Dermatology Care of Alabama, founded in 2017 by Dr. Robert Bentley has moved to a larger, new facility. The move comes as the Tuscaloosa based Dermatology practice expands to accommodate patient growth and the launch of a new Aesthetics Center to meet an increased demand for cosmetic and aesthetic services. “We could not be more appreciative of our patients and this community for making this possible,” said Dr. Bentley. “We’ve received so much support for this practice in just two years, I hope by offering more services and a larger space we can give back to our patients who have been so good to us.”
Bentley founded Dermatology Care of Alabama June 1, 2017, located then on Veterans Memorial Parkway, with just three staff members including himself. By the fall of 2017, the practice added more clinical staff and began offering aesthetic services such as laser treatment, Coolsculpting and injectables as a complement to general dermatology care. In 2018 the practice brought on more providers, more support staff and a licensed aesthetician. By late 2018 the practice had outgrown its space and Dr. Bentley turned to local builder Mark Hearing for a solution.
“Mark and Kristy (Hearing) were an answered prayer,” said Dr. Bentley. “The new building on Rice Mine Road was under construction and available, and we were able to design the practice exactly to our specifications. They were with us every step of the way, right down to the last detail to make sure we were not only able to accommodate future growth, but also able to provide a beautiful, one-of-a- kind environment for our patients.”
Bentley’s facility stretches over 9-thousand square feet and includes 5-thousand square feet of space for general Dermatology patient care, including more exams rooms, a dedicated Phototherapy room, a Surgical room, a Lab, and a centralized Nurses station. The new Aesthetics Center features four treatment rooms and a separate private waiting area. A second floor features a Conference room overlooking the main lobby, a large loft space and business offices.
A Board-certified Dermatologist since 1975, Bentley is joined now by two Nurse Practitioners, licensed clinical staff, two licensed Aestheticians and a host of support staff. Dr. Bentley says the practice is actively seeking at least one more Physician to join the team. “We want to make sure our patients have the best care and the best experience. We have the space and opportunity to welcome at least one more Physician to our team.”
This is the second Dermatology practice founded by the physician and former Governor. He co-founded his first local Dermatology practice three decades ago, and eventually served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives while still in full-time medical practice. Dr. Bentley retired in 2009 to serve as Governor of Alabama. Following his time in public service, Bentley went back into full-time practice founding Dermatology Care of Alabama in 2017.
Bentley says his experience as both a physician and a governor now give him a unique perspective for the patients he cares for, and the issues effecting healthcare and the people of the state. Bentley, an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, has participated the last two years in AAD training and conferences in San Diego, Las Vegas and Washington DC. Bentley will join the AAD Association for its annual Legislative Conference, meeting with members of Congress in the nation’s capital in September.
“We’ve been truly blessed and honored to serve our patients and community”, Bentley said. “I’m just grateful God has always allowed me the opportunity to help people.”
Dermatology Care of Alabama and the Dermatology Care Aesthetics Center are located at 4960 Rice Mine Road NE, Suite 40, Tuscaloosa, Al 35406.