Pace of Practice Ownership Appealing to Dr. Reddy

Dr. Amrita Reddy joined Aspen Dental in 2003 as a Managing Clinical Director in Woburn, MA, shortly after graduating from Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine.

The pace was a bit slower than what Dr. Reddy had envisioned so she jumped at the opportunity to become dual MCD of Woburn and the nearby Medford office.

While the dual MCD role presented new and different challenges, after a few years she was envisioning additional opportunities.

“I have a lot of energy and passion for dentistry. Managing two practices was a great experience, but I really was looking for a bigger challenge with a higher-volume office,” she said.

That challenge presented itself with an opening in Manchester, NH.
“Not only is Manchester a busier office but I also enjoyed the challenge of growing the office with a different patient base than to what I was accustomed and managing a larger office team,” Dr. Reddy said.

After several months in Manchester, Dr. Reddy decided it was time for another challenge. This time it was exploring the possibility of becoming a practice owner in Aspen’s Practice Ownership Program (POP).

Recently, Dr. Reddy became Aspen’s twenty-third POP owner after investing in both the Manchester and Nashua offices.

“I really thought I was up to it. I’m learning how to manage a staff, the business is coming quickly and I’m receiving fantastic support from our office teams, as well as the team at Aspen Dental Management Inc. (ADMI),” she said. “The transition has been very smooth.”

And, she’s doing this under challenging circumstances. Dr. Reddy has a 2-year-old daughter at home and is six months pregnant.

“One of the great points about Aspen’s Practice Ownership Program is that I can strike the balance of realizing my dream of ownership and growing a family at the same time. I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew, but I think it’s wonderful that with Aspen’s support, we are afforded these kinds of opportunities for ownership. And it’s especially gratifying as a woman and mother,” Dr. Reddy added.

“Dr. Reddy has been up to all of the challenges she’s taken on and has truly embodied the characteristics of a great partner for ADMI,” said Bob Fontana, ADMI President and CEO. “We look forward to working with her to continue to grow her practice.”

Aspen’s Practice Ownership Program (POP) has Dr. Timothy Owczarzak in a “perfect situation.”

“For me, this is a dream come true, a perfect situation,” said Dr. Owczarzak, new dentist-owner in North Hills, PA. “My life is much less complicated and I’m doing what I love to do, which is practice dentistry. I tell people that I think I’m a pretty good dentist, but the world’s worst accountant. Having a management company behind me has been great because it allows me to serve patients and develop my staff. Everybody at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI) is as cooperative as they can be. I couldn’t ask for a better situation. Members of the management company are professional, always available, and they’re quick to respond to any issues I might have.”
A Pittsburgh native and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Owczarzak served as an oral surgeon for four years with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division upon graduation in 1991.
“The Army was a phenomenal experience and prepared me for almost anything,” he said.  His first two years were spent in a surgery clinic, where he was “thrown into the deep end of the pool,” and he eventually ran the 4-chair, “un-air-conditioned” clinic.
“The conditions were challenging, but as far as dentistry was concerned it was great because I did everything from implants, crowns and bridges, periodontal therapy, extractions, you name it.”
After leaving the Army and Fort Bragg, NC, Dr. Owczarzak returned to his hometown and owned a solo practice in Bethel Park for 12 years. A growing family that includes three boys coupled with the pressures of running his practice had him looking for a change in his dental career path.
“Owning your own practice takes away from quality family time. I was in charge of everything–payroll, accounting, making sure our quarterly taxes were paid accurately and on time, OSHA, HIPAA.  You wear every hat. One minute you’re the dentist working on a patient, the next minute you’re the repair man fixing the chair. Owning your own practice is a totally different animal. When you’re in private practice it seems like it’s 20% dentistry and 80% business. I simply became tired of it.”
Dr. Owczarak acknowledged he knew nothing about Aspen Dental when he spotted the North Hills office on McKnight Road during his commute and inquired about a part-time position. He joined Aspen part-time in February 2007 and became the Managing Clinical Director in North Hills shortly thereafter.  He then informed members of the ADMI leadership team that he’d like to get involved with POP some day.
“This has been a winning situation all the way around. I own a practice. I’m providing more comprehensive dentistry for more patients. I have a great office team and specialists in North Hills, and a committed partner in ADMI to handle the business end. And, most importantly, I have more time with my family.”
“Dr. O is a tireless worker, an energetic and mature leader, an excellent clinician and a great manager of people, “said ADMI President and CEO Bob Fontana. “He truly understands the value of partnering with a management company. We look forward to working with Dr. O. to continue to grow his practice.”