Dr. Gabriela Flores, fresh out of dental school, she took the bold step of owning a practice during a pandemic.
Discover her secrets to building a successful fee-for-service practice and why setting the right patient expectations is everything.
About the Guest:
Gabriela Flores is a practicing dentist based in Miami Beach, Florida. With roots in the University of Florida for her undergraduate education, she transitioned to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for further studies. Post-graduation, Gabriela garnered a wealth of experience by working in distinct environments ranging from DSOs and PPO practices to holistic clinics before taking a leap into entrepreneurship by acquiring her own practice in Miami Beach. Notably, she embarked on this venture only a year after completing dental school, setting her apart as a new entrant in the field with a practice owner’s mindset.
Episode Summary:
This episode of Dental Fuel features Tanya Sue Maestas in conversation with Gabriela Flores, whose journey after dental school is an inspiring tale of skill and entrepreneurship. Throughout their dialogue, the listeners are taken through the compelling narrative of Gabriela's career advancements, the unexpected challenges she faced during the pandemic, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. The subsequent discussions unravel Gabriela's approach to clinical complications, patient communication strategies, and the impact of continuous learning on her professional growth. She sheds light on the realities of working in high-volume practices, dealing with the intricacies of dental service organizations, and the significance of setting realistic patient expectations. This episode is packed with insights for new dental graduates and seasoned practitioners alike, focusing on the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of dental practice ownership.
Key Takeaways:
- Gabriela Flores shares her unique experience of buying and managing a dental practice just one year post graduation, emphasizing her independent journey in the industry.
- She discusses the challenges and learning opportunities that arose from starting her career amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Gabriela stresses the importance of honesty in patient communication, especially when dealing with clinical mistakes or unexpected treatment outcomes.
- The episode highlights how working in high-volume DSOs can serve as an unorthodox but valuable platform for gaining extensive clinical experience early in one's career.
- A central theme revolves around managing patient expectations and ensuring satisfaction even when dental procedures do not go as planned.
Connect with Gabriela Flores: @doctorgabiflores
Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds
Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds
