Page 7 - Bulletin Vol 26 No 3 - Sept. - Dec. 2021 - FINAL 3 version (1)

Message from the President

One of the wonderful things about being a Dentist is you get to choose the
setting in which you want to practice. There are many different options to
pick from. Options include working as an employee in an individual
practice, in a group practice or, perhaps, in a DSO. You can be an
independent contractor working for one or several offices. You may choose
to call the shots and be your own boss. You may decide to be a solo
practitioner with a one or two chair office, or own multiple offices a hundred
times that size. You can choose the business model under which you
operate. You can work with insurance companies and government pro-
grams and decide to be in network or be completely fee for service or any-
where in between.
There are so many decisions to be made, and not just once during your
career. Things can change several times over a lifetime. And each new decision can bring on even
more changes. There are no right or wrong answers. Everyone must decide for themselves what
satisfies their needs and makes them happy.

Over the years I have met people who had successful businesses given to them but simply
could not handle the responsibility of ownership. Managing employees, meeting payroll, rent or
mortgage, and other financial obligations can be very stressful. Making business decisions, the
lack of a steady reliable paycheck, working anywhere from five to over a hundred hours a week
adds to the stress. As an owner you never really “clock out.”
Some people want to be an employee with a guaranteed paycheck and zero responsibilities
beyond nine to five. Others want to work for every dollar. A friend once told me about his
grandfather who had come from Europe in the 1920's. Grandpa he said, “would rather make a
nickel by himself than a dime by someone else.” So we do as much research as possible and try to
figure out what is best for each one of us. Choose wisely and keep your eyes and ears open, learn
from the people who have done what you want to do. If you have enough confidence, blaze your
own trail.
There are so many different ways for dentists to practice and yet they all fall under the
umbrella of the American Dental Association. If there is a situation that arises where you are
unhappy with a position the ADA has taken, or the direction we are heading, PLEASE let us know.
Better yet, step up and get involved. Help us help you, become a leader. Make a smart, rewarding
career decision and become active in the Nassau County Dental Society, the New York State
Dental Association, or even the ADA.

In closing, I would like to say thank you for the honor of serving as your President this past
year. I would also like to acknowledge all the hard working, dedicated people that help guide this
society. Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy, Safe New Year and keep smiling.

Howard Baylarian

NCDS 2021 President

Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ (516) 227-1112 | 7