They say the essence of comedy is timing and the same can also be said of business. Deciding the right time to make a business change can sometimes be crucial to its success. The dental landscape has undergone a profound transformation over the past few years. With mounting pressures on NHS services, increasing patient expectations, and a growing desire among dental professionals for greater control of their business and job satisfaction, many practices are asking the same question: ‘Is now the right time to go fully private?’
According to Practice Plan’s guide, “Be Reassured. Be Practice Plan,” the answer is a resounding ‘yes’! This comprehensive booklet addresses the top concerns dentists face when considering the move from NHS or mixed practices to fully private dentistry—and sets out some compelling reasons why now is the ideal time to take that step.
Patient retention: you’ll be surprised at how many you keep
One of the most common fears is losing patients. Dentists worry that a switch to private care will drive patients to NHS competitors. But the reality is quite different. One of the benefits of moving away from NHS dentistry is being able to spend more time with patients. This means it’s just not possible to see as many patients as you did as an NHS dentist, so you need to have fewer people on your patient base. As Simon Gallier of Future Health Partnership says, “You have to lose at least a third of your patients to be able to deliver private practice, so don’t worry about that.”
In many areas, NHS options are already limited or non-existent. These days, patients are increasingly loyal to their dentist, not the system. They value continuity, trust, and quality care—things that private practice can offer in abundance so, they’re likely to want to stay with you.
Public perception has shifted
Dentists used to fear backlash from the local press or community when leaving the NHS. However, patients now have a greater understanding of the reasons why dentists are choosing to make the move to private dentistry. The media has highlighted the systemic issues in NHS dentistry, from underfunding to access crises. Patients understand that dentists are not the problem—they’re often victims of a broken system.
Practice Plan Area Manager, Suki Singh, explains, “With increased media coverage on the pressures faced by NHS services, patients are more understanding of dentists’ choices.” Practice Plan can advise on the right communication strategy, so that any potential negative reactions, should they arise, can be managed effectively.
Your team might be more in favour than you think
Another concern often voiced by practice owners is resistance from their team. Will they support the transition? Surprisingly, many conversions are now being driven by the team itself—especially associates who are eager to escape the stress and constraints of NHS targets.
Cerri Crowe, a Practice Manager who made the switch, shared: “It was a no-brainer for the team to make the move. We all love our jobs, but now we’re enjoying it without having the pressure of targets hanging over our heads.”
Your NHS pension is protected—and there are alternatives
Understandably, many dentists worry about what will happen to their NHS pension. The good news is that any benefits you have accrued are fully protected. However, you need to ensure you continue to build your pension privately.
Specialist financial advisers, such as our friends at Wesleyan Financial Services, can help you find tax-efficient, tailored solutions to secure your financial future. It’s important to make sure you have a replacement sorted as soon as you transition as delaying could risk missing out on valuable compound growth and savings opportunities.
Health Boards are becoming more supportive
In the past, some Health Boards made it difficult for practices to leave the NHS. However, post-pandemic, there’s been a noticeable shift. Many boards now recognise the inevitability of change and are adopting a more pragmatic approach.
Regional Support Manager at Practice Plan, Ian Eslick, notes, “They are now becoming more pragmatic and realistic and manoeuvring progressively towards an inevitable core service option for their local communities.”
You can still give back to your community
Leaving the NHS doesn’t mean abandoning your values. Providing NHS dentistry isn’t the only way to give back to society. Many private dentists continue to support underserved communities both at home and abroad through volunteering, pro bono work, or local initiatives. As Lauren Holmes, a volunteer dentist, puts it, “Even a single day’s commitment can make a massive difference to someone very vulnerable.”
Private practice gives you the time and freedom to choose how and when you give back—on your terms.
You are good enough
After years of working under the NHS’s high-volume, low-margin model, it’s understandable you may be questioning your worth. This was also the experience of Anju Jairath of Allestree Dental Practice, “I quickly realised that I’d become used to being paid so little for what I was delivering under the NHS contract.”
Remember, your initial training was the same as your peers in private practice. You’ve built relationships with your patients based on trust. You have the skills, experience, and rapport with your patients to thrive in a private setting. Within weeks of making the switch, many dentists wonder why they didn’t do it sooner.
Although the decision to go private is not one to take lightly (whether that’s a full or partial conversion) — it is one that can transform your professional life. Control of your own business, improved work-life balance, financial security, and a renewed passion for dentistry are all within reach.
At Practice Plan we’ve helped hundreds of dentists make a successful transition to private dentistry. Our team offers tailored support, from managing patient communications to navigating financial planning and dealing with Health Boards. We’ll be there to hold your hand right the way through the process and beyond.
If you’ve been considering the move, now is the time to act. Get in touch to book a no obligation conversation. Be Reassured. Be in Control. Be Practice Plan.