As a dentist who is consistently on the cutting edge of the latest technological advancements in the field of dentistry, Dr. Karl Jobst, Grove, OK, dentist, has enjoyed a long professional career in which he has been able to provide patients with the best dental care possible. Through his practice at Grand Lake Dental, Karl Jobst DDS has endeavored to create an environment in which patients have access to the most knowledgeable dental professionals using the most advanced equipment available.

After completing his undergraduate degree at Missouri State University, Dr. Jobst enrolled in the University of Tennessee College of Dental Medicine. Upon graduation, Dr. Jobst combined his passion for dentistry with his entrepreneurial spirit in founding the practice that would eventually become known as Grand Lake Dental. Growing up in nearby Lamar, Missouri, Karl Jobst identified Grove, OK and the Grand Lake area as an ideal location to live and work.

In seeking to consistently provide the highest standard of dental care possible, Dr. Jobst immediately recognized the importance of utilizing only the most state-of-the-art equipment. While advanced technology is an undeniably vital aspect of proper dental care, Dr. Karl Jobst, D.D.S. believes that there is tremendous value in continuing education as well. Despite having earned his dental degree in 1998, Dr. Jobst has continually enrolled in postgraduate programs in dentistry in order to remain well ahead of the curve as it pertains to dental care.

The combination of technology and expertise available through Grand Lake Dental makes it one of the most unique practices in the area, with Karl Jobst, Grove, OK is one of the area’s most sought-after dentists. He is one of just a handful of dentists who have completed a program in anesthesiology, thus making him one of the few dentists able to perform procedures involving IV sedation. Dr. Jobst is also one of the select few dentists in all of Oklahoma to receive their fellowship from both the International College of Oral Implantology and the Academy of General Dentistry.

How did you get started? What sparked this business idea?

I started the practice right out of dental school, as I had known since my undergraduate days at Missouri State that I wanted to run my own practice one day. I felt that this would be the best way to ensure that the practice operated according to the highest standards of care.

How do you make money?

Our primary goal is to help people to get the quality dental care we feel they deserve. We have numerous financial options available to help achieve this goal. In fact our office offers a complimentary consultation, x-ray and exam, which is worth $100. We believe you shouldn’t have to pay to find out what’s wrong but to only fix the problem.

How long did it take to get your business into the black?

It wasn’t very long at all, actually. I knew that I wanted to open my own practice at a very early stage in my undergraduate studies, so I was able to save up enough that I would not have to rely so heavily on loans. I took courses throughout college that helped me understand how to run a successful business, and we were in the black far sooner than I had ever expected.

When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?

Of course there were doubts, but those doubts were ultimately quite beneficial to the practice. It was through these doubts that I was able to identify the areas of the practice that would need to be improved upon, and we were able to make any necessary corrections before any issue could ever arise.

How did you get your first customer?

We utilized an advertising campaign in advance of our initial opening, and we actually had a full schedule of patients the very first day we were open. The campaign itself was fairly standard, but we focused most heavily on Internet advertising.

How are you marketing your business? What strategy works best?

Aside from the initial campaign, we have not really had to use any additional advertising. We do our very best to treat each patient extremely well, and we have an exceptionally low turnover rate as a result. We get most of our new clients through referrals, which I think is the most efficient strategy for our particular business.

Is there a trend in your industry that particularly excites you right now?

There is so much innovation going on in dentistry that it has almost been difficult to keep up with it all. We believe it is of the utmost importance to stay updated on the latest technologies and procedures, and suffice it to say that it is an exciting time for dentists and patients alike.

What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?

I am very fortunate that it is not all that often that I have to make many tough decisions, but I do find it helpful to carefully analyze all of the potential outcomes of any individual decision so that the most ideal choice is made.

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

It is hard to pinpoint any one thing, but if I had to identify an individual trait it would have to be my willingness to continually pursue educational opportunities. I think too many people become complacent once they have the degree that enables them to work in their desired field. There is always so much more to learn that can be extremely beneficial, and I think this applies to every industry.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

I am very fortunate in that I feel a great sense of pride each and every time I see one of my patients sporting a confident smile.

Tell us about one of your hobbies when you’re not working.

I spend far too much time flying, but it is something that I am very passionate about and I have never once regretted putting in all of the time and effort required to earn my pilot’s license.

Are there any other recreational activities you enjoy aside from flying?

There are quite a few, actually. Though I would not exactly refer to it as a recreational activity, I always enjoy attending church service with family and friends. I also like to travel a great deal, but only when time permits.

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