Julie Ross speaks to us about her recent appointment as managing director for Portman and her plans for the future of the dental group.
Portman Dental Group has been on an incredible growth journey over the past 12 years. Growing from one practice in 2009, to a portfolio of over 200 premium dental practices across the UK, Ireland, Norway and Benelux today.
The Portman journey also continues to be defined by its founding principles – protecting clinical freedom; prioritising a first-class patient and colleague experience; innovation through technology and training; and treating people as you’d want treating yourself.
It’s therefore been fantastic to be part of Portman’s journey. We’re truly helping to transform dentistry and build the best dental group in the world.
Becoming managing director for UK and Ireland for Portman Dental Care
I’m thrilled by the opportunity to lead Portman UK and Ireland on the next phase of our journey.
With a clinical background, I also welcome the opportunity to ensure the highest levels of care for all of our present and future patients.
I truly believe, with a clear vision, engaged talent, and the right values, clinical groups provide great opportunities for clinicians, colleagues and patients.
My passion in business is around how to make business work for everyone. The people who work in it, the customers it serves, the communities it exists in. As well, of course, as the shareholders we serve.
We’ve already started this journey in Portman. I’m therefore looking forward to continuing it.
For example, we’ve always protected the clinical freedom of our dentists. This ensures their working environment allows them to do dentistry in the way that is right for them. This has helped drive our clinician retention up to three times higher than the average in the profession.
Investing in people and technology
Recently we’ve announced significant investment in the digitalisation of our estate. This is to ensure we keep at the cutting-edge of technology. And this has also helped support our market leading patient NPS.
Separately, we’ve also announced significant investment in our people; introducing a £10.25 minimum pay rate for qualified nurses and becoming the first UK group to introduce enhanced maternity and paternity leave provision.
These investments in technology and in our people are very important to me. My ambition is to make Portman the place where clinicians want to practice, where colleagues want to work and patients want treatment.
I’m delighted to work with Sam and the rest of the Portman leadership team on the next phase of this journey.
For more information visit www.portmandentalcare.com.
