My philosophy when it comes to building satellite office locations is “if we build it, they will come.” Orthodontists are the only business owners who build “factories” and keep them closed for several weeks out of the month. For some reason, we think we need satellite practices to be successful. I think we can achieve success with one location or with multiple locations. In this article, I am going to delve into the workings of a satellite office as well as the benefits and drawbacks of having multiple orthodontic locations.
I have three orthodontic offices. Why? Well, satellite offices are usually created to increase the size of the practice, to offer convenience to patients by setting up a closer location, and to be closer to referring dentists. I considered all of these factors before I opened up each location.
Although I have even been called greedy by another orthodontist who sent an anonymous letter stating, “With three offices you must really be hard up for patients…it’s jerks like you that always take and never give,” lack of patients and greed haven’t made me open satellite locations. My satellites have been strategically placed in cities that needed orthodontists. I have been very careful not to just open offices so I can get “a piece of the pie.” The decision to start satellite offices was based on need, growth, and goals for my practice.
To read the rest of this article by Tyler Jolley, DMD, click here.
