Surviving the Test of Time: Dr. Scott Cohen, DDS ~ 33 Years in Practice
Dr. Scott Cohen has been providing comprehensive general and cosmetic family dentistry in Savannah for more than 30 years. With many “Best Dentist” plaques on the wall of his new office building, he has a patient-centered practice that provides personal one-on-one care.
Photo by D. Paul Graham
“Dental practices are a small business, and many dentists are quite entrepreneurial. My practice is driven by passion, not just profit. My philosophy is to treat my patients with respect and dignity, and to care for them as family and friends.”
Entrepreneurial Inspiration
My immigrant grandfather came to this country as a young boy in 1913 with 50-cents in his pocket. After being a peddler, he saved up and opened a clothing store in Alma, Georgia, in 1924. His work ethic was ingrained in me at a young age. After nearly 100 years, the store is still in business, and my brother is the third generation proprietor.
If you could change history
I would have jumped into being a business owner sooner. After working as an associate for 10 years, the practice I was working for was sold and I didn’t want to be a corporate employee. It was now or never, so I took the leap and went “solo” in 1998.
Career Highlight
Although I had built a successful practice, purchasing my own building in 2017 was my ultimate achievement. Being self reliant has always been important to me, so realizing a career goal has really intensified my focus and it drives me daily. In addition, it was very exciting to be able to design everything to my own specifications. Customizing décor and rooms to ensure the total comfort of my patients was so much fun.
Biggest Challenge
After practicing dentistry for 20 years and creating a great life for my family, the Great Recession of 2008 occurred. Unfortunately, in one year our revenue dropped by 30-percent. That was hard to deal with, and it took quite some time to recover from. While this past year has been challenging due to COVID-19, I am humbled and thankful I was able to keep all of my employees, and make the changes necessary to continue providing safe, excellent care to our patients.
Best advice
The best advice I can give to a budding entrepreneur is to save up for a rainy day. Being cash-starved is a quick way to end a business, so always plan ahead. And, of course, do not wait too long to take the plunge and pursue your dream.
Motto to live by
Follow “the Golden Rule” and treat others as you would like to be treated. My office atmosphere is upbeat; we have a great staff with good music. I like working in a happy place, and let’s face it, nobody wants a grumpy dentist!
Secret to Success
The trust that I have built with my patients is by far the most important. That trust comes from applying the “Golden Rule.” I measure my success by the fact that my current patients continue to refer family and friends. Some of my patients are fourth generation – they’ve become family.
Dr. Scott Cohen, DDS
Cohen Dental
Savannah, GA.
savannahdentalcentre.com
Year established
[1998]
Average number of employees
[7]
Favorite charities:
Ronald McDonald House, United Way, Jewish Federation, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the American Diabetes association.
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