Owning and running a small business has always been challenging, yet the struggles increased tremendously post the Covid pandemic. Dental offices were no exception. “From finding and retaining staff to crazy price increases on supplies and equipment to ever decreasing insurance reimbursements, it’s been tough. We’re happy to still be here,” says Dr. Reena Kuba, founder of Children’s Dental Centre of Irving (CDCI). “The challenges have helped us focus more than ever on our ’why’. I think especially after the pandemic, everyone focused more on their health. Society as a whole is more aware of how oral health is an integral part of overall health. So of course, we want to be here to help our patients. But more importantly, how can we help our community? We could take care of teeth anywhere in theory, but why do we continue to navigate the challenges of a small business? I believe small businesses can have a big impact on our community, even with small measures,” says Dr. Kuba.
Donations
One way CDCI has tried to help their community is by adding food drives to their patient events. At their annual Patient Appreciation Day held at the Dallas Zoo in the spring, they ask patients to bring items to donate to Irving Cares. “It’s really humbling to see the bagfuls of items our patients bring to donate,” says Darby Nichols, a registered dental hygienist at CDCI. “We feel excited when we get to host our patients and treat them to a day at the zoo, and they in turn bring items that we get to take to Irving Cares. It’s a win-win!”
This year, CDCI added a Santa photo shoot in their office for their patients during the holidays and again asked patients to bring donation items for Irving Cares. “We have been more strategic about finding simple ways to give back,” says Dr. Alvin Michael. In addition, CDCI held a blood drive with Carter Blood Care in the fall, and all patients who donated blood were entered into a drawing for Dallas Cowboys tickets. “Another win-win!” says Nichols.
Support
Another small yet impactful way CDCI has increased their outreach is by using vendors that are also small businesses. “For the past few years, all of our holiday gifts were purchased through Etsy vendors. We love getting customized items and also love supporting the individual businesses,” says Nichols. “We try to think of needs we have and how we can use services of other small businesses so we can both support each other.”
As another example of using local vendors to meet a need, last year, CDCI signed on as clients of MCS, a new small business that provides infection control services. “We are always looking for ways to ensure a clean and safe environment for our patients and our team. MCS’ technology is a game changer for any business that is looking to reduce germs. It’s nice to know that not only is our investment in their services valuable to our patients, but also helpful to a growing small business,” says Dr. Kuba.
Feed Free
Three years ago, Dr. Kuba was recruited to participate in a pilot program, “Pathways to Community,” sponsored by the American Dental Association and Crest/Oral B. The program’s goal was to help identify women leaders in dentistry and give them support and tools to create a community outreach initiative.
For her project, Dr. Kuba immediately knew she wanted to help moms who want to breastfeed but are having difficulties due to tethered oral tissues and cannot afford the recommended procedures due to no insurance coverage. Hence, Feed Free was born. CDCI works with lactation consultants, speech therapists and other professionals who can identify babies in need and refer them for their procedures free of charge. “We love helping babies and families that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford this care,” says Dr. Michael.
For other small businesses that want to make an impact, CDCI suggests looking for opportunities that allow working with other small businesses. “We are here to serve our patients. But it sure feels great to serve our community while we’re at it,” says Nichols with a bright smile. “Look for the win-win. Small businesses really can make a big impact.”
Meet Dr. Kuba
Dr. Reena Kuba, board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, is a native Dallas-ite. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. She next earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry. Continuing at Baylor, Dr. Kuba completed her certification in pediatric dentistry, in addition to a Master of Science in oral biology. She now serves as a consultant to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Meet Dr. Michael
Dr. Alvin Michael, certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, was born and raised in Mesquite, TX and attended Poteet High School.
He has a large extended family and was inspired to become a dentist after shadowing a cousin who is a general dentist. He went on to graduate from Austin College in Sherman with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration before completing dental school and his pediatric dental residency both at Texas A&M College of Dentistry.
“We are here to serve our patients. But it sure feels great to serve our community while we’re at it.”
