The Measure of Success

What is the measure of success for a dental practice? That’s the question I have been asking myself since I recently sold my practice after 26 years in Manti. I think it is natural to wonder if you were successful in your profession, but how do you accurately measure your success.? When I began in private practice my goals were 1) to provide good dentistry to my patients, 2) gain their trust and respect, 3) Let the quality of my work be my advertising. 4) Be fairly compensated for my services and 5) Be a contributing member of the community. For the most part, I believe I accomplished these goals. But, as I have thought more about it, I have come to realize that it wasn’t so much what I did that measured my success but rather, what I didn’t do, that really mattered.

I never had to fire an employee or had one file a complaint against me. Over the years I was fortunate to have some wonderful people work for me. Not everyone worked out, but most stayed around for many years and then continued on as patients.

I never lost an instrument or item down a patient’s trachea. That’s not to say that they didn’t swallow parts of an old filling or occasionally gag or throw up.

I never had a serious medical incident in my office where a patient had to be transported for medical treatment. I did have patients get ill and have complications from procedures I performed, but nothing that required hospitalization.

I never had a malpractice claim filed against me or brought before the State Dental Board for disciplinary action against my license. Not every procedure I did was ideal or went according to my plan, but I always tried to do my best and was honest with my patients when things went bad. I didn’t keep all the money I made from my practice for myself. I donated generously to local community and civic activities and sponsored many scholastic and educational events.

I didn’t keep all my talents within my practice. I always said yes when asked to coach a little league ball team or serve on a community council or committee. I gave many hours of community service which brought me much joy and satisfaction.

I was never audited by the IRS or failed an audit by the state. That’s not to say they weren’t stressful experiences, but I tried to be as honest as I could with my finical obligations.

I never defaulted on my loans, refused to pay a lab bill or pay a dental supplier. I was always able to make payroll on time and never filed for bankruptcy. I always gave the patient the benefit of the doubt and never tried to over or unnecessarily charge them.

I was never charged with Medicaid or insurance fraud, even though I often felt I deserved much more than I was getting paid.

I never refused treatment to a patient who was in pain, even though they owed me money for previous work that I did on them.

I never did any advertising for my practice on the radio, in the news paper or anywhere else. I always let my work and how we treated our patients speak for itself.

I never got a divorce or failed to support my children in their many school and sporting activities. I have to credit most of my success to my wife for all her support and love over the years.

I never got rich and made a lot of money, but I was able to live a comfortable lifestyle and plan for a secure retirement. I learned that money isn’t everything, in fact, it had very little to do with the measure of my success.

I didn’t take from dentistry more than I gave. I served in organized dentistry on the district, state and national levels. I’ve worked in dental education and licensing and donated my time and talents to serving the dispossessed and needy.

Success has come to me in the form of many patients that have thanked me for taking care of them, their children and grandchildren for all these years. Finally, success was choosing a profession that gave back to me as much or more than I put into it.

Dr Len Aste UDA Treasurer