Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Kassis Long.
Hi Julie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I took over my dad‘s dental practice in 2001, a practice that he started in 1969. My father immigrated to this country from Lebanon when he was 14 years old and achieved the American dream through education and hard work. He graduated from the College of Charleston and went to Georgetown University for dental school. I went to the University of South Carolina and MUSC College of Dental Medicine. I worked for my father for four years before taking over as a solo practitioner. Together, we have owned practices that have collectively thrived for 56 years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning your own dental practice is a lot of work, considering that it is a small business, and there are no business classes in dental school. When you graduate, you are expected to know how to run a successful business with literally only a science and clinical background. I’m very thankful that my dad had a thriving practice for many years before I took over. I learned the ropes from him and he was a fantastic mentor in both the medical field and business field.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kassis Long Family Dentistry, PC?
My dental practice is very unique in that it is very a very small, boutique-like practice. We work in an extremely family oriented environment. Since this practice has been open since 1969, we have known most of our patients for 40 years or more. Some of the families that come to us are three and four generations deep. I am the only provider in the office, so I do all my own cleanings as well as all restorative work. Traditionally, I’ve only had one assistant and one front desk employee. The three of us are like family and we treat our patients like family as well.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I feel like I have taken two major risks in my practice. The first was in 2007 when I close my practice for four months and gutted and remodeled in order to make my office the most state of the art, modern facility in order to treat my patients with the best equipment.
I took out major loans to do this in hopes that my patients would see the benefits of modern technology and refer their friends and family as well! The second risk that I have taken was recently when I hired an associate in March 2025. Dr. Caitlin McPherson is a new addition to my practice that I was always wary of having. Although I would not call myself a micromanage, I am very particular about the way things are run in my practice, so it was a big step for me to hire another provider, knowing that there would be given intake and differing of opinions. So far, it has worked out wonderfully as she has a niche in the business as a tongue and lip tether surgeon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.kassislong.com
