Drs. Joseph Bender and John Watters have made it the “home” of their new dental practice, the Panther Hollow Dental Lodge. The architecture chosen for the new building is characteristic of the style used in the 1930s and 1940s when dude ranches and lodges became the theme for many retreats and U.S. national parks. There is a rugged romanticism in the distinctive architectural elements that identify the “lodge” style. You quickly sense its relationship to the Wild West, the powerful influence of natural surroundings, and its similarity to the vast, open spaces so typical of the American wilderness. The raw materials of the style include generous proportions overall—open-beamed vaulted ceilings, sensuous natural woods, grand stone fireplaces, and often leather and rich, woven fabrics to enhance its casual but cozy elegance.
Panther Hollow Dental Lodge would be a complete about face from the cramped space they had practiced in since 1980 at their original facility. The change was long overdue and prompted by the explosive patient growth being experienced by their business.
Drs. Bender and Watters were especially happy at the completion of the project. Its progress was dramatically slowed when, in 2004, hurricane Charley carved a destructive path through the area. The storm leveled the block walls at the construction site, preventing the placement of the headers for the building and forcing a redo of the site. Many businesses in Florida were devastated by the storm. Henry Schein, Inc., the parent company of Sullivan-Schein, is part of an extensive network of organizations that provide emergency response to relief efforts globally. Its corporate contributions go to many needy causes, including donations to agencies that fund reconstruction for areas such as Florida, which was very hard hit after the turbulent 2004 hurricane season.
The Sullivan-Schein team doubled their efforts to get the project back on track so that the office could achieve its goals in a timely manner.
“Our patients and staff love the new office,” the Doctors comment. “It’s the buzz of our entire community! Our Sullivan-Schein team…always goes way above the call of duty to help with any of our concerns or problems. We’ve worked with them for years…and they’ve been there through every phase of this adventure—from early designs…to equipment selection…the newest technologies, and financial arrangements.”
Panther Hollow Dental Lodge’s 6,900-sq. ft., 13-operatory facility has been designed to accommodate a streamlined workflow. Its operatories are configured for ease of use by staff and exceptional comfort for the patient. Sleek, ergonomically designed chairs, duo carts, and track lights from Midmark help to improve productivity. The multi-functional Midmark Sterilization Center saves time and energy by efficiently processing instruments with the highest levels of asepsis possible while ensuring regulatory compliance is met. The facility’s restful, contemporary conference rooms make consultations a pleasant experience for Doctors and patients alike.
Jim Puckett and Bob O’Neill, Equipment Sales Specialists; Richard McBride, Field Sales Consultant and Mike Whelan, Henry Schein Financial Services (HSFS) Regional Manager, merged their talents to create a package that incorporates the many comprehensive services Sullivan-Schein provides for dental practitioners. The Sullivan-Schein perspective is one of partnership with its customers. By supporting their goals and delivering the products and services that will keep them competitive and profitable in the industry, our specialists help to ensure that customers’ businesses cost-effectively achieve the success they envision. Drs. Bender and Watters chose to finance their equipment and full practice needs through HSFS. HSFS’ business solutions and resources offer enhanced financial capabilities to healthcare providers so their plans can be fulfilled in a timely manner. Dr. Watters notes, “Mike Whelan was a pleasure to work with. The follow through on every detail was terrific. Our financing was customized to our practice goals…we are still operating our old office as well. The payment arrangements were simplified to cover all our financial needs without creating added burdens that could jeopardize our plans. I am very impressed by Mike’s dedication to our business needs… I can’t imagine looking elsewhere…HSFS and Mike provided thorough, courteous, and cost-effective means for our vision to reach fruition.”
Left to right: James Kinney, Equipment Service Technician; Richard McBride, Field Sales Consultant; Dr. Josephy Bender; Dr. John Watters; and Bob O'Neill, Equipment Sales Specialist.
The office’s upgraded technologies allow faster and better patient care. Sullivan-Schein’s Dentrix® Practice-Management System gives the office seamless integration of its practice information, including detailed clinical data, imaging, patients’ records, scheduling, claims processing, lab management, ordering and inventory, and more. Effective Dentist/patient communication and interaction is achieved with the Dentrix ImageCAM. It gives the patient the ability to see what the dentist sees and understand the diagnosis. Visually educating patients about their specific concerns helps to involve them in their own procedures and results in more successful treatment as well as increased confidence in the caregiver.
Panther Hollow Lodge’s Dentists, hygienists, and assistants now enjoy the ideal environment to confidently increase productivity and provide a greater level of patient satisfaction. They can dedicate themselves to practicing the finest dentistry with the latest technologies while making each patient’s experience a pleasurable one. Both Doctors and staff can depend on the support system provided by Sullivan-Schein’s experts to comfortably help them pursue continued growth and best serve their patients in today’s highly competitive business environment.