Growth
Service with a smile
Thomas & Associates, D.D.S. has made changes to become more efficient without sacrificing friendly service.
By Matt McClellan
Smart Business Akron/Canton | May 2007
Michael S. Thomas, or “Dr. Mike,” is working to show people of all ages that there’s nothing to dread about a trip to the dentist. Since
1992 when he started his practice, Thomas & Associates D.D.S., it has focused on quality care and a presence in the community.
Thomas & Associates has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings. The single-doctor dental practice has expanded into a
$2 million operation with a 38-person staff.
With growth comes challenges, and Thomas & Associates have met those challenges by investing in technology and training for its
employees and improvements to its facility.
In 2006, the practice hired an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, who can handle more tasks than a regular dental assistant.
Having two EFDAs on staff reduces Thomas’ workload, allowing him to treat patients and then quickly move on. It also improves customer service by reducing the time a patient waits in the chair.
As a way to give patients the consistency they desire, Thomas & Associates has developed a “minor-league” system that is designed
to groom understudies for key positions. A bare-bones staff is vulnerable if a key person gets relocated because of marriage, divorce
or needs to take time off because of pregnancy or family issues. The system’s goal is to prevent the paralyzation of the office if a key
person leaves the practice unexpectedly.
As a capital investment, the practice recently purchased a house adjacent to its property. The basement provides space for storing
a library of orthodontic cases and the upstairs is being used as a day care for employees’ infants and toddlers. The easy availability
of day care has reduced employee call-offs and improved employee job satisfaction.
Another innovative expansion for the practice isn’t on land, but in cyberspace. The practice’s Web site was developed during the
past two years with the aim of educating the community about dentistry while reflecting the family-focused demeanor of the practice.
Thomas & Associates also donated more than $21,000 to charitable efforts in 2006.
HOW TO REACH: Thomas & Associates D.D.S., (330) 494-2111 or www.thomas-dental.com
