Dental urgent care not just 9 to 5 at Dental 911
Business: Dental 911
Address: 4200 E. Eighth Ave. #200
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sundays and holidays; 5-9 p.m. weeknights
Founded: 2007
Contact: 303-393-9911; dental911.com
Employees: 5
Interview with Kate Hakala, D.D.S., owner
How did you get involved in this business?
On Sunday, April 1, 2007, our dog was coming into the house and the door accidentally closed on her tail. An artery was cut and blood was spurting out all over our house, and my kids were hysterical. We drove her to an emergency vet clinic and they rushed her right into the back and calmed us down. I was amazed at how many people were there with their animals; the parking lot was full. I had heard of dental urgent care offices in other cities, and realized that there was a need for one in Denver.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
There is a dentist in the office all day and evening on Christmas, ready to treat dental emergencies. We can provide X-rays and a report for a patient’s regular dentist for follow-up care.
What do you like best about your line of work?
People are so grateful that we are open when they need us. We regularly hear “thank you for being here” from someone who is no longer in pain. Visitors to Denver from other states and other countries come in, and we hope that we help them have a good experience while they are here.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge is getting the word out that there is an office open after hours and on holidays for walk-in dental emergencies. Medical emergency rooms and emergency veterinary clinics have been around much longer, but dental emergency rooms are less common.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
The very first patient to come in for a dental emergency drove all the way from Casper, Wyo., on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, 2007. The second one was from Silver Plume, and the third was from Loveland. They were all in pain and found us on the Internet.
