I am celebrating the choice of private dental practice! In my 39 years (and counting) in business, I have learned that the private practice of dentistry provides each of us with a beautiful blank canvas to create—and continually re-create—the dental practice of our dreams.

From the moment I first expressed my desire to be a dentist at nine years old, my parents both tried to dissuade me. They saw me as too creative to be a dentist. My dad, a businessman, simply stated: “You, my dear, are a color-outside-the-lines kind of girl, and dentistry seems to me quite routine. I’m guessing you’d end up feeling confined.”

I forged ahead with defiance, and my parents supported me through it. But as soon as I enrolled in dental school, my dad advised me to start thinking about buying (or starting) a practice of my own right out of dental school, stating: “I’m afraid if you worked for someone else, your experience might create an indelible blueprint of what a typical dental practice ‘should’ operate like—and what a shame that would be! When it comes to business, it’s time to start trusting your own instincts. You must unleash your innate creativity on your own private practice.” For me, wiser words have never been spoken. I bought a practice at the age of 25.

I achieved early business success and, by the age of thirty, was invited to speak regularly at my alma mater, the University of Michigan, on innovative concepts in dental practice management. At the same time, I was growing bored with the routine nature of drill-and-fill dentistry. It was time to step up my creativity. I also decided to pursue a master’s degree in business, with the niggling notion of leaving dentistry for a more diversified career.

During my MBA experience, I became a dedicated student of leadership and organizational/team development. My creativity was on fire! But the catapult back to my private practice happened one month before my MBA graduation. I was invited to attend AADPA (now renamed APDP), the Academy for Private Dental Practice. Two hours in, I recognized that I’d found my people: extraordinary dentists who were wildly successful and coloring outside the lines! The keynote speakers, all successful leaders from outside (and inside) our profession, demonstrated valuable insights that are widely applicable to business success across all industries, including dentistry. Since March of 1985, I have only missed one meeting. Joining this academy was singularly the BEST career decision I have ever made!

Today, 30 years after my first APDP meeting, I realize that my closest friends in our profession, both young and old, have emerged from this group of dentists. They are relationship-based, committed to personal and leadership growth, and openly share both their successes and strategies for overcoming setbacks.

Dr. Susan Maples leading a session during the 2024 APDP Annual Meeting

APDP is far from an ordinary dental organization. It’s a vibrant community of extraordinarily diverse individuals, united by shared values. We explore everything from the core ideologies of business to the nuances of customer service and financial success, all through the lens of passionate, genuine people.

APDP propelled me to visualize and manifest my own perfect dental practice—one that creates extraordinary experiences for my steward team members, my beloved patients, and ultimately impacts the entire fabric of the oral systemic movement.

Finally, I can’t help but advocate for Total Health Dentistry. Leading a private dental practice amidst the fastest decline in human health in history has given us an incredible opportunity to break old molds and create new, innovative methodologies. Making a significant impact on the health trajectory of my patients provides a daily sense of renewal for me and my entire work family.

Susan (pictured on left) with her APDP peers at the annual meeting in March 2024.