Nina Izhaky

Dr. Nina Izhaky is a graduate from New York University College of Dentistry. She strives to maintain the highest levels of accreditation and quality and pursues ongoing education in order to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry. She is the founder and owner of the state-of-the-art and high-tech Tribeca Dental Studio in Lower Manhattan. Dr. Izhaky has managed to combine a stylish and modern space that has been conceived by an award-winning interior designer, top-of-the-line equipment, and a very friendly and professional staff. Finding a skilled, supportive dentist is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, both for your oral health and your overall well-being. Tribeca Dental Studio strive to offer patients a truly unique office that exceeds their expectations. Dr. Izhaky leads a team of accomplished and dedicated specialists who provide a true “one-stop shop” experience that prevents you from having to travel to outside locations for the comprehensive care you and your smile need. Check them out at https://tribecadentalstudio.com.

Where did the idea for Tribeca Dental Studio come from?

The idea for creating Tribeca Dental Studio came to me since I wanted to create a space that would be more than a regular dental office. When my young family moved to the Tribeca area shortly following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, I was determined to create an atmosphere that reflected a family-oriented, proud New Yorker, new mommy community with a downtown vibe. My kids went to Tribeca Community School the first year it opened, and we opened up at the same time as the Tribeca Whole Foods, and I wanted to be the new neighborhood dentist that took care of everyone!

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I am always searching for new ways to get to know the community and keep bringing our family-oriented, welcoming atmosphere to patients and local organizations. I believe in building a professional team and giving them an environment that is supportive and encouraging. I insist on a daily emphasis on engaging the community, often by organizing and participating in local fundraisers and charities. Supporting local organizations, schools, and sports teams is very important to me, and helping my team to be a part of the community is a must as well.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life since I love to solve a good puzzle! Especially in dentistry. The beautiful part of it is I have the most amazing team of doctors and staff who always want to set the bar higher for better health. I rely on the creativity and expertise of my team to come together and find new ideas and ways to be the best for our patients. Especially the new families and mommies we get to welcome in!

What’s one trend that excites you?

It is so hard to pick only one, so I will quickly share three that fascinate me. Laser Dentistry is really the future of dentistry, it’s so wildly valuable. In most cases it entirely replaces the old school, “barbaric” scalpel procedures and takes dental healing to a whole new level. It even helps us treat sleep apnea, detect cavities without x-rays, and boost Collagen production for fuller lips! Tribeca Dental Studio uses laser dentistry to keep ahead of the industry. Zygomatic Implants allow our entire team of specialists to come together to give someone a full mouth of new teeth, and an overall healthier and confident way of living. I have seen lives transformed in this manner. It literally brings tears to my eyes to see how much of an impact we make on someone’s smile. Lastly, Airway Dentistry is so underrated in my opinion, and it’s something we feel very serious about in my office. I mean, who doesn’t daydream of a lifetime of better sleep? In some cases, we can cure sleep apnea for adults and children and improve their overall level of health by changing their smiles in a way that allows them to truly breathe better.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I never miss an opportunity to expand my business! I think the reason anyone is successful is because they surround themselves with a supportive system and seek the best talents to offer their clients, patients and consumers. I couldn’t do it all without my team.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself I was right to not listen to the numerous people who told me not to start my practice with 12 chairs. They kept saying to start small, work for someone else, etc. I’m glad I didn’t listen and started big. I did what my heart told me to do. Of course, I didn’t know that 2008 was going to be such a big financial disaster for many business owners. But we never looked back. Sometimes not knowing the future allows you not to worry so much and just forge ahead!

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Well, I don’t take no for an answer, ever. I always find a way. It may take longer to get the outcome I am searching for, but I see a “no” as “maybe not this way, so try another way.” I am stubborn and determined to always see something through.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Hands down, it’s so important to show gratitude for your team and staff. At the end of the day, they hold it all together for you. They help you bring to fruition what you want to achieve. I will never tire of saying how much I love my team and how I couldn’t do it without them.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

If something is working, don’t change it. If something isn’t, keep searching for ways to be better and experiment until it works for you and your patients.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Well, I once lost business due to someone I knew and trusted. At the time, I was so hurt and angry from their decisions and dwelled on it for months, failing to focus on other things or finding new ways to keep going. Once I let it go, we did end up turning the year around into a big win. Maybe this was not so much of a failure, but a valuable lesson to learn! As a business owner, you will always face competition. This experience reminded me of that reality, and helped me develop the kind of focus I needed to keep learning, growing, and loving what I do no matter the challenge.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I’ve always loved the idea of a one-stop shop. Hence how much I love my practice! Any business idea that is management focused and has the combined forces of accounting, payroll management, cleaning services, advertisement etc.; it seems like a fabulous idea to me!

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Hands down, I went to eat sushi at Shinn East near Tompkins Square Park. I love sushi, and they are so worth it!

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I am all about helpful technology. We use Nexhealth for our patient communication and booking platform, and it has made my front desk staff’s lives a lot easier, on top of the flexibility it provides our patients to book their appointments and communicate online.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

My PR and Marketing Director, Haylee Grosvenor, is a writer outside of the office! Most of us have her book Behind These Walls at home, and it’s a really great story that gives a deep and creative perspective to the challenges some people face in complicated relationships. It’s a big one, so get comfy because it’s a great read! Check it out on Amazon!

What is your favorite quote?

I think of a favorite quote from someone I know which is “It’s the very thing you do well that brings you to prominence. The very thing that brings you to success can also be like a curse because then people think that’s all you can do.” That says a lot to me.

Key Learnings:

• Work hard to build a professional team and give them an environment that is supportive and encouraging. Insist on a daily emphasis on engaging the community, often by organizing and participating in local fundraisers and charities. Supporting local organizations, schools, and sports teams is very important, as is helping your team to be a part of the community.
• People are successful when they surround themselves with a supportive system and seek the best talents to offer their customers.
• Never miss a good opportunity to expand your business!