In this podcast, Michelle Hardy from Practice Plan busts some common myths surrounding barriers to converting from NHS to private practice.
As someone who has around 20 years’ experience of helping dentists convert from NHS to private practice, Practice Plan sales support manager, Michelle Hardy, has been there, done that, and the t-shirt is now a duster! Which is why she is the perfect person to correct some popularly held misconceptions, or as some may call them myths, about moving from the NHS to independent dentistry.
In this podcast, Michelle addresses some of the most frequently expressed fears of dentists considering handing back their contracts and gently rebuts those that, since the change in the dental landscape post-pandemic, no longer apply.
Regarding one of the most frequently voiced concerns (‘I will lose too many patients’) Michelle agrees that pre-COVID-19, in certain circumstances, it may have been a well-founded worry. However, as she points out, leaving the NHS is not about continuing to work at the same pace as before. To be able to spend more time with each patient a private practice needs to see fewer of them in a day. And so, losing patients is essential.
Now, because of the issues with patient access in many cases they are only too willing to sign up to a practice’s membership plan when they convert as they want the security of knowing they will be seen in an emergency.
‘You will be good enough’
In addition, Michelle covers other topics including handling potential negative reactions online or in the local media, getting your team onboard, and the importance of replacing your current NHS pension and other benefits.
She also suggests ways of assuaging the guilt you may feel about no longer contributing to society by leaving the NHS and urges anyone who doubts their ability to work in private dentistry to have confidence in their skills and training. You will be good enough.
If you’re considering your options away from the NHS and are looking for a plan provider who will hold your hand through the process 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 practiceplan.co.uk/nhsvirtual.
For more information visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.
