A Case Study with Southside Dental

June 27, 2025

Overview

PRACTICE: Southside Dental Center
LOCATION: Monticello, Minnesota
LEAD DENTIST: Dr. Derek Abramowski
TEAM: 2 Assistants, 2 Hygienists, 1 Office Manager

The Challenge

Like many growing practices, Southside Dental was facing the classic struggles. With a small team and full schedules, every minute counted—but they were losing time to tasks that should have been simple.

Frequent interruptions during procedures
Disorganized drawers and cluttered setups
Inefficient restocking and sterilization workflows
Less time for patient education

The Solution

Dr. Abramowski and his team implemented Color Method ‒assigning a specific color to each procedure and using corresponding trays, tubs, locking covers, and cassettes. The result? Every item was exactly where it needed to be, and every setup was consistent, fast, and intuitive.

Key Benefits:

Stays on schedule
Elimination of messy drawers
Spends more time on patient education
Streamlines sterilization
Reduces risk of accidental sticks
Saves money on inventory
Flexibility to shift procedures on the fly
Maintains OSHA compliance
Eliminate guesswork w/ color-coded setups
Orders and restocks faster

Results At A Glance

Color Method really is as simple as it sounds. Just assign a color to each procedure you do, and pair it with matching trays, tubs, locking covers, cassettes—you name it. Thanks to Color Method, the team experienced dramatic improvements.

The Verdict?

Zirc’s Color Method transformed Southside Dental’s workflow—bringing clarity, speed, and calm to their daily routine. From room setups to sterilization, the system has helped them stay on track and spend more time where it matters most: with patients.

Even during COVID and the shutdown, if a patient called me with a toothache, I could come in and get everything set up within minutes. I’d just say, ‘Grab the red bin’—and it was ready to go. It’s made everything run smoothly.

- Dr. Derek Abramowski