The Business of Dentistry Podcast

In this episode of the business of dentistry podcast, host, Hazel Dockery, is joined by Regional Support Manager, Donna Hall, to discuss the cost-of-living crisis and the challenges this presents for practices regarding patient retention. What you’ll hear: How things are looking out in the field at the moment The importance for practices of showing the value of remaining on plan Suggestions as to how handle a patient looking to cancel

In this episode of the business of dentistry podcast, host, Suki Singh, is joined by Iain Stevenson, head of Dental at Wesleyan Financial Services to discuss financial planning structures and common mistakes that can happen during the transition from NHS to private practice.  What you’ll hear: Key implications dentists should be aware of when moving to private dentistry NHS pension pitfalls and getting financial advice Advice for practice owners or associates looking to transition to private practice How can Wesleyan Financial Services help

In this episode of the business of dentistry podcast, host, Les Jones is joined by Regional Support Manager, Louise Anderson to discuss the changes to the NHS Welsh dental contract, its impact on practices and any quick wins that might mitigate some of these changes.   What you’ll hear: The main changes caused by the contract The impact of the new contract on the day to day running of dental practices Quick wins from a practice perspective to mitigate some of these changes Help available to practices that might be looking to move away from NHS dentistry

In this episode of the In the Loupe podcast, Nigel Jones is joined by Neil Carmichael, chair of the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), to talk about the impact the ADG is having both politically and on the market as a whole as well as its priorities and where Neil thinks the dental market is heading.   What you’ll hear: The causes of dental deserts across the UK How workforce issues are the source of most of the dental industry’s issues Priorities for the ADG for the remainder of 2026

In this episode of the business of dentistry podcast, host, Hazel Dockery, is joined by leadership coach and consultant Mark Topley to discuss Gold for Kids. The charity helps secure restorations and unwanted jewellery with the help of dental practices for it to be melted down and the proceeds donated to UK charities helping children. What you’ll hear: The simple process around getting involved with Gold for Kids Why a practice might want to work alongside Gold for Kids The number of dentists already signed up and the charity’s target for this year.

In this episode of the business of dentistry podcast, host, Hazel Dockery, is joined by TCO (treatment care coordinator) mentor and social media marketing expert, Claire Frisby, to talk about the role, how sometimes people are poorly prepared to assume it and the ways she mentors TCOs to integrate seamlessly into the practice. What you’ll hear: The lack of preparation and support offered to some new TCOs Ways TCOs can integrate themselves into the patient journey if they experience push back from other team members What makes a good treatment care coordinator

In this episode of the In the Loupe podcast, Nigel Jones is joined by clinical dentist, author and founder of Clinical Dental Health, James Goolnik. The episode sees them discuss continuity of care, creating a trust with your patients and raising awareness around cognitive decline and Alzheimer's. What you’ll hear: Health screenings in dentistry and harnessing the patients commitment to visiting the dentist Creating trust with your patients - Raising awareness and looking at referrals around cognitive decline and Alzheimer's The financial pressures around the NHS and empowering people to take control

In this episode of the business of dentistry podcast, host, Hazel Dockery, is joined by Tracy Pound, Managing Director of business management consultancy, Maximity to discuss the subject of the moment, AI. Discussing AI in general and also specifically in the context of dentistry.  What you’ll hear: How chatbots are being used in dental practices  How AI can enhance what professionals are able to deliver How AI can help with marketing dental practices Where do we stand with AI and sensitive data 

In this episode of the business of dentistry podcast, host Nigel Jones is joined by Lesley Turner, Business Development Manager at Medenta to discuss ways to improve treatment plan take up rates. What you’ll hear: How to monitor and see the benefits from treatment plan acceptance rates The initial steps to implementing patient finance at your practice How Medenta helps inform practices about compliance and upcoming adjustments to regulation. 

