Poutama is proud to support Māori owned and operated Waikato Dental.
Poutama met-up with husband and wife owners Dr Hyrum Martin (Ko Ngāti Kahungunu & Ngāti Porou) and Shea Martin (Waikato Tainui & Ngāpuhi) to check-in on progress with Poutama’s investment in the business and ask a couple of questions.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself?
My wife and I have 4 children aged 10, 6, 4 and 6 months, who keep us just as busy outside of work. After graduating in Otago we decided to move our whānau back to Hamilton to work for Teeth N’ things, the previous dental clinic where my wife and I later had the opportunity to take over the practice in October of 2018. Together we have run the practice for nearly 4 years and have expanded to a team of 10. We continue to support one another in achieving our goals and aspirations individually and collectively.
- How long have you been operating the business?
The dental clinic itself has a 40 year history. Previously called Raukura O Hauora and Teeth n’ Things, we decided to take over the then struggling practice to create a fresh and vibrant Clinic, Waikato Dental was established in October of 2018. I practiced as the sole dentist for 1 year and through word of mouth generated such a following that quickly lead us to expanding the business and employed another two dentists along with two dental assistants. Almost four years later, the team are now comprised of 10 staff and are currently in the process of further expanding to ground level to cater to the growing patient volume and address the need to increase capacity for greater innovation and technology.
- What does your business offer to customers?
Waikato Dental offers all general practice dentistry including cleans, whitening, restoration fillings, surgical and wisdom extractions, root canals, crowns, bridges, veneers, and prosthetics. Some advanced specialties include gingivectomy surgery, implants and Invisalign. We offer these services in clinic as well as provide dental care to 14 primary, intermediate and high schools around Waikato.
- Has your location contributed to the success of your business?
The location has certainly played an important role particularly when first opening our doors. The Hamilton community were already aware of the previously existing dental clinic, allowing us to continue treating a consistent patient flow upon take over as opposed to starting a brand new clinic from scratch and having to build a completely new set of books. Additionally growing up in the Waikato, you realise it is a relatively small city and we had many pre-established relationships and connections within the community which allowed us to grow our business and expand quite quickly. Additionally, being in the Waikato and having established a great reputation among the dental industry, we were able to take on 12 new schools through the Waikato District Health Board to assist them with treating primary and intermediate aged children around the Waikato region.
- How will the funding from Poutama Trust help improve your business?
The funding will help us to complete the ground level clinic upgrade with the purchase of a dental chair for our new surgery. This will allow us to hire another full time dentist and dental assistant, further expanding our team.
- Is being Māori important to what you do as a business?
Being a Māori owned Dental practice, we see the urgent need for dental care and the impact that accessibility has had on the health and wellbeing of our people. Māori health has suffered under the existing system for far too long. This is a significant driving force for us to help break down the barriers that stop Māori from accessing dental care and achieve overall better health outcomes.
Tikanga principles underpin the systems and processes of our business every day. It is the foundation that helps us to reason, make daily decisions and take action-based approaches. Business is ultimately about relationships with people, and through practicing the principles of tikanga, this continues to be an integral part of our success. This not only applies to patient care but also extends to how we care for our team by acknowledging and prioritising their whānau commitments and allowing flexibility with working arrangements. Furthermore, Kotahitanga continues to be our focus in creating a supportive and united work environment as we work together to achieve our shared vision.
- What are a couple of key points about your business you would like highlighted?
Some of our most rewarding work is doing our annual free dental days. Both in the Waikato and in the Wairoa community. Our free dental days connect our team as we share this vision together of helping those who struggle to access dental care in our communities. Our team take time out of their own schedules, sometimes through the weekend, to treat some of our most vulnerable. To see the overwhelming response from the community, seeing people leave with tears of gratitude and appreciation is very fulfilling and motivates us to work even harder to be able to contribute more to our community and improve people’s quality of life.
Our business was established and has expanded from simply nurturing relationships with people. When we ensure people, relationships and connections come first, then trust, understanding and respect naturally follow. Prioritise people, give back to your community in some way and your work will always be fulfilling.
To learn more about Waikato Dental, their kaupapa and services check out their website, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
