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Starting Out A Young Professional’s Story Researchers Look to Heartland Transitions An Affiliation Story A Tribute to Dr. Otmane Lahlou 4679_02 Smiling Winter 09.indd 1 2/11/09 10:56:40 AM
Transcript
Page 1: Starting Out

Starting Out A Young Professional’s Story

Researchers Look to Heartland

TransitionsAn Affiliation Story

A Tribute to Dr. Otmane Lahlou

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Page 2: Starting Out

Our VisionTo be the leading world-class company in dentistry.

Our MissionTo significantly improve the dental health in the communities we serve

by delivering the highest quality dental care experience,

while providing great careers for all of our team members

and adding value to our stakeholders.

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Page 3: Starting Out

We hope you’ll see a company com-mitted to Lifetime Care for our patients, improving the health of our communities, providing the highest quality dental care experience and providing great careers for all of our team members, as well as a company that adds value for our stake-holders. We believe in doing the right things for our patients for the right reasons in the right environment. To accomplish that goal, many people have worked and refined our processes and systems. By staying true to our course, Heartland has become a success. Although Heartland Dental Care has been around for many years, in some ways, the “Heartland way” is as fresh and different as those early Beatles’ sounds. We hope you’ll pick up on our rhythm and that it resonates with you, too. Who knows? It could rock your world.

For more information about Heartland visit our website at www.HeartlandDen talCare.com. To make a comment or ask a question, simply e-mail me at [email protected].

3

The other day in my brother’s at-tic, I ran across an old album (that’s right, a Long Play-ing Vinyl Record). It was the Beatles’ first album released in the United States, titled Meet the Beatles.

We couldn’t resist playing it and talking about how those early happy and fresh Lennon-McCartney tunes rocked our world. That album introduced the world to a new and different beat, and the world has never been the same. Now, we at SMILING magazine invite you to Meet Heartland. The purpose of this redesigned quar-terly magazine is to show you who and what Heartland Dental Care is. We hope you’ll see a dental practice management company dedicated to providing Personal Attention for all of our patients and Professional Excellence from all of our team members. We’ll tell our story through the people of Heartland—whether in our practices or in the home office support team—who follow our policies and programs and, in turn, realize rewards and success along the way.

Meet Heartland Dental Care

A M e s s A g e f r o M t h e e d i t o r

Executive Staff

Founder & Chief Executive Officer Rick Workman, DMD

Chief Operating Officer Patrick C. Bauer

Chief Financial Officer John Slack

Executive Vice President of Operations Donna Weir

Vice Presidents of Operations Julie Thomas, RDH DeAnn McClain Sabrina Sennett

Vice President of Administration Chad Thompson

Chief Clinical Officer O. Craig Shanteau, DDS

Vice President of Clinical Affairs Samson Liu, DDS, MAGD

Editorial Staff

Editor, Director of Marketing Susan Jennings

Art Design Andrea Wright

Contributing Photographer Karla Swingler

Contributing Designer Alysia Wills

Contributing Writer Kaycee Connell

Smiling MagazineWinter, 2009

© Heartland Dental Care, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of stories,

photographs and advertisements without

permission is prohibited.

Heartland Dental Care, Inc. is one of the leading dental practice management groups in the United States with 230 dental practices located within 12 states. Based in Effingham, Illinois, Heartland provides its dentists and team members with continuing professional education and leadership training along with a variety of management services, which include staffing, human relations, purchasing, administra-tion, financial, marketing and information technology support. For information on Heartland Dental Care career opportunities, call 888-999-3661. For information on joining Heartland Dental Care and practice affiliation, call 877-903-6427.

Susan Jennings, Editor and Director of Marketing for Heartland Dental Care

· winter 09

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Page 4: Starting Out

When purchasing a digital sensor, what matters to you?

The choice is clear. The Kodak RVG 6100 digital radiography

system is the highest resolution sensor on the dental market today.

The higher resolution of images you have, the better quality of care

you can provide your patients. In addition to the best image quality,

our range of sensors offers you a more ergonomic design, greater

durability and ultra-high reliability.

For more information, call 800.944.6365

or visit www.kodakdental.com/go/rvg6100

We don’t just sell digital sensors; we provide solutions.

Quality Matters.

PracticeWorks©PracticeWorks SYstems, LLC., 2009.RVG is a trademark of Carestream Health. The Kodak trademark and trade dress are used under license from Kodak.

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Page 5: Starting Out

5

Table of Contents

Cover Story

The Happiness QuotientDentists Rank Heartland #1 in Quality Experience .................12-17

Departments

Personal AttentionA Tribute to Dr. Otmane Lahlou .........10-11

Rewards & AwardsPresident’s Club ................20-21

The Employee Who Thinks Like an OwnerAn Added Benefit of Heartland’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan ......................22-23

In Every Issue

A Warm Welcome & A Glimpse of Heartland.....6-7

Smiles for Miles ................24-25

From the Heart ......................26By Dr. Rick Workman

Features

A Young Professional’s Story

Starting Out A Young Practitioner Finds the Pathway to Success at Heartland .......................................9

Professional Excellence

Researchers Look to Heartland Real-World Experience Key in NYU College of Dentistry Study ............................18

An Affiliation Story

Transitions Heartland Eases Successful Dentist’s Retirement Concerns ..19

· winter 09

19

10

20

18

12

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Page 6: Starting Out

A Warm WelcomeWe are proud to welcome into our Heartland Dental Care family the following practices and teams who have recently joined us!

A Glimpse of Heartland

N e w P r A c t i c e s & o f f i c e L o c At i o N s

6

Audubon Dental & Implant CenterLexington, KY

Dickson DentalDickson, TN

Family Dental Care of SycamoreSycamore, IL

Farmington Dental CentreGermantown, TN

Indian Lake Family DentalHendersonville, TN

Liberty Commons Family DentalLiberty Township, OH

McKinneyDentist.comMcKinney, TX—2 locations

Raintree Family Dental CareLee’s Summit, MO

Springfield Esthetic Dental CenterSpringfield, VA

We are also pleased to welcome a new partnership office!

