Practice Plan regional support manager Emma Flunt discusses the benefits your business can realise by choosing a quality plan provider that does more than just collect your membership fees.
Most of us like to bag a bargain. Managing to find a quality product for a good price can feel like a win, especially during tough economic times. There are very few of us who can afford to purchase things without considering the price these days. Getting something for less than we expected is a bonus. However, as some of us may have found through bitter experience, sometimes what appears to be inexpensive may end up costing us more in the long run.
A prime example of this can be found with low-cost airlines. We’ve all seen the adverts for flights to places like Amsterdam for just £9.99. The Advertising Standards Authority won’t allow companies to make blatantly false claims so there will be some flights available at that price. However, they’re usually at awkward times of the day. By the time you add on a bag, priority boarding and all the other so-called ‘extras’ it can end up costing several times that price, especially if the bag you add is for the hold! What seemed like a real steal at first can end up costing an arm and a leg in the end.
Look for added value
It’s also as well to bear in mind the possibilities of hidden costs when you’re choosing a plan provider. It’s taken as read that all plan providers will collect the monthly fees and deposit them in your bank account. That’s their raison d’etre. The difference will be seen in what else they provide in addition to performing that basic function and whether any of the other services come with hefty additional charges.
At Practice Plan, we aim to help dentists build and maintain sustainable and profitable businesses. That’s why we offer a great deal more than just a simple fee collection service. We appreciate owning a dental practice means you’re not only providing great dentistry to patients but running a business too. This is why we provide support to help you run and grow that business.
We have a team of around 20 field-based regional support managers (RSMs) available to help our practices. With combined dental experience adding up to 300 years, there’s a substantial amount of knowledge for you to tap into! If you’re looking to introduce private dentistry, they’ll be there to hold your hand every step of the way.
Experience
This is something Practice Plan has been doing for nearly 30 years. With more than 2,000 practices on our books, we feel justified in describing ourselves as experts in NHS conversions. From training the team on how to administer and communicate the benefits of your plan to making sure patients get timely notification of the change, as well as hands-on support during the early days, the level of support our RSMs provide means they’re often regarded as an honorary member of your team.
In addition, when you’re up and running, you’ll have the security of knowing our new team of head office-based regional support advisers are just a phone call away to deal with any queries you might have.
Brand building
However, we can support you with more than just your membership plan. For guidance on promoting your brand, you can tap into our in-house marketing and design teams. They can help ensure you portray the best image to increase patient loyalty and attract the right type of new customers for your business.
We can also give you access to industry-leading business speakers and consultants through our extensive programme of business focused events, workshops and webinars. Our annual workshop tours allow the whole practice team to learn something new while having fun at the same time. Our smaller regional events offer an opportunity to address subjects relevant to practices in your area.
If you need advice tailored to your specific needs, we can arrange for a consultant to come to you. They can help you overcome any problems and help you run your practice more efficiently. We agree with Benjamin Franklin who said: ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.’
We’ve got you covered
The same goes for financial advice. Should you choose to move away from an NHS contract means, although the pot you have built up with the NHS is safe, you’ll no longer be able to contribute to it or have access to some of the other NHS benefits that go with it. So, it’s important to make arrangements to replace them as soon as possible.
We can put you in touch with our friends at Wesleyan Financial Services who can help guide you on the best ways to go about doing this. They have a team of specialist financial advisers who not only know about financial planning but also dentistry in particular. Therefore, they have the understanding and knowledge to make sure you get the right advice.
So, if you’re looking for a membership plan provider, why not choose one that can help you create a successful and sustainable business as well as collecting the fees?
If you’re considering introducing private dentistry into your practice or moving 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 visit the Practice Plan stand (K50) at Dentistry Show Birmingham on 17 and 18 May for an informal chat? We’d be delighted to see you.
Otherwise, you can 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 the Practice Plan website: bit.ly/3wNiNrC.
