‘It does feel like the stigma around leaving the NHS is in the past now; it feels more like the NHS left us first’ was a comment from a questioner on a recent Practice Plan webinar. Zoe Close shares her views on this subject.
Over the years, there have been many factors that have held back NHS dentists from converting to private dentistry, one of which has been the fear of a backlash from disgruntled patients. As this person who tuned into our recent webinar implies, this is something that is no longer a major factor. That’s not to say there won’t be any kind of reaction on social media or from patients ringing up when a practice converts from NHS to private dentistry, as it’s likely there will. This is something a Practice Plan regional support manager would help the practice team to mitigate by preparing them with the right messages to convey to people upset by the change.
However, there has been so much media coverage about the deficiencies of the NHS contract that members of the public now have a better understanding of the reasons why a dentist may want to hand back an NHS contract. In fact, no less a figure than Wes Streeting, secretary of state of health and social care, has publicly described NHS dentistry as being ‘at death’s door’.
Fear of backlash
Apprehension about the reaction of the local community has not been the only psychological barrier to making the move away from the NHS. The very real emotional tie dentists feel towards the NHS can also be a strong inhibitor. Many have expressed a feeling of guilt about leaving as they see it as their way of giving back to society. They appear not to appreciate that providing NHS dentistry is not the only way of making a contribution to their community or to those in need.
Having said that, the sentiment expressed in the comment above seems to imply that the tie to NHS dentistry seems to be loosening for some. The strain of working within a contract deemed ‘not fit for purpose’ as long ago as 2008 is taking its toll. While the principle of NHS dentistry is still very dear to the hearts of many dentists, working with the reality of time-consuming red tape, insufficient remuneration for work done, and spiralling costs has clearly left some feeling let down.
Taking back control
As a private dentist, the running of your practice is within your control, not the NHS’s. The only targets in place are the ones you have set yourself. Not only that, but you also have full control over the charges you choose to set. So, if you want to devote some time every week or month to voluntary work, then it’s your choice, and you’re free to do that. With fewer patients to see, it’s also likely you’ll have more time available to get involved with charity or community work.
Alternatively, if you want to provide your services at a reduced cost, or even free of charge, to patients in need, then you’re free to do so. This is something that, under the terms of an NHS contract, you would not be allowed to do, as there’s always the patient charge to be considered. Far from preventing dentists from being able to contribute to society, life as a private dentist can open up more opportunities to give back for those who believe it’s important to them.
So, if you’re feeling unhappy with your relationship with the NHS, consider the words of author, Annie Duke: ‘Success does not lie in sticking to things. It lies in picking the right thing to stick to and quitting the rest.’ (Annie Duke, Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away)
Start the conversation
This year, Practice Plan celebrates 30 years of welcoming practices into the family, helping them to grow profitable and sustainable businesses through the introduction of practice-branded membership plans.
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 today by calling 01691 684165 or to book your one-to-one NHS to private conversation at a date and time that suits you, just visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhsvirtual.
If you’d like to find out more about introducing a plan, and how we can help you, visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.
This article is sponsored by Practice Plan.
