As the dental profession continues to grapple with a nationwide shortage of clinicians, Colosseum Dental is emerging as a leader in redefining recruitment and retention – placing people at the very core of its business philosophy.
According to Lee Catlin, chief commercial officer, this people-first approach is not just a guiding principle; it’s a strategic imperative.
‘Looking after our people – clinicians and non-clinicians alike – is absolutely central to our business strategy,’ says Catlin. ‘We know that a stable, well-supported team is the foundation of exceptional patient care. That’s why we invest heavily in creating an environment where everyone feels valued.’
Colosseum Dental is proud to be the only UK dental group officially certified as a Great Place to Work – a globally recognised benchmark on workplace culture. This certification reflects the company’s commitment to embedding a people-first strategy through a clear and thorough understanding of its teams’ needs. The organisation has also received Best Workplace accolades for development, wellbeing and women, further underscoring its dedication to creating an inclusive and empowering environment.
‘The right fit is non-negotiable’
‘In healthcare, high staff turnover isn’t just inconvenient, it can be catastrophic,’ Lee explains. ‘It disrupts continuity, unsettles teams and erodes patient trust. That’s why we go above and beyond to ensure our clinicians feel supported, listened to and invested in. Furthermore, we don’t subscribe to the idea of a “good leaver”. Of course, there are natural transitions, such as retirement or relocating abroad, but outside of that, our goal is to create an environment where our people feel so fulfilled and valued that leaving simply isn’t on their agenda.’
‘It’s also essential that we find the right fit for every new colleague, both for the individual and the practice team they’re joining,’ explains Lee. ‘There have been occasions where a candidate looked ideal on paper, but the chemistry or cultural alignment just wasn’t there. In those cases, we won’t take the risk. Our culture is incredibly important to us and it’s my responsibility to protect it, even if that means passing on someone with strong credentials. Finding talent is important, but the right fit is non-negotiable.’
What makes Colosseum Dental an employer of choice?
Colosseum Dental offers a compelling proposition for dental professionals at all career stages:
- Access to a UK-based training academy, offering CPD-verified courses, specialist development programmes and a bespoke career mapping service for individuals
- Partnerships with leading dental brands such as Ivoclar, Straumann, Dentsply, 3M, and Londec, providing fast-track career routes and significant savings on training
- Clinically-led governance, with chief medical officer Dr Farzeela Rupani and her experienced clinical support team ensuring that decision-making, leadership and patient care are rooted in clinical excellence
- Competitive pay, full diaries and a confident promise of UDAs
- Flexible working options, tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern clinicians
- Investment in practice teams, ensuring nurses and managers receive the same level of career development and support as clinicians
- Access to a huge network of colleagues and further opportunities to learn and grow across Europe.
Supporting career growth and specialisation
For newly qualified dentists, Colosseum Dental is increasingly recognised as a first-choice employer. With growing brand awareness and a reputation for nurturing talent, the organisation offers a personalised approach to career development. Clinicians are supported in pursuing specialisms through easy access to training and mentoring via the Academy.
‘We’re proud to offer a bespoke and personalised approach to career development,’ says Lee. ‘Whether someone is just starting out or looking to specialise, we make it easier to pursue those aspirations – often at a fraction of the cost compared to independent practice.’
For experienced clinicians, Colosseum Dental offers a stable, well-supported environment where they can optimise their potential and grow their specialisms. With efficient practice teams, competitive rates on lab services and materials through group-wide partnerships, full clinical diaries and comprehensive support for CPD and specialism development, the organisation provides everything needed to thrive. It’s a place where seasoned professionals can continue to grow, learn and lead.
Looking ahead
With 80 practices across the UK, Colosseum Dental is well-positioned for future growth. However, its current focus is on optimising the performance of its existing estate and developing the talented individuals within it.
‘We’re in a strong position to grow,’ Catlin notes. ‘But our priority right now is making sure our existing teams and practices are performing at their best. That means investing in people, processes and clinical excellence.’
In a sector facing significant recruitment challenges, Colosseum Dental is proving that the future lies in a people-first approach. By investing in its teams, fostering clinical excellence and creating a culture of support and development, the organisation is not only building successful practices – but also building fulfilling careers.
Interested in exploring a career at Colosseum Dental?
Visit the careers page at www.colosseumdental.co.uk or email the recruitment team directly at recruitment@colosseumdental.co.uk.
This article is sponsored by Colosseum Dental.
