4 minute read
Taranaki Orthodontics
The staff at Taranaki Orthodontics live for miles of smiles.
“The biggest thing for me is to see how happy people are at the end, and even at the start,” says orthodontist Betty Keng, best known as Dr Betty.
“That really is what brings smiles to our faces for sure.”
Nicole Collingwood, in charge of appointments and communications, says the staff all look forward to the finishing day, when braces or the aligner attachments are removed after successful treatment to provide straight teeth and bite realignment.
“The smile when they finish up melts our hearts. We love celebrating and making a big deal out of it – it can be a long journey.”
She recalls one instance, involving a young man they had all got to know well. “When he finished, you could not wipe the smile from his face,” says Nicole.
Dr Betty says she’s passionate about helping people. “Not only do I have the knowledge, I have the means to make it work the way we envisage it to work.”
The 43-year-old owns Taranaki Orthodontics with husband Kyle Beggs, who is the business manager of the clinic, which has a staff of six.
In 1997, at age 17, Betty moved from Taiwan to New Zealand to complete her high school education – and stayed. She has only been back to birth country once since then.
The couple met at the University of Otago in Dunedin – Betty was studying dentistry and Kyle was a research scientist. “I used to see her at lunch,” he says.
After finishing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery, she spent a year as a dental house surgeon in the southern city and then moved to the Manawatu/Whanganui region to work as a general dentist. Orthodontics lured her back to Dunedin.
On her return to Otago, her relationship with Kyle deepened and she completed a three-year Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics, graduating in 2009.
The following year, the couple moved to New Plymouth to open Taranaki Orthodontics, got married and Betty became pregnant.
“We made the rather bold decision to come here and start up from scratch. It was a real challenge building up that reputation and the business,” he says.
But they did, and now have a highly successful clinic in fresh and fit-forpurpose premises on the northern end of Courtenay St. “Now I know how to run a business – I learnt on the job. If you have a good education, you can teach yourself anything if you want to.”
For small business owners starting out, he shares his top tips.
Number one is to gain trusted advisors, especially a human resources specialist, an accountant and a lawyer. “Find these people and listen to them,” Kyle says.
Businesses need to strive for top-class service, seek feedback and find a point of difference.
At Taranaki Orthodontics, their unique selling points are offering aligner treatment backed by a orthodontic specialist, and a full service team run by Dr Betty.
“She’s one of the top providers for aligner treatment in New Zealand,” says Kyle.
The mother of Douglas, 11, and Catherine, 9, has chosen to see patients three days a week, and spend the fourth as a regroup day. “I couldn’t do it without my husband’s support.”
Beyond the clinic, she’s a fully focused mum, and one with her own hobbies.
“I made the mistake of taking work home and not being present with my children.” These days, she always lives in the now with her youngsters.
“I don’t want to be on my death bed saying I wasn’t present enough with my children.” Beyond work, home and family, Dr Betty has taken painting classes and is also learning to speak French.
Last year, she took up skateboarding and can sometimes be seen tackling the bowl at Escape Coffee.
As an orthodontist she also pushes herself, learning about the latest techniques and technology, interacting with colleagues around the world and attending conferences.
That’s why she has learnt how to treat her patients by using clear aligners and attachments, as well as braces.
“Aligners are much kinder on teeth than braces,” says Kyle, sitting in one of three consultation rooms.
However, he says braces can still be a better option for kids that struggle with the routine of aligners.
Through a smart-phone app and a ‘scan box’ aid, those fitted with aligners and attachments, can now do their own home check-ups. A company called Dental Monitoring provides this service that lets patients know if they are ready to move into their next aligner tray.
This technology is great news for people living in places like South Taranaki, or beyond.
“The furthest afield we have had a patient is Thailand that’s been provided with treatment through us,” says Kyle.