Dental Care for KidsMarion, IL

ArizonABullhead CityCrossroads Family DentalNelson Family DentalThunder Mountain Dentistry

FloridAAltamonte SpringsAltamonte Springs Family DentistryLakeside Family Dentistry

Bonita SpringsA Beautiful Smile Dental CentreBonita Dental Arts

BradentonComfortable Care DentalCreekwood DentalTanglewood Family Dental

BrandonSmileWright Dentistry

BrooksvilleThe Dentist PlaceThe Dentist Place For Kids

Cape CoralWest Cape Family Dental

ClearwaterAffordable Dentistry Today—ICOTComfortable Care Dental

Ft. MyersAdvanced Technology & Laser Dentistry

GainesvilleGainesville Family DentistryUniversity Family Dentistry

JacksonvilleBaymeadows Junction Dental Care

Lake MaryBayTree Family DentalWilliston Family Dental

LakelandThe Dentist Place For KidsVillage Plaza Dental Designs

LargoDental Care of Largo

LongwoodLongwood Family Dentistry

OcalaThe Dentist Place of Ocala

OcoeeColonial Drive Family Dentistry

Orange ParkThe Dentist Place

OrlandoDental Excellence of Baldwin ParkDental Excellence of Sand LakeWaterford Center Family & Cosmetic DentistryWaterford Lakes Dental

Port CharlotteGaeta Dental

SarasotaComfortable Care Dental— Bee RidgeComfortable Care Dental— Bee Ridge PediatricsComfortable Care Dental—OaksComfortable Care Dental—South TrailHillview Family Dental

Spring HillNature Coast Dental Care

St. AugustineSt. Augustine Family Dentistry

TampaAffordable Dentistry Today—ArmeniaDental Designs of Florida—Dale Mabry

VeniceComfortable Care DentalVenice Island Family Dental

illinoisAltonAffordable Dentistry TodayCollege Avenue Family Dentistry

BellevilleAffordable Dentistry Today—BellevilleAffordable Dentistry Today—West Main

BloomingtonAffordable Dentistry Today— BloomingtonAffordable Dentistry Today— North HersheyDental Group of BloomingtonHershey Plaza Dental CenterRedbird Dental Care

BourbonnaisDental Group of Bourbonnais

CarbondaleDental Group of CarbondaleUniversity Place Dental

CartervilleCarterville Dental Center

ChampaignAffordable Dentistry TodayBaytowne Dental CenterCentral Illinois Oral SurgeryChampaign Dental GroupCreative Smiles Dental CareDentistry By DesignHessel Park Family DentistryIllini Dental Care

Charleston21st Century DentalColes County Family Dental Care

ColumbiaAffordable Dentistry TodaySouthwoods Centre Dental Care

DanvilleLogan Avenue Dental CareNorth Vermilion Family Dental

DeKalbDeKalb Dental Group

East AltonAffordable Dentistry Today

EdwardsvilleSunset Hills Family Dental

EffinghamCentral Illinois Oral SurgeryEffingham Dental GroupHeartland Family Dental Care

Fairview HeightsSmiles By Design

Glen CarbonGlen Carbon Family Dentistry

JolietEssington Family Dental CareRock Run Family Dentistry

LincolnLincoln Dental Center

LitchfieldAffordable Dentistry TodayLitchfield Family Dentistry

MacombMacomb Dental Center

MaryvilleSmile For Life Dentistry

Mt. VernonDental Care of Mt. Vernon

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Page 7: Starting Out

North AuroraNorth Aurora Dental Associates

O’FallonCambridge Dental CareGreen Mount Family DentistryO’Fallon Family Dental Care

Orland ParkFountain Square Family Dental

PeoriaAffordable Dentistry TodayPeoria Family Dental CareSmile Design Dental CenterWillow Knolls Family Dental

Rock Island21st Century Dental

RockfordDental Group of Rockford

Springfield21st Century DentalAffordable Dentistry TodayCentral Illinois Oral SurgeryDental Group of SpringfieldMontvale Dental CenterSpringfield Dental CareWest Side Dental Group

St. Charles21st Century Dental

SterlingTrue Smiles

indiAnAAndersonAnderson Family Dental Complete Family Dental Care

AvonPrestwick Pointe Family Dental Care

BloomingtonLandmark Family Dental Care

BrownsburgGreen Street Dental Care

CambyCamby Family DentistryHeartland Crossing Dental Care

ClarksvilleClarksville Family Dentistry Dentistry Plus

EvansvilleDiamond Valley Dental Care Evansville Family Dentistry

FishersBrookschool Dental Care

Floyds KnobsLandmark Dental Care

Fort WayneEast State DentalThree Rivers Family Dentistry

FranklinMorton Family Dental Care

GreenfieldCreative Smiles

GreenwoodGreenwood Family DentistryHealthy Smiles Family DentistryHoney Grove Family Dentistry

GriffithParkside Dental Care

Indianapolis21st Century Dental Affordable Dentistry TodayCrosspoint Family Dental Care Eagle Creek Dental Associates Edgewood Family DentalGeist Dental CareMarketplace Dental CareSunnyside Dental Care

Kokomo21st Century Oral SurgeryDixon Park Dental Care Kokomo Oral ImplantologyMarkland Family DentalPerfect Smiles Dental Care

LafayetteSmiles Plus Dental CareSouth Street Family Dental

LogansportDental Plus

MarionLifetime Smiles Dental CareMarion Family Dental Care

MerrillvilleMerrillville Family Dental

MuncieMuncie Plaza Dental CenterWhite River Dental Care

NoblesvillePrairie Lakes Dental Care

OsceolaOsceola Dental Care

RichmondRichmond Family Dentistry Ringenberg Family DentistryWhitewater Valley Dental

South BendSouth Bend Family Dental Care

Terre HauteTerre Haute Family Dental Care

ValparaisoFamily Dental Care

WestfieldWestfield Dental Center

iowADavenportCrow Valley Dental CareWaterford Family Dentistry

KentucK yBowling GreenBowling Green Family Dentistry Crosswinds Dental CareHartland Family Dental Care

BurlingtonDentistry PlusSmiles Plus Dental Care

Crescent SpringsButtermilk Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

GeorgetownBlossom Park Dental CareLifetime Family Dental Care

LexingtonDentistry PlusNichols Park Dental Care South Farm Family Dentistry

LouisvilleSt. Matthews Dental Care

MichigAnBrownstownBrownstown Dental Care

Ypsilanti TownshipWhittaker Road Dental

MissouriArnoldArnold Dental Center Family Dentistry of ArnoldLinderhof Family Dental Care

BallwinBig Bend Square Dental Center

ChesterfieldTowne Centre Dental Care

ColumbiaProDental

FestusFestus Family DentistrySmile For Life Dental Care

MarshfieldMarshfield Family Dental Care

O’FallonCreative Smiles Dental CareDeer Creek DentalFamily Dental Care at WingHavenSmile Design Dental Center

SpringfieldDistinctive Dental SolutionsSpring View Dental Care

St. CharlesAffordable Dentistry TodayHeritage Dental Group

St. PetersJungermann Dental CareLifetime Dentistry

SullivanSullivan Family Dentistry

ohioCincinnatiStone Creek Family Dental

GahannaAffordable Dentistry TodayGahanna Dental Care

LancasterFairfield Family Dental

PickeringtonPickerington Family Dental

SpringboroSettlers Walk Dental Care

tennesseeAntiochAntioch Dental Care Dentistry Plus—Hickory Hollow

BrentwoodWestgate Dental Care

ClarksvilleWarfield Dental Center

FranklinDentistry Plus—Cool Springs

MurfreesboroCason Lane Dental CareCreative Smiles

NashvilleCrossroads Family DentistryGreen Hills Family DentistryHampton Place Family DentistryNashboro Village Family Dental

Spring HillTanyard Springs Family Dentistry

texAsKatyFalcon Point Dental Associates

PlanoPlano Smile Design

VirginiAAlexandriaReflection Dental—Little RiverReflection Dental—West End

Lorton Reflection Dental—Lorton

ManassasReflection Dental—Manassas

WilliamsburgLifetime Family Dental

Join Our FamilyHeartland Dental Care has 230 dental practices located in 12 states. We are looking for dynamic individuals and practices throughout the country to join our family.

