Suki Singh explains the challenges facing NHS dental practices and why many teams wish they had made the leap into private dentistry sooner.
‘I wish I had done it sooner.’
I’ve heard that phrase so many times over the past 20 years as I have supported practices to make the move from the NHS to private dentistry. However, it still makes me smile every time.
Not because I knew the difference the move would make to their working and personal life, it’s more of a sense of ‘I’m grateful you trusted the process’.
Many dentists are still wating for things to change within NHS dentistry, hoping the current government will finally find the money and resources to make it a financially and mentally rewarding place to be. Somewhere they can still deliver the patient care everyone in the team strives for. They felt the same about the previous government and no doubt the one before.
In the meantime, the challenges around recruitment and retention of staff, and the mental health of the team remain and seem to be becoming more difficult as each week passes.
Why wait?
In some cases, the associates are the ones driving the conversions, as they are no longer willing to wait for a decision to be made by the owner. They still want to remain working in the practice and continue to care for their patients. However, they crave an environment that aligns with their life choices to achieve a better work/life balance. The same could be said for every team member.
These days, patients are also much more aware of what’s happening in NHS dentistry; the access issues, the long wait times and restrictions on treatment options, so it comes as no real surprise to them when their practice decides to make the move to private. ‘I thought you would have done it sooner’ is what many say. So, why wait?
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, you can start the conversation with Practice Plan on 01691 684165 or book your one-to-one NHS to private call today at practiceplan.co.uk/nhsvirtual.
For more information, visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.
