Stop Thinking Like the NHS: The Private Dentistry Career Pathway Your Practice Needs

Associates and Young dentists, Communication, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Leadership, Practice Managers, Principals, Recruitment and Teamwork, Work-Life Balance, Health and Mental Well-Being

In the NHS, every clinician is paid the same UDA rate, regardless of experience or skill. But in private practice, that mindset limits growth, demotivates clinicians, and confuses patients. This blog explores why dentistry needs a transparent clinical career pathway and differential fee structure—mirroring professions like law and hairdressing—to reward development, improve retention and deliver care that truly reflects clinician expertise.

Self Employed? – What does that even mean?

Associates and Young dentists, Communication, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Leadership, Practice Managers, Principals

Being self-employed in dentistry is about far more than filing invoices or setting your own hours. It means recognising that you are a business owner — a dentalpreneur, a manager, and a clinician. When you start thinking like the leader of your own enterprise rather than someone who simply works for a practice, everything changes: your mindset, your conversations, and your success.

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

Associates and Young dentists, Communication, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Leadership, Practice Managers, Principals, Recruitment and Teamwork

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

Riding Out a Recession: Guidance for Young Dental Clinicians

Associates and Young dentists, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Finance, Pricing, Profit, Leadership, Practice Managers, Principals, Recruitment and Teamwork, Work-Life Balance, Health and Mental Well-Being

As household budgets tighten, many patients are delaying elective care, challenging young clinicians who have never worked through a recession. By strengthening core clinical skills, building trust, and adapting how you communicate, you can support patients through difficult times and position yourself for future growth.

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

Associates and Young dentists, Communication, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Leadership, Patient Journey and Customer Service, Practice Managers, Principals, Treatment Plan Conversions, Uncategorized, Values, Vision and Culture

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.

When Silence Becomes Expensive: What Every Dentist Must Know About Self-Employment

Associates and Young dentists, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Leadership, Practice Managers, Principals, Recruitment and Teamwork

Too many dentists assume that being an associate automatically means being self-employed — until HMRC says otherwise. Across the UK, both clinicians and principals are finding that their everyday working arrangements don’t match what’s written in their contracts. This article explores what it truly means to be self-employed in dentistry, how both sides can protect themselves, and why a truth-full conversation today could prevent financial and emotional pain tomorrow

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

Associates and Young dentists, Communication, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Leadership, Patient Journey and Customer Service, Practice Managers, Principals, Values, Vision and Culture

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.

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

Associates and Young dentists, Communication, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Leadership, Patient Journey and Customer Service, Practice Managers, Principals, Values, Vision and Culture

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

Associates and Young dentists, Communication, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Leadership, Patient Journey and Customer Service, Practice Managers, Principals

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

Associates and Young dentists, Communication, Dental Practice management and Growth, Dental Teams, Dental Thinking, Female Principals, Leadership, Practice Managers, Principals, Values, Vision and Culture, Work-Life Balance, Health and Mental Well-Being

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.