Call today! 877-903-6427

7

o f f i c e L o c At i o N s (continued) · winTeR 09

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Page 8: Starting Out

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Page 9: Starting Out

Ana Paula Ferraz has a quick smile and sparkling eyes. To see her out shopping with her friends or dining with her fiancé at one of the hip night spots in St. Augustine, Florida, you’d think she was an average, happy-go-lucky college co-ed. But with just a short conversation, you’ll learn that this first generation immigrant from Brazil is fluent in four languages and a recent graduate of Nova Southeastern University’s prestigious College of Dental Medicine. And while she may indeed be happy-go-lucky, Dr. Ferraz is uniquely driven and dedicated to her personal commitment to be a successful dentist in every way. “I felt drawn to dentistry as soon as I decided to go into medicine,” said Dr. Ferraz. “But I can’t believe how much I enjoy the daily work of dentistry and the wonderful relationships I’ve built with my patients. It’s so different than what I expected while I was in dental school, and I think it’s the Heartland systems and business practices that have made the difference.”

Borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars to start her own practice was not an option, she added. So she and many of her fellow graduates sought out estab-lished practices to join. After six months with Heartland, Dr. Ferraz now realizes what a great choice she made in coming to Heartland. “When my friends from dental school and I get together and share experiences from our different practices, I’m amazed at all I’m doing and learning, especially compared to what they are not doing and learning.” Dr. Ferraz reeled off several examples that have caused her to appreciate the variety of opportunities Heartland provides. Dr. Ferraz is encouraged to stretch and grow by working on harder cases or those in which she might not have as much experience. Another experienced doctor in the office can assist, provide advice or review the case at the end of the day—whatever they think would best help her grow and improve in her quest for the professional excellence Heartland strives for. “I’m amazed at how much I get to do and the training Heartland provides through my personal mentor and continuing education classes!” exlaimed Dr. Ferraz. (A list of Hearland’s clinical and leadership classes for 2009 can be found on the back cover of SMILING.) She is encouraged to participate in decision making with the other doctors and senior team members even though she is a new dentist just out of school. “I’m learning how to run a successful practice—which is definitely not taught at dental school,” Dr. Ferraz added.

“I’ve learned in a short time that if all the practice’s team members are following Heartland’s game plan, we’ll be successful at the end of the day, month, quarter and year.” Heartland has a proven track record for practice management. It’s simple, direct and based on doing the right things for the patient. “Heartland wants me to learn and grow in my technical skills as well as my leadership skills,” said Dr. Ferraz. “It’s a valuable opportunity I do not see my classmates from dental school receiving from their employers. And I intend to learn as much as I can.” “I am very proud to be a part of Heartland Dental Care, and I love how passionate every single person is and how dedicated we are to provide the best care for our patients,” she added. Dr. Ferraz admits that when she made her decision to come to Heartland she only thought it was the right decision; but after a few months, she knows it was the best decision she could have made.

To talk to a Heartland recruiter about your opportunities, call toll-free 888-999-3661 and speak with Greg Taylor, Nancy Pals, Meredith Fulton or Scott Wiedman.

Starting OutA Young Practitioner Finds the Pathway to Success at Heartland

A Y o u N g P r o f e s s i o N A L’ s s t o r Y

9

· winTeR 09

HDC

“i’m learning how to run a successful practice – which is definitely not taught at dental school.”

Ana Paula Ferraz, DMD, is a new dentist at St. Augustine Family Dentistry in St. Augustine, Florida.

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Page 10: Starting Out

P e r s o N A L At t e N t i o N

10

Heartland Dental Care lost a very special

and beloved team member when Dr. Otmane

Lahlou passed away in September 2008. Dr.

Lahlou was the principal dentist at University

Place Dental Center in Carbondale, Illinois,

for nearly eight years.

Life Lesson #5

Dr. Lahlou was an outstanding leader at his

pract ice and with in Hear t land. He received

Heartland’s President’s Club Award each year

since its inception.

Many of his co-workers and friends shared their

remembrances of their friend and colleague.

Hold on tight to the good stuff. People like you deserve only the best! ~Otmane

Dr. Otmane LahlouIn Loving Memory

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Page 11: Starting Out

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“I received a card from Dr. Lahlou on September 5 of last year,” remembers Alicia Davis, Regional Director of Opera-tions for Dr. Lahlou. “On the front he had written his own Life Lesson #5. It was a touching message, and I’ll always be grateful for this kindness.” “He was more than just a doctor I worked with; he was my friend.” Many of Dr. Lahlou’s team members and co-workers had similar stories about this light-hearted and gracious man who was also a respected dental professional, loving father and husband. “He was greatly committed to his patients,” said Kelly Cook, Business Assistant at University Place Dental Center. “He displayed compassion, kindness and gentleness with each of his patients.” “He made University Place Dental a fun place for both his team and his patients,” said Jamie Croft, dental hygienist.

Crystal Stuckemeyer, Dr. Lahlou’s Client Administrator, recalls his whimsical personality. “He loved to wear fun socks to work every day; they were loud, color-ful socks that didn’t go with anything else he was wearing!” she said. “He did it just to lift everyone’s spirits and make his team and our patients smile.” Angie Goebel, another of Dr. Lahlou’s hygienists, remembers how he danced and sang to his patients. “I’ve never met another dentist like him. And he laughed when I made mistakes—I really appreciate that!”

“The first fish he ever caught was no more than three inches long, but he wanted to take it home anyway. You’d have thought he had a trophy catch!” said Linda Straub, University Place Office Manager. “All of us at the home office always admired his leadership qualities and dedication to his patients and team,” said Chad Thompson, Heartland Dental Care Vice President of Administration. “We could always depend on his honest opinion, whether it was about a policy or a clinical decision. He was good at considering all the implications and what was best for everyone involved.” “Dr. Lahlou is one of those people that came into my life and left too quickly. I will always cherish the Life Lesson he gave me,” added Davis. “It is because of him that I now promise to hold on tight to the good stuff.”

“He made University Place Dental a fun place for both his team and his patients.”

