Dentistry’s biggest questions answered

Are you struggling to recruit and retain good staff? Are you thinking about leaving the NHS and moving into private practice? Is your practice being affected by the cost-of-living crisis?

Questions! Questions! Questions!

We all know what some of the problems are in dentistry at the moment, but what are the solutions? You may find some of them at the Dental Business Theatre located within the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show (BDCDS) at the NEC in Birmingham on 12th and 13th May. Once again, the Dental Business Theatre is being programmed by Practice Plan and this year’s aim is to not only pose some of the biggest questions in dentistry, but also to answer them.

Six sessions will be held on both days, with panels including industry-renowned names such as dental business coaches, Chris Barrow and Lucie Simic along with sustainability expert, Mark Topley. All of whom will answer questions on subjects including how best to go about attracting great staff members, as well as how to keep your current team happy. Whereas Chair of the GDPC at the BDA, Shawn Charlwood, Head of Indemnity at the BDA and practising dentist, Len D’Cruz’ along with, Practice Plan Sales and Marketing Director, Nigel Jones, will discuss arguably the biggest question at the moment: “Is there a future for NHS Dentistry?”.

In his session, Shawn Charlwood’s views are likely to be informed by his recent experience of providing oral evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee’s inquiry into NHS Dentistry.  “As I told the Committee this really is a make-or-break moment for NHS dentistry,” he said. “The tweaks we’ve seen to a failed contract will not halt the mass exodus of dentists or restore access for millions. At the very same time dentists in mixed or wholly private practice will face real pressure as the result of the cost-of-living crisis. It’s an invidious position and colleagues should tread carefully and join us for the key debate of conference.”

How best to go about the recruitment and retention of staff also throws up big questions for dental practice owners and managers. Sustainability expert, Mark Topley believes the answers can be found by moving away from the traditional focus on hourly rates and percentage splits to methods that chime more with what potential employees value in their lives. “Post-pandemic, what people look for from an employer has changed,” Mark states. “Good associate dentists and dental nurses are in demand so, to stand out from the crowd, practices need to do more than just keep offering higher rates of pay. That just sets up a bidding war and gets everybody nowhere. In my session, Chris Barrow, Lucie Simic, Emma Anastasi and I hope to show you what other things you need to do to be able to attract the right team members for your business and, more importantly, for them to want to stay with you.”

Anyone inspired by the sessions in the Dental Business Theatre who want to find out more about making the move from NHS to private, or to switch plan provider, then Practice Plan Regional Support Managers will be available on Stand K50 to talk about how to go about making the move. Colleagues from Wesleyan Financial Services will also be on hand to advise on how to go about ensuring your income is protected as a private dentist, too.

If you’re unable to come to the BDCDS and would like to find out more about your options away from the NHS and are looking for a provider who will hold your hand through the process whilst moving at a pace that’s right for you, why not start the conversation with Practice Plan on 01691 684165, or book your one-to-one NHS to private call today: www.practiceplan.co.uk/nhsvirtual

For more information visit the Practice Plan website: www.practiceplan.co.uk/nhs