Are you considering a move from NHS to private dentistry? In this episode of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, Ant Davies, principal dentist and owner, catches up with Hazel Dockery from Practice Plan three years after his bold decision to leave the NHS behind.
Ant shares how he went from managing two NHS-heavy practices in West Cumbria, facing recruitment challenges and the threat of closure, to running a thriving group of three private practices. His journey began during the pandemic, when the pressures of delivering NHS dentistry became unsustainable. Rather than give in, Ant took the plunge and converted to private dentistry, a decision that transformed his business and his life.
What you’ll hear in this episode
- How Ant came to the decision to leave the NHS and why timing mattered
- The practical steps and mindset shift needed to successfully transition from NHS to private dentistry
- What life in practice looks like now compared with when closure seemed inevitable
- His plans for the future and how he became an ‘accidental’ group owner.
Ant also explains why membership plans have been a game-changer for financial stability and patient loyalty, and how moving away from NHS contracts has unlocked flexibility, improved outcomes, and created opportunities for growth. From general dentistry to specialist services, Ant’s practices now offer a wider range of treatments without the limitations of NHS targets.
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 Practice Plan can help you, visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.
This article is sponsored by Practice Plan.
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