· winTeR 09

HDC

dr. lahlou and his team at University Place Dental Center in Carbondale, Illinois, celebrate winning the Award of Excellence in 2005.

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Page 12: Starting Out

The Happiness Quotient

How does Heartland earn this top score?

“We realize we are here to serve our practices, not the other way around,” says Patrick C. Bauer, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of HDC. “If we create a great work environment and a positive experience for the dentist and practice staff, they can focus on patient care. This combina-tion is the key to our success.” HDC listens to our dentists and tries to cre-ate and implement the performance systems, training opportunities and rewards that will help make their practices the best they can be. The 174 HDC dentists provided surveyors a variety of reasons for their happiness with HDC. Here are the top four reasons with corroborating comments taken recently from some of our dentists.

Dentists Rank Heartland #1 in Quality Experience

c o v e r s t o r Y

12 *According to the International Labor Organization

“We realize we are here to serve our practices, not the other way around.”

The average American spends more than 2,000 hours at work each year, which equals about 35% of our waking days.*

In our individual pursuits of happiness, it’s imperative that we are happy in our work, where we work and with whom we work.

At HDC, we’re happy to report that our dentists rank Heartland highest in their satisfaction compared to what other dentists say about their dental practice manage-ment companies.

The combination of these two answers creates our “Quality Experience” ranking of 90%, which was the highest of any of the 13 other dental practice organizations participat-ing in the survey.

I n 2007, the Dental Practice Group Association (DPGA) polled the dentists working for each of its 13 member groups. A large majority—84%—of Heartland Dental Care (HDC)

dentists responded to the DPGA’s survey.** When asked about their “current level of satisfaction with Heartland Dental Care,” 89% of our dentists reported they are satisfied. And 91% of Heartland dentists would recommend HDC to another dentist.

Patrick C. Bauer Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

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Page 13: Starting Out

“The clinical classes and training are great, but I especially appreciate the education I never received in dental school: how to run A Profitable Practice.”

For a complete list of training opportunities offered to our dentists and practice staff, please go to our website: www.HeartlandDentalCare.com/ce.shtml.

13

Another investment HDC makes in its employees is through personal growth and leadership training provided through the Bell Leadership Institute at the University of North Carolina. Since 1972 the Bell Leadership Institute has provided a sophisticated, talent-building leader-ship program devoted to creating excellence. Led by Dr. Gerald D. Bell, a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, a psychologist and one of the highest-rated resources on leadership in the United States and abroad, this advanced training helps businesses reach their highest potential by building leaders. “Offering this opportunity for personal growth has been one of our company’s greatest catalysts for growth,” added Rick Workman, DMD, HDC Founder and Chief Executive Offi-cer. “I’ve personally witnessed wonderful trans-formations in people’s personal lives as well as their professional lives that have made all the difference in building a successful practice and a truly happy individual.”

#1 Ongoing Education and NetworkingHDC has a multilevel educational program for dentists, hygienists and other practice team members designed to improve patient care and clinical abilities, promote leadership or personal growth and educate and align teams with HDC systems and procedures for “world-class” practice performance. “Heartland invests in its people and has since day one,” said Samson Liu, DDS, Vice President of Clinical Affairs of HDC and principal dentist at Spring View Dental Care in Springfield, Missouri. “Our people are our greatest asset and to build your company, you have to build your people and yourself.” The one-on-one attention and “hands on” training younger dentists receive through the Clinical Mentoring Team gives them confidence as well as increased knowledge and skill. This type of guidance is valuable in shortening the learning curve for the new practitioner and improving practice performance. When we acquire a new practice or a new dentist or hygienist joins our team, they begin a proven training schedule to help acquaint them with our best practice management processes and leadership skills. These classes help ensure HDC practices provide the same “world-class” services across the United States. And this training is provided on an ongoing basis throughout their careers with HDC. As our clinicians reach “mastery level,” they are given the opportunity to mentor other dentists at their own practices or through on-site visits.

clinical Mentoring team: (clockwise from back left) Dr. O. Craig Shanteau, Dr. Samson Liu, Dr. Gerald Awadzi and Dr. Anna Singh.

** 174 of 210 HDC dentists responded. Of these 174 responding dentists, 35% had been with Heartland from one to three years, 24% less than one year, 21% from three to five years and 21% for more than five years.

“The most important

benefit I have gained was

the ability to work with a

mentor in the beginning

of my career.”

· winTeR 09

“Heartland Dental Care

has made me 10 times the

better doctor than I was

before I joined the company.”

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Page 14: Starting Out

c o v e r s t o r Y · The Happiness Quotient

14

“Freedom.” “Freedom to focus on my patients and provide optimal care, not only without interference, but with encouragement.”

“This has been the perfect stepping stone to retirement with full practice value liquidation.”

“I appreciate the retirement plan through ESOP and the opportunity to purchase stock within this successful company.”

“I’ve got access to products, insurance plans at better rates, supplies, education and marketing, etc. that a large corporation can offer along with a philosophy that puts the doctor in as much of a leadership role as wanted.”

“At first I rebelled against the systems. But, ironically, following consistent and proven systems is what I needed and now see the wisdom of.”

“I don’t have to be a CEO dentist. I can focus on the dentistry and Heartland runs the business side. If we just follow their guidelines you’ll do great.”

“”The quotes called out in this article were made anonymously by HDC dentists polled for the DPGA survey.

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Page 15: Starting Out

#2 Centralized Practice SupportHDC handles the details of practice manage-ment so you can focus on patient care. Most dentists spend years in dental school to learn the art of dentistry—not the art of order-ing supplies, filing claims, paying bills, setting up computers or buying advertising. The HDC dental practice model is dedicated to helping you and your staff provide “world-class” dentistry in a positive environment. An important part of that equation is the variety of day-to-day support and training we give our dentists. From our home office in Effingham, Illinois, and through our field administrators, HDC provides a variety of services for you:

15

#3 Excellent Compensation and BenefitsHDC puts all the pieces of the puzzle together to help make each of our practices happy, successful and profitable. The dentist and the staff benefit from performance-based, industry competitive salaries, bonus programs and an Employee Stock Ownership Program. “While we position the dentist as the practice leader, we also want each employee—whether in the practice or at the home office—to think and act like an owner,” explained Bauer. “We have found that it very positively affects customer care and their motivation to succeed. This is the key to each practice and our entire company being successful.” “Employee ownership makes the concepts we teach at the clinical and professional development classes even more relevant,” added Julie Thomas, RDH, Vice President of Operations for HDC. “You see an immediate change in attitude and greater attention to details—from saving money, learning processes, checking reports, to better communication with their patients and team members.” “Being a vested owner gives us all a vested interest in providing customer service, communication and care that is world class,” said O. Craig Shanteau, DDS, Chief Clinical Officer. “Obviously that leads to exceptional dental services and more satisfied customers.”

