I really feel the need to share something that’s been weighing heavily on my mind. You see, I’m not a fan of “The Sky is Falling” mentality that some are using as their platform today. My belief is that we work in the best business in the world! I’m speaking of the dental business, of course.
We are blessed to be in a business that, for the most part, has not given in to what I call, diagnosis by insurance company. Have changes in the insurance industry affected our business? Certainly, they have. But, not like other health care providers, not by a long shot! That being said, I do believe we should be informed. I don’t believe we should be scared to death or made to feel like this business is doomed, because it certainly isn’t.
Office hours may be a little longer today than they were in 2005, but they’re not as long as they were in 1985. If you were working in a dental office at that time, you will likely remember working nights and often Saturdays. I remember seeing patients until 9:00 pm and was in the office again at 6:30 the next morning to prepare for a 7:00 patient. I also remember working many Saturdays. It was quite common when I first entered the dental world.
Through the years I’ve seen salaries and benefits increase and hours decrease. This reference is for Dentists and the Dental Team. Where most practices were open 50 to 60 hours per week in 1985; most are open 28 to 34 hours per week in 2013. I realize there are exceptions, as there were 30 years ago.
Did you know that the US News and World Report named “Dentist” as the #1 job to have in 2013? Physicians came in at #5 and Dental Hygienists at #10. Two of the top 10 jobs for 2013 are in the Dental field! How cool is that?
A beautiful Smile is not going out of style and the Sky is not falling on the Dental Industry! We have it pretty good!
