Practice owner Amit Jilka shares his success story with the mixed practice model in this edition of the Business of Dentistry Podcast.
How do you retain a sizeable NHS dental contract while building a successful private practice at the same time? That was the question Dr Amit Jilka faced when he bought his practice, Abbey House Dental in 2012. In this podcast he shares the story of his progress from life as an NHS dentist to becoming the owner of a multi-site mixed practice that also includes a training academy.
Amit’s evolution from NHS general dentist to mentor and owner of a multi-site mixed practice took several years. The process began soon after he bought the practice, as he trained in implants and sedation. This allowed him to gradually extend the range of private treatments he was able to offer his patients. Having built up a healthy private patient base and, confident in the types of treatments he wanted to be able to offer his patients, he chose to give up providing NHS treatments himself and, with the aid of a membership plan, became a fully private dentist.
Why was mixed practice the way forward?
While giving up his own NHS commitment allowed Amit to pursue his interest in cosmetic dentistry, because of its value, retaining the NHS contract made good financial sense for the practice. It also had the added bonus of accommodating existing NHS patients who had chosen not to take up the opportunity of becoming one of Amit’s private patients.
Since Amit’s conversion, the private side of the practice has continued to thrive. In August 2023, in addition to his main site, he opened a five-surgery squat practice in a nearby city. As well as the surgeries, the site also houses conference facilities and a training academy where he has begun running courses in implants. He sees his future as a mentor to others, although he feels he will never give up being a wet-fingered dentist.
If you’re considering your options away from the NHS and are looking for a provider who will hold your hand through the process while 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: practiceplan.co.uk/nhsvirtual.
For more information visit the Practice Plan website: practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.
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