In this episode of the business of dentistry podcast, host, Hazel Dockery, is joined by Ed O’Reilly, founder of Dentaqua to talk about the effect of chemical disinfectants on healthcare workers and how sustainability plays a big factor in their business model.   What you’ll hear: How the idea of Dentaqua came about The adverse effects of chemical disinfectants on healthcare workers How safety became a focus Creating greater awareness of the data regarding disinfectant chemical inhalation

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, host and Regional Support Manager, Ian Eslick, is joined by dental specialist financial advisor at Wesleyan Financial Services, Magdelena Harding, to talk about financial planning for retirement.   What you’ll hear:   Current trends of when dentists are choosing to retire Why retirement planning is especially important for dentists compared to other professionals Most common misunderstandings dentists have about the NHS pension What a sensible retirement plan looks like for associates How to correctly gauge how much dentists need to retire comfortably.

In this episode of the In the Loupe podcast, host, Nigel Jones, is joined by Sonia Szamocki, CEO & Founder of 32Co to talk about bridging the gap between speciality care and general dentistry. What you’ll hear: Sleep Apnoea and how dentistry can help Underestimating dentistry's importance to wider health care How sleep quality treatments can be life changing Why the gap between medicine and dentistry is artificial

In this episode of the business of dentistry podcast, host, Laura Hills, is joined by Victoria Vickery, founder of All Star Marketing Club to talk about marketing messages, buyer psychology and what they mean for your dental practice.   What you’ll hear: What is buyer psychology and why is it important to dental practices Why some patients seem interested in treatment and then delay or go quiet What practices should think about when it comes to buyer psychology.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, host Hazel Dockery is joined by special care dental nurse, Lisa Andrews Davies, to discuss how nurse-led clinics can help with anxiety management around dental treatment. What you’ll hear: The importance of being honest about your worries/concerns about visiting the dentist The consequences of not having treatment for someone with anxiety around dental care Ways in which nurse-led clinics can be developed

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, host Hazel Dockery is joined by Regional Support Manager, Donna Hall to discuss plans and what to do when your plan and pay-as-you-go prices are out of kilter. What you’ll hear: Causes of plan and pay-as-you-go prices being out of alignment Effects to the business if your pricing is incorrect How to approach changing a pricing structure Advice if your plan and pay-as-you-go prices are currently out of alignment

In this episode of the In the Loupe podcast, host, Nigel Jones, is joined by Tim Boyle, Director of Sales and Business Development at REVA Global Medical to talk about virtual assistants and making the best use of team resources. What you’ll hear: The effects of admin burnout The importance of the patient experience for practices Whether AI can help with supporting the administrative side of practices How the relationship works for patients dealing with virtual assistants

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, host Donna Hall is joined by Wesleyan Financial Services Dental Specialist Financial Advisor, Dan Atkins, to discuss about how practice owners can stay financially resilient in a rapidly shifting economic landscape. What the episode covers: Key financial pressures affecting dental practices in 2026 Why now is the ideal time to review both personal and business finances The essential financial foundations every Principal should prioritise Strategic steps for growth, exit planning and long‑term stability.   This podcast is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The value of investments can go down as well as up. Charges may apply. Learn more about charges at wesleyan.co.uk/charges Practice Plan Limited is an introducer appointed representative of Wesleyan Financial Services Limited. Practice Plan Limited (Registered in England and Wales No. 03089948) is a part of the Wesleyan Group. Registered office: Cambrian Works, Gobowen Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1HS Telephone number: 0333 259 6967. Website: www.practiceplan.co.uk. Wesleyan Financial Services Ltd (Registered in England and Wales No. 1651212) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6AR. Telephone: 0345 351 2352. Calls may be recorded to help us provide, monitor and improve our services to you.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, host, Hazel Dockery, sits down with Tracy Pound, Managing Director of business management consultancy, Maximity to talk about cyber security and the risks for dental practices.  What you’ll hear: The risks to dental practices of a cyber attack                                                         Why keeping digital equipment up to date is vital for security The consequences of a hack for dental practices The importance of using multi factor authentication and how to keep an eye out for phishing attacks Best training and exercises to help stay secure.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, Suzanne Maxwell, Practice Owner of Drymen Dental Care, sits down with host and Regional Support Manager, Selina Alexander to discuss her move from NHS to private practice and how it has benefitted her team and patients.   What you’ll hear:  What sparked the decision to move from NHS to private practice The patients’ response to the decision The key moment Suzanne realises she had done the right thing How the practice has changed, post conversion Advice for others who may be feeling the same way and considering making the move to private practice.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, host, Donna Hall, sits down with fellow Regional Support Manager (RSM), Josie Hutchings, to talk about her 25 years in dentistry and reflect on what it’s been like supporting dentists to change their lives for the better.   What you’ll hear: Dentists’ fears 25 years ago and in 2026 Real life stories about how a conversion has changed someone's life for the better Advice to anyone still unsure about whether to stay in the NHS How our RSMs support someone preparing to go through a conversion.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, host, Hazel Dockery, sits down with team performance specialist, Mark Topley, to discuss his new practice manager bootcamp. Run over 5 months, it’s designed to help participants build the confidence to lead clearly, handle challenging conversations, strengthen communication skills, and implement practical systems to manage their teams in a structured, sustainable way. What you’ll hear: How the Practice Manager Bootcamp came about Points covered on the five-month course What sort of practice managers and dental practices would benefit from this training The expected results of completing the leadership programme.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, host, Hazel Dockery, sits down with Pat Langley, Founder and Chief Executive of Apolline Ltd, to discuss how compliance is more than just policies and tick boxes.   What you’ll hear:   Definition of compliance How to change the mindset about compliance The values of a mock inspection Recommended training around compliance One thing every dentist needs to understand about compliance

