by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
When it comes to amenities for new residents of downtown housing projects, there’s already one in place — dentists.
Andrew Witten and Robin Ford Edwards are two of the dentists who operate downtown.
Witten’s practice, Downtown Dental, has been in existence since their building, the old Florida National Bank, was built in 1960. Fortunately for Witten, Downtown Dental already had a decent following.
“My father used to be a dentist here and I took over his practice,” he said.
“I have one patient with a chart all the way back to the 1930s.”
In business for 13 years, Witten has a modern facility on Adams Street. It was remodeled last year thanks in part to a loan from the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission.
Because of the location, few children visit his office. The majority of his patients are downtown workers getting their teeth examined on their lunch hour, but some are hotel guests needing an emergency fix.
Witten says downtown dentistry dates to the 1920s.
“Back in the 1920s and 1930s, all the dentists were clustered downtown,” said Witten. “The St. James Building used to have 10, 12 dentists. The malls killed downtown. All the good locations now are Southpoint and the office parks. Not many companies come to downtown. If I were doing it [setting up an office] now, I would be in a high growth area. But we have a niche down here.”
Witten, who sees about 20 patients a day, is considering adding another dentist to his practice to help with the steady work load and a possible increase in the number of customers when places such as Berkman Plaza and the Parks at the Cathedral open.
Whether plans to infuse downtown with residents will result in more dental chairs is a matter for debate. Certainly the proximity of dentists already located downtown would be convenient, but Witten doesn’t predict a ripple effect.
“I think you need a little more growth; it’s in the beginning of it,” he said in regards to whether downtown revitalization would spark an influx of competitors.
“I don’t know if the numbers would make a huge impact but it would be good for the city. You can’t compare the growth rate downtown to the suburbs as far as new houses and new families moving in. In Nocatee, they plan to build like 3,000 homes. You’re looking at that compared to 100 units of apartments.”
Edwards’ office is located a few doors down from Downtown Dental, and competition between the two is friendly. Witten even helped Edwards with her license when she got started.
Her customer base is similar to Witten. For professionals working on the Northbank, her office is within walking distance.
Edwards entered the downtown dental market just a decade ago. Her choice for a downtown office was a risky one, considering she was just starting her practice.
“It was difficult to establish myself downtown,” said Edwards. “I worked two other jobs. You have to work hard. You have to be patient. Some areas may take longer than others.”
Though the odds seemed to be against her, Edwards persevered and now maintains a successful practice. Currently under construction, her all-female office is expanding into a vacant dental office next door. She plans to add another hygienist, dentist and three new rooms, doubling her current 1,100 square feet. Until the renovations are complete, she can only accommodate eight patients daily, plus routine check-ups.
“We’re growing very comfortably,” she said, adding Margaret Cavendish has now joined the clinic. “It looks like she [Cavendish] will become a partner. Now we only have two doctor chairs so we have to alternate days. This expansion gives us flexibility. We really needed the space.”
Rotating schedules make it easier for her to spend time with her three small children.
“That’s the beauty of an all-female practice is that we cover for each other and work each other’s schedules.”
Edwards grew up in downtown Columbus, Ohio where her parents were employed in the hotel industry.
“When I moved here, it [downtown] was a natural place to go,” she said.
“I wouldn’t consider moving my practice. It’s a great place to practice. Yes, it was desirable because they were only two dentists, but for me, downtown is kind of home. However, in most eyes it is not considered a desirable place to be. People are not comfortable with downtown.”
Some problems with a downtown practice, Edwards says, include parking (also the case with Witten) and last minute cancellations.
“A major drawback is because are patients are working, things come up at the last minute,” she said.
Both Witten and Edwards agree that it might be a while before other dental practices find their way downtown.
“There’s enough business to go around but I think it would be difficult for another dentist to come downtown,” said Edwards. “I don’t know if downtown could support another dentist but if they’re a good dentist and have a good bedside manner, they will flourish.”
Witten agreed: “I’ve never heard of a dentist going out of business in Jacksonville.”