Planning ahead

Circumstances for a 'perfect storm' may be brewing, leading you to leave the NHS.

In recent times, it’s not just Cumbria that seems to be attracting black clouds, as there is also a variety of challenges on the horizon for dentistry. It could be said that the combination of Warburton, HTM 0105, public sector cuts, pressure on UDA values and the uncertainty of a general election may amount to a perfect storm that will test even the hardiest of dental practitioners.

In the face of this apparent loss of control of their practices, it is understandable that growing numbers of dentists are giving serious thought to leaving National Health Service dentistry and joining the ranks of their colleagues in the private sector. But is this always the right move, and if it is, how do you go about it in a manner that will maximise your success?

Arguably, the most important place to start is by looking at your motives for wanting to change in the first place. After all, many dentists will have spent years, even decades, working hard for their NHS patients and making the decision to walk away is unlikely to be easy, however painful the powers that be are making life in the NHS.