Florida SBDC at FAU helps Advanced Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry, Inc., access strategic capital for growth. Growing up in a family of physicians and dentists in Columbia, Dr. Alexander Morales always had a vision of helping people and giving back to the community. He was inspired in part by his grandfather, a pioneering master in the art of dentistry. In 1997, Dr. Morales earned his dental degree at one of the most prestigious dental schools in Latin America, Javeriana University School of Dentistry, completed a year of General Practice Residency in 1998, and then associated to open two interdisciplinary clinical practices with physicians and microbiologists aboard.
Alongside the goal of becoming a dental surgeon with a prosthodontics specialty, he relocated to South Florida to attend Nova Southern University School of Dentistry. He soon received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree, followed by a 3-year fulltime residency in Prosthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry Degree, and had the honor of presenting three table clinic presentations with the American College of Prosthodontics – the 41st Annual Session in Arizona, the second at the American College of Prosthodontics 42nd annual Session in Maryland and the third at the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics.
As a highly experienced dental surgeon and prosthodontics specialist, Dr. Morales began his practice already an accomplished surgeon and implant dentistry expert. Located in Delray Beach, the Advanced Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry Inc. staff specializes in Dental Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics, and Advanced Prosthodontics.
Even as a seasoned professional in his field, he quickly discovered the difficulties of navigating through the business start-up process – from capital access to sound information regarding financial structure and business development strategies. Throughout many years of education in preparation to become an expert in advanced dentistry and dental restoration the complicated logistics of establishing one's own practice was not part of the curriculum. In its daily business routine, the medical field has many challenges extending beyond basic business operations to the complicated ever-changing insurance system and the high cost of complex high-tech medical equipment.
Like many businesses affected by Hurricane Irma, Dr. Morales' Florida Dental Rejuvenation business felt the impact. After learning about the Florida SBDC at FAU through a friend Dr. Morales registered for consulting services on the website and was connected to Angel Rentas, Florida SBDC at FAU certified business consultant and finance specialist with banking and SBA expertise. SBDC Consultant Rentas was able to assist Dr. Morales with access to capital, loan development and business financing and planning.
Dr. Morales said he was hesitant in the beginning after several misguided experiences with local business professionals but "finally found an organization and a great person [Consultant Rentas] who guided me and taught me how to organize, set business priorities, create a plan, and work with banks on access to capital. This consulting service not only assisted in the structuring and growth of my business but also enabled me to offer more to my employees."
Dr. Morales can now focus on his mission, "to apply the artistry of science in his dental practice doing what he can for patients, to restore patient trust, and to help the community by delivering consistent quality in patient care and excellent work."
"It is imperative for any business owner, especially new businesses in the medical field or any other field, to consult with the SBDC, organize a plan, identify a prospective projection, and see your plan evolve into the future. You have no idea how it was before I began working with Angel – I had to work in multiple offices to keep this one afloat, working 6 days a week. Now this business is starting to take off."