Q&A With Dr. Sally Gerges, Owner at Gerges Dental LLC

Launching a successful business at such a young age was quite a feat for such a young entrepreneur. Sally Gerges has been working in the dental industry for the past 10 years. She owns and operates Gerges Dental in Middletown, New Jersey. Just two short years after completing her dental training, Sally met the challenge of becoming an entrepreneur. She has been serving her patients in that capacity as a solo-practitioner over the past eight years and single-handedly built a thriving business.

Sally grew up in Middletown, New Jersey. She did her undergraduate studies at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In addition, she planned to go to medical school but ultimately had a change of heart. She began working for L’oreal USA as a chemist in the Instrumental Evaluation Department, testing the quality of products. During that time, she had a discussion with her father who suggested she consider a career in dentistry. Sally was intrigued by the suggestion and decided to do an internship at a dental office. Following the internship, she applied for dental school at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon completion, she earned her MBA from Strayer University in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. She did her residency with Christiana Care Hospital in Delaware.

After Sally completed her training, she returned to Middletown and began her career as an associate practitioner at a local dental office. She sharpened her skills, however, she later recognized that she and her associate did not have the same ideas about patient care. She felt that leaving this practice would make her much happier and it would be in her best interest.

Subsequent to Sally Gerges’ epiphany, she had a life-changing conversation with her father and family. Even knowing that it would be a financial risk and a difficult undertaking for her as a solo-practitioner, she had the support of her family. Consequently, within two years from the start of her career in dentistry, she seized the moment. The very next day she received an alert call. It just so happened that there was a dental office that had just come available for lease. Sally went to see the office the following day. She met the owner and they negotiated a lease reasonably opportune for a new solo-practitioner.

When asked what she saw for her future, Sally Gerges grinned and said when she took the financial risk at such a young age, the only goal she had for the first five years was “I just don’t want to file bankruptcy”! she chuckled with delight at the reminiscence. She is much more confident now. Dr. Sally Gerges plans to incorporate new technology into her practice. She will continue to expand and to thrive in the practice she so proudly built, in the work she so loves to do.

Tell us a bit about what you do.

There are many procedures that we do in dentistry. For example, we do oral screenings for oral cancer, small tissue evaluations, fillings, preventative care, full mouth rehabilitation and much more. My dental skills and training allow me to do every aspect of dentistry. The entrepreneurial end of the business can be a greater challenge. The human resource aspect of it is very challenging. The other aspects of the business are difficult and time-consuming as well. Things such as budgeting, accounting, and bookkeeping are equally as challenging. Many people don’t think that a dentist has to deal with any of these things. As a solo-practitioner, all of these things land squarely on my shoulders. I am up to the challenge because I love what I do.

What gave you the idea for Gerges Dental? How did it start?

The name for the business is my last name. There was a lot of discussion about what I should name my practice. We had a lot of fun with it. But, in the end, it was my father who kind of helped me in this direction and encouraged me through everything. It just seemed like the right thing to do.

The way my practice was started was by having a very detailed conversation with my family. I appreciate my father’s suggestions, as well as the rest of my families Opinions and suggestions. As it just so happened, the following day after the conversation, I had received a phone call alerting me of a dental office that was up for lease. The lease was just advertised that same week. I went to check it out and spoke with the owner. We negotiated a lease that was fair and affordable to start a new business. One thing led to another and that was the beginning of my practice.

What’s your favorite thing about being a dentist?

My patients are my favorite part of my business. Having a good rapport with my patients is very gratifying. Being able to help them is also very gratifying. I have gotten tremendous reviews for my patients which led to a ton of great referrals.

What keys to being productive can you share with us?

I believe that every entrepreneur must be dedicated. Time management and organizational skills are the keys to running your own business. It is also being able to really listen to what your patients are telling you, especially when you are diagnosing a problem. Patients are more aware of what their bodies are going through. It is very beneficial to listen to what they have to say.’

Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

Besides retirement, one of the long-term goals that I have is to be able to schedule and retain every single patient that calls or comes into my office. I have worked very hard to build my practice. I have plans to bring in new technologies in the future such as digital radiography and scanning.  I would like to see my practice continues to grow and thrive for many years to come.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

I would say the most valuable lesson that I’ve learned is to listen to what the patient has to say. Many times, patients come in with situations that are very hard to diagnose. I don’t ignore what they have to say. I’ve learned that patients really know themselves so it is important to pay attention to what they have to say. It is a matter of respect for them but it can also assist with the diagnosis.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

You must be dedicated to achieving your goals. I would tell them to be brave. There is a lot of fear as a new dentist. Do your due diligence but don’t be afraid to strike out on your own. You have to be extremely productive. I started my own practice two years out of training and eight years later my practice is thriving. I get new referrals every day. Believe in yourself and take the leap. It is very difficult when you’re first starting out. There are many things that have to be addressed when you’re first starting out. There is a lot more you will learn through the process. But be brave, and don’t let fear dissuade you. If you don’t just go for it, you’ll never know.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

One of my favorite things to do outside of work is Gardening, I love the outdoors. I swim, I go biking, really, I just love being outdoors. On rainy days I like going to the aquarium.

Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz.

This book is a great motivator for entrepreneurs when they are facing challenges. It’s motivating and offers advice to those starting a new business.

What advice would you give your younger self?

The best advice I can give is to be dedicated but, “don’t sweat the small stuff”. We spend way too much time dreading and worrying about things that may not even come about in the long run.

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