We have amazing economies of scale.

 

What would you like to pass on to a fellow dental student that wants to own a practice?

 

Be humble and truthful, you dont know it all. It would be better to start by joining a group where people help each other out. And make a decision on how much NHS work you wish to do.

 

What would you say would be the main problems with NHS?

 

When I worked in Canada,I realised that NHS was just not for me.Talking to my contacts working in the NHS just confirmed my view.I dont think I am quick enough,clinically and the time stresses in the NHS would have stressed me to an unacceptable level.

I also realised that the model of practice ,that I aspired to,was not sustainable under the NHS.

For example ,I would insist (the norm in Canada)on using rubber dam for any and all restorative dentistry and endo.I dont think NHS pressures would allow me to do that.

 

Do you feel that dental school has prepared you for your career?

 

I am not a fan of NHS dental care and am “vigorously” disappointed with the lack of practical business training in ANY university setting.This has been a major factor in the mental health issues in Dentistry up to and including suicides that I have been aware of.

 

For what it is worth,in my view,it is absolutely imperative for dentists ,intending to spend a career in private practice,to obtain some academic and practical training in business.

I believe this should be undertaken immediately on graduation!

 

 

What were your learning points?

 

I would set myself a learning schedule and identifying the areas of weaknesses- look at everything- cash flow, human relations, negotiations, hiring and keeping inventory. Taking night courses on accounting.

 

I refrained from firing people that should have been fired due to the stress of re-training another person and looking back, I wish I had fired them immediately.