“I wanted an organization that would value my team.”

For more information on what HDC can do for you and your practice, please call our recruiting or development teams at 217-540-5100.

· winTeR 09

Negotiating best •prices and purchasing supplies, equipment and lab services

Hiring and resolving •personnel issues

Administrating ben-•efits, payroll, insurance and other financial compensations (401K and Employee Stock Ownership Program)

Accounting services to •collect reimbursement and pay vendors

Negotiating insurance •company relationships and reimbursement

Installing and maintain-•ing computer and telephone equipment and software

Reporting financial and •production indicators

Surveying patients •for performance and improvement plans and rewards

Advertising and •marketing strategy, creation and implementation

Training and develop-•ment programs for clinical and personal growth

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Page 16: Starting Out

“Every situation and practice is

different,” said Justin Wendling,

HDC’s Director of Acquisitions

and Development. “We have

purchased smaller practices in

strategic locations with the right

dentist and team.”

16

“Couldn’t have done this, made such a profitable practice, on my own right out of school especially with the debt I had.”

“I feel like I have the benefits of practice ownership without the headaches and debt.”

c o v e r s t o r Y · The Happiness Quotient

#4 Practice Ownership at Less RiskDentists come to HDC early in their careers so they can enjoy the rewards of practice owner-ship without the debt and pressure of running a business. More seasoned dentists come to HDC as an exit strategy. Both groups receive the security they are looking for. HDC has an aggressive growth schedule and is planning to add at least two to three dozen offices in 2009 and expand into more states. Although we look at each opportunity individually, HDC looks for these general characteristics in a practice we are considering for purchase:

Five chairs•

$1 million in annual revenue•

Doctor(s) want to stay with the practice at •least two years

“KNowLedge and growth are the best

things I’ve gained: growth in dental knowledge,

personal growth for my family and professional

growth as a leader.”

Justin Wendling Director of Acquisitions and Development

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HDC will also set up de novo practices if we can’t find a practice to buy in a desirable location. Often we work with a current HDC dentist interested in moving to the new area with the goal of growing an office. Younger or newly graduated dentists have their own reasons for coming to HDC. “I came for the stability,” said Ana Paula Ferraz, DMD, a recent graduate of the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. “I knew I couldn’t afford to start my own practice immediately because of all the school loans.” Dr. Ferraz commented that once she came to HDC, the contrast between her work day and her former classmates’ was quite different. “I’m learning everything I need to know to run a successful practice, plus getting to work on a variety of clinical cases with a great men-tor,” she said. “Looking back I definitely made the right decision in coming to Heartland.”

The recruitment department has constant demand because dentists are needed as addi-tions to successful offices as well as new start-ups to meet the company’s growth demands. “Meeting the demands of our expansion is a great problem to have,” says Nancy Pals, Corporate Recruiting Manager. “We have a steady list of openings and try to place dentists where or near where they want to live.” Next to clinical proficiency and licensing, the most important characteristics we are looking for in a new or inexperienced dentist is coach-ability and the desire to be successful. If they want to run a successful practice and gain the benefits of that success, they need to be open to learn and believe that we can teach them. It’s as simple as that. All of our current doctors and team members have experienced the truth of this statement and know that, together, we can achieve anything.

And Many More…There were many more reasons HDC dentists love Heartland listed in the commentary for this survey, like modern facilities and technology support, quality assurance systems and professional practice marketing to mention only a few. If one of these reasons resonates with you, we hope you’ll consider being a part of Heartland Dental Care. You’ll be in good company.

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To learn more about affiliating with HDC, call our recruiting or development teams at 217-540-5100, or check out our website at www.HeartlandDentalCare.com.

When Dr. John Douglass was ready to sell his practice and begin looking toward retirement, he didn’t know anything about Heartland. But the

more he investigated he found a community of dentists and professionals at Heartland who were interested in helping him make his practice the best it could be and also in improving the dentistry profession.

“Most dentists practice in isolation in the offices trying to resolve their problems alone. At Heartland I’ve found a positive group of people who say ‘Call me anytime,’ and I do!” “Plus, at Heartland, I can keep practicing as long as I’d like,” Dr. Douglass added. “It was a great relief to sell to Heartland, gain a commu-nity of professionals I now call my friends, and know that my patients will be in good hands.”

John Douglass, DDS, Crossroads Family Dentistry, Nashville, Tennessee

Nancy Pals Corporate Recruiting Manager

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HDC

“We have a steady list of openings and try to place dentists where or near where they want to live.”

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“Today, with oral and systemic health increasingly seen as being interconnected, it’s essential that every practitioner understand the relationship between dental treatment and his or her patient’s entire physiology,” said O. Craig Shanteau, DDS, and Chief Clinical Officer at HDC. “This study will help each of us better anticipate and manage our patients’ needs.” This study is conducted through NYU College of Dentistry’s PEARL Network, which provides an infrastruc-ture to perform research that will answer the questions facing general dental practitioners in the routine care of their patients. Their goal is to bridge the gap between practicing dentists and academia, and it could transform the way dentistry is practiced.

When one of the country’s most prestigious universities called with an opportunity to participate in one of its most important studies, Heartland Dental Care (HDC) said, “Yes!” “It’s certainly a feather in our cap to be selected as the only practice management group ever invited to participate in this study by NYU (New York University),” said Julie Thomas, RDH, Vice President of Operations of HDC. “More impor-tantly, it’s an opportunity to contribute our experience to the dental community and increase the community’s knowledge on dental care.” Academic studies usually prefer the single practitioners for study sites and rarely engage large dental practice management groups. But NYU’s PEARL (Practitioners Engaged in Applied Research and Learning) Network inter-viewed and vetted a variety of dental practice management groups. “We were very impressed with the caliber of the practitioners and the priority Heartland places on education,” said Frederick Curro, DMD, PhD, and PEARL Network Director of Recruit-ment. This is also supported by the PEARL Executive Management Team made up of Drs. Ron Craig, Van Thompson and Frederick Curro. “Our studies need the bolus of patients and experience that a large dental practice management company can give us. Heartland is the best option to extend our reach and provide valu-able case studies to validate our work,” added Dr. Curro.

P r o f e s s i o N A L e x c e L L e N c e

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The “real-world” experiences HDC dentists provide are integral to imple-menting the results of clinical studies to various practice settings. The clinical outcome of a Trans-PBRN National study looking at dental risk factors for ONJ will affect HDC dentists on how they treat patients with ONJ. HDC dentists can be involved in a number of ongoing PEARL PBRN studies including the treatment of deep caries, post- endodontic treatment (five-year) and assessment of teeth, analgesic study for dental procedures and a randomized controlled clinical trial on non-carious cervical lesions. HDC dentists will also benefit by learning the best practices for their patients who undergo treatments evaluated in one of these clinical studies. Participation in one of these clinical studies sets HDC dentists on a path to participate in other studies. As the population ages, the percentage of dental patients taking bisphosphonate drugs—particularly women suffering from osteoporosis—is growing.

