Preface

Guest Editor
Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are
responsible for almost all the economic growth
in the United States.
dRonaldReagan, 40thUnitedStates President,
19811989
Management is the eciency of climbing the
ladder of success; leadership determines if the
ladder is leaning against the right wall.
dDr. Stephen R. Covey, Chairman Covey
Leadership Center
The evolution of practice management in the
constantly changing health care environment
poses great challenges to the oral and maxillofa-
cial surgeon. In addition to the basic demands of
practicing oral and maxillofacial surgery, issues
such as contract negotiations, retirement plan-
ning, oce payroll, external marketing strategies,
third-party payers, and maintaining quality sta
can quickly become the focus of everyday prac-
tice. Successful practitioners who are also the chief
executive ocers of their practices understand the
importance of ecient leadership and employee
management, eectively balancing the complex-
ities of operating a small business while providing
quality patient care.
The educational requirements of our profes-
sion are as distinct as they are rigorous. Most of
us have completed at least 12 years of post-
secondary education to become surgeons in our
communities. Despite our level of training, many
of us have never completed a university business
course, much less one tailored to our specialty.
Although there may be a minority of surgeons
who can rely on undergraduate business school
education or an MBA degree, the rest of us
sharpen our business acumen through observa-
tion, research, anecdotal reports, and the mentor-
ship of our employers and partners.
It is my hope that this issue of the Oral and Max-
illofacial Surgery Clinics of North America provides
you with strategies to enhance your practice,
whether you are an established oral and maxillofa-
cial surgeon or a resident planning your transition
to private practice. Todays competitive market
requires that practitioners be knowledgeable and
resourceful to develop a fullling and successful
practice. Patients are becoming increasingly edu-
cated and hold dentists and physicians more
accountable for quality of care and patient satisfac-
tion. This accountability applies to surgeons in ei-
ther the university setting or in private practice.
The articles presentedinthis issue highlight success-
ful business strategies in various aspects of practice
management, including the transition from
residency to professional practice, associateships,
contract law, marketing, and nancial planning.
I must acknowledge the leadership and guid-
ance of Dr. Richard H. Haug, Associate Dean for
Clinical Aairs and Professor, Oral and Maxillo-
facial Surgery at the University of Kentucky
M. Todd Brandt, DDS, MD
1042-3699/08/$ - see front matter 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.coms.2007.09.012 oralmaxsurgery.theclinics.com
Oral Maxillofacial Surg Clin N Am 20 (2008) ixx
College of Dentistry. His forward thinking and
seless dedication to dental students and residents
ensures that in dental education, the ladder is
leaning against the right wall. I am also indebted
to my partners, Dr. Robert M. Driscoll and Dr.
William C. Bigelow, who have allowed me to
assimilate into their successful practice. Their
expertise in business management is second only
to their excellent delivery of patient care to
residents of the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
Special thanks to an advisor and role model, Dr.
Richard M. Nelson, for his professional guidance
and dedication to our specialty.
I am grateful to the authors who devoted
their time and energy to this issue. Their
knowledge and expertise should serve as an
outstanding resource for the practicing oral and
maxillofacial surgeon for years to come. This
issue could not have been possible without John
Vassallo, Editor of the Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery Clinics of North America, and his capa-
ble sta. I also thank my familydKristen,
Spencer, and Cooperdfor their love, support,
patience, and encouragement.
M. Todd Brandt, DDS, MD
Service Chief, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Augusta Medical Center
78 Medical Center Drive
Fishersville, VA 22939, USA
Private Practice in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Blue Ridge Oral Surgery
54 South Medical Park Drive
Fishersville, VA 22939, USA
E-mail address: drbrandt@blueridgeoralsurgery.com
x PREFACE