Australasian Dentist Issue 93

CATEGORY 100 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST “The idea that much of the business, staff and patient experience is unchanged, and the fact that we are still CP Dental is an important part of why we chose Ekera Dental.” Past performance, future possibilities To make sure that they would be happy carrying on as clinicians, as well as co- decision-makers alongside the Ekera management team, the partners spoke to other dentists who once stood in their shoes. “Of all the corporations, we found that nobody had spoken poorly of their post- acquisition experience with Ekera Dental,” he reveals. The ability to “work in a team of like- minded individuals”, Dr Ansell adds, was another plus point. “Whether it is advancing clinical techniques, or continuing to grow the business by adding additional services, it is preferable to be part of a proactive group. “With about 40 practices, Ekera Dental has a large talent pool with individuals who can all learn from each other to better serve their patients and increase efficiency.” Case in point, Dr Ansell is currently in preliminary discussions with the Ekera team to develop what he calls an ‘Intranet project’. It appears that the dentist’s proclivity towards incorporating the latest digital marketing technologies into the dental workplace has rubbed off on his new practice collaborators. “I’ve always got a half dozen or so ideas circulating around inside my head, and when we first started working with Ekera, AQUISITIONS I thought this was a real opportunity to enhance the flow of information,” Dr Ansell explains. “If successful, the project could provide a way for practice managers to share advice on stock control or discuss patient finance options. It will come with its challenges but I am optimistic and think collaborative online work spaces are essential.” Next logical step Unlike Dr Ansell, many dentists do not have access to banking or legal experts guiding them along the practice sale path, hence are eager to pick his brains on the subject. “Therewill be people at various stages of their career with different motivations. For some it is about transitioning to retirement. For others they are seeking to reduce the risk to their own capital, diversify their investments while still playing a part in their future,” he qualifies. “In the absence of a suitable ‘in house’ buyer, the corporate path is the next logical way forward for a vendor seeking to get good value for their efforts. I can’t speak for all corporates, but certainly there is no penny pinching, overreaching and interfering control with Ekera.” At the time of writing, Dr Ansell has accumulated roughly six months of so- 1800 806 450 www.amalgadent.com.au UNIVERSALLY STRONG. UNIVERSALLY SIMPLE. SEE BACK COVER FOR SPECIAL OFFER! Duolink Footer #93.indd 2 19/04/2022 3:52:52 PM called post-Ekera experience. While it’s still too early to provide a substantial update, he is keen to pursue new opportunities for cooperation in the areas of consolidating purchasing power, marketing, education and training. “It is a chance to look outside of ourselves and see what we can do better,” he adds. On a personal note, the motor racing enthusiast who divides non-working hours between the family and his adrenaline- pumping hobby, still abides by the ‘work- hard-play-hard’ maxim. “I know this is typically where you would insert a photo of a semi-retired dentist golfing, and working two days a week. “I am working harder, thinking more creatively and energised by being part of something bigger.” u Dr Paul Ansell (front row, fourth from left) and his teammates came in third in their class at the 2021 Bathurst, a six-hour amateur race event.