I hope this email finds you, your family and staff well and healthy.
 
I risk dating myself, however I recall a time when the HIV pandemic shot into the dental field. At that time, I practiced dental hygiene at Fairchild AFB, WA. Pre-HIV, Gloves were optional, Scalers were scrubbed in the op sink, then placed into the ultrasonic thereafter; again, all in the op! We had a Harvey chemiclave in the hallway. We went from that scenario to double/triple gloves, full PPE from head to toe and face shields. At that time there was only pure speculation on how HIV was actually transmitted. My patients could possibly see my eyes which was distressing because I enjoyed the conversations, even if they were a captive audience!
 
As some practices (MT, ID, OR) started care beyond "urgent and emergent" this week and WA offices prepare to open May 18, it is important to note that there are some "silver linings". One of them -  when we come together as people, working for a common cause. This gives us hope that we will prevail as this current situation settles more and the horizon comes more into focus over time. 

I would like to offer a few important perspectives (silver linings) gathered from discussions with dentists both locally and nationally. 

• Stay hopeful and grateful. It is human nature to avoid change. Expect the uncomfortable and awkwardness with every patient, even employees. Until we walk in someone else’s shoes, we never know what they are really going through. Once the hysteria wears off, PPE requirements will soften and this this will all be a distant memory that we can tell our grandchildren!

 

• Dentists are well positioned for a strong recovery.  While many industries are faced with unprecedented uncertainty, people will always need dentists. While it may take some time and adjustment, with elective and cosmetic treatments taking more time to rebound, dentists are better positioned to weather this crisis. 

 

• More dentists are now evaluating their options.  In recent weeks, I have had calls with dentists who may have only been casually considering a future practice sale or purchase yet are now understandably thinking about moving up their timetables.  For some dentists, earlier retirement presents a brighter path than undertaking a recovery effort. Other dentists are considering adding to their business model. If either of these describes you, I welcome the opportunity to explore your thoughts, ideas, and goals of what transitioning your practice might look like.  We can discuss options and help develop a game plan for you moving forward.  

 

• Dental practices continue to be recognized as a low financial risk. Our team of experts report that lenders continue to recognize the stability of our industry, despite the crisis. This means that funding options for buyers will likely remain favorable in post-pandemic recovery lending programs. Further, we also see that the disruption caused by this crisis appears to be displacing a segment of younger and mid-career dentists, who will seek to use available funding to establish their own practices rather than returning to work for others. 

You can rely on ddsmatch and myself as an advisor and resource at this time.  We are here for you, and are prepared to provide the experience, depth of insight, integrity, and commitment to finding solutions for which ddsmatch is known. I am optimistic about the future and believe in the tenacity of our dental community. Often the unexpected is a catalyst for positive change and creative solutions. As Robin Sharma said, “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.”
 
All the best as you navigate these waters. 
John Waco
ddsmatch
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