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, guest host, Hussein Hassanali, from Thorpe Dental Group speaks to Dr Aditi Bhalla, a specialist dentist, about Compassion Focused Dentistry. What you’ll hear: How Aditi developed her interest in Compassion Focused Dentistry The Dental Wellbeing Hub and the resources available on it How she creates and builds a community online How to join her sessions and become part of the Dental Wellbeing Hub. Website link: https://draditibhalla.com/dental-wellbeing-hub

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, host, Hazel Dockery sits down with mixed practice owner, Amit Jilka, who has five sites across Staffordshire to discuss his take on the upcoming NHS contract changes in England. What you’ll hear: How the current NHS contract is performing His views on the proposed lengthening of the recall period Whether he believes this is a step towards the NHS becoming a core service only The part membership plans will play in dentistry under the new contract.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, Cathy Murphy from Christie & Co, sits down with host, Hazel Dockery, to offer insights into the dental practice sales market and how it is looking in 2026.     What you’ll hear: - The increase of first-time or independent buyers’ purchasing practices - When it’s best for a seller to contact a broker such as Christie & Co to achieve their optimum sale value - What’s hot and what’s not in practice sales - Cathy’s personal view of how the dental market is likely to play out in 2026.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, Regional Support Manager, Donna Hall, sits down to discuss switching plan providers, working with Practice Plan and what type of support you need for your practice.  What you’ll hear: Bespoke and tailor-made membership packages and marketing with Practice Plan Aid in moving over patients across from previous provider and keeping in communication with the patients during the transition Fully training your staff around the changes of moving provider Our process for reviewing your plan fees and implementing any changes

In this episode of the In the Loupe podcast, Nigel Jones chats to Simon Thackery, Practice Owner and President of the British Association of Private Dentistry about the changes in dentistry moving into 2026. What you’ll hear: Their thoughts on why the Chancellor has called for an inquiry by the CMA into private dentistry costs Their views on the current dental landscape and the costs associated with working within private dentistry How the recently announced changes to the NHS dental contract might affect practices.

In our latest Practice Plan bodcast Laura Hills gets to know more about our newest Regional Support Manager, Kirsty Munn. Kirsty fills us in on her career so far, how she sees her role at Practice Plan and what she hopes to bring to her practices in the coming months.   What you’ll hear: Kirsty’s career before heading into the world of dentistry What attracted her to joining Practice Plan Previous career success stories that reflect how she would like to support clients going forward Her goals for the next few months and the rest of 2026.

