Australasian Dentist Magazine May June 2021

Category 102 Australasian Dentist a group that would respect my ideas and ethos and continue to run it according to my vision and goals so that the practice would remain as a source of high quality, honest and trusted dentistry in the region,” he explains. “I still had many years of dentistry in me and wanted to plan a smooth transition for the future. A corporation was the best option, as I was happy to continue working, but I needed to find the right corporation for me.” Introduced to Ekera Dental by a friend familiar with his selling motivations, Dr Ishak found their corporate model appealing after doing his own research. His first meeting with Ekera Chairman, Dr Anthony Coulepis, reinforced that notion. “We felt that we were like-minded in the level of honesty, ethics and professionalism,” he recalls. Non-threatening support Dr Ishak reveals that a major factor deciding the sale was Ekera’s hands-off management approach. “They respected how we operated and trusted us to continue to run the practice as we see fit. They did not force and impose corporate ideologies and processes on us or our staff,” he says. “They did not dictate how we are to run the practice or how we deal with our staff. The transition was so smooth, our staff did not at any point feel uneasy or threatened,” he says. Staying on as the principal dentist, Dr Ishak appreciates the fact that Ekera’s hands-off approach does not equate to a lack of support – rather, it’s there when you need it. “A stand out feature of this experience is that Tony’s door is always open and he is truly only a phone call or email away,” says the impressed clinician. “His finger is on the pulse and he is always aware of everything taking place within his operations and management team.” The MDG operations enjoy Ekera’s backbone support in many areas: marketing; IT; online presence; management; human resources; bulk buying of stock; legal; as well as corporate representation in insurance matters, industry bodies and associations. In addition, Ekera facilitated the purchase of a new intraoral scanner with smile design; an OPG/ Lat Ceph and CBCT machine; and a new compressor. “No questions were asked,” Dr Ishak attests. “They simply trusted our judgement and case presentation.” Secure in the knowledge Overall, the passionate dentist would describe his post-sale experience as being, “Very positive and encouraging”. Having heard cautionary tales from colleagues with negative experiences selling to corporates, Dr Ishak is glad to offer a counter perspective: “Ekera Dental has lived up to all of the promises that were made prior to the sale. They honoured every deal and promise and this is something that I value very much.” “As a dentist, my experience has also been positive,” he adds. “They respect and value my professional judgement and experience. “On a personal level my experience has been one of reassurance and liberation in the knowledge that I amnow onmy way to reducing my stress and responsibility for the practice that was my heart and soul for so long. “I am comforted by the knowledge that the practice will continue to operate according to the ethos and culture that I had established.” u a O PEN W IDE ® D ISPOSABLE & R EUSABLE M OUTH P ROPS The Open Wide ® Mouth Props facilitate oral care in variety of patients; Reusable Mouth Prop with saliva ejector has a con‐ venient ‘ wrap around’ handle to maintain control. Fully auto‐ clavable, doesn’t get “gummy” like other wedges & the dispos‐ able foam version is easy to use Surround® Toothbrush in Adult and Paediatric sizes The FULLY PADDED S URROUND ® T OOTHBRUSH WITH ITS ’ UNIQUE FLEXIBLE HANDLE & COMPACT , TRIPLE HEADED HEART ‐ SHAPED BRISTLE PAD has soft, end rounded angled bristles that ‘surround’ teeth to simultaneously brush gums & front, back, biting surfaces optimising plaque removal with each & every stroke for more complete coverage. Back & forth brushing motion makes it quicker, easier & more efficient for carers and those with dexterity issues; perfect for your SND, children and orthodontic patients. Ph: 02 9252 4410 or email info@mobilemedical.com.au for further information. M OBILE M EDICAL S YSTEMS For special needs dentistry & orthodontics acquisitions