We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brian Rich. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brian below.
Alright, Brian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
The fear of the unknown can be intimidating, but what truly frightens me is the fear of wondering “what if.” Life inherently carries risks, and if you talk to accomplished individuals, you’ll find a common thread: they all took calculated risks at some point in their lives. In my case, I took on a staggering $1,000,000 debt to establish my dental practice. I was willing to put everything on the line for the chance to open my clinic and provide patient care that aligns with my ideals. While becoming an associate elsewhere would have been easier, it wouldn’t have allowed me to practice dentistry in the manner I prefer.
Being in charge means I don’t have to explain the need for a $200,000 piece of equipment that enhances the quality of my dental work. I take the leap and invest in such equipment because I know it’s what I would want used in my own mouth if I were the one receiving care. I don’t shy away from calculated risks because I don’t want to reach the end of my professional journey and regret not having poured my heart and soul into becoming the best dentist I can be. Without taking risks, there can be no rewards.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
From my early years, I found immense pleasure in fixing broken computers, airsoft guns, and various simple machines. The hands-on work of restoration, whether it was an easy or complex task, always brought me a sense of fulfillment. During my time in high school, I had the incredible opportunity to shadow my dentist, Dr. Scott Adkisson DDS, and witness the captivating nature of his profession. Observing him tirelessly help numerous individuals, each with their unique projects in need of attention, left a lasting impression on me. The patients were truly grateful for his work, and I was inspired by his cheerful demeanor, constantly explaining procedures with a smile. It became clear to me that if I applied myself diligently, I could follow in his footsteps, become a dentist, and experience the same joy in the restoration and maintenance of teeth.
After completing high school, I enrolled at East Tennessee State University to pursue a degree in chemistry, with the hope of gaining admission to dental school. Throughout my college years, I embarked on a journey to visit dental schools across the nation, seeking the ideal fit and the opportunity to learn from exceptional mentors. While each school had its distinct qualities, they all shared a common challenge: exorbitant costs. Realizing that I needed a means to support my living expenses and tuition, I reached out to an Army recruiter to explore whether the US government would have an interest in an aspiring dentist like me. That’s when I was introduced to the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), a program that would cover the entirety of my dental school expenses, provide a living stipend, and offer a supportive clinical environment where I could fulfill my service obligation after graduating. Fortuitously, I received acceptance from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and successfully submitted my application for the Army HPSP program. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunities bestowed upon me by both Louisville and the United States Army.
Fast forward four years, and I found myself graduating from dental school, embarking on my first duty assignment at Fort Eustis, Virginia. The command team and senior officers were exceptional, instilling in us, young Captains, a drive for clinical excellence and continuous expansion of our skill sets. I will forever cherish the support provided by the Fort Eustis Dentac, as they consistently funded and encouraged the growth of our clinic’s cad/cam restorative department. Through the utilization of cutting-edge technology, including scanning, designing, and milling capabilities, we were able to fulfill the restorative needs of our soldiers in a single dental appointment, predictably meeting all our operational requirements.
In 2021, after fulfilling my four-year service obligation, I received my DD 214, signifying my return to civilian life. Relocating back to Knoxville, TN, with my wife and two children, I seized the opportunity to purchase Dr. Ashley Sullivan’s dental practice in East Knoxville. Taking out a loan, I invested in the complete Cerec Cad/Cam suite, allowing us to provide same-day crowns in a single appointment, just as I did during my time in the Army. As we approach our two-year anniversary in September, I am filled with gratitude for the progress we have made and the positive impact we have had on our patients’ lives.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
It’s true, dentistry is not the only path to fulfill my passion for fixing things and assisting others. During my high school years, the prevailing belief was that going to college was the only way to succeed and be respected. Trade schools were often dismissed as an alternative lifestyle, reserved for those who didn’t take their studies seriously. If I had the chance to go back and make a different choice, I would have seriously considered pursuing a trade profession. The appeal of being my own boss, working with my hands, and providing assistance to customers in their time of need is undeniable. Please don’t misunderstand me, I genuinely love dentistry. However, it typically requires eight years of college education and then additional training before feeling confident and competent enough to establish your own practice. On the other hand, as a tradesman, I could have started working for myself and helping people at a much younger age. Autonomy has always been highly valuable to me, and a trade job could have provided that independence at an earlier stage in my life.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
On the day I assumed ownership of my dental practice, we gathered for a meeting, during which I emphasized our fundamental principle: treating others the way we would like to be treated. I firmly believe that this approach forms the bedrock of exceptional customer service, creating an environment where patients feel valued and well-cared for. We continually strive to set higher standards for quality dentistry and outstanding customer service. Every member of my staff understands that when patients step into our office, they become our top priority, and we are committed to treating their teeth and time with the utmost respect, as if they were our own. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brianrichdmd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianrichdmd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrianRichDMD/