Dr. John M Dhane, DDS

A candid conversation with John Dhane, Dhane Orthodontics
11/14/2005
Source: Business Examiner
Author: Business Examiner
John Dhane is the sole orthodontist and owner of Dhane Orthodontics. It was one of the first businesses in Barksdale Station, a commercial and retail hub along DuPont’s frontage along Interstate 5. The business, and others in the complex, not only thrive off the rising number of residents in DuPont’s Northwest Landing, but also the commuter traffic flowing passed the city, not to mention the nearby military bases. Dhane is a retired Army officer, after all.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in a small, Montana town. I attended GonzagaUniversity in Spokane on an ROTC scholarship and then I attended Loyola University of Chicago Dental School on an Army Health Professions Scholarship. I completed my orthodontic residency at LSUMedicalCenter in New Orleans while on active duty in the Army. I spent 21 years in the Army Dental Corps, retiring as a colonel in …2000. I have been married 29 years and have two grown children.
You were one of the first new businesses in DuPont, if I recall correctly. How did that come about?
My original plan upon military retirement was to purchase an existing orthodontic practice from a retiring orthodontist. However, opportunities available at the time didn’t meet my criteria. I decided to begin my practice in DuPont from scratch, but I was apprehensive in the fact that I might be a few years early. That notion proved unfounded. The practice has been extremely successful despite the fact there is only one general dentist in a seven-mile radius. Orthodontists rely on general dentists for a significant portion of patient referrals.
How has the growth been in terms of your expectations and reality?
The growth in my practice has exceeded my expectations. I am completing my sixth year and have shown double-digit growth each year.
How did your military service prepare you for running a small business?
Quite well. Early in my military career, I was in charge of a small, remote clinic. I was forced to deal with all the aspects of maintaining a facility, staffing, budgets, supply issues, etc. Later, I held various administrative positions in the large, complex military dental care system.
How has it affected your opportinities to draw clients? Your proximity to FortLewis must help as well, yes?
My proximity to FortLewis has proven to be very advantageous in attracting new patients. The practice is very active in supporting various community activities on post. I keep in touch with my dental colleagues on post on a regular basis.
Why did you pick the South Sound to retire once you separated from the military?
The South Sound is one of the most beautiful places we have lived. After 11  moves in the military, it was a logical choice.
Was the concentration of other military retirees in the area a plus or a minus?
Definitely a plus. We have many friends and acquaintances from our years in the military who reside in the area. I still run and exercise with a group of military and ex-military dentists every Saturday morning on FortLewis. We have breakfast afterward, discussing everything from dentistry to politics to investments. The group was formed in 1995 and I was a charter member, as are several others who still participate.
How is orthodontics different in the military than in private practice?
Early in my career, I spent a considerable amount of time overseas treating family members. Later, I was more involved in educational endeavors — supporting the oral surgery residency at MadiganArmyMedicalCenter and the one-year Dental General Practice Residency at FortLewis. The last few years, I was heavily involved in orthognathic orthodontic cases — those cases involving orthodontics as well as jaw surgery performed by an oral surgeon. The military also encouraged me to seek board certification in orthodontics. Less than 25 percent of the orthodontists in the have achieved this distinction.
Is the work what you expected it to be?
Pretty much. It can at times be overwhelming. It