20 years ago the Dental Industry was a very different place.
Only Dentists could own dental practices, computers in practices were a rarity,
the appointment book was an actual book, and the internet was in its infancy. There
were no corporates, HICAPs had not yet been invented, Health Funds had no
influence in dentistry and Henry Schein and Halas were separate and competing
companies.
Dentists in private practice were also in a very different
position. Most dentists in private practice were solo practitioners and success
was measured by how many weeks and months the appointment book was filled in
advance. However, at this time, there was little connectivity between dentists
and their professional interactions were facilitated primarily through dental
events and study groups which meant many dentists were isolated within their
own practices. Dental supply companies also capitalised on this isolation by
setting prices with little or no opportunity for dentists to negotiate or
receive discounts.
In 1997, the dental industry was disrupted through the
creation of Dental Innovations and the formation of Australia’s first Network of
dental practices owners. Founded by Merv Saultry and supported by a committed
Foundation membership of 30 dentists, the Dental Innovations Network was
launched. The objective of the group was simple: empower dentists to be
proactive in their own industry and break down the isolation barrier of
practice owners.
This disruption was achieved through the direct support of DENTSPLY,
who recognised the value of working with dentists proactively and chose to
break ranks from other suppliers to support Dental Innovations terms through
pricing and service. The DENTSPLY relationship has stood the test of time and has
remained the cornerstone of our services, which is now entering into a new
exciting phase with DENTSPLY Sirona and will bring a great new dynamic to our member’s
relationship.
The breaking down of the isolation barrier for dentists was
achieved through the creation of our members Chatline. Launched in 1998 and
famously greeted by ‘What is this email thing?’ by one key supporter, the DI
Chatline is one of the first and most longstanding forums for dentists in
private practice. Through our member’s forum, dentists have created a highly
professional and supportive environment for the open sharing of ideas, opinions
and best practices, which has set the standard 20 years on. The most important
element to this forum is that it enables the sharing of knowledge between both
experienced and new practice owners both in terms of clinical and business
skills. Through this forum, members are also actively able to participate in
the evolution of Dental Innovations with many of our services being instigated
by dentists though our Chat forum.
Today Dental innovations has over 600 members across
Australia and over 50 services to assist dentists in private practice. Our
services available to members cover all aspects of the operation of dental practices
and provide systems, solutions and savings for the principal dentist which
reduces the operating cost of a practice, and ultimately makes it more
profitable.
Over our 20 years the dental industry has changed substantially
and Dental Innovations has always sort and found solutions and services for our
members to adapt and thrive in a changing environment. This continues today
with the rise of corporate and health-fund driven dentistry. In 2017 we will be
entering into a new phase with the launch of Dental Innovations New Zealand,
the creation of our bespoke practice memberships for patients called Ezy
Membership, and our inaugural and exclusive member’s conference.
Whilst Dental Innovations facilitates our network, it is our
members who actually drive our innovation and creates the supportive
environment which our independent dentist members can depend on.
At this 20-year mark we would like to thank our foundation
members for the vision and commitment they represent in changing their industry
and all past and present members for their involvement in creating Dental
Innovations into what it is today.
If you think you can contribute and be part of a proactive
network of practice owners working together to make their practice more
profitable simply call 1300 797 019 or email berris @dentalinnovations.com.au