In a world where mobility and flexibility are becoming increasingly essential, many professionals are exploring unconventional ways to deliver their services. As a dentist specializing in house calls, I’ve found that simplicity is often the key to success.
Connecting with My Audience:
Recently, a listener on Instagram reached out with a question that caught my attention. It seemed fitting to share the query and my response here, as it highlights the unexpected simplicity of my setup. If you’re not already following me, find me on Instagram at Residental Movement for more insights and photos of my day-to-day operations.
The Minivan Setup:
To begin, I want to clarify an important point: I don’t own a specially outfitted mobile dental van. My transportation is a regular minivan equipped with stow-and-go seats. It's crucial to understand that you don’t need a fully equipped dental van to start a house call practice. In fact, such an investment may not be practical since patients wouldn’t generally enter the van themselves.
All you really need is some form of transportation. When I embarked on this journey, my teeny tiny Toyota Corolla was my first mode of transport. So, whether you have a car or rely on public transit like a subway, the possibility of being a house-call dentist is within reach.
Discovering the Milwaukee Packout:
The photo that prompted the curiosity was of the back of my van filled with my daily equipment. A follower inquired, “What is that and where can I get it?” The equipment in question is known as a Milwaukee Packout, which I purchased at Home Depot. Initially, I started with a suitcase that held Tupperware bins—an entirely feasible starting point.
However, my husband, an electrician by trade, introduced me to packouts. These are standard in construction because they provide organization and ease for transporting tools. Though Milwaukee Packouts are a preferred choice for me, many other brands offer similar products, and you can choose based on your preferences, like color.
While I'm not sponsored by Milwaukee, I genuinely think these packouts are incredibly efficient. Although they’re more expensive than a suitcase, they offer greater functionality. Whether you start with a suitcase or a packout, it’s all about assessing your priorities and budget.
A Simple Solution to a Complex Question:
You're probably wondering why I shared such a seemingly straightforward question. When I responded to the follower about the Milwaukee Packout, they seemed surprised by the simplicity of the solution. They expected a specialized dental setup, contrary to the reality that I use standard dental equipment and simply bring it to my patients.
Many dentists ask about the tools and methods I use, often overthinking the process. I must emphasize that while practicing as a dentist, especially one who makes house calls, isn’t without its challenges, it’s also not overly complicated.
Starting Your Own Practice:
If you’re considering starting a dental house call practice, try not to feel overwhelmed. Consider the procedures you’d like to offer and how best to transport your equipment. You can easily draft a shopping list and lay the foundations for your practice.
For those wanting to dive deeper, sign up for my free masterclass, "Own a Practice That Doesn't Own You," at residentialmovement.com/masterclass. Additionally, my online course, Dental House Call Practice Academy, is available for aspiring house call dentists looking to launch in 2025.
Conclusion:
Remember, if I can start a house call practice, you can too. The answers to your questions might be more straightforward than they appear, and with the right mindset, simplicity can become your greatest ally in this rewarding endeavor.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more insights into the world of a dental house call practice!
Visit me at: ResiDENTAL Movement Website
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