In this episode of the In the Loupe podcast, Nigel Jones is joined by Eddie Crouch, chair of the British Dental Association, to discuss all the recent news stories and changes in dentistry heading into 2026 and beyond.   What you’ll hear: Thoughts on the recent UK Autumn Budget The recent headline about the Chancellor calling for an inquiry by the CMA around private dentistry costs The reaction to the changes in the NHS contract in Wales in 2026. * Note: This episode was recorded before the recent changes to the NHS dental contract were announced.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, Regional Support Manager, Amy Hansford, sits down with Victoria Vickery, founder of All Star Marketing Club, to discuss all things social media within your dental practice and how vital a tool it can be to communicate and engage with your patients.   What you’ll hear: Key objectives dental practices should aim for with their social media presence Types of content that tend to perform best for dental practices on Facebook and Instagram Common mistakes dental practices make on social media and how they can avoid them.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, Area Manager, Katrina James, sits down with Regional Support Manager, Louise Anderson, to discuss the current dental landscape in Wales and navigating the NHS contract changes in Wales heading into 2026. What you’ll hear: Their initial reaction to the changes The biggest impacts on day-to-day working under this new contract How Practice Plan can support you through this time.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, Dental Business Coach, Michael Bentley, chats to Hazel Dockery about the power of a dental treatment coordinator (TCO) and how the role can really benefit a dental practice. What you’ll hear:   How Michael started out in dentistry   How valuable a TCO can be   How practices without a TCO are missing out.

In this episode of the 'In the Loupe' podcast, host Nigel Jones reflects on the recent UK Autumn Budget and the Chancellor’s calls for a CMA investigation. What you’ll hear: How the UK Autumn budget could affect dentistry Recent news around the Chancellor calling for an inquiry by the CMA around private dentistry costs What all this could mean for dentistry in the coming months.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, Principal Dentist and Co-owner at Duston Dental Practice, Andrew Lamb sits down and speaks to us about his journey from NHS dentistry to becoming a private practice.  What you’ll hear: How Covid became a massive game changer for the practice 2 years on from converting - how life has changed Advice for anyone who is considering the move to private practice. 

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, three years post-conversion, Ant Davies, Principal Dentist and Owner of Belvedere Dental Practice and Nook Street Dental, chats to Hazel Dockery about life as a fully private dentist and how he became an ‘accidental’ group owner. What you’ll hear: How he came to the decision to leave the NHS How treatments have changed since going private What life is like in the practice now compared with three years ago when facing closure His plans for the future.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry podcast, Special care Dental Nurse, Lisa Andrews Davies, chats to Hazel Dockery about the online resource (adhdoralhealth.my.canva.site) she has developed to help dental professionals and parents of children newly diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. What you’ll hear: What motivated Lisa Some advice for parents of children whose appetite is affected by medication Suggested ways to help neurodivergent children care for their oral health.

Nigel Jones is joined by Shaz Memon, Founder of Digimax Dental, a highly rated dental marketing agency. The business leader, designer, award-winning digital and dental marketing expert and author of Instagram for Dentists, talking all things marketing in the dental landscape.     What you'll hear:   His journey into marketing and eventually specialising in Dentistry   Thoughts on the Dental Industry and where marketing (and trust) sits   How marketing doesn't make a business successful   Insights into the most viewed pages on a dental website   Where AI currently sits in the dental landscape and how to harness it.  

Nigel Jones is joined by Paul Graham, Managing Director of Medical at Christie & Co, to explore the current dental practice market and delve into insights from Christie & Co’s latest annual market review report. What you'll hear: The current practice market landscape The key points that came from the annual marketing review report The current landscape of NHS dentistry Tips for when the time is right to sell your practice.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, Patient Care Coordinator Chloe Anderson chats to Regional Support Manager Donna Hall about her role and how it really benefits the dental practice and patients.  What you’ll hear: How the role of a patient care/ treatment coordinator works within the practice Working alongside clinicians within the dental practice Advice for practices considering introducing a patient care coordinator. Where does the role fit in the plan journey for a patient?

