Many dentists remain in the NHS due to feelings of guilt – Jayne Gibson suggests how to manage these feelings and find other ways to give back.
‘Guilt can prevent us from setting the boundaries that would be in our best interests, and in other people’s best interests.’ – Melody Beattie.
Across the country there are NHS dentists who suspect that their lives would be easier in private practice. However they are prevented from acting because they see one major obstacle barring their way – guilt. Practice Plan regional support manager Jayne Gibson suggests ways to assuage that guilt.
I have been helping practices convert from NHS to private dentistry for many years. As well as excitement and anticipation, guilt is a frequently expressed emotion. Many dentists remain within the NHS despite the toll it takes out of a sense of duty towards their patients. The system is flawed and obliges them to maintain a punishing schedule to be able to fulfil their contractual obligations. But their concern that some of their patients may not be able to afford private dentistry prevents them from handing back their contract.
Punishing schedules leave no time for anything else
However, I believe there is another way of looking at things. A wholly NHS practice needs to see large volumes of patients to be able to achieve its UDA targets and avoid clawback. This means they will only be able to spend a short period of time with each patient. They will also be restricted in the types of treatment they can offer. Working at such a pace can be detrimental to the clinician and many report that they no longer enjoy their work.
It can also be argued that NHS dentistry short-changes the patient too. During an NHS appointment there is little or no time to discuss options for the patient, such is the pressure to hit the UDA target. The need to work quickly can also have an adverse effect upon communication between dentist and patient leading to possible misunderstandings and complaints. It can also lead to mistakes being made which could ultimately result in litigation.
Despite this, many NHS dentists still view themselves as providing a public service. For them it’s a way of making a contribution to their local community and society in general. They worry about the consequences to their more vulnerable patients of withdrawing NHS services. However, it’s important to remember that it’s the responsibility of the government to ensure the people who need care receive it, not dentists.
Time to think outside the box
Stepping away from the pressures of NHS dentistry means dentists have more time to have a life outside of the surgery. One way to continue to make a contribution to society is through voluntary or charity work. Dental team members have specialist skills that are in demand both at home and abroad.
The greater freedom you have to set your own schedule in private dentistry allows you the opportunity to get involved in projects that make a tangible contribution to society. Remember, there’s more than one way to give back and private practice could open up avenues you may not have considered previously.
Dentist, Anju Jairath, is someone who wrestled with her conscience over handing back her contract. She found the prospect upsetting.
‘I did get upset because I had a lot of guilt about the children and for those that couldn’t afford it [private dentistry],’ she explained. However, as have many other dentists, Anju found life outside the NHS more flexible. She developed ways to continue to care for her patients most in need, but unable to afford private fees.
Flexible charges
One way was to introduce affordable membership plans which allowed patients to spread the cost of maintaining their oral health. No longer bound by the terms of an NHS contract, Anju had the freedom to be flexible with her charges.
‘Now I can see some of the patients that can’t afford the treatment and I can charge whatever I want, or do it for free,’ she says. ‘It’s my choice. So, one of the things I said to some of the patients that couldn’t afford [private treatment] is “if you do get stuck, give us a ring and if we can help you out, we will do so.” That helped my conscience as well.’
Anju had so many patients signing up for the plan that she decided to put a cap on her list. Surprisingly, Anju also found some of her patients who are on state benefits among those who became plan members.
Try negotiating with your health board
Although it will depend upon the attitude of your local health board (HB) it may be possible to negotiate with them to retain part of your contract to treat those most in need. This is another way to give something back. So, it may be worth trying to negotiate this. However, the final outcome will depend upon the needs and the attitude of the local HB which will vary.
Handing back an NHS dental contract needn’t signal the end of your contribution to society. With some thought it is possible to continue to give back to the less fortunate members of society. Your contribution will look different from how it did previously. But depending on how you choose to make it, it could be equally as valuable. So, it is possible to have a clear conscience and convert to private practice.
If you’re considering your options away from the NHS and looking for a 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.
