Entrepreneurship Student Improves the Dental Processes
Posted: December 18, 2019 | Author: Lyndsey Nelson | Read Time: 2 minutes
Dakota Denver began college at Southern Utah University as a pre-dental student, but soon his passion for oral health transformed into a commitment to fix the broken systems he began noticing in the dental field.
“I really enjoyed finding things that could be improved,” Denver said. “I started at SUU as a pre-dental student, so I was already paying attention to the dental field. I originally started by just trying to create a live scheduling program for dental websites.”
Now an accounting major at SUU, Denver is currently working on a patient referral program, Cita, which will bring in new clients for dentists by matching the specific needs, including client’s financial needs, and insurance requirements of the client to the best dentist in their area. However, the project proved to be harder than originally expected.
“I had to pivot and change a lot,” said Denver. “I had a difficult time finding the right solution to the problem, and I still may not be there but I'm moving in the right direction. Almost all summer long I struggled to get anyone in, even though I was working really hard. After I realized it wasn't working, I shifted and immediately started to see some improvements. I’m finally starting to get some patients in.”
Those changes and realizations would never have happened if it weren’t for the help of his mentors, professors, and fellow students in SUU’s Entrepreneurship Program, who have given him useful feedback and encouraged him to continue working, despite any setbacks he may encounter along the way.
“Rich Christiansen and Roger Seegmiller have been crucial to the development of Cita, ”said Denver. “I wouldn't have made it anywhere without them. I am so honored to have their acquaintance and mentorship.”
As Denver continues to grow and develop his business, he shares his gratitude towards SUU’s Entrepreneurship program for helping him find his passion and discover a business that gives him both purpose and determination.
“It is truly my purpose in life,” Denver concluded, “and I would never have found that out if I hadn’t come to SUU.”
Denver is originally from Roosevelt, Utah and was drawn to SUU for the small-town feel and the scholarship opportunities offered by the university. He has since used his education to find a career he loves and truly cares about.
SUU’s Entrepreneurship program is designed to help students gain a better understanding of what it takes to run a business in the real world, as well as providing opportunities to discuss each student’s business with other students, professors, and the program’s Entrepreneur in Residence, Landon Smith. Learn more about SUU’s Entrepreneurship Center and the School of Business.
Tags: Entrepreneurship School of Business
