Executive Summary
My Dental Dentistry & Implants was founded on the principle that everyone should have access to care and everyone should be able to afford the care they need and want. We recognize that most people’s barrier to treatment lies in finances and they simply choose not to visit the dentist. We find this is even the case with patients who are facing significant dental pain.
Therefore, we make visiting the dentist simple. We inform patients of what they need, using a variety of technologies, where they can actually see it themselves. That way, trust is built and there are no questions. We then come up with a treatment plan specific to their needs and present that with all options for payment, including utilizing their dental insurance.
Lastly, we make visiting the dentist comfortable. We have a variety of anesthesia options, from conscious sedation to IV sedation. You can forget you were even here!
Kindly give readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
My Dental Dentistry & Implants has 2 Valley locations in Mesa, AZ.
Give us a brief description of yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
I am a 3rd generation native Arizonan. I was born at Williams Air Force Base in Mesa, AZ, and raised in Mesa. I attended Red Mountain High School where I graduated in the top of my class, earning a full academic scholarship to Arizona State University. While there, I majored in Chemistry & Small Business. After only 2 years, I was accepted into the University of Oklahoma, College of Dentistry as the youngest member in the class.
After completing my Doctorate in Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) in 2009, I moved back to my hometown. I was a partner in multiple dental offices until 2015 when I sold my interest in those to start My Dental Dentistry & Implants from scratch. I’ve built this up to 4 Valley locations, and then sold 2 of them to allow opportunities for other dentists to begin their careers.
One of my greatest accomplishments professionally is bringing access to care to an underserved population. We focus on giving back to the community through our Teacher Smile Makeover Giveaway, where we donate dental work and smile makeovers to Valley teachers every Spring, and through our Veteran’s Dental Day, where we provide free dental services to all Veterans for Veterans Day. We typically donate over $100k in free dental services at each event every year!
Undoubtedly, my greatest accomplishment comes from my personal life. My wife, Shari, and I have been together since the 9th grade! We were married in April 2003 and have 3 amazing children, Bella (2009), Greyson (2012), and Remi (2015). When I’m not working, I’m hanging out with them doing everything from playing dolls to playing sports!
What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (make significant changes in an existing business)?
See prior.
How did the idea for your business come about?
See prior.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration has been my family. I come from a long line of blue-collared, hard-working Americans. From electricians to pipe-fitters, they have made a huge impact in building the Valley. I have continued that tradition while still using my hands to build smiles. I’m the first one in my family to graduate from college and I hold their mantle with them in all I do.
What makes you different from other businesses in your industry?
Most dental offices focus on fixing a cavity here or a broken tooth there.
At My Dental Dentistry & Implants, we focus on comprehensive care and our patient’s overall health. We recognize that a patient’s entire outlook on life, their mental health, and their physical health, largely depends on their smile and ability to eat.
We recognize that a smile opens doors of confidence and opportunity. Whether it’s meeting friends for dinner or going to a job interview, a smile is the first thing you notice about someone. People wear their smiles, for better or worse. We want everyone to wear their smile proudly.
My Dental. My Smile.
To what do you most attribute your success?
I definitely have tremendous support from my family, friends, and team. They are amazing people and are great at what they do. I definitely would not be where I am today without their hard work and belief in our mission.
What do you think is the best way to achieve long-term success in business?
Easy. Hard work and being an honest, good person.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Continuing to grow and establish ourselves as a leader in the industry.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
I talk about fast food companies a lot. Namely Chick-fil-a, In-n-Out, and Raising Canes. They are in a very competitive space and have done extremely well. They have streamlined their menu to become specialized. Their employees seem to be hard-working and happy. They seem to believe in their product. It is reflected in their service.
Who is your target demographic?
Our target demographic is full arch treatment. People who have extreme dental needs think they need to improve their smile because they have outlasted their current set of teeth. This typically results in people who are 40 years old + who don’t know where to turn for help. We strive to be their advocate in the dental industry. We can help everyone and if we need help from other practitioners, such as dental specialists, then we will get them on board as well. You now have a friend in the dental industry. LITERALLY.
