Start a business

Embrace your inner independent business owner. Insight and advice from a hygienist who did—and succeeded. by Thais Carter

Time is money, or so the saying goes. But when it comes to starting a side business, how does one make the time to do the work it takes to make money? And if you do find time, what about the resources it takes to actually get a business off the ground? Where does one begin?

Melanie Simmer-Beck, RDH, MS, began by focusing on the problem at hand—or rather, the pain at hand. After working as a dental hygienist for several years, Ms. Beck and one of her colleagues both began to experience pain in their mirror hand. To pad and enlarge the handle, they started experimenting with plumbing tubing. It smelled awful, but it felt good. Through continued modifications, they eventually developed the Acushy grips.

Today, Acushy is a privately held development and distribution company that provides economical, comfortable grips not only to the dental industry, but also to the general healthcare field.

MH: Were you ever overwhelmed by the idea of starting a business?
MB: Not necessarily, because my business began somewhat backwards. I originally thought I would license my product to a company, but that is much more difficult than one would expect. When I became uncomfortable with the direction that was going, I then decided to start a business.

MH: When you first started, what resources were most helpful?
MB: People in the dental field. One of the first things we did was attend the Midwinter Dental Meeting in Chicago. We spoke with various companies for two days straight, with people there explaining how dental distribution works and how to market our grips.

MH: What surprised you most during your first year of business?
MB: The huge response we received from the press releases we ran in the various trade magazines. Responding to them was overwhelming. 

MH: How did the business impact your day job and practice of clinical hygiene?
MB: Through developing the Acushy grips, I discovered that I enjoyed research, but needed to learn how to do it more effectively and efficiently. This led me back to school, where I pursued a master’s degree in dental hygiene education. After graduation, I was offered a full-time tenure track position at the university teaching undergrad dental hygiene students. That is what I do now, and it is very fulfilling.

MH: How did you balance the demands of both business and family?
MB: I am fortunate to have a very supportive husband. But in addition to that, I set short- and long-term goals to stay focused. I love what I do, so I don’t mind working at night on a project instead of watching TV.

MH: What advice would you offer others looking to start their own side business?
MB: Get educated so that you can do as much as possible on your own. Know how to use a computer, navigate the Internet, find credible Web sites and think critically. For example, I was able to renew my patent online without the assistance of my patent attorney. It was relatively easy, and saved me a lot of money.  

Melanie Simmer-Beck RDH, MS, is manager of operations for Acushy® Product Co. and offers CE courses for healthcare providers regarding the protection of intellectual property. Visit www.acushy.com.

UPDATE: In 2008, Acushy was acquired by the Tony Riso Co.