Philips focuses include support for universities, dental service organisations (DSO) and strategic partnerships, and it has recruited a larger field team to engage with every member of the dental team. Many of the recruits have clinical backgrounds, with a clear understanding of the challenges dental professionals face.
Jessica Puckett, Philips dental professional lead UK and Ireland, said, “We know how important it is to have shared experiences and speak the same language as professionals within the dental sector.
“We aim to champion dental professionals from the start to the end of their careers. To help with this, we have expanded our field team. This was vital to ensure that clinicians can see us, hear from us and try our products. We know seeing isn’t always believing. We know that trying is believing. We are focused on ensuring that regardless of what a clinician chooses to recommend, it is completely their choice, but we give them the opportunity to try every product to make certain they are aware of the best solutions for each individual patient.”
The expanded field team is led by Beth Elliot. She said, “Our team members are all dental educators who are clinically trained to understand the needs and challenges that practices face. We provide business advice to help you harness whitening and power brush sales, supporting your practices’ wider revenue.”
Emilee Walby, oral health therapist, is Philips’ professional marketing manager. She said, “The dental industry is very specific and niche, and it’s important to have a good understanding of how to communicate with clinicians in a way they appreciate. Having that knowledge is crucial in this role.”
She added, “My goal is to ensure dental professionals are more aware of the extensive clinical research we have undertaken to demonstrate the effectiveness of our products. We have a huge amount of research supporting their efficacy compared with other products on the market.”
Philips has also invested in an enhanced digital experience for clinicians.
Emilee said, “We are driving many more digital initiatives to guarantee we are available for anyone at any time of the day.
“We are aware that not everyone has the time to make calls between nine to five, or maybe doesn’t want to send an email. We now have a web shop which everyone can access. We’re working on ensuring it is even more streamlined and easy to use. It will mean that you can pay your invoices, track your shipments, make orders, do everything online. We know historically it could be difficult to order from us online, and we’re working hard to make the process smoother.
“We have also created a digital hub which will be a centre for education, focusing specifically on oral health care and ways Philips can help support patients’ oral health outcomes.”
According to the team, sustainability remains a key focus.
Emilee said, “We know that sustainability is a big priority for many of our customers and their patients, and we’re making it a very significant corporate level focus to support them with our environmentally conscious business model.
“For example, Philips has updated the sustainability of its Sonicare toothbrushes and brush heads with 70 per cent of the plastic used in brush heads being bio-based, and old brush heads are recycled back into Philips products. Meanwhile, toothbrush handles, and Power Flossers can be recycled in small electronic depots throughout the UK.”
Kimberley Lloyd-Rees joined the Philips team in April 2024 as education manager, bringing with her a wealth of professional experience. She previously worked as a dental therapist within the NHS, at private specialist practices and as a lecturer in dental hygiene at the University of Sheffield.
Kimberley said, “I continue to stay actively involved in clinical work, working one day a week in practice to stay connected with patient care and maintain hands-on experience. Dentistry is always evolving, and if you don’t stay active, and say yes to opportunities you can end up stagnating.
“In my role I hope to offer opportunities to fellow dental professionals and students. Dentistry is such an exciting field, my goal is to empower clinicians with the tools and resources they need to better serve their patients, while also exploring innovative ways to make a lasting impact on the future of dentistry. By supporting their endeavours, we can help shape a more effective, patient-centred approach to dental care.”
Kimberley added, “If we can improve people’s oral health, that is life altering. My main focus with Philips is speaking with universities. Students are the future of dentistry and their role in providing oral health instruction is crucial for their patients’ journeys. It is key that they explore all the options available to their patients, as well as the science and evidence behind it, that way they can provide better care.”
For more information email dental.clinical.support@philips.com