The only barrier to treatment is the patient themselves. Once they step into our office, they will feel our love, passion, and commitment to getting them to smile:)
Please list 3-5 talking points about your business that you feel are most relevant to your target audience.
Did you know that only about 50% of Americans visit the dentist regularly? And it’s not because they aren’t aware that they need to go. They are scared! Scared of actually getting dental treatment done, but more scared of what it will cost. They would rather just simply not know!
Then they are scared of where to go. There are dentists everywhere. Who do I trust? Where do I go? At My Dental Dentistry & Implants, we alleviate that stress. Just come to see us and you will be surprised at what a new-age dental office can do. And we make it easier while doing it with sedation options and payment options that fit any budget.
What are your overall thoughts on your industry? Any advice you could give people about your industry?
Dentistry has changed significantly, just like all other industries. There are new technologies and techniques that make it easier and better to complete necessary dental work and it’s a lot easier on the patient. There should not be a reason to fear the dentist or be anxious about a dental visit. If you are, then you need to come to see us.
Is your business involved with any charitable organizations, social causes, or non-profit work?
See prior.
How do you give back and support your community?
See prior.
How important have good employees been to your success?
Good employees are everything. We are a small business and we provide a living for almost 30 employees and their families. It is a great opportunity for us to contribute to society and our local communities. Without good employees business is tough. Not everyone has the ability to be in business for themselves even though they may have the acumen to do such. Our employees are extremely intelligent, charismatic, and hard-working people and I’m extremely grateful for their contributions to our success.
What motivates you?
My people motivate me. I always say I have 3 relationships in life…my family (friends), my team, and my patients. Those are my people. I want to build something they are proud of and somewhere they can call their own.
How do you generate new ideas?
Constantly doing research and changing things up. Never a stale, dull moment around here!
How do you define success?
Happiness. I look for smiles. Is everyone happy? And trust me, if the money wasn’t there, there wouldn’t be a whole lot of smiles!
How do you build a successful customer base?
Honesty. Transparency. Empathy.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Seeing everything grow. Seeing our people’s lives changed.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
When we broke even for the first time haha! And when we see our people happy. My satisfaction comes from serving others and seeing their reactions.
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Culture is everything. We have a great culture of hard-working yet loving people. It is established through one-on-one relationships and getting to know your people. Truly spending time with one another. Inside the office and outside.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Start this office when I graduated from school instead of waiting 6 years!
What is your greatest fear in business, and how do you manage fear?
There’s always a fear that the economy will change and people will not be able to afford basic services. However, we recognize that we will always be a needed industry. It may change over the years, but we will always have a place. Again, being honest and hard-working will always win.
How did you decide on the location for your business?
This is my hometown! I love AZ and the Valley. I want to spread My Dental throughout it:)
If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Besides Jesus, it would be George Washington. What a wild ride it must have been to start a new country and recognize the true values it would take to make it successful.
What book has inspired you the most (or what is your favorite book)?
Atlas Shrugged.
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Hours. Tremendous amount. Probably about 80 hours a week. Luckily, I spend most of them in the early hours so they do not affect my home life (as much).
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Show up. There’s no ability like availability. There’s always something to be worked on and reworked.
- Take chances. Big swings produce big results. The difference between those who do and those who don’t is oftentimes the willingness to take a chance.
- Don’t give up. It is hard. Really hard. And it doesn’t always go your way. And success isn’t measured in $$$. It’s longevity. How can I build this to stand the test of time?
What three pieces of advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to get started in your industry?
See prior.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
See prior.
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
See prior.
Business Name
My Dental Dentistry & Implants
Contact Name
William Fulcher
Business Phone
480-248-8008
Website
https://mydentalaz.com/
Email Address
dr.f@mydentalaz.com
