Business Spotlight: Barnett Family Dental

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When it comes to using new technology, some people assume businesses in the Ozarks are a little bit behind the times. One business in Ozark, however, is doing everything it can to dispel that myth.|ret||ret||tab|

Barnett Family Dental recently was named first runner-up in the 2002 Matsco Dental Office Design and Technology Competition, beating out dozens of other practices across the nation. |ret||ret||tab|

In November, the practice received another honor when it was featured on the cover of Dental Economics after being chosen as the "Office of the Month" by the magazine's editors.|ret||ret||tab|

Husband-and-wife team Marcus and Kelly Barnett decided to start Barnett Family Dental in September 2001. Although both of the Barnetts have been practicing dentistry since in 1984, each had their own practice. |ret||ret||tab|

In 1997, Marcus Barnett sold his practice in Nixa and began working for the dentist who purchased it. A few years later, Kelly Barnett's practice in Ozark expanded to the point she was considering hiring another dentist. |ret||ret||tab|

Unfortunately, her office was too small to house another dentist. The solution to the problem was obvious, and the Barnetts decided the time had come for them to go into business together and move into a new office. |ret||ret||tab|

"We decided we were really going to take things to the next level or we were going to stagnate," says Kelly Barnett.|ret||ret||tab|

For the Barnetts, taking things to the next level meant incorporating everything they had learned during the 17 years each of them had been in business. |ret||ret||tab|

They wanted their patients to feel relaxed and comfortable when they came into the office. They wanted to educate them about how to care for their teeth and about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry. They also wanted to incorporate state-of-the-art technology in their practice so they could give their patients the best care possible.|ret||ret||tab|

"We had both been in business so long that we knew exactly what we wanted," said Kelly Barnett.|ret||ret||tab|

Both of the Barnetts had spent years in offices that constantly needed to be rewired or modified in order to accommodate the newest electronic and computerized dental equipment. |ret||ret||tab|

Tired of "retro-fitting" old buildings, the Barnetts began looking for new and modern office space. Then they came across a new strip mall that was being built across the street from Lambert's Caf near Highway 65 in Ozark.|ret||ret||tab|

"I believe we were the first business to open up in this shopping center," said Marcus Barnett. |ret||ret||tab|

"It's a great location. We're only three minutes away from our house, we're close to the highway, and a lot of people drive by here every day, which has helped increase our practice's visibility." |ret||ret||tab|

Patients who come to Barnett Family Dental immediately notice that this practice is just a little different. The office, which was designed by Kelly Barnett, is decorated in soothing earth tones. Water fountains and scented candles throughout the office add to the calming effect.|ret||ret||tab|

After checking in at the front desk, patients can watch a series of educational videos, which are played on a large, flat-panel television. |ret||ret||tab|

Those who are interested in improving their appearance can look at several "before and after" photos of people who have had cosmetic dental work done.|ret||ret||tab|

All seven patient treatment rooms are set up the same way so staff members don't have to hunt for supplies and equipment. The rooms are color-coded as well, which allows the staff to redistribute dental instruments quickly once they've been sterilized in the hospital-grade sterilization unit. |ret||ret||tab|

All of the practice's high-tech equipment systems are linked together and can be accessed via computers, which can be found throughout the office. Flat-screen computer monitors are located next to the chair in each patient treatment room. |ret||ret||tab|

The Barnetts said they use these monitors to show educational videos, which help patients understand various dental procedures such as root canals, extractions, crowns, bridges, implants and restorations. |ret||ret||tab|

Patients who are considering cosmetic dental work also can view "before and after" photos of themselves onscreen. |ret||ret||tab|

Each treatment room is equipped with digital X-ray equipment. In addition, the Barnetts own a digital panograph. According to Kelly Barnett, Barnett Family Dental is one of a handful of dental practices in Missouri that have a digital panograph. |ret||ret||tab|

"Digital is the way to go," she said. "With digital, there's no film and no danger to the patient because you're not taking a regular X-ray. Dealing with digital images also makes things easier because you can highlight a particular area, magnify it on the computer screen and view things in much more detail."|ret||ret||tab|

Patients' digital images are stored in their personalized online computer records. When a patient returns, the Barnetts can access the record quickly, which saves a great deal of time. |ret||ret||tab|

The Barnetts said they use a number of other state-of-the-art pieces of dental equipment in their practice such as the DIAGNOdent, which uses a laser light to search for hidden decay. They also offer air abrasion, which is used to do fillings.|ret||ret||tab|

"With air abrasion, there's no drilling, no drugs, no pain," said Kelly Barnett. "Not all fillings can be done using air abrasion, but it's great to have." |ret||ret||tab|

Although the Barnetts have spent quite a bit on equipment, they said their investment has really paid off. |ret||ret||tab|

In the meantime, the Barnetts said they will continue promoting their practice and looking for new ways to improve.|ret||ret||tab|

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