A dentist, educator and inventor, Dr. Sid Solomon has been practicing dentistry for over 28 years and is the founder of the Center for Cosmetic, Implant & Neuromuscular Dentistry. In addition to treating patients at his dental practice, Dr. Solomon founded and invented Unitox and is also the founder of the Facial Academy of Cosmetics and Esthetics, where he continues to serve as an instructor. Having developed a strong reputation among his clients as a caring medical professional, Dr. Solomon’s practice continues to thrive as the doctor and his staff work diligently to relieve patients of emotional or physical pain while also utilizing preventive care strategies.
After graduating magna cum laude from UCLA, Dr. Solomon enrolled in the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, where he ultimately earned his doctorate in dentistry. While Dr. Solomon has been a practicing dentist for nearly 30 years, he has nonetheless continued to pursue educational opportunities whenever possible and has enrolled in a number of advanced courses over the years. The doctor has completed advanced coursework in advanced function aesthetics, full mouth reconstruction and neuromuscular coronoplasty and case finishing, along with a number of others.
Dr. Solomon remains active in several professional organizations and is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, the California Dental Association and the Western Los Angeles Dental Society. A dedicated professional who works tirelessly for the benefit of his patients, Dr. Solomon often notes that his success could not have been accomplished without the love and support of his wife and four children.
How did you get started? What inspired you to start this business?
Even before I enrolled in dental school I knew that I wanted to open a practice of my own once I completed my academic studies, so I planned accordingly as I progressed through my academic career. My wife and children have long served as a source of inspiration, and my accomplishments are possible due in large part to their love and support.
How do you make money?
In addition to my dental practice, I also serve as the president of a dental consulting firm and I continue to lecture on a variety of advanced dentistry techniques. I also invented Unitox and founded the Facial Academy of Cosmetics and Esthetics, so there are a number of different ways I am able to generate revenue.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Even after investing in advanced equipment for the practice, I believe the practice was profitable after 14 months or so.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Yes, I had my doubts, but I have always been able to lean on the support of my family during any brief period of self-doubt.
How did you get your first customer?
A longtime friend of the family insisted on being the first official patient of the practice, but the majority of our initial clients came from a combination of marketing efforts and referrals from other practitioners.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
We recently began working with a social media specialist who has really generated a lot of positive attention for the practice.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
I stay extremely busy due to my varied professional responsibilities, so figuring out when to take time off for family activities can be tough.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I believe my dedication to continuing education and my involvement in all aspects of the industry have played central roles in my professional success.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Any time a patient calls or writes to let us know how our services have had a positive impact, either physically or emotionally, it is always incredibly gratifying.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I am quite passionate about innovation, so I am certainly looking forward to contributing to developing new and more efficient methods to care for patients.
How do you balance all of your professional responsibilities?
I am a very organized and detail-oriented person, but I also have the help of an incredible staff that helps manage my busy schedule so I have more than adequate time to spend caring for each individual patient.