The value in converting

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.