For dentists at the beginning of their professional journey, selecting the right environment for growth and development of their career is a crucial decision.
Colosseum Dental UK has established itself as a leading destination where early-career clinicians are not only welcomed but actively supported. With a strong commitment to learning, development, and people-first values, Colosseum stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a meaningful and rewarding future in dentistry.
What distinguishes Colosseum is its personalised approach to career development. Each clinician receives a bespoke development plan, created in collaboration with the clinical team, the learning and development team, and chief medical officer Dr Farzeela Rupani. These plans are carefully designed to align with individual aspirations, ensuring that professional growth is both achievable and sustainable.
Education for career development
Dr Rupani, who brings extensive experience as a practising dentist and former educator at King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’, is a strong advocate for the role of education in shaping successful careers. She shared: ‘I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here at Colosseum Dental. As a clinically led organisation, our commitment to people is at the heart of everything we do.
‘While delivering exceptional patient care remains our foremost priority, we equally value and invest in the individuals who make that care possible.
‘We are deeply committed to fostering both personal and professional growth across all stages of a clinician’s career. From experienced practitioners who’ve been practising for years, who continue to pursue advanced learning, to newly qualified dentists embarking on their journey post-FD+1, we provide tailored support to help every individual realise their full potential.
‘We firmly believe that the success and sustainability of our organisation are intrinsically linked to the development and fulfilment of our people.’
CDUK Academy
In 2023, the business launched the CDUK Academy, a purpose-built learning initiative designed to support clinicians and their teams throughout their careers. The Academy serves as a dynamic platform for professional development, specialisation, and long-term career planning. It offers a comprehensive curriculum ranging from foundational CPD to advanced clinical training, all tailored to individual goals, made accessible to all through varying convenient locations or remote learning.
The academy is also part of a broader European network, as Colosseum Dental operates in 11 countries. This international presence provides access to a wide pool of knowledge, training opportunities, and best practices. Colosseum collaborates with leading brands and training providers to ensure its teams benefit from the latest tools, techniques, and clinical content.
It’s no wonder that Colosseum Dental has been recognised as a certified ‘Great Place to Work’, an accolade based on direct feedback from its employees. The organisation has also been named a best workplace for women, for development, and for wellbeing. This is a testament to its dedication to fostering a positive, inclusive, and empowering workplace culture. A huge part of Colosseum’s people strategy is based on a belief that when clinicians feel supported and valued, they deliver their best work, ultimately benefiting patients.
NHS or private?
For young dentists, one common consideration is whether to pursue NHS or private dentistry. According to chief commercial officer Lee Catlin:
‘There’s a misconception that private dentistry is the easiest and most lucrative path. In reality, early exposure to NHS patients helps young dentists build strong patient relationships, develop a diverse treatment portfolio, and gain the depth of experience that leads to long-term clinical confidence and financial success.’
Colosseum Dental offers a balanced mix of NHS and private work, allowing clinicians to develop a broad skill set while exploring the commercial aspects of dentistry. This dual exposure fosters a resilient and adaptable clinical foundation that supports both professional growth and long-term earning potential.
Robust career support
Being part of a dental group like Colosseum Dental also offers advantages over independent practice. The organisation’s scale enables better negotiation on materials, lab fees, and equipment, reducing costs and administrative burdens for clinicians. Centralised support across marketing, finance, facilities, HR, and clinical governance allows clinicians to focus on patient care and professional development.
Unlike some larger corporate dental groups, Colosseum maintains a focused footprint with 80 practices across the UK. This size allows for robust support while preserving a close-knit, collaborative culture. Clinicians benefit from the resources of a large organisation without losing the personal touch that fosters genuine connections and shared goals.
Colosseum’s practices are located in vibrant communities across the UK, offering a wide range of clinical experiences. Whether clinicians are interested in general dentistry, cosmetic treatments, or specialisation, they provides modern facilities and supportive teams committed to excellence.
Colosseum Dental UK offers more than just jobs—it offers careers with purpose. For young dentists, this means a clear, supported pathway from foundation training to confident, capable practice. With access to world-class training, a culture of care, and a network of peers and mentors, Colosseum Dental is committed to helping clinicians realise their full potential.
For more information about careers at Colosseum Dental UK, visit www.colosseumdental.co.uk/careers or contact Lee Catlin at [email protected].
This article is sponsored by Colosseum Dental.
