Many practice managers began their careers as dental nurses. This gives them a great head start in the role, as they already know and understand many of the intricacies of working within the dental industry. As dental nurses, we are able to communicate with patients, clinicians, and fellow team members effectively – a skill that goes a long way in the role of manager. We also have a good understanding of the policies and standards we need to adhere to in order to remain compliant with our major governing bodies, the GDC and CQC.
Early years
I began my career as a trainee dental nurse back in 2004. I’ve been at my current practice for just over twenty years and have seen the place undergo many changes. The practice has changed hands, new surgeries have been added, and I’ve seen dentists, hygienists, receptionists, dental nurses, and patients come and go. Alongside these changes, dentistry itself has evolved, with new materials, technologies, and methods coming into play. The compliance side of things has grown significantly too, and like many industries, our paperwork load has almost trebled.
I’ve always enjoyed the paperwork side of things. I used to love sitting every morning going through our handwritten daylists and filling out FP17 treatment plans. I especially loved charting by hand on the old brown NHS cards – happy memories! Of course, while dentistry has moved on and changed for the better, I do miss those simpler times.
After completing the national exam in 2006 and joining the GDC register, I went on to achieve post-registration certificates in dental radiography and impression-taking. I was offered the role of head dental nurse and completed additional courses, including Infection Prevention and Control Lead and Lead Dental Nursing, both through Dental Nurse Network. The IPC course, in particular, stands out as one of the most beneficial I’ve ever taken. I learned so much and couldn’t wait to pass on the knowledge to my team and implement it in practice.
For years, my role ticked along nicely, and I felt content. I continued to jump at opportunities for further training, completing the Dental Implant Nursing National Exam when we started offering implant treatments. These new procedures breathed fresh life into my workdays after years of checkups, amalgams, and crown preparations.
The transition
When I was offered the role of practice manager in 2021, my initial reaction was to turn it down. I knew my strengths were in surgery, working alongside the dental nurses, and I was nervous about making such a big leap. With six surgeries, eight part-time dentists, two part-time hygienists, three receptionists, and a team of twelve dental nurses, the thought of managing it all made me want to run for the hills.
On top of that, we were still dealing with the aftermath of COVID, and I had a young family at home. I didn’t feel I had the time or headspace to dedicate to such a demanding role. However, as time went on, two of my colleagues – both dental nurses and part-time working mums like me – and I began to share the role organically.
Fast-forward three years, and the three of us are still job-sharing, splitting our knowledge and strengths. Each of us has our own responsibilities. My job title is Clinical Manager, and I am responsible for the smooth running of the surgeries, ensuring the nursing team is happy and working well. I also handle a lot of HR, compliance, and accounts. My colleagues hold the titles of Practice Development Manager and Office Manager.
In the early days, things were occasionally messy. We didn’t always know who was handling what, but we wouldn’t have managed without each other. None of us had experience beyond our years in dental nursing, and we constantly doubted ourselves. Luckily, our bosses were approachable and understanding. They encouraged us to come to them if we were unsure about anything and ensured we didn’t take unnecessary work or stress home with us.
One of the first things we implemented was signing up with a compliance company. This decision was worth its weight in gold. It ensures we stay up to date with ever-changing policies, provides core CPD for the entire team, and makes life so much easier. From recruitment paperwork to equipment servicing, it makes missing important deadlines almost impossible, allowing us to focus on the day-to-day running of the practice.
Letting dental nursing go? Not yet!
I’ve always enjoyed working in surgery, and even now, I still spend one day a week nursing. There’s always so much to do in terms of managing the practice, but between the three of us, it works; I manage my workload on other days, allowing me to stay ‘on the shop floor’. This blend of nursing and management is perfect for me.
I know a lot of practice managers fall into the role as a natural progression. Although it wasn’t something I initially sought out, if you’re interested in management as a career but don’t see an opportunity in your current workplace, keep yourself up to date with postgraduate courses. Some course providers even offer taster courses in practice management, which can show potential employers that you’re serious about the role.
Take on extra responsibilities where you can, such as becoming a lead dental nurse, which demonstrates your ability to manage people. Keep in touch with your current employers, especially if you have a good relationship with them. You never know what might happen in the future – perhaps you’ll get a call out of the blue offering you a management role.
Final thoughts
Things change daily, and none of us know what the future holds. Gaining as much knowledge about the role as you can, while proving yourself to be a trustworthy, hardworking individual who gets on well with the team, will go a long way towards ultimately achieving the role you want.
Written by Shelley Colley
