Her A-dec sterilization center is top-of-the-line and includes a Miele Thermal Disinfectant Center. There’s also a water filtration system just for the dental water lines. In the laboratory, Dr. Maze installed a CEREC® MC XL milling unit, which she and her staff use almost daily to complete restorations on-site, including onlays and crowns. “Our patients love the same-day results of their restorations,” she said. “The fact that the patient doesn’t have to take an impression, wear a provisional or come back for the seating of the restoration just amazes them.”
Looking Ahead
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Dr. Maze’s long-term vision is to bring an associate on board, which would allow her to rearrange her work schedule in order to spend more time with her family. A partner also would enable her to dedicate a day in the office each week to take care of paperwork, administrative tasks or case planning for in-depth procedures.
She’s very aware that the practice’s success comes not just from a new facility and how she might grow it, but from the loyalty of her patients. For years Dr. Maze has operated the Cavity-Free Club, an internal program that rewards children for good dental health with a monthly gift card drawing. And referrals from her adult patients typically earn them a gift card to Starbucks.
By getting involved in community events, Dr. Maze also is marketing the new practice. She recently sponsored a local elementary school’s Blue Heron Days festival and also is on a committee for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” initiative. She’s a big believer in the positive connection between good oral health and good heart health.
The biggest challenge that Dr. Maze faced once she opened the new practice was going from the mentality of leasing to that of owning. “Someone has to mow the lawn and have the trash picked up. There were all sorts of building expenses that I didn’t have at the old office that I have now,” she said.
Though it took time for Dr. Maze to make the leap from associate to owner, she always knew it would work. Now she’s well on her way to spending more time with her husband and young children. “I’m a very goal-oriented person, and by golly, if I have my mind set on something I’m going to have it.”
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