Hutchinson Dental

Dr. Hutchinson, before she opened Hutchinson Dental

From the Owner: Dr. Christina Hutchinson

Prior to opening Hutchinson Dental, I was an associate for a practice in Manhattan Beach. It was an awesome gig with a great location and amazing patients. A nearby dentist was retiring, and it was the perfect fit for me to buy the business! Early on, I worried if I could fill a schedule or retain a team or patients. But 11 years later, putting on my big girl pants to be on my own turned out to be the best decision! Looking back, I had no idea that all these years later I’d still have mostly the same team with me, that our family of patients would be so retentive and grow, and that I’d have such a great relationship with peers in our bubble. I’m so grateful!

Strength in Relationships

I am confident that the relationships we have with our patients are the secret to our growth, longevity and survival. Not all dental offices survived the pandemic, but we did! I really think it came down to deep-rooted relationships with our patients.

Team Spirit

They don’t teach you how to run a business in dental school, so I mostly feel like I’m winging it. There is so much outside dentistry to running a business. I’ve learned it is important to surround yourself with good people. From my team in the office to the team of specialists I rely on, my labs, accountant, equipment repair guy, plumbing, IT … anytime I’m in a bind, I have someone I can rely on to help out in a pinch. Hutchinson Dental can’t function without this team in place.

Top Values

Honesty and integrity are values consistent amongst all of our team at Hutchinson Dental. None of us are salespeople, so you won’t find that here. We speak to patients with casual familiarity, and we all endeavor to do what is right and what is best for our patients.

Business Associates

I think some would be surprised to learn I bring my two German shepherds to work every day. If you know me, you know how much I adore my boys! And they have their way of charming patients—from Graham’s quiet sweetness to Jack’s zest for life (and the water hose in the courtyard). I think having them around disarms patients and gives us a connection. Some patients will actually send seasonal gifts or mail treats to them. It makes me so happy that they are loved by so many!

Southbay Support

I have grown quite close to Jen Turquand from Southbay magazine over the years. She started as a magazine contact, but she’s so easy to chat to that we couldn’t help but become friends. She and I have both have been through ups and downs over the years, and she is someone I rely on as a personal friend.

Main image photographed by Siri Berting | Throwback image photographed by Elyse Elkins