J.R. How did you get into the industry?
My father was in dental supply sales with a large dealer and I followed in his footsteps, starting in dental supply sales then began in Dental IT in 1997 when digital imaging was in its infancy. I saw an opportunity in the industry and felt that the opportunity to do better for clients was there, we had immediate results with DDS and the brand was off and running!
What’s New in the Business or in the DDS Franchise Model?
The newest technology in the dental industry is 3D Panoramic Imaging which renders a 3D model of the entire head and is essential with implant placements. Another popular technology is digital impression scanners, which then can be used to digitally design and mill a tooth either onsite or in a dental lab.
Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the DDS Franchise/Business Moving Forward?
Dental Technology is moving fast and is currently going through an integration boom linking the different technologies together. The industry is also starting to see cloud-based management and imaging systems coming to market.
What is your Goal for the DDS Franchise Business Moving Forward?
My goal for the business is to continue to grow with new customers and to further develop our new office equipment offering. We have a couple of mandatory operating system upgrades coming in the next few years which will require PC and component replacements.
Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Deliver with the DDS Dental Technology Services Franchise Model?
Training will be in our corporate office, including classroom dental technology training as well as onsite training in local offices. Support will be available for the franchisee via phone and remote support from our remote staff. Administrative support will also be available if needed. We will also to a minimum of 1 week in the franchisee territory finding new business and starting to add customers.
Your most difficult moment at the Franchise Business?
I love this business and the dental industry as a whole. I deal with the normal customer and employee issues, but I have no issues with telling a customer they need to find another IT company or an employee about what their job entails. This business is very satisfying and I find IT work to be very simple.
Define your Franchise Model:
A. Training and Support Model?
In-person and hands-on. We are all about the relationship with DDS and believe in win-win relationships. Every bit of our attention, time and energy goes into making franchisees successful with us.
B. What is the Fee Structure?
We have a Franchise Fee of $35,000 to open a location of the DDS Dental Technology Services Franchise and an ongoing royalty fee of 7% of Gross Sales.
C. Territory Definition?
Territories will start in major cities, but regardless of where the franchise operation is located, we provide large areas where franchise partners have plenty of room to grow and expand their business within the DDS Franchise model.
D. Day in the life of a Franchisee?
Taking support calls for software and hardware, installing new hardware and performing quarterly maintenance. It’s a fun business if you like helping people and enjoy technology work.
What does Your Franchisee Do in the Business Every Day?
Every day will be scheduled with support calls, both onsite and remote, replacing and/or installing new equipment, upgrading hardware and the all-important invoicing and collections.
Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?
The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in computer hardware and networking, both troubleshooting and setting up from scratch. Someone who has a drive to sell themselves and the company in a professional medical environment.
What Goals Do You Have for the Franchise Model in the Future?
I intend on the franchisee to grow their business with dental customers through network and hardware support. Eventually working their way into multiple technicians and new office construction cabling.
For more information on the DDS Dental Technology services franchise model, visit the corporate website: https://www.ddscpu.com/