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, Donna Hall chats with dental leadership and culture consultant Mark Topley, Chair of the charity Gold for Kids, to explore the organisation's mission and impact. With precious metals discarded every day in dental practices, Gold for Kids is a not for profit organisation which melts down unwanted metals and donates the funds to trusted UK charities helping children facing poverty, hunger, and unstable home lives. What you’ll hear: Story of how the organisation began How he came to be involved with Gold for Kids Differences the charity has made on its journey so far The vision for Gold for Kids over the next few years

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, dental nurse, academic, mentor and educator Fiona Ellwood, chats to Hazel Dockery about her multi-faceted squiggly career. What you’ll hear: What is a squiggly career The benefits of a squiggly career How Fiona first stepped off the straight and narrow career path How to go about ensuring your career is squiggly

Nigel Jones is joined by Mike Blenkharn, partner and Head of Dental at UNW LLP, who has over 10 years experience working with dental professionals. During their conversation they discuss exit strategies and how early on you need to consider them. What you'll hear: Best time to consider your exit strategy Getting the structure right on day one Tax planning Timeline for selling a practice How dental practices are valued

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, Les Jones catches up with Manish Chitnis, Principal and Practice Owner at Dental Concepts to discuss his transition from leaving the NHS into a transition to fully private.  What you’ll hear: Lessons learnt from previous NHS transformations Understanding from patients during the transition Support from Practice Plan Regional Support Managers Advice for anyone who still has an NHS contract. 

Nigel Jones is joined by Shaenna Loughnane, Chief Executive at Bridge2Aid for an insightful conversation around working closely with the Tanzanian Dental Association and Ministry of Health Chief Dental Officer in Tanzania focusing on capacity building with the Dental therapists and opportunities for people to help out with 1-2 week outreach programmes. What you'll hear: Training dental therapists in Tanzania How they are raising the standard of treatment in Tanzania Getting involved in outreach programmes Western diet infiltrating the region Unity Partnership Scheme to help fund the training of dental therapists Leaving a lasting legacy in the region.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, Katrina James catches up with Michelle Hardy, Sales Support Manager at Practice Plan, to discuss NHS conversions and examples of successful conversions she has seen during her time at the business.  What you’ll hear: NHS conversion transformations Highlighting the process of a conversion Best ways to talk with an expert for guidance.

In this episode, Specialist Financial Advisor, Richard Ollive, and Donna Hall, Regional Support Manager for Practice Plan, talk about how they work together to support dental practices. From financial advice to hands-on plan support, they share how their partnership helps dentists and practices to feel more confident, supported and ready for whatever comes next.   This podcast is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Practice Plan Limited is an introducer appointed representative of Wesleyan Financial Services Limited. Practice Plan Limited (Registered in England and Wales No. 03089948) is a part of the Wesleyan Group. Registered office: Cambrian Works, Gobowen Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1HS Telephone number: 01691 684120. Website: www.practiceplan.co.uk. Wesleyan Financial Services Ltd (Registered in England and Wales No. 1651212) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6AR. Telephone: 0345 351 2352. Calls may be recorded to help us provide, monitor and improve our services to you.

In this episode of the 'In the Loupe' podcast, host Nigel Jones discusses the recent NHS England announcements. What you’ll hear: 10-year plan for the NHS in England including dentistry Publication of the consultation on changes to the current contract for dentists in England Latest instalments in the hearings from the Health and Social Care committee.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, Regional Support Manager Donna Hall is joined by Online Fitness Coach and Dentist Rohan Verma to discuss improving your physical and mental wellbeing. What you’ll hear: Transition from dentist to fitness coach Hints to improve your lifestyle Eating tips to gain that extra energy boost each day.

In this episode of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, Donna Hall is joined by HR and employment law expert Sarah Buxton to discuss contractual staff benefits. What you’ll hear: Mandatory staff benefits and optional benefits Creating the right staff benefit plan Advice on how to advertise these benefits for future staff.

Nigel Jones is joined by John Gibson for a powerful conversation on mental health in dentistry, exploring burnout and regulation pressures. John advocates for a shift towards a “community of kindness” - sharing practical, compassionate ideas to restore empathy across the profession. What you'll hear: How burnout is impacting the dental industry A 'community of brokenness' is forming How fear of complaints and regulation are compounding the problem Kindness needs to become the cultural standard The call for a 'community of kindness'.