SPRINGFIELD -- Is dentistry one profession the recession may not bite?

According to new industry data, dentists were the most profitable private industry during 2008 -- and some Springfield offices say they see the trend here.

When Wyndham Vacation announced in December it was closing its doors, it was area dentists who noticed.

"The one in particular, Wyndham (customer), she said, I've got two weeks, let's get it all done. I saw her 3 or 4 times in that two weeks just to get it done," said Dr. Chanin Ropka of the Parkcrest Dental Group.

Administrators at two other Springfield dentist offices confirm what Parkcrest has seen: Patients uncertain about the employment future are looking to tap their coverage, before they lose it.

"If they think their job may be in jeopardy, then they want to use their benefits," said Parkcrest administrator Deanna Ford.

That may help explain the national numbers.  According to Sageworks, a group that tracks the performance of private companies, dentists enjoyed a 17 percent profit margin in 2008.  That was the largest jump of all industries surveyed.

"I think they're saying I got to get it done now because I don't know what the future holds, if I'm going to find another job with benefits or not," said Dr. Ropka.

The cleaning and half a dozen fillings Dr. Ropka performed on one patient in just a 10-day period is enough to make your mouth uncomfortable just hearing it.

But while others struggled in 2008, Parkcrest's business was stable.

"I wouldn't say it's recession proof," said Dr. Ropka, adding, "you have to have your health or you don't have anything."

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