I had an unexpected turn of events this week where my tooth broke and I had to fly back to Phoenix to get it pulled and prepped for an implant. Definitely was not expecting this one. The doctors office I went to was ProSmile Implant Center in Scottsdale. I had never needed oral surgery so the only reason I knew about this place is that I met an oral surgeon at a poker game at a friends house.

It turns out it was a great pick because he is one of the top rated oral surgeons in Arizona and his clinic was beyond reproach. They had surgery, cosmetic dentistry, reconstruction labs, and the top of the line equipment all in house. They were able to see me immediately, diagnose me, operate, and create a fake tooth for cosmetic reasons all within one day.

When I got the bill I gulped as I knew it was going to be expensive, and believe me it was. I immediately went on my phone to look at the profit margins of implant surgery and how much these clinics typically cash flow. Then I thought back to the value they provided, all the equipment and clinical staff they had to be able to treat me and get me out of my massive discomfort within one day. They invested in an A++ experience and wanted a premium for this service. I was happy to pay it.

Entrepreneurship and investment lives outside of software land. These doctors have taken risks, invested, signed leases, and took risks in a competitive environment. They should be rewarded for their accomplishments as well.