Dr. Sarah Palmer, 37, (shown) credits new technology, a strong business plan and individualized service for her Grandville, Michigan practice’s steady growth, in her recent interview with Incisal Edge dental lifestyle magazine.

“I’VE WANTED TO BE a dentist since I was 4 years old. As a child I was extremely fearful of the dentist, and I wanted to change that for people.

After two years of undergrad, I finished a year of dental-assisting training and became an RDA before entering dental school. I wanted to work in an office and be positive that dentistry was the career path for me. I loved every minute of it.

When I opened my own practice, I immediately started investing in it and buying technology. I started with digital radiography, laser cavity detectors and intraoral cameras. In the last year, I purchased the Solea laser. I understand that most people don’t like going to the dentist, and attention to patients’ needs has helped shape my practice contributed to the tremendous growth we’ve seen over the last three years.

Writing a business plan has been the key to my success. I review it often and revise as needed. We have a very efficient practice; we’re all like-minded in our approach. Time management is always a struggle. It’s difficult to juggle a practice, 10 employees, thousands of patients, a husband and three children. Balance is the key.”

Read the complete interview at: https://viewer.zmags.com/publication/884087ef#/884087ef/16