Looking Back on 10 Fantastic Years

In March, Prep Doctors celebrated its 10th anniversary! To mark this momentous milestone, our Chief Executive Officer, Firas Abu Saleh, is looking back on the past decade, his experiences, and what’s next for Prep Doctors.

This year, we celebrate Prep Doctors’ 10th Anniversary. What thoughts and emotions come to mind when you think about this milestone?

I can’t help but reflect on the early days and how something small that started from a humble beginning turned into Canada’s largest private dental training institute. It reminds me never to discount any idea that anyone has, and it’s a testimony to what immigrants can achieve in this country. As I look back and think about the different stages of growth and the challenges that we faced along the way, it allows me to always stay positive and hopeful of the future, especially during these difficult times. It feels great to go from discussing “exit plans” in the early years to aiming high and planning to take this organization to the next level.

Where did you draw inspiration from to start to build this unique business?

When my parents moved to Canada, they sacrificed their careers and lifestyles, looking for better education and opportunities for their children. Canada was the land of opportunity for us. The biggest inspiration for us as founders of Prep Doctors has been our parents.

What were your visions in 2011 for the company? How have you met or even surpassed those visions?

We started Prep Doctors in 2011 as a part-time business, and we took things one step at a time. The plan was that we wanted to run this on the side while we kept our full-time jobs. It grew beyond our expectations.

What is your favourite part about your job? What excites you most?

What is most exciting about my role at Prep Doctors is the ability to make an impact and introduce improvements every single day.

Looking back, what are some of the most significant changes that you’ve seen in the industry over the years?

The first change was the introduction of the direct route exams in 2011. This was the same year that we entered the market. The next was the introduction of two exam cycles per year. Finally, all the changes and cancellations in 2020 which has been a challenging year for many.

There have been some vital players that have worked alongside you early on. In what ways have their contributions added to the growth and success of the company?

Having key people that you trust around you is critical, especially in the early stages. Being able to focus on your part while knowing that your back is covered by your partners is key to success, in my opinion. In many ways, it wouldn’t be possible to grow this company and get it to where it is today if it weren’t for the contributions of all the founders and everyone who added to our journey along the way.

What do you feel have been some of the company’s biggest accomplishments since your start in 2010? 

I think that one of our greatest accomplishments is leading the way. It makes us proud to see the mark that our innovations (terminology, teaching methodologies, technology, and designs) leave on the industry over the years. Another accomplishment is being able to deliver our various courses across the country while maintaining the same level of quality.

What is your biggest hope for the next decade with Prep Doctors? In what ways do you want to grow?

Our plan for Prep Doctors is to become the number one leader in dental training and exam prep in North America. We would like to continue to add meaningful topics to our courses and services that deliver great value to the dental profession.

Describe what Prep Doctors means to you on a personal level.

To me, Prep Doctors is about proving that everything is possible and that you should pursue your dreams. Whether it’s about getting licensed, jumpstarting your career or starting your business, Prep Doctors is proof that as an immigrant, you can make it happen.

Click here to learn more about Prep Doctors, our 10th anniversary, and the stories of our dentists. Have a question? Please reach out to us on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you!