry and treat patients for what they present with that day. We take time to discuss our patients’ health needs, as well as alternatives for care. As part of a dental group, we have access to more information and diagnostic tools to better evaluate our patients.
Efficiency in Group Practice: In your experience, what does the growing DSO market mean for traditional solo practices?
William Johnson, DDS: Both solo practices and group practices have their place in the dental industry. That said, I believe patients as a whole will benefit from greater access to care (i.e., multiple locations from which to choose, expanded office hours, etc.) that larger groups can offer.
