Ian Eslick discusses five of the most frequently expressed concerns about making the move away from NHS dentistry.
For many NHS dentists hoping a change of government would lead to better conditions, the announcement of the expenses uplift recently is likely to have proved a disappointment. Coupled with the changes to employers national insurance contributions, it’s likely there are many contract holders wondering whether to retain their contract or hand it back. However, making the choice to move to private dentistry is probably the biggest business decision a practice owner will make.
Here, Practice Plan regional support manager Ian Eslick addresses five of the most frequently expressed concerns about making the move.
I have been supporting owners to introduce private dentistry into their practices for nearly 25 years now. In that time there have been some common concerns raised about making the move. This is understandable as, in the past, turning your back on the regular income of an NHS contract could well have been risky.
Here are the most common reasons offered and why they may not be as big a barrier as they at first seem.
I’ll lose too many patients
I would be a very rich man if I had a pound for every time someone has expressed this concern to me! I understand perfectly why this would worry someone considering making the move. Years ago, patients may well have been more reluctant to embrace private dentistry and might have chosen to move to another practice offering NHS dentistry.
However, there have been so many media items about dental deserts and DIY dentistry because patients are unable to access NHS appointments that more patients than ever before are prepared to remain with a converting practice. They want to be sure they can still be seen when they need it and appreciate that paying privately for their care might be the best way to guarantee that.
Pre-pandemic, we would have advised a practice to be prepared to wait up to a year for their dental membership plan numbers to reach the level needed to replace their NHS contract. Post-pandemic, we’ve seen practices reach their target within a couple of months as patients have been eager to secure their place within the practice.
So, while in the past not having enough patients prepared to take up private dental treatment may have been a stumbling block for some practices, that is less so these days.
The local press will turn against me
Dental teams often live in the same community where they work. So, to be attacked online or in the local media could be uncomfortable or distressing. I have helped a number of practices navigate their way through adverse reactions from patients and the local media, so there’s no denying it has happened.
However, with coverage of people such as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, stating NHS dentistry is ‘at death’s door’ fewer people are likely to be shocked that a dentist has chosen to hand back their contract. Many practices tell me a number of their patients even express surprise they haven’t made the move earlier.
As there is still a risk of some backlash, we would help you prepare for that eventuality. Making sure patients and local residents understand the reasons why you have made your choice goes a long way towards diffusing things. It’s also good to remember that any adverse publicity is likely to be short-lived.
My team will resist the change
Surprisingly, we have supported a number of conversions over the past couple of years where the Principal has told us that the change has been driven by the team. In some cases, the associates have forced the owner’s hand by threatening to leave unless the contract was returned. In others, the practice manager and nursing staff have called time on NHS work as they have reached a point where they can no longer cope with the pace required to fulfil the contract.
Drawing on my experience, the conversions that prove to be most successful are those where the team has been involved from the very start. Communicating what you want to do, and your reasons why will help to ensure your team understands what’s happening and can feel part of the process.
If you have long-serving team members, then they may have an ideological commitment to the NHS. Should someone have an objection, allow them to express themselves so you can address it. Hopefully, by showing that you take their views seriously and being open and honest with them about your reasons for handing back your contract, you will reach a position of mutual understanding.
Our experience at Practice Plan is that teams appreciate the slower, more relaxed pace working in private practice brings and few of them, if any, would want to go back!
I’m worried about what would happen to my NHS pension
Making sure you have provision for your retirement is something everyone should take seriously. While it’s true you would no longer be able to contribute to your NHS pension once you hand back your contract, the good news is whatever benefits you have already accrued are protected.
What’s essential to ensure from day one is that you have put measures in place to replace your NHS pension. A dental specialist financial adviser, such as one of Wesleyan’s specialist financial advisers, can guide you on how best to do that. It’s important to make sure your new arrangements are in place as soon as you step away from the NHS as delaying could affect the benefits you receive. This is not something you should leave until after the post-conversion dust has settled.
I’m worried I’m not good enough to be a private dentist
It’s quite sad that dentists who have provided a good standard of NHS dentistry in the past feel this way. With so many private dentists moving into cosmetic dentistry and adopting newer techniques, it’s hardly surprising a solely NHS dentist might feel less confident. Generally though, these concerns are unfounded.
Remember, you will have undergone the same initial training as your private dentistry counterparts, so your dentistry should be up to snuff. Moving away from the pressures of NHS dentistry could give you the time to gain new skills and techniques if you want.
The biggest difference between NHS and private dentistry is usually the patient experience, not the dentistry. Patients can’t see what you’re doing in their mouths, so what matters to them is how they feel when they come to the practice. As long as your dentistry is of a good standard and you get your patient journey right, then you should be able to hold your head up high in private practice.
About Practice Plan
This year, Practice Plan celebrates 30 years of welcoming practices into the family, helping them to grow profitable and sustainable businesses through the introduction of practice-branded membership plans. 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 we can help you, visit practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.
Attending Dentistry Show Birmingham on 16 to 17 May? Join us on stand G50 for a glass of fizz and chat! You can also join us in the Dental Business Theatre – check out our full programme here.
