several ideas; however, the most difficult task has been in getting things off the ground. Still, I would say we are moving forward at an admirable rate.

As the second anniversary of the tornado approaches, the city will most likely have a memorial event at Cunningham Park, but no definite plans are set at this time. I think as a community, a memorial is helpful for us not only to remem- ber but to move forward.

I would like to take a moment to encourage all MDA members to review your insurance coverage, not only for your dental offices but homes as well. Make absolutely sure you have adequate coverage. For 43 years I never needed to use my cov- erage, but on the 44th year, disaster struck. Fortunately my home was spared major damage, but my office was completely destroyed. Filing the claim has been an eye-opening experience. I cannot overemphasize the importance of knowing how in- surance companies work, but also, how to work with them. I think this would be a great topic/program for a continuing education meeting, because it would be an opportunity to discuss our personal experiences and help others understand how the process really works!

I would like to thank the Missouri Dental Association and the Ameri- can Dental Association for their as- sistance; it was greatly appreciated by all members. f

DR. BENJAMIN ROSENBERG (Benjie) has practiced pediatric dentistry in Joplin for 47 years and has been a Joplin City Councilman for five years, with his current term expiring in 2016.

A chance at a new beginning by STEPHEN MENKE, DDS & ED MCALLISTER, DDS

Dr. McAllister (left) and Dr. Menke (right) just hosted an open house to their new practice in January 2013. They have stated about their experience, “If you reflect too much on the past, it is difficult to plan and execute the future. Staying positive and working through the problems have allowed us to overcome any obstacle so far set before us.”

Following is a brief, combined interview with Joplin dentists and practice partners, Drs. Ed McAllister and Stephen Menke, about their experiences after the Joplin tornado.

The MDA has “monitored” your practice and the impact of the tornado on it since that fateful day. And, we know you just hosted an open house for your new of- fice. Can you tell us about your rebuilding process and what that was like the “second time” around? We were very lucky, in that we seemed to have very good people working for us. We designed our office with the help of Goetze Dental’s CAD/CAM staff, our archi- tect and our builder. We are very happy with our end product, flow and arrangement. I felt like it went fairly smooth, and fortunately, having 20+ years of private practice helped us know what we wanted.

We know that extraordinary circumstances caused the rebuild … but what would you tell your colleagues who are considering building a new office or remodeling? What was eye-opening to you? What in your 20+ years of being a dentist helped you in the process that are pearls of wisdom you might share with someone who is just starting out? Seek advice from your dental supplier; they usually have people just for that. They gave us great advice, especially room sizes

and arrangements. They also do it as part of their service at no cost to you in an effort to sell you new equipment. They know from other offices what has worked well and what has not. Many of us want to hire a consulting firm, which is fine, just don’t discount your dental supplier.

One thing that you mentioned to us had changed since the tornado was the schedule for you both. For example, out of necessity of your temporary office, you were work- ing a 7am to 1pm and a 1pm to 7pm shift, each of you rotating every other week your shift. However, in a subsequent visit, you had stated you both liked it and thought it might be something you would carry over into the new practice, even design- ing around that idea (thus requiring fewer operatories). Did you in fact do that and/ or keep an adjusted schedule? What other changes have you implemented that you may have not been able to do in your for- mer location, but have since been able to? Yes! We love the hours, and it has worked extremely well for us; however, that said, it is not for everyone. Dr. McAllister and I have

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE ISSUE 2 | MAR/APR 2013 | focus 31