I have had the pleasure of knowing Alan Barnes for about 6 years. My first impression came even before I met him or even spoke to him personally. My wife made a call to him about the Barnes Group’s involvement in dental sleep medicine and to see if his group was interested in producing the OASYS dental device.

My wife reported how nice his manner of dealing with her was and I could see that she was enthusiastic about talking to him and that he was a unique person.

I was invited to attend the meeting of the Barnes Group in Florida and saw, first hand, how he conducted his programs.  I was impressed with his communication skills and how he respected the views of the members and allowed each one in the group to express his/her interests and exchange ideas.  At the same time he kept the structure of the meeting so that it was always focused on the topic and the meeting achieved its agenda. This is a very difficult skill and I commented in my own mind what a skilled communicator Alan is.

We have worked together on many projects and Alan has become my most trusted and respected mentor and coach, but most importantly, my friend.

Mark Abramson, DDS (Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain; Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine; Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programs:  Center for Integrated Medicine, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Health Improvement Program; California Center For Craniomandibular Disorders; www.oasyssleep.com)

Alan, to have someone doing the public leg work that you are doing for the benefit of all your group members is an amazing asset.  This is the kind of thing the rest of us out of your area have to do ourselves in addition to our practice.  Have a wonderful New Year.  I'm very glad I know you!

David Lawler, DDS, D. ABDSM (Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine; The Center for Sound Sleep; www.thecenterforsoundsleep.com)

Membership in the DDSN has allowed me to attend seminars presented by renowned speakers in dental sleep medicine here in Michigan that I may not have had elsewhere.  Traveling to other locations throughout the US would have incurred additional time and expense.  I am grateful to the DDSN and Alan Barnes for their tireless efforts to make our group the front-runner in providing oral appliance therapy to patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Douglas Shiffman, DDS, Family Dentistry, West Bloomfield MI, www.berrisddspc.com

After I was personally diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, Alan Barnes introduced me to the field of oral appliance therapy by suggesting I attend a seminar with Dr. Mark Abramson.  Since then, not only have I successfully managed my own illness but realize the value of a network of dentists learning, working and studying together, and getting the message of the need for our services to the community.  Alan has worked relentlessly (along with Jan and Lyn from his office) to put together the DDSN and to provide its members with seminars from the leaders in the field, contacts to sleep physicians and hospitals, marketing, and brainstorming ways to build our practices to make oral appliance therapy a viable part of a dental practice. It is possible to learn on your own, but the DDSN provides all the resources and motivation to be profitable and successful at our fingertips.

 Earl K. Bogrow, DDS, FAGD, Bogrow & Associates, Southfield MI, www.bogrowandassociates.com

The challenges of a down economy will be faced by all labs, whether small, mid-sized, large, or an affiliate in a corporate structure. As a small to mid-sized regional laboratory, Dental Systems Group must balance the need to stay abreast of advances in technology with the high initial cost of obtaining that technology. Recognizing that our available capital to invest in technology is limited by our size, we have joined a think-tank of independently owned dental laboratories.

Our membership in the Barnes Group enhances our ability to provide our clients with broader choices in products and technology. With the myriad choices in CAD/CAM, zirconia and metal free systems marketed to dentists, no one lab could provide every option. Having a diverse mix in a group brings more flexibility to its members.

When in a tight economy, you need to increase your marketing budget.  Group membership brings the opportunity and power of cooperative marketing.  For example, members of our group have become very active in oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  On several occasions we have combined resources to provide and staff booths at several national dental meetings.  Cooperative advertising in national trade publications is another avenue.

Getting “more bang for your buck” is vital. Whether you want to join an existing group such as the Barnes Group, or seek to form your own association, the cooperative efforts of a group can provide a decided advantage to your ability to compete.

Frederick D. Bangs, Administrator, Dental Systems Group, Utica NY, www.dentalsystemsgroup.com, from an article in Options Magazine, 2009