You Earned It

One of the principal attractions to the field of dentistry is the ability to run your own business and the independence it promotes to support a lifestyle that is unique to you. Independence is a powerful draw, pursuing passions outside of dentistry or within dentistry itself. CE warriors, world travelers, sports enthusiasts, and family jockeys all find benefits in the small business motif. However, running a small business is not without disadvantages. Small businesses are often referred to as “our babies” for reasons. Long nights and stressful hours are parts of the small business dream! To grow and nurture a small business requires a lot of love and dedication.

Mary Hamburg, DDS ODA Journal Editor

Small businesses are essential for the person(s) they support, but, more importantly, they provide jobs to the community and contribute to the economy in general. Dentistry has a unique position to be able to open and provide services in almost any community. We are an economic driver in both urban and rural areas. For instance, the dental practices in my small hometown area of Perry, Oklahoma, support our community by providing solid good-paying jobs and valuable services. It took becoming a dentist in an urban setting for me to truly understand the flexible nature of small businesses and the support they give to the community.

According to the US Small Business Association, small businesses with fewer than 500 employees account for 99.7% of all businesses, and 99.7% have paid employees. New jobs in the US are 62% small business driven, accounting for 44% of the total US economic activity. Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy, employ more people collectively than big businesses, and are more resilient during times of strife. In 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, small business applications rose to record levels. While large corporations struggled, small businesses were for those entrepreneurs with the American dream in their sights.

Small businesses give back to the community by keeping local dollars in the community economy. Promoting other small businesses in the community and keeping it local supports jobs and community sources for improvements in infrastructure and growth. Small businesses are leaders in innovation and in generating new ways of doing things. Many large businesses once started out as small businesses. Furthermore, big businesses are now trying to acquire small businesses in order to gain those attributes for their benefits. Small businesses drive the innovation that our economy needs to meet the challenges of a global economy.

Whew! That is a lot of weight for all small business owners to take on! Keep in mind that you are not alone. Small businesses supporting one another is the best way to keep the US economy from crashing. ODA Rewards Partners cater to big and small business alike to support small business dental practices in Oklahoma. Just by reading this Journal, I know that you are signed up as an ODA member and ready to maximize your benefits. In a year, an ODA member could save an average of over $14,000 by participating in every offer available. This provides that extra layer of support for the next time a sensor goes down, or enable you to purchase that item on your office wish list.

ODA Rewards Partners provide options in cybersecurity, insurance, fitness programs, appliances, payroll and e-claims, mortgages and student loan financing, office apparel and support—everything you need to run your business, but with a discount! Other options are banking and financing, shipping with UPS, dental supplies, and software for all your dental needs, which can be summarized as small business support in the areas you need and those you did not know you need.

Small businesses provide many opportunities to support the American dream—independence and resilience, innovations and employment, and a route to financial stability and security for owners and the communities in which we live. Cheers to you, small business warriors! Keep the American dream alive by saving today on the services you need to succeed. Take advantage of the ODA Rewards Partners, and then take a trip on the savings. You earned it.