It’s a different experience, working for Ultradent. Before I came here nearly two years ago, I worked for two large, publicly-held companies. I worked for the first one for 15 years and the second one for just 1 year. I was accustomed to the protection offered by multiple divisions, standardized choices in healthcare, and decisions made by committee or people across the country or even in different countries. Things typically happened very slowly.

Then, after so many years working for the stock holders, I suddenly worked at Ultradent, where decisions ultimately rest with one man, rather than a board or a committee. Things happen fast – decisions get made and actions are taken, rather than endless meetings, discussions, and permission-seeking.

I admit, I thought twice about working for a small (relatively speaking) company owned by a single man. What about the safety and security provided by a large organization with offices all over the world? But here at Ultradent, we the employees can make choices as to what we believe is best for the customer or the patient, rather than what is best for the stock holders. I feel a more direct link with our dentists and patients because of this; there’s no ‘hidden customer’ (the stock holders) fighting each decision that might cost money with no clear ‘upside.’

Most of all, Ultradent has more of a personality than so many stock-driven companies, the personality of Dr. Fischer. He is able to lead his company, rather than follow the directives of the board or the whims of the stockholders. He can make decisions because they are the right thing to do, and not worry about how the board will vote on the decision.

I have worked for bosses I loved and with people I cared for deeply throughout my career, but Ultradent is a little different. I no longer work for an amorphous and not always benign corporate ‘parent.’ Now I work for Dr. Dan Fischer, who is around most days cheering all of us on and getting to know everyone who works for him, though there are more than 800 of us now.

What a great opportunity I’ve been given to work here!