We know that access to dental care is crucial not only for oral health, but also overall well-being. Unfortunately, for the over 60 million Americans who live in dental deserts where there are fewer than one dentist per 5,000 people, access to dental care is an unattainable luxury.
Patients living in these underserved regions are forced to delay or forgo much-needed care, which has detrimental ripple effects throughout the entire community. Bringing dental care to these rural and otherwise underserved areas can be extremely rewarding, both professionally and personally. As a dentist working in a rural area, I want to spread the word about the importance and satisfaction of working in these communities as well as mentor other providers interested in following a similar path.
Improving rural dental care access is hard work–but it’s worth it
When I began my dental career, I didn’t dream of working in a rural, underserved community. I lived in New York City and enjoyed working in a bustling city office. I didn’t think a small-town practice would be an ideal fit for me or help me fulfill my professional and personal goals.
When I heard about a struggling Aspen Dental practice in the rural town of Ellsworth, Maine, my interest was not suddenly piqued. It was, in fact, my mother and my mentor who suggested I take a closer look. The practice was having difficulty bringing in (and keeping) new patients, and it was also suffering from lackluster online reviews. I had done mission work in the past and it pained me to see the lack of care in our nation. I loved the idea of a challenge, and I felt confident I could turn the office around, so I relocated from New York to Ellsworth, a town of less than 10,000 residents.
In the beginning, we engaged in local outreach in a variety of ways to build trust and serve the community. We organized a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce, and we participated in Aspen’s Day of Service, which offers dental services free of charge to veterans. As we reestablished positive connections with the town, we maintained that trust by providing consistent, high-quality care. Since I took over the practice nearly two years ago, it has become a top-grossing office with a significantly increased patient volume. The office has on many occasions also had the highest acceptance rate for treatment plans in both the region, and the entire network.
I never saw myself as a small-town dentist, but now, I can’t imagine practicing anywhere else. Providing care to this underserved community has been extremely rewarding from both a financial and personal standpoint, and I know I’ve been able to really make a difference in a small community that needed greater access to dental care.
Practicing in rural communities comes with so many benefits
For many, it’s counterintuitive to think that running a practice in a rural area can be personally rewarding, extremely profitable and a career jump starter. Rural areas, first and foremost, have a high level of demand for care and very low competition. This combination spells success for dentists willing to relocate and can also be a faster path to multi-practice ownership.
The benefits of a rural practice don’t stop there. Less competition (meaning more patients than existing dentists can keep up with) means loyal patients, and I love being able to build relationships with my patients over time. The community is so grateful for the access to dental care that they’ve embraced me wholeheartedly and really made me feel at home. There’s also no opportunity for boredom; because many patients in the area have delayed or gone without care for so long, I get to treat a mix of interesting and complex cases, including restoration work, which also has the added benefit of being more profitable. The constant flow of patients in need also ensures business stability and job security, which reduces my stress as a practice owner. There is so much need in rural communities that growth opportunities abound, such as multi-practice ownership.
There’s so much more to rural communities than meets the eye, and the combination of a successful career with an ability to provide care to those who need it most is rewarding beyond measure.
Mentorship goes hand-in-hand with eliminating dental deserts
It can be intimidating to relocate to a small community, especially if you’re coming from a large city. Mentorship and support can make that transition infinitely easier. I always tell associates joining my practice that they’re being paid very well for the educational opportunity working in a rural practice offers. They’ll get to learn so much about dentistry, patient care, teamwork and office workflows, all while being thoroughly supported with mentorship from both me and a large, diverse network of other dentists.
As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve taken advantage of those mentorship opportunities as well. Through a large organization like Aspen Dental, I have access to a massive support system of dentists who are always happy to help, whether that’s by offering advice on a difficult case or brainstorming treatment plans. I’ve benefited greatly from accessing this network of mentors, and now I love being able to offer mentorship to my associates and other dentists as well. Seeing my team evolve and embrace our mission has been supremely gratifying.
Large DSOs like Aspen offer a myriad of resources for dentists interested in making the jump to a rural community, including location identification, relocation packages and, of course, extensive mentorship and support from doctors and team members across the country.
Setting yourself up for a rewarding career
Building a rewarding career is about more than just succeeding financially. Sure, practicing in rural communities comes with significant financial benefits, but it’s also deeply personally satisfying. As a dentist, I want to provide care to people in need and expand dental care access as much as I can.
Working in a rural community, with the support of experienced mentors and access to a large network of resources, is making my mission of bringing high-quality care to underserved communities both profitable and achievable.
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Adel Ghanem, DMD
Adel Ghanem, DMD, BDS graduated from Misr International University and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine's Advanced Standing Program in 2016 and 2022 respectively. He currently owns one Aspen Dental practice and is opening his second within the next year. Dr. Ghanem loves collaborating with his network to pilot surgical, prosthodontic and digital workflows while mentoring new doctors. Dr. Ghanem strives to create a fun and engaging environment for both patients and staff, helping them to achieve healthy smiles, confidence, and furthering their education and development. Dr. Ghanem is the youngest of three dentists in the family, and his oldest brother, Dr. Mo Ghanem, served as his inspiration to become a dentist and care for underserved communities.