The Tale of the Three Paths: Lessons from Patients and Practice Owners

In Oldtown, Dr Solomon notices three ways patients seek care: those who prevent, those who act early, and those who wait until crisis strikes. A conversation under the wisteria arch with his coach, Purple Jane, reveals a parallel among practice owners: the navigator, the fire watcher, and the storm chaser. This parable invites dentists to reflect on their own path and what they might choose next

Overworked, Underpaid and Unsure? Understanding Your NHS Obligations Could Change Everything

Feeling overwhelmed, underpaid, and unsure where your NHS responsibilities really begin and end? You’re not alone. Many dentists and therapists are drowning in UDAs, fearful of complaints, and providing treatments they’re not actually contracted — or qualified — to do. In this blog, Dr Jane Lelean, dentist and Master Certified Coach, breaks down exactly what the NHS expects of you, with direct extracts from the official GDS contract and related guidance. You’ll discover the clear boundaries between mandatory and advanced services, how to assess case complexity, and how to communicate treatment options with clarity and confidence. Step away from confusion, fear, and burnout — and towards a calmer, more rewarding career.

Are you asking the wrong questions of the wrong people?Ask Better Questions, To Get Better Answers

In dentistry, the quality of the answers you get depends entirely on the quality of the questions you ask — and who you ask them of. Here’s why asking better questions of the right people leads to better decisions, better relationships, and better results.

The CIGAR Model: A Step-by-Step Framework for Problem Solving in Dentistry

Discover how the CIGAR model can help you, your dental team, and your practice move from challenges to clarity. Learn to define your current state, identify your ideal outcome, close the gap, take action, and harness your resources for meaningful results.

Turning on the Tap: How to Create a Steady Flow of Patients

If your appointment books feel a little dry, it’s not enough to simply turn the tap harder. You need to make sure the plumbing is connected. When the right systems, skills, and patient experiences are in place, flow becomes steady and sustainable. Here’s how to get your practice plumbing sorted.

Filling Empty Appointment Books: The Four Rs for Principals and Associates to Thrive Together

Empty appointment books are becoming more common as financial uncertainty grows. Rather than relying on quick fixes or automated systems, principals and associates can work together strategically to fill their diaries through retention, reactivation, referral, and recruitment. Here’s what to focus on to build a sustainable, thriving practice.

When the “stress abscess” blows up

Dentistry teaches us that early assessment and timely intervention prevent pain, cost, and complexity. The same applies to your wellbeing and your business. Here is a practical guide to spotting early warning signs, taking decisive action, and building a practice that thrives without burning you out.

Appointment Lengths: Are You Allocating Enough Time for What Matters Most?

Many dental professionals feel overwhelmed by time pressures, but behind every rushed appointment lies a set of hidden compromises. By breaking appointments into four key overlapping elements, you can reduce stress, meet patient expectations, and protect yourself professionally.

Premier League Practices: Are You Playing as a Team or Just Turning Up?

In dentistry, teamwork is often spoken about but rarely fully lived. Just like a championship sports team, a high-performing dental team doesn’t simply turn up on match day — they train, plan, communicate, and commit to the shared vision. True teamwork means muddy winter training sessions, shared strategy, and playing full out for patients, the practice, and one another. Explore what teamwork really means with Jane’s Six Magic Questions.

Why Knowing “How” Sets You Apart: Transforming Dental Practices Beyond the What to do

Many dentists know why their practice needs to change and what they need to do. The real transformation happens when they understand how. Discover why answering all four questions of change is essential to creating a thriving dental practice, and how the Brilliant Practice Evaluation can help you take the first step.