Peter McKenzie discusses the key business skills that are not taught in dental school but are essential when moving from NHS to private dentistry.
For most dentists, entering the profession involves years of rigorous clinical training, academic commitment and a strong ethical foundation. From anatomy and diagnosis to treatment planning and patient safety, the focus is rightly placed on delivering high-quality care.
However, for those moving from NHS dentistry to private practice, a new set of challenges quickly emerges. Clinical excellence remains essential, but it’s no longer enough on its own to build a sustainable career.
Private dentistry isn’t only a different model of care. It’s also a business venture, with its own financial, operational and strategic demands. While dental school prepares you for clinical responsibility, it rarely provides opportunities to develop the commercial, financial and risk-management skills needed to run a successful practice.
Marketing and branding: building trust through clarity
Marketing is often misunderstood. For many clinicians, it can feel uncomfortable and at odds with professional values. In reality, effective marketing isn’t about selling treatments – it’s about clear, honest communication.
Patients aren’t simply choosing treatments. They’re choosing reassurance, relationships and confidence in the care they receive. Practices that communicate their values clearly are better placed to build long-term trust and loyalty, rather than competing on price alone.
Branding plays a vital role in this. As well as visual identity, it reflects what a practice stands for, the standards it upholds and the experience it delivers. With specialist support from partners such as Practice Plan Group (PPG), practices can translate their values into a professional identity that patients can recognise and trust.
Leadership: creating stability through people
Within the NHS, clearly defined systems and structures often reduce the need for dentists to develop formal leadership skills. In private practice, this changes significantly.
Dental business owners must lead teams, shape culture, manage change and set professional standards across the practice. This responsibility extends far beyond clinical expertise and requires thoughtful, strategic leadership.
A critical part of this leadership is continuity planning. While it isn’t nice to think about, unforeseen circumstances such as the serious illness of a key employee or the sudden loss of a practice partner can place the business under immediate operational and financial strain.
Putting the right protection in place is essential for safeguarding the practice, its people and its patients. Specialist financial advice can help make sure you’re appropriately covered against these scenarios, ensuring you aren’t reliant on any one individual.
Systems: creating confidence through structure
Strong systems don’t just happen. They’re built through smart investment and the right financial solutions. From technology and equipment to everyday processes, well-designed systems can help practices operate smoothly and grow with confidence.
Investing in the right tools and infrastructure improves patient experience, creates more reliable workflows for teams and supports long-term financial health. With the right funding in place, practices can upgrade systems and technology without putting pressure on day-to-day cashflow.
For many dentists, this requires a shift in thinking about independence. True autonomy isn’t just about flexibility – it’s about having the financial means to make confident, long-term decisions.
Patient experience: a foundation of trust
Funding solutions can also play an important role in helping practices evolve in line with patient expectations. From refurbishments and layout improvements to modernising waiting areas and treatment rooms, thoughtful investment in the physical environment can support both patient confidence and clinical efficiency.
For many practices, accessing the right finance at the right time can make these improvements achievable without placing unnecessary strain on cashflow. Structured funding allows practices to plan upgrades strategically, spread costs sustainably and invest in long-term value rather than short-term fixes.
Ultimately, this creates a practice setting that not only looks professional, but feels reassuring, calm and trustworthy to patients. This will reinforce confidence in the care they receive from the moment they walk through the door.
A supported transition
Moving from NHS to private dentistry is not simply a contractual or financial change. It’s a professional transition that requires new skills, new thinking and new support structures.
Dentists who navigate this transition successfully are those who recognise the importance of financial planning, continuity protection, business structuring and long-term strategy – alongside clinical excellence.
With the right specialist support, the move into private practice can offer greater professional autonomy, long-term stability and a more sustainable model for delivering high-quality patient care.
Clinical expertise remains the foundation, but it should be supported by the financial and business planning. This allows practices, professionals and patients to thrive.
To book a conversation with a dental specialist financial adviser from Wesleyan Financial Services, visit wesleyan.co.uk/dental or call 0808 149 9416.
Please note: charges may apply. You will not be charged until you have agreed to the services you require and the associated costs. Learn more at www.wesleyan.co.uk/charges.
This article is sponsored by Wesleyan Financial Services.
