What is the name of your business and what is your role?
It’s called radiant dental care clinic. I am a dental surgeon and the owner of the practice.
Describe your business in two sentences.
We are a private dental surgery in Durban North with a GP on the premises. We offer affordable, quality dental services, everything from cleaning and filling to crowns and bridges and teeth whitening.
How long have you been in business?
I qualified in 2007 and opened my practice 6 years ago.
How did you get into this business?
I grew up in a family of doctors. My dad is a GP, my sister a family medicine specialist and my brother is soon to be a specialist. It seemed natural to go into the medical field. As a child I wanted to be an architect and dentistry is a perfect blend of the 2 disciplines. I also gained an interest having had extensive dental treatments myself at a young age.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Opening and running a dental practice is a very costly business. My aim is to provide affordable treatment for all. Trying to keep costs low while still trying to be profitable is a challenge. Sourcing quality affordable products is key as well as marketing to increase client base.
What single trait/skill could you not have succeeded without?
Compassion. I want patients to feel relaxed, cared for and listened to when they are in my dental chair.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
TALK to the clients and help them to understand what they have, what they need and why they need it. If they understand, they will be more motivated and willing to come back. Communication is key to patient satisfaction.
Your secret to business success is?
Being gentle. Treating each person holistically. They are not just an oral cavity but human beings.
What is your business goal for 2016?
To increase my client base by networking and advertising. I was focused on having a family for many years. After having 2 kids, I can now focus on growing my business.
Tell us one thing that not many people know about you?
I’m not a fan of the dark, heights, thunder, the ocean, pretty much anything people are usually afraid of… that being said, I’m the first to run to the front of the roller coaster, I’ve always wanted to go bungie jumping and go white water rafting. I’ve sky dived in Cape town and went snorkeling in the red Sea.
