Is the dentist an entrepreneur?

Although dentists may have an entrepreneurial spirit, they are not true entrepreneurs. Simply by selecting dentistry as a profession, dentists have engaged in a business that has a high level of success and limited growth potential. By limited growth potential, I do not mean to imply that practices cannot be successful and create excellent lifestyles for dentists. As stated above, they will be limited in growth by the physical capacity of the dentist, the team and the facilities. There is a great deal of security in dental practice if basic management principles are followed and business systems are put in place. In my next column, I will continue to explore the similarities and differences between entrepreneurs and dentists, and how a dentist can take a practice through the multiple stages necessary to achieve the highest levels of dental practice success.

Task force recommendations to transform UK industry

A programme of actions established by the Healthcare Industries Task Force is set to turn the United Kingdom medical device technology industry into an industrial powerhouse. This article outlines how.

Marketing an RN first assistant practice-Attracting and keeping clients

The goal of marketing an RN first assistant (RNFA) business is to enhance the RNFA's professional reputation, sell the business' services, and build solid client relationships. This article provides prospective RNFA business owners with marketing strategies and techniques for finding clients and keeping their business.

Planning for and positioning a solo RN first assistant practice

Registered nurse first assistants who go into practice for themselves need to construct a budget for the business and determine how the practice will be organized by developing a business plan. After a practice is established, it is important to position the practice in the marketplace by creating a positive image in prospective clients' minds.

One vision of academic nursing centers

Reconciling vision, mission, and financial realities into a successful socially responsive endeavor is a challenge for academic nursing centers. A financially viable faculty practice enterprise is a response to this challenge. Entrepreneurial management and strategy assist in establishing financial sustainability.

Creating a successful RN first assistant practice

Many RN first assistants (RNFAs) aspire to having their own practice. This article provides helpful exercises to help RNFAs determine if they have what it takes to be business owners and their own bosses. The pros and cons of different business structures-sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations-also are discussed to help RNFAs determine the best structure for their independent practice.

The Scope of Private Practice Nursingin an Australian Sample

The changing Australian health care system is creating new opportunities for nurses who work directly with clients in private practice settings. This study examines the scope of practice of a cohort of nurses in private practice. In a questionnaire sent to 106 self-employed nurse entrepreneurs, questions were asked pertaining to the participants' scope of practice, their clients, the types of services offered, and their fee structures. Questions about scope of practice were divided into domains of clinical practice, business consultancy, education, and research. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected for a final sample 54 eligible responses. Participants had been in private practice for an average of 7.6 years (range: 1-20) and reported a mean of 21 years of nursing experience (range: 4-42) before entering private practice. Over half held diplomas in specialty areas. Most participants reported clinical practice, consultancy, or education as the primary work domain; research was much less important as a work activity. Nurses reported difficulties with building client base and receiving adequate fees for service, particularly in clinical practice. Increasing awareness within the nursing profession and health sector about various aspects of private practice nursing could improve service quality for their clients.

Novel approaches to innovation in medical device manufacture

Innovation is an imperative for the industry. This article explores new ways for companies to fill deficiencies in their innovation capabilities and to overcome the problems posed by globalisation.

Developing innovative implantable medical devices

The market for electronically driven implantable devices is set to expand significantly. This article examines the current potential and some of the products under development.