Researchers Look to Heartland Real-World Experience Key in NYU College of Dentistry Study

Julie Thomas, RDH, Vice President of Operations, oversees HDC’s relationship with New York University and our part in this study.

The Trans-PBRN National study, which PEARL is directing on osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) examines an issue that should be of concern to every dentist:

Do patients who use bisphosphonate drugs for osteoporosis and bone tumor treatment risk developing ONJ, and do certain oral surgery procedures (such as tooth extraction) pose an added risk of ONJ for these patients?

“It’s an opportunity to contribute our experience to the dental community.”

HDC

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“All in all the whole team has adapted well to all of the changes. It’s been an opportunity for all of us to grow professionally and personally. From the various clinical and leadership seminars and practices to Heartland’s constant promotion of positive attitudes—we’ve all stretched our wings and improved.” Dr. Barton found the perfect fit with Heartland. Our business model matched her desires for the practice, and it has allowed her to plan a gradual transition into retirement in a few years. “Now I’m free to simply provide great dental care for my patients while Heart-land handles all the business aspects of my building and the practice. That’s a great solution for me, my team and especially the patients.”

If you’re looking for a retirement solution, contact our affiliation and development team at 877-903-6427. Roger, John Collier or Justin Wendling will show you the Heartland answer.

Dr. Barton was also complimentary of everyone she’s met at Heartland. “The professionalism and exactness of the home office support team—from tech support to the supplies team and es-pecially my field administration contacts, Wanda Pickens and Sharon Fennell—has been impressive. I’m very appreciative of Wanda and Sharon’s experience, business acumen and patience.” Of course, parts of the transition have been challenging. Getting a new phone system and computers as well as differ-ent reports and new business practices can be very daunting for anyone. But Dr. Barton says the transition has been a success because the Heartland team has presented these changes in an orderly and gradual fashion and not just in one overwhelming wave.

Dr. Rebecca Barton built her dental practice on a simple motto: If you do the best for your patients, the business side will take care of itself. This maxim has served her well through the past 24 years while she built her single-doctor practice into a million dollar business with a great team, strong community ties and wonderful patients. As she and her husband began to plan for their retirements, her main concern was who would care for her patients. When her business broker suggested she sell her practice to a dental manage-ment company, Dr. Barton was less than enthused. “But luckily he was persistent that I check Heartland out, and I’m glad I did.” Dr. Barton conducted her own inves-tigation. “I called a friend from dental school who had previously worked for Heartland and got the names of several current and former Heartland dentists. Each one had positive reports about the organization and its operations and told me that Heartland was different from other dental practice management companies,” she said. The first difference that impressed her was the professionalism of her initial contact, Roger Childerson, Acquisitions Coordinator. “After talking with Roger for just 15 minutes, I was impressed by his professionalism and business insight,” she added. “I knew he understood the business and my practice simply from the questions he asked me.”

Transitions Heartland Eases Successful Dentist’s Retirement Concerns

A N A f f i L i At i o N s t o r Y

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Rebecca Barton, DMD, is the principal dentist at Farmington Dental Centre of Germantown, Tennessee.

“we’ve all stretched our wings and improved.”

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Dr. Fran AdkinsDr. Joachim AjalaDr. Gerald AwadziDr. Dwayne BacchusDr. Colleen BainesDr. Jameson BaumgartenDr. Amy BeckerDr. William BloinkDr. Grace ChengDr. Angela ColemanDr. Charles ConleyDr. Vu DangDr. William DarrocaDr. Thomas DevlinDr. Mark FaughtDr. James FetschDr. Thomas Fonner

Dr. Kathleen FosterDr. Julie GallowayDr. Bradley GrayDr. William GreiderDr. Elena GutuDr. William HarrisDr. Vinh HickDr. Jason HowellDr. Oluleke JebodaDr. Heather JonesDr. Matt KasiarDr. Jennifer KlobovesDr. Mark KucharczykDr. Jackson KuoDr. James LaRoccoDr. Timothy LarsonDr. Michael Laughlin

Dr. Jon Lindsay

Dr. Brian LinkDr. Samson LiuDr. Judy LoSeccoDr. Jeffrey LoweryDr. Scott MahlinDr. Venu MaturiDr. Scott MooreDr. Qais MusmarDr. Frank NelsonDr. Truyen NguyenDr. Evelyn OfiliDr. Wayne OlgesDr. Patrick O'MalleyDr. Gustavo ParajonDr. Susan PatelDr. Kevin PierceDr. Mystie Pieters

Dr. Haroon RandhawaDr. Tom RingenbergDr. Scott RitchhartDr. Michael SchroederDr. O. Craig ShanteauDr. Shahid ShararDr. Brandon SimsDr. Anna SinghDr. Tracey SmithDr. John SpeegleDr. Jordan SpencerDr. Veronica ThompsonDr. D. Jason TurnerDr. Keith WilcoxDr. Charles WilliamsDr. Alexander WojtynaDr. Yudong XuDr. Jim YuDr. Rich Zullo

Heartland Dental Care (HDC) has chartered an impressive course on its “Journey of a Lifetime.” Our path is one of mastery and commitment while daily providing lifetime care, professional excellence and personal attention to our patients. By following our mission, we’ve set a course for change in the dental industry and are proud of the successes we realized in 2008.

A Brief Respite Along the Journey of a Lifetime

r e w A r d s & Aw A r d s

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CONGRAT ULATIONS to The 2008 President’s Club

President’s Club members join Heartland Dental Care executives on a luxurious trip to Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso on the Riviera Maya.

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P eriodontal disease is massively under-treated in the United states, and unfortunately this leads to

patient confusion, as they don’t know much about this destructive infection. When discussing periodontal disease and the treatment necessary, it is important to keep it as simple as possible for patients. it is also important to understand what the patient may be thinking. Generally, most patients have four questions that we should be prepared to answer. Here are those questions with suggested answers.

What is periodontal disease?Periodontal disease is a chronic, non-curable, bacterial infection.

Why do i have it?It could be caused by lack of proper hygiene (brushing and flossing), genetic predisposition, infrequent visits to the dental office, systemic factors, or tobacco use.

Why do i need this treated?Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to gum surgery, the loss of teeth, bad breath, or systemic problems.

How do we treat it?We will treat it mechanically with a non-surgical procedure called scaling & root planing, chemically with a locally administered antibiotic, and ongoing with regular three month visits to the dental office.

the first and fourth answers can be used verbatim. However, the second and third answers are best tailored to a patient’s individual situation. also, when discussing systemic links, try to use ones that are relevant to that patient. letting the patient know every systemic link we can think of may overload them and lead to paralysis by analysis.

