Are you inclined to make a present of your practice to the PCT?
I think it is fair to say no dentist takes converting to private practice lightly. Practical challenges aside, many dentists believe the target-driven format favoured by the National Health Service is at odds with the patient-focused approach that is the foundation of their professional training. This continues to be one of the key driving forces behind moving to private practice.
For many, the 2006 dental contract failed to remove the ‘treadmill’ and instead added more pressure to meet units of dental activity targets. Since signing their contracts many dentists faced a deficit in years two and three and PCTs are now aiming to clawback an estimated £47.8m in undelivered UDAs.
As a result, dentists value the freedom from UDA targets that private practice delivers, and the additional time they can spend with their patients to provide the high standards of clinical care they believe their patients deserve.
Warburton Access Contract
In the past four years, the cost of NHS dental primary care has almost doubled, from just over £1.2bn to nearly £2.3bn, but three years into the reforms there were still over 600,000 fewer NHS patients being seen. The answer proposed to this problem came in the form of a policy initiative seemingly designed to unite all primary care contractors under one contractual formula, the Warburton Access Contract.
However, this framework is extremely long and complex, and appears to be overwhelmingly one-sided in favour of the PCT. So, if you value the business you have built-up over the years (and don’t feel inclined to make a present of your practice, your employees and your patients to the PCT) the message from the British Dental Accosiation is ‘don’t sign’ the new access contract.
One of the main problems with this document is that it is difficult for someone not trained in law to read and fully comprehend. It is therefore important to seek advice from organisations, which can explain and de-mystify these complex issues, and help and advise you on ways of overcoming any problems the new provisions could potentially bring.
Private practice
A full conversion can often feel like an unknown entity and, as a result, can be extremely daunting. Therefore, it is important for any dentist to look closely at the problems they face and whether a full conversion to private practice would resolve some of these issues.
Freedom
Salisbury dentist, Richard, who converted to private practice three years ago enjoys a greater work/life balance and greater satisfaction and pride in his work: ‘It’s a great feeling no longer being restricted by UDA targets, and my patients now receive the high standards of care they deserve. Before I used to see up to 60 patients a day, now it’s around 15 and I’m more financially secure. It’s also nice to be able to relax and chat to my patients; it makes their experience of visiting the dentist that much more pleasant. And not only do I know them better, I have a clearer understanding of their oral healthcare needs and the time to assess the best treatment for them. What’s more, because they are paying monthly for their care, they rarely miss an appointment. I particularly like that bit.’
Security
With the economic climate still proving to be an unstable entity, many dental practices are rightly anxious about taking their practices away from the NHS. Help and advice are available to ensure that your conversion is smooth and as stress free as possible, allowing you to get back to the kind of dentistry you trained to deliver.
Providing your patients with a range of options to pay for their treatment will ensure their loyalty and can mean the difference between attendance and cancellation in the current financial climate. It can also help you to differentiate yourself from the competition, increasing the success of your practice.
Additional assistance for your patients, such as interest free loans for high-value dental treatments, including cosmetic whitening and orthodontics, can also be the difference between sale and no sale: the patient gets to spread their repayments while the practice receives payment up front. It’s a win/win situation!
Suiting you
My advice to anyone thinking of undertaking a conversion to private practice is to look closely at what you want to achieve as a result of the change; which provider will offer you the best support; and do their values and aspirations mirror your own? It sounds simple, and in the right circumstances, it can be.
For more information call 0800 328 3223 or visit www.denplan.co.uk