Xhoana Gjelaj

 

Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj is originally from Albania and moved to the U.S. with her family when she was 20. From early childhood, she had a passion for dentistry – both of her parents were dental technicians, so she was always around the dental environment.

After high school, Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj was accepted into dental school in Albania, but when her family moved, she had to go back to undergraduate school. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lehman College, CUNY, and then re-applied for dental school after that. She was accepted and graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2008 with her dental degree. After a very short period working in different dental offices, she decided to purchase her own practice.

She knew early in her career that she wanted to offer the very best for her patients. In addition to leading-edge technology, she dedicated herself to learning from the premier post-graduate institutions of dental education. Some of the more notable achievements have been The Mastership of Academy of General Dentistry, Dipolmateship of International Congress of Oral Implantology, and Fellowship of Misch International Implant Institute.
In 2016, Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj built and moved to a brand-new facility, Trinity Dental Arts in Trinity, Florida. Trinity Dental Arts is dedicated to offering leading-edge solutions for dental patients with emphasis on full-mouth rehabilitation through dental implant treatment and non-invasive TMJ treatment.

Currently Dr. Gjelaj is working on Diplomateship of American Board of Oral Implantology and focusing on providing life-changing, permanent solutions for her dental patients.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

For me, dentistry is as much an art as it is a science. I love combining both of these aspects of dental care when treating my patients. The area where we moved, Trinity, is an up-and-coming development in Tampa Bay… The name kind of fell into my lap as we were discussing brand identity with my team: Trinity Dental Arts.

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

Trinity Dental Arts is a patient-centered practice. Because we believe in giving personalized attention to every patient, we schedule our time accordingly. Typically, I see two or three patients in the morning for surgical or restorative procedures, three or four consults in the mid-day and two or three post-op checks from previous days. Our talented hygienist sees between five and six patients on her schedule. When we have new patients coming in for the first time, we schedule a two-hour appointment for a very thorough comprehensive examination.
By slowing down and focusing on each patient individually, I have found that I can offer much better dental care because it gives me time to focus on root causes as opposed to dealing with symptoms. I am very respectful of my patients’ time and always strive to make their treatment delivery as convenient as possible.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I always run things by my team and try to put myself in the patients’ shoes when considering making changes: Is it beneficial, is it better, will it make life easier?

What’s one trend that excites you?

I make use of technology in my practice and I love how I can use software to design and create ideal solutions for my patients, whether it is a full mouth treatment, cosmetic treatment, or laser treatment. I am confident that I am using the right tools for each case in order to get predictable results. Going all digital with imaging, scanning and 3D printing is by far the most exciting trend in dentistry today!

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

I’ve learned two things: to focus entirely on the given skillset I have as an implant dentist and to take time off in order to avoid burn-out.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could go back and advise my younger self I would definitely say “invest in learning and technology.”

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

Tomato is a fruit.

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

I pay great attention to my health and especially my dental health. I think that when you’re healthy and clear-minded you make better decisions, and I want to always perform at my level best!

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

Trinity Dental Arts has grown through referrals from existing patients and some online marketing. One of our commitments we made early on as a team was to offer nothing short of what we would want for ourselves or family members to our patients. I have avoided doing patchwork dentistry and will never recommend putting a dental “band aid” on a systemic problem. I think this level of honesty and care has made a difference in our patients’ lives and it shows!

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

I once had the idea to work from two locations and share my time. That didn’t work well, and it cost a lot of overhead, but we course-corrected in time. I am firmly committed to focusing on one thing at a time and not split my focus again.

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

If you brush and floss your teeth twice a day, you can spare yourself from about 80% of all dental problems and expenses! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

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

I booked a dinner at a 2 Michelin star restaurant for my husband and I – great experience in every way and it gave me a renewed appreciation for attention to detail; the little things do matter!

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

I use my Reminders app for making lists and keeping track of accomplished goals. I like checking off “done” items and to be able to track progress on a project. It also gives me the opportunity to review and revise goals as needed.

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

I recently read “Purple Cow” – great book full of ideas and optimism.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way,” Napoleon Hill.

Key Learnings:

• Dentistry is as much an art as it is a science.
• Take time off to avoid burning out.
• When you’re healthy and clear-minded, you make better decisions

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