Finally, it is imperative that everybody in the office describes the treatment in the same way. if the hygienist calls it srP, the dentist calls it gum therapy, and the front desk calls it a deep cleaning the patient will think they need three procedures. one favorite is to call it "non-surgical periodontal therapy."

By keeping the discussion short and simple our patients will better understand the need for treatment and be more accepting of the treatment plan. always remember, very few educated patients will choose to leave an active bacterial infection in their mouth.

CliniCal TiPsTalking to Your Patients about Periodontal Disease

This message provided by Arestin® a product of OraPharma, Inc. for the treatment of periodontal disease.

The pinnacle of their recognition is joining together for an all-inclusive trip to a luxurious tropical resort where they share fellowship with other achievers, Dr. Workman and special guests. The four-day trip includes banquets along with a unique travel experience coordinated by our travel experts from the area. By being a part of this distinguished group, they make this brief stop on HDC’s “Journey of a Lifetime” a memorable one. It’s a moment in time to say “Thanks” to these special people for the things they do to make HDC the leader in the dental industry. Won’t you join us for the next journey?

To find out more about affiliating with HDC, call our recruiting or develop-ment teams at 217-540-5100, or check out our website at www.HeartlandDentalCare.com.

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As the leaders of HDC’s 230 practices across the United States, our dentists’ dedication and leadership have made these achievements possible. Their faith-fulness to our mission paves the way for us to continue on this journey. It is the personal best they give day in and day out as patient advocates and practice leaders that keeps us on course. To celebrate the “best of the best,” HDC began the President’s Club Award several years ago.

“We’re happy to share the benefits of a successful company with all of our employees,” said Rick Workman, DMD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HDC. “We especially enjoy rewarding and recognizing our dentists who have outstanding practices and outstanding successes.”

Best of the Best Tapped for Annual President’s Club This March, approximately 90 of HDC’s dentists and executive leaders will gather on the Mexican Riviera to celebrate the accomplishments and success of 2008. The doctors selected for this honor certainly contribute to the company’s income through the year, but the major-ity also provide valuable mentorship to newer dentists and team members and promote HDC’s values and mission. (For complete qualifying and recogni-tion information, visit www.HDC presidentsclub.com.)

HDC

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The Employee Who Thinks Like an OwnerAn Added Benefit of Heartland’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan

r e w A r d s & Aw A r d s

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While the company has been very successful and the ESOP coffers have been healthy, ESOP also netted an even greater result for HDC: The employee who thinks like an owner. The company’s strong cultural philosophy to “do the right thing for the right reason,” attracts the individual with integrity who is respectful of this commitment to our patients. So this benefit is also a strong motivator. “I had only been at Heartland a few weeks, when I was struck by how many times I heard front line team members talk about how the money they saved by finding a new vendor or better process went straight to the ESOP,” said Susan Jennings, HDC’s new Director of Marketing. “I do not know of another company in the dental industry that offers this benefit,” said Chad Thompson, Vice President of Admin-istration. “In fact, it’s rare in any business anywhere. But if they knew how much it would benefit their operations, more companies would adopt the program.” When every person in the company benefits directly from the performance of the company, they are engaged in every way:

All employees are more diligent about their • performance.

All employees are more responsible about • their spending or purchasing.

All employees are more supportive and positive • team members for each other.

“I love the fact that our practice reception-ist is just as invested in the company as I am,” said John Douglass, DDS, at Crossroads Family Dental in Nashville, Tennessee. “I believe it makes all of our co-workers eager to go above and beyond whenever that duty calls to serve our patients. This helps make my practice and my company successful and a world-class customer service provider.”

W hen Heartland Dental Care (HDC) instituted the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2004,

our goal was to create an opportunity for ALL employees to enjoy whatever financial successes the company realizes.

The employee ownership is verY uNique to Heartland.

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FAQs about ESOPWhat is an ESOP?

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan is like a retirement plan that holds the company stock, much like a trust fund. It is regulated by the United States Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor. It is also independently appraised each year and is overseen by an independent trustee (Northstar). HDC worked with a capital investment firm to find the maxi-mum value of our company. With their help, we were able to find the highest valuation in the marketplace.

How does the ESOP work?

HDC secured a loan for the ESOP to purchase approximately 27% of our company. As this debt gets paid down, shares are allocated to all shareholders. Shareholders are defined as all eligible employees of an ESOP practice who were employed as of December 31, 2003.

How do employees benefit from the ESOP?

The employee’s economic benefit is based on the company’s performance, i.e. the more profits that are generated, the greater the contributions to the employee’s retirement. Employees can increase their benefit by continuing to help grow our individual practices. Our goal is to transfer 100% of the ownership to HDC employees.

When do employees receive their benefits?

The amount of an employee’s payout will be based on the number of shares that have been allocated to their individual retirement account and the stock value at that time. Vesting is a process where employees gain more ownership of their shares after specified years of service. The ESOP has a seven-year graduated vesting schedule. (Three years of service equals 20% vested; four years = 40%; five years = 60%; six years = 80%; and seven years = 100%.) If an employee leaves the company before they are fully vest-ed, the amount of their payout and when they will receive it will be determined by the distribution regulations established by the ESOP guidelines. Also any forfeited balances are not retained by the company. These are re-distributed among the employees still in the program.

Are employees getting something for nothing with ESOP?

Yes and no. Yes in that employees will not invest any of their own finances to receive their ESOP benefits. But, no, in that they will still have to work to grow their offices and fulfill the vesting schedule to receive their maximum benefits.

How has the ESOP performed so far?

On average over the last three years, participants have received a distribution equal to 22% of their annual income each year. The certificate of valuation and distribution for 2008 is yet to be determined by the third-party auditors and administrators. At the last valuation, the ESOP Trust was worth approximately $100 million—half of which has already been transferred to employees’ accounts.

How is the ESOP doing this year?

The third-party administrator and HDC’s financial team are working to prepare the valuation and presentation for 2008. Look for announcements in HDC media and at Home Office Huddle presentations and practice meetings.

To talk to an HDC recruiter about your opportunity to join a Heartland team, call toll-free 888-999-3661 and speak with Greg Taylor, Meredith Fulton, Nancy Pals or Scott Wiedman.

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Smiles for Miles

c o M M u N i t Y A c t i v i t i e s

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Improving the dental health in the communities we serve is one of the goals of Heartland Dental Care (HDC). Our team members have taken that goal to heart and expanded it to include other opportunities to give back through the year and make a positive difference in their communities.

Here are just a few recent examples.

The team at Smile Design Dental Center of O’Fallon, Missouri, visited the local Curves facility to help educate their visitors about oral cancer and smile-healthy choices.

