Gillian Gunning offers some advice for dentists who fear negative publicity through social media and local press when introducing private dentistry into their practice.
‘It’s going to happen. I think you just have to get over that. Just accept it. It’s going to be short-lived and, and you could cope with it.’
That’s the advice Gillian Gunning of Gunning Dental offers in this video to anyone concerned about being on the other end of adverse publicity when introducing private dentistry to their practice.
Press and social media backlash is one of the most frequently expressed concerns by practice owners thinking about reducing or walking away completely from their NHS commitment.
As Practice Plan area manager Suki Singh admits, there have been instances when a converting practice has had to weather a storm of adverse public opinion. However, as he says, it’s usually short-lived and plenty of patients will have seen the stories in the media about the difficulties for dentists of making an NHS contract work and will appreciate their position.
Gillian views some adverse reaction from either patients or the local community, as something to be expected for most practices converting. She counsels practice owners to ask for advice from others who have already made the move as they may be able to offer some guidance.
‘Short-term pain for long-term gain’
In Gillian’s case, her practice experienced the media heavy weather for only a couple of weeks before calming down again. Other practices around the area were also converting which made her conversion less newsworthy. During that difficult two weeks, Gillian and her team battened down the hatches and focused on what they were aiming to achieve by converting, which helped carry them through.
Gillian views some adverse reaction from either patients or the local community, as something to be expected for most practices converting. She counsels practice owners to ask for advice from others who have already made the move as they may be able to offer some guidance. However, she sees the problem in terms of short-term pain for long term gain. A few months down the line, it will have been forgotten.
For those who experience negative feedback, remember the Middle Eastern proverb, ‘this too shall pass’.
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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