Strategy, Software, and Expertise for Dentists
Interview with Christian Henrici, Managing Director of OPTI health consulting GmbH
Practice establishment, organization, and business management pose significant challenges to many dentists. OPTI health consulting GmbH, located near Kappeln, supports dental practices and dental laboratories throughout the German-speaking region with data-driven consulting, software, and training. Founder and Managing Director Christian Henrici explains how the company is conquering the market with a clear focus, data-driven analyses, and an innovative software concept - and why international markets are in sight.
OPTI health consulting GmbH has focused on a highly specialized segment: the business management of dental offices and dental laboratories. Since its founding in 2006 by Christian Henrici, the company has grown continuously and today employs about 30 people. With a smart combination of consulting, software development, and further education, OPTI offers its clients a comprehensive portfolio that covers all phases of the lifecycle of a dental practice - from starting up through ongoing practice operations to the handover of the practice. "We currently accompany around 80 new business startups and about 50 practice handovers annually," says Christian Henrici. This makes OPTI one of the leading providers in German-speaking countries. The company generates an annual turnover of 3 to 4 million EUR and is organizationally set up as a majority shareholding by Christian Henrici, complemented by a minority shareholder.
Digital Solutions and Data Competency
From the start, OPTI focused on data-driven consulting. The systematic collection of market data forms the basis for precise location analyses and investment recommendations. Over time, this evolved into a comprehensive software suite. Today, the core product is an ERP system that digitally maps all administrative and organizational processes of a dental practice – from procurement and inventory management to quality and hygiene management to laboratory organization. OPTI consistently works with a Software-as-a-Service model, including regular updates. "We deliberately pursue a lean pricing principle with high performance at market-appropriate conditions," explains Christian Henrici. In addition, the company offers practical business education: In the OPTI Academy, practice managers and managing directors are certified by the IHK and qualified tax-free, to specifically expand management competencies.
Multichannel Distribution and Digital Visibility
In terms of distribution, OPTI relies on a mix of direct sales, partner networks, and digital reach. A key component is the biweekly podcast 'Praxisflüsterer', which has garnered significant attention in the dental industry with over 10,000 listeners. These activities are complemented by professional seminars and presence at leading trade fairs like IDS in Cologne. The geographical catchment area covers the entire DACH region, with a clear focus on Germany. Concurrently, OPTI is actively working on international market expansion: Initial projects in the Benelux countries are already underway, and further markets are in preparation.
Stability, Sustainability and Regional Roots
The company is internally geared towards long-term stability as well: Over the past almost 20 years, there has only been one termination from the company side. Numerous incentives – from company cars and bikes to corporate health insurance – promote employee retention. The consulting routine is now almost entirely digitalized: consultations are mostly done online and business trips have largely been eliminated. "Despite having three times the number of employees compared to six years ago, we have reduced our CO2 emissions to about one third," says Christian Henrici. Located in the north of Schleswig-Holstein near the Danish border, OPTI is also deeply rooted regionally: A multicultural team with German- and Danish-speaking employees shapes and enriches the work environment.