When did it start?
The pure dentistry side started a long time ago. The cosmetic side was around six or seven years ago.
What was it that made you want to start this business?
Well, it wasn’t all for vanity requests that much I can tell you. It was the same for me as any other person who wants to help some of the more unfortunate. Vanity does pay a part, yet some people have lost teeth or broken them at no fault of their own. It can give self-confidence back to a significant number of people
What was the toughest thing you went through when opening?
Way back when it is nerve-wracking when you offer a business like this. You are physically dealing with part of people’s body and one slip, and you can do some severe damage. The cosmetic side wasn’t so bad as I have learned a thing or two since then.
If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently?
I would have looked at initial investment in a different way. Rather than panic thinking I needed all the equipment and pay cash, I could have staggered payments and made it much easier on cash flow.
What is the toughest part about having a business in 2017?
There are a lot of dental places opening up who deal more with the cosmetic side. A high number of people think as they only do cosmetic dentistry they must be better at it. That isn’t the case.
If a customer was to choose between your business and 3 others just like it why would you suggest they at least give you a try first?
What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
Before it was word of mouth, no pun intended there. Now it is online which I see is your next question. Honestly, though, it is word of mouth and placement in some of the insurance companies and all that.
Has the Internet played a big role in your business as it has become more prevalent?
Now it has. Before with the regular dentist, we only relied on ads on Google and all that. Now the cosmetic side has increased we need to show what services we offer and how it can help them.
If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
Obviously, we want to be a little further ahead of where we are with security for the business. The cosmetic dentistry has a longer time to complete a job, so we have a continual stream of repeat customers until they have finished with their care.
Owner: Chuck Lee
Viva Las Vegas Dental
702-787-4539
http://vivalvdental.com