The new office has boosted more than the energy level and morale of staff members. It has also been a boost to business. The patient load has more than doubled since opening in January, through a combination of marketing efforts, word-of-mouth referrals and patients who call after driving by the new location and seeing the reader board in the front yard. “Every month we’ve seen more patients and provided more care,” said O’Leary. That’s why he says he would encourage other doctors who want to rebuild or expand an existing practice to go for it. “Don’t be afraid of the process,” he said. “A lot of people have been down this road before and they can help you. Contact your Patterson representative, start a conversation, all of the resources are available to you.”

In addition to the new office, Oak Park Dental is represented in the community by two mascots including Molar Man and Flossie, who appear at local parades, children’s events, art fairs and health fairs. The public outreach doesn’t stop there – members of the team are part of Medical Teams International, a not-for-profit organization that travels by van to different parts of the community where they provide dental care to underserved individuals. Through the Neighborhood Dentist Program, Dr. O’Leary provides dental care to kids who are struggling in school because of pain caused by the lack of dental care. “We get them in right away and take care of their dental needs so they can focus on school and get back to their lives,” said O’Leary.

After more than 30 years of working in the field of dentistry, O’Leary is clearly grateful for all of the opportunities that have come his way. Inspired to pursue dentistry by his grandfather, who was a dentist from 1925 to 1975, he has experienced all of the benefits that his grandfather talked about, including the opportunity to work with his hands, the interaction with people, and a level of flexibility when it comes to his schedule. “I’ve been given a gift,” said O’Leary. “I can earn a living by providing dental care to patients. Because of that I think it’s important to give back to people who don’t have the means to get proper dental care.” Oak Park Dental is giving back to the community in a variety of ways – by providing quality dental care, through volunteer work, by supporting local nonprofits that work directly with families in need, and by helping to revitalize an area that is clearly a viable place to do business.