Dr. Austin works to live, he doesn’t live to work.
WE SAT DOWN WITH THE GOOD DOCTOR TO DISCUSS HIS LOVE OF CLINICAL DENTISTRY, FAMILY, AND MAJOR JUNIOR LEAGUE HOCKEY.
What drew you to dentistry?
The chance to help people, and do some good– but also, to achieve a good work-life balance. To be all in for patients – and also have a fulfilling life outside of work.
Would you say you’ve had a successful career?
Without a doubt. I’ve been practicing for over 25 years, I started out as an Associate in BC, then I bought a solo practice which I ran for 23 years in Nova Scotia. I wouldn’t change a thing.
So, you still love helping patients?
I don’t want to sound cliché, but it seems to have been my true calling. Even after all this time, I still get immense satisfaction from helping patients, seeing them happy and satisfied – even treating several generations of the same family – it’s a real point of pride for me.
What’s the most challenging or frustrating part of being a dentist?
Definitely the pressures and administrative aspects of running a practice – the business and clerical side of it. It really bogs you down and gets you down – and ironically none of this downside has anything to do with actual dentistry for Pete’s sake!
Does that take up a lot of time?
You wouldn’t believe how time consuming it was – both in and away from the office. With two kids involved in sports and extracurricular activities, time is valuable.
Was? Past tense – have things changed?
Last year I made a carefully considered decision to partner with Dentalcorp. In a nutshell, Dentalcorp has taken on the menial, administrative parts of my practice, freeing me to focus on what I do best and what I enjoy most – serving my patients and seeing their satisfaction.
How else has partnering with Dentalcorp changed things for you?
It’s primarily about taking back control of your clinical dentistry, and really your life. I’m enjoying more professional satisfaction than ever before in my career, not to mention the financial benefits. Most of all, I can focus on our kids and their path through life. Our daughter is considering a career in research and our son was just drafted to the Quebec major junior hockey league. We couldn’t be more proud.
Any advice for other dentists considering Dentalcorp?
Really give them a look. It’s not for everyone, but it was the right move at the right time for me, and I couldn’t be happier.
New Glasgow, NS