Hi Ray,
THough I am not in the denture field I am in ortho I do think that getting a customer would be very similar. You need to decide if you want to have employees or keep it small and just work alone. As far as advertising, I don't do it. I am a one woman show and I go out and knock on doors if I need a new account. If I were to advertise it would not be cost effective for me and I believe that a majority of advertising gets thrown directly into file13.
Some doctors like to use their own rx forms. But I have come up with a form that started based on a few of the local labs in my area, I picked and chose what I wanted my form to look like. As my business progressed and I had some time under my belt I updated my rx to what I do most for the doctors and asked for their input on how they would like the rx to look. Since you have worked in a large lab, you probably have some idea of how their rx looks? Take some pieces from that and form your own. I am not suggesting plagerize their rx just use it as an example of what you need it for.
Pricing ~you are going to have to figure out what your area is getting for your type of work. Ask dental assistants or your own dentist what the going price is for dentures. Surely you can get some idea of the rate in your area. Maybe the lab you are currently working for will give you a little guidance, nowing that you are not going to be a competitor or take any of their existing accounts.
Going directly to the office and talking with the doctors has been my best way to acquire a new account. I think it is more personal and the dr. gets to put a face w/a name. I tell them I am not looking to make a killing just a living, I don't plan on setting the world on fire with my work, but that I cater to a handful of doctors and I like to keep it that way, so that I have control over every aspect of my business.
Just some stuff to think about, good luck to you whatever your decision is.
trisha
