I am excited to share with you the results of our Dental Economics® / Levin Group 2010 Annual Dental Practice Survey. This is the fourth year that we have partnered with the Levin Group in preparing this very important and well-read document. The fact that this is our fourth year is extremely important because it allows this year's survey to be analyzed along with the data from the past three years. We know that our readers look forward with anticipation to reading this very important information.
The 2010 Annual Dental Practice Survey is an in-depth analysis of how dental practices have fared over the past 12 months. Of course, the reliability of this survey depends on your participation. This year's survey represents an overwhelming response from our readers. I hope you will enjoy the information that we present here.
This year's results are especially promising in that they show our field of endeavor is stable. Remarkably, we have not lost ground since last year, and the signs for the future are optimistic in this time of economic collapse all around us.
For example, 57.4% of the dentists responding to this year's survey say that they will increase gross production compared to their production in 2009. In addition, 51% of the respondents report increases compared to only 39.5% in 2009. This is an important benchmark for our industry and I hope you find the analysis and data valuable and insightful.
"2010 is a year to be proud of," states Dr. Roger P. Levin, chairman and CEO of Levin Group, Inc. "Many other types of businesses are in a near panic, losing significant revenue, closing locations, and laying off employees. That is not the case in dentistry. We're even seeing a modest upswing in production. I think we will see that increase become more pronounced in 2011. That will be good news for everyone."
I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Levin and the entire Levin Group market research team for their expert analysis on this year's survey.
This is the time of year that we have an opportunity to exercise our constitutional right to vote. This is a chance for the people to speak out and let our elected officials know whether or not we agree or disagree with the way they are governing our country. Don't miss this chance to make your voice heard!
It is also the time of the year that we begin thinking about our continuing-education points, particularly if your state requires a certain number of points to renew your dental license. If you are in need of additional CE points, I want to call your attention to the great IneedCE courses that are available every month in Dental Economics®. Simply go to www.IneedCE.com, study one, two, or three courses, take the exams, and collect as many continuing-education points as you need.
You will not believe this, but I have been home for the first three weeks of September. I am about to drive Sue crazy. I know she is ready to see me get on the road again. Isn't that a song? We leave tomorrow to visit family and friends in Baltimore, where I hope to partake in some of the wonderful Chesapeake Bay seafood. There goes the diet!
This is the time of year that we pause to give thanks. I have many things to be thankful for this year: for my wife, Sue, the love of my life who keeps the home fires burning as I travel; for my family, for my faith in God, for the gift of life, and for all God's gifts. I am also thankful for the many prayers that continue to be said for my daughter-in-law, Shawn, to give her strength in her fight against ovarian cancer. I also am thankful for this great profession of dentistry, for all of my authors and, particularly, my columnists; for this great country, for those who protect and defend our country's constitution, for the members of the military who keep us safe, for liberty, for honesty and integrity, and for all the readers of DE. In these perilous times at home and abroad, God bless and keep us all!
I hope that you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with your family and friends! Take a moment every day to thank God for his many blessings in your life. It is a great way to start your day!
Joe Blaes, DDS, Editor - e-mail: [email protected]
Toll-free phone number: (866) 274-4500
