Transitioning from NHS dentistry to a more sustainable private model is a big decision, often driven by increasing financial pressure, administrative burden and reduced clinical time.
For Lisa Mullarkey, practice principal at Mount Wise Dental Practice in Plymouth, staying within the NHS had become increasingly unviable, prompting her to explore alternatives.
Working with Practice Plan, the practice started with detailed planning based on existing patient numbers and diary data. This realistic, data‑led approach helped clarify what would be needed to make a safe move from NHS to private and provided reassurance that a transition could be achieved without disruption to patients or the team.
Support extended well beyond strategy. The entire practice team received structured, in‑practice training to prepare for patient conversations, address common concerns and manage the change with confidence. Patient communications, marketing and administration were handled centrally, helping reduce pressure at a critical time.
What does a safe move from NHS to private look like?
The outcome was swift and measurable. Membership targets were exceeded well within the planned timescale, creating predictable income and allowing the practice to focus on patient care rather than targets. Since the move, Lisa has expanded her clinical team, reduced daily patient volume and improved staff wellbeing, while also benefiting from simplified administration and greater autonomy.
Practice Plan’s emphasis on honest conversations, careful planning and practical support enables practices to assess whether change is right for them and to move forward with clarity and confidence when the time comes.
Practice Plan has been welcoming practices into the family since 1995, helping them to grow profitable businesses through the introduction of practice-branded membership plans. If you’re looking for a provider to be by your side through a safe move from NHS to private then, with over 300 years’ dental experience in our field team, you’re in safe hands with Practice Plan… Be Practice Plan and get in touch.
Call 01691 684165 or visit www.practiceplan.co.uk/be-practice-plan/.
This article is sponsored by Practice Plan.
