There’s no real secret to what it takes to be “the best,” according to the dentists at Pleasant Family Dentistry. There’s the obvious requirement for excellence in dentistry, state-of-the-art tools and a knack for knowing how to maximize your practice’s full potential. But what really sets them apart, they said, is a no-brainer
There’s the obvious requirement for excellence in dentistry, state-of-the-art tools and a knack for knowing how to maximize your practice’s full potential. But what really sets them apart, they said, is a no-brainer: Put the patient first – always.
This patient-centric philosophy complements the management style that has been an integral part of the business plan since the practice was established by Drs. Rick Jackowski and Greg Johnson in 1989. The two dentists agreed that the foundation of their success starts with their employees.
“Dr. Johnson and I make an effort to promote an attitude of gratitude as the cornerstone of our office culture,” Dr. Jackowski said. “When we put others first, amazing things happen. I think this is why we have the best team in town.”
This philosophy drives decisions, changes and expectations at Pleasant Family Dentistry.
“Every day we ask ourselves a simple question,” Dr. Johnson said. “‘How can we best serve our patients today?’ We constantly strive to exceed expectations.”
Charleston resident Linda Lopez said she has experienced this “above and beyond” effort as a patient at Pleasant Family Dentistry for nearly a decade.
“They are the most friendly and progressive dentists in the area,” she said. “People respond to this kind of positive energy. That’s why they have been voted the best three years in a row.”
Beyond the intangibles are the more concrete aspects of the practice’s success, such as staying open until 7 p.m. during the week and offering Saturday appointments.
“We want to be open when our patients need us, and we don’t want them to have to further complicate their schedule to get here,” Dr. Jackowski said.
In addition to convenient hours, Pleasant Family Dentistry welcomes walk-ins and offers a multitude of services, including same-day CEREC crowns.
It seems like yesterday, the dentists mused, that the practice was located in a small office on Houston Northcutt Boulevard, and they had a staff of just one. At the time, they both were recent graduates from the dental school at Virginia Commonwealth University. They moved to Mount Pleasant two days before Hurricane Hugo destroyed the coast they had fallen in love with.
“It was devastating,” Dr. Johnson said. “But just as much as we loved the area, we had a great appreciation for the wonderful people here, many of whom are still our patients today.”
Twenty-five years later, the practice still calls Mount Pleasant home but is now located off the Isle of Palms Connector. In 2013, the founding dentists hired an associate, Dr. Rob Carimi, a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. With a staff of 19 and counting, they plan to continue to build on the practice’s solid foundation.
“We will always be all about the patient,” Dr. Johnson said. “I think being voted the best is evidence that they get it, and they appreciate it, and that’s all we could ask for.”
“It’s great to be recognized for doing what you love to do,” Dr. Jackowski added. “Our patients inspire us to excel every day, and for that we say, ‘Thank you.’”
To learn more, visit www.pleasantfamilydentistry.com or call 843-881-8881.