Vivak Shah never intended to transition to private dentistry – reflecting back, he explains how his outlook has changed.
Principal dentist Vivak Shah’s move to fully private practice came about organically rather than by design. Having joined the practice he now owns straight after graduating 20 years ago, he initially provided NHS care only.
However, when he purchased the practice in 2008, he also took on the previous owner’s list of private patients. In the intervening years he enhanced his skills with various courses allowing him to offer a wider range of treatments meaning his NHS commitment dwindled and ceased completely a decade ago.
Vivak’s gradual move away from NHS dentistry meant he never faced the guilt of many who make a conscious decision to leave. However, when he hit 40, he found himself in the fortunate position of being able to carry out the sort of dentistry that he loved in a thriving practice yet still felt the need to give something back to society.
A new perspective
The opportunity to act on this came at a Practice Plan event in Portugal where, during a conversation with fellow dentist, Wasseem Qureshi, he found out about opportunities to get involved with a dental project in Kenya providing general dentistry.
His Kenyan trip was followed about 18 months later by one to Tanzania and then another in February this year to Mozambique. As well as helping to satisfy his need to give something back, he credits these trips abroad with changing his perspective on life.
To any dentist wrestling with the choice of remaining within the NHS or moving to private dentistry his advice is to factor in your own health when weighing up the pros and cons. He suggests guilt should not be a consideration when determining what is best for your overall wellbeing and health.
As he himself shows, there are many ways to make a contribution to society aside from providing NHS dentistry and conscience should not be a bar to choosing what’s right for you.
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.
