The Business of Dentistry Podcast

In this episode of Bodcast, Nigel Jones and Tony Kilcoyne take a look at the NHS Confidence Monitor results in relation to the general views and feelings of the profession about NHS dentistry now, and in the future. Tony talks specifically about what the results indicate regarding the way NHS dentists feel about the level of patient care they can provide and the compromises they are having to make.

What you’ll hear today:

• The effects that changing patient expectations are having on the profession
• Tony’s views on the shortfalls of the current system and the need for total transparency during reform
• The possibility of the implementations of ‘levels’ of care standards as opposed to a single ‘gold standard’
• The need for action on falling happiness levels to secure the future of the profession

At the BDIA Dental Showcase, Nigel Jones hosted a panel discussion focused on the future of NHS dentistry. In addition to questions asked by Nigel, dental professionals in the audience were also able to put their own questions to the panel.

Eddie Crouch, Orthodontic Practitioner and Vice Chair of the BDA Principal Executive Committee (PEC) was joined on the panel by Tony Kilcoyne, owner of a private practice and member of the PEC Council, Paul Worskett, owner of an NHS prototype blend B practice and David Houston, joint principal of a mini-corporate mixed practice in the South West.

The diverse nature of the panel, each bringing their own experiences to the table, made for a lively discussion.

Today you will hear the panel’s views on:

• The profession’s confidence in its own future in light of the number of dentists talking about leaving the profession
• The progress of contract reform
• The compatibility of the prototype contracts and certain GDC requirements
• The idea that the Government maybe pushing dentists to leave the NHS and go private
• What dentistry will look like in 10 years
• The future for practice ownership

Sarah Buxton takes you through the latest amendments to Employment Law and how these will affect dental practices, highlighting the risks of non-compliance. She also discusses your responsibility regarding company social events and steps you can take to protect yourself and your team.

What you’ll hear today:

• Recent changes in Employment Law and their effects on dental practice owners and managers
• Risks to Practice Owners for non-compliance
• The distinction between an employee and a person who is self-employed and how this works in practice
• Your liability with regards to company social events
• Changes on the horizon.

There have been some changes in how claims are awarded in Employment Tribunals. This Bodcast with Employment Law specialist, Sarah Buxton, takes you through the changes and how they impact dental practice owners.

What you’ll hear today:

• An overview of recent changes to Employment Tribunal claims
• Detail of how these changes impact Practice Owners
• An understanding of what is involves in Employment Tribunal proceedings
• Advice on how practice owners can protect themselves from being taken to an Employment Tribunal

Vice Chair of the British Dental Association Principal Executive Committee, Eddie Crouch talks to Nigel Jones about the current feedback coming from prototype practices about NHS contract reform. They discuss the potential time scales for change and consider what will happen if the proposed changes are proven to be unsuitable.

What you’ll hear today:

• Concerns being shared by dentists working within the prototypes
• Details of the the extra effort and time often required to make a prototype practice successful
• Eddie’s views on what the future of NHS dentistry might look like

In this episode of Bodcast Nigel Jones, Sales and Marketing Director at Practice Plan shares his views on the results of the latest NHS Confidence Monitor survey. He looks at the contrast between the responses from NHS and private dentists and talks about what he thinks the results mean for the future of dentistry. Nigel refers directly to the results, please view these here

What you’ll hear today:

• An overview of how this survey differed from previous surveys and a summary of the results
• Nigel’s views on the divide within the profession that is highlighted by the results
• A more detailed look at how the whole profession feels about the risk of litigation
• The wider implications for the future of dentistry in light of the results

Simon Thackeray draws on more than 10 years of experience in private dentistry to offer unmissable advice for building a successful private practice. He talks frankly and honestly about the worries he faced in the beginning and the importance of seeking expert advice. He looks at how critical a strong team is and finally the way his practice has evolved over a number of years.

What you’ll hear today:

• How research and planning can help you overcome your concerns
• The role your team will play and how to involve them in the process
• The difference talking to your patients can make
• What to expect once your practice becomes private, the opportunities and challenges

Business consultant, Simon Tucker offers expert advice about the best ways to improve the way your team communicates with patients. He looks at how the right kind of conversations can impact the business by increasing patient loyalty and leading to higher treatment uptake.

What you’ll hear today:

• The best way to increase treatment uptake
• The key questions to ask patients to generate the right conversations
• The most common mistakes made when communicating in practice
• What stops patients saying yes to treatment

Don’t miss the latest episode of Bodcast in which Liz Mckenzie, Chief Operating Officer from Wesleyan, chats to Nigel Jones about why corporate social responsibility is so important for your business to consider. She talks about the difference you can make to your community and in turn the positive impact that can have on your business.

What you will hear today:

• Why you should consider supporting a charity or community event
• How you can involve your team in the decision making process
• Ideas for fundraising
• How team motivation and engagement can rise as a result of CRS

In this episode of Bodcast experienced Practice Manager and President of ADAM, Lisa Bainham, talks to Nigel Jones about the benefits of holding practice open days for children. She offers advice and practical tips for ensuring they are fun for both the patients and the team and focuses on the wider benefits for the practice.

What you’ll hear today:

• Reasons why you should consider holding a children’s open day
• The format an open day takes
• Different ways to plan and advertise your event
• Top tips for making your open day a success
• The benefits to the practice and response from the patients (and parents)