Nine HDC practices in south Florida sponsored the first annual Oral Cancer Awareness Walk at Siesta Key Beach. Nearly 100 people enjoyed the walk, which also promoted better oral health through oral cancer screenings.

Lila Rennels (seated) was one of 14 residents of Peterson Health Care who received a free oral cancer screening from the dental team at Coles County Family Dental Care. The team also gave mouth and tooth care products to all of the residents.

Chela Latch, age nine, received free dental care at 21st Century Dental on Lincoln Avenue in Charleston, Illinois. Latch, pictured with dental assistant Dee Cox, was one of 39 children who received free dental care from Dr. Spencer and the team in September.

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Dr. Kaiser of Heartland Family Dental Care and Dr. Link of Effingham Dental Group brought their two practices together to sponsor the children’s art show with the Effingham Art Guild.

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25

Dr. Frederickson and the team at Affordable Dentistry Today in Columbia, Illinois, participated in the Columbia Days Parade.

Dr. John Hamblin and team at Sullivan Family Dentistry in Sullivan, Missouri, performed more than 50 ViziLite Plus® oral cancer screenings at a health fair hosted by the local hospital this past November.

The HDC home office in Effingham, Illinois, recently donated $1,150 to the Lake Land College Foundation Dental Outreach Program. This donation will be used by the college’s dental hygiene students for a mission trip to provide dental care and oral health education to the people of the Dominican Republic.

Lily Isaac, age five, received instruction from dental assistant Jamee Collins on proper teeth brushing. Isaac was one of several children who received free dental service from Dr. Xu and team at Illini Dental Care in Champaign, Illinois.

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We will continue to invest in our great-est asset, our people, with more clinical and leadership learning opportunities. We are excited to have Dr. Gordon Christensen on schedule to lead a Hands On clinic for us. We will continue looking for partners like McKinneyDentist.com who are say-ing “yes” to every day and to the future. We will look for technology that offers even greater care for our patients. We will look for business partners who see the possiblities in partnering with a positive company that does the right things for the right reasons. You can tell that I am excited about what the future holds for Heartland and its people. We hope you are, too! With all that occurs day after day in each of our lives, we continue on our mission to live with commitment. And the people of Heartland are committed to going into the next year with open hearts and open minds to the endless possibilities that await.

We’ve opened nine new practices and purchased 17 more to take Heartland into new states.

Our new partnership with Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC, a private equity firm, is helping us grow to the next level. We are pleased they have invested their faith, time and capital in the people of Heartland. This year our doctors and team mem-bers took advantage of more than 25,000 hours of clinical and leadership educa-tion. From life and leadership workshops to Hands On clinics with some of our industry’s most respected professionals. Our commitment to our patients drives our desire to excel in personal attention and professional experience. We are committed to the practitioners of tomorrow through new teaching, re-search and funding relationships estab-lished this year with some of the nation’s most prestigious dental schools: namely New York University and the University of Louisville. We expect to announce more later this year.

I am humbled and grateful we are able to give back to our communities in such meaningful ways. Through Give Kids A Smile day, free services for nursing home residents, oral cancer screenings and many other activities, we estimate that in-kind and monetary donations across Heartland continues to total more than $500,000 in the past few years. A number of Heartland doctors and team members take health care to needy people all over the world through mission trips to places in Africa, South America and Mexico. I am awed by their compassion and feel blessed to work with them. Technology has helped us improve patient care in tremendous ways this year. We should complete the upgrading of all of our practices to Kodak Digital Radiog-raphy systems by first quarter 2010. The year ahead holds one guarantee: Change! Change is nothing new to us—we just call it “refining.” We have been refining our business model for more than 25 years. While most people fear and resist change, we know that if we sit still for just a mo-ment, think about what’s around the cor-ner and adjust, we will be fine and might even be better. So Heartland people will refine our course and sail into the future. In the coming year, we see contin-ued opportunities for growth. As the economy shifts, we look for synergies with other dentists and businesses.

From the HeartA Message from Dr. Rick Workman, Our Founder and Chief Executive Officer

f r o M t h e h e A r t

26

As I reflect upon all the accomplishments and

experiences our company has seen this past year,

I am amazed and thankful for so many things.

· winTeR 09

We have been refining

our business model with

the horizon for more

than 25 years.Rick Workman, DMD Founder and CEO

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Rick Workman, DMD Founder and CEO

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JanuaryDoctor Leadership 6— Hands On Mentor WorkshopJanuary 9 and 10January 16 and 17

Aesthetic Continuum LectureJanuary 30 and 31

MarchAesthetic Continuum PrepMarch 20 and 21

AprilAesthetic Continuum SeatApril 17 and 18

JulyDoctor Dental UniversityJuly 15, 16, 17 and 18

Endodontic Rotary — Hands On CourseSpeaker: Dr. George BruderJuly 17 and 18

AugustDoctor Leadership 1— Microdentistry August 7 and 8August 14 and 15

SeptemberDoctor Leadership 2— Crown and BridgeSpeaker: Dr. Ara NazarianSeptember 11 and 12September 18 and 19

Oc toberDoctor Leadership 3— EndodonticsSpeaker: Dr. George BruderOctober 2 and 3October 9 and 10

NovemberDoctor Leadership 4— Oral SurgerySpeaker: Dr. Karl KoernerNovember 6 and 7November 13 and 14

DecemberDoctor Leadership 5— Multidisciplinary Speaker: Dr. Gordon ChristensenDecember 18 and 19

1200 Network Centre Drive Effingham, IL 62401

doctor Leadership enrollment: heartland doctors may sign up via your online connection with hdc events. Non-heartland dentists may be able to attend if room is available. contact greg taylor at 888-999-3661 or roger childerson at 877-903-6427 for class availability.

dental university classes are free for all heartland team members. find times and locations and sign up via your online hdc events connection.

Heartland Dental Care 2009 Doctor and Team Member Course Dates

Dental University: Mastery Open to all practice team members. This two-day mastery class parallels the team member’s career role: business assistant, dental assistant, hygienist, home office support. Achieving mastery in indi-vidual career roles will be the focus. Education is intensified to advance the knowledge, understand-ing and performance level of the various tasks of each team member’s role.

Dental University: CommunicationOpen to all practice team members. Learning how to communicate with patients and team members is the focus of this two-day course. Implementing communication skills is a vital part of practice and team member success. The whole team will reap the benefits of this course. Whole practice teams new to Heartland will be encouraged to attend together.

Dental University: Business of Dentistry Open to all practice team members. Having mas-tered your career role and communication skills, you are ready to continue broadening your focus on the business of the dental practice. Modeled after our “Task A” and “THRIVE” concepts, this two-day course will add a new level of experience by utilizing various reports and trends to improve your practice, strengthen team building skills and developing SMART action plans to help take your practice to the next level.

217-540-5100www.Heart landDentalCare.com

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