How iDental Got Started: A Journey of Growth and Community Impact

Photo credit RCEDC January 8, 2020

In the heart of Racine, Wisconsin, iDental Orthodontics and General Dentistry has become a beacon of accessible dental care, serving thousands of patients each month. The remarkable journey of iDental is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Vivek Vasudeva, affectionately known as Vick.

The Genesis of iDental

Vick Vasudeva's path to creating iDental is as unique as it is inspiring. Before venturing into dentistry, Vick was an Information Technology Specialist in California. However, his entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to make a tangible difference in the community led him to relocate to Wisconsin. In 2016, recognizing the critical need for affordable dental care, Vick established iDental. His mission was clear: to provide high-quality dental services primarily to patients on Medicaid and Medicare.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success

When iDental first opened its doors, it served just ten patients a week. With Vick's relentless drive and the expertise of his sister, who provided invaluable guidance, the clinic steadily grew. Today, iDental sees approximately two thousand patients monthly, a clear indication of the genuine demand for its services in Racine County. The joy and fulfillment that come from meeting this need have been driving forces behind iDental's success.

Expansion and Community Impact

The exponential growth of iDental necessitated an expansion. With the help of the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan program through Business Lending Partners (BLP) and Town Bank, Vick was able to purchase the building he had been leasing at 1320 S Green Bay Rd. This property, which had been owned and occupied by Racine Dental Group for around 45 years, became the new home of iDental.

This expansion project was more than just a business move; it was a significant boost to the local economy. By fostering an entrepreneurial culture, promoting a minority-owned business, and creating and retaining local jobs, Vick's efforts have added tremendous value to the community. Mount Pleasant President David DeGroot praised the project, highlighting its ability to fill a basic need and provide additional jobs.

Financial Backing and Future Prospects

Securing financing for the building purchase was a crucial step in iDental's journey. With fifty percent of the funding from Town Bank, forty percent from the SBA via BLP, and the remaining ten percent from Vick's equity, the project was set into motion. Frank Sterbin, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Town Bank, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing the positive community impact of iDental's mission.

iDental's choice to purchase the building was further influenced by the approval from the Federal Government for financial assistance from the National Health Service Corp. This program supports healthcare providers in areas with limited access to care, enabling iDental to offer services at affordable rates while ensuring its dentists receive market-rate incomes.

A Bright Future Ahead

As iDental continues to grow, it remains committed to its core mission of providing affordable, high-quality dental care. The clinic now boasts 23 state-of-the-art operatories, digital x-rays, and Dentrix Software, allowing it to serve the "working family gap" effectively. With a team of almost 50 full-time staff members and plans to hire more to support anticipated growth, iDental is poised to make a lasting difference in the community.

Conclusion

The story of iDental is one of vision, resilience, and community impact. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a cornerstone of affordable dentistry in Racine County, iDental exemplifies what can be achieved with dedication and the right support. Vick Vasudeva's journey is a powerful reminder that with passion and perseverance, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality.

For more information about iDental's journey and the expansion project, visit Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) https://rcedc.org/mount-pleasant-project-expands-affordable-dentistry-to-local-community/