Brynteg Dental Practice
This NHS conversion testimonial video features insights from Dr John Griffiths and Practice Manager Helen Vickress, who transitioned their dental practice from NHS dentistry to a fully private model with the support of Patient Plan Direct. In this video, they discuss the challenges they faced under the NHS contract, the smoothness of the conversion process, and the positive impact the transition has had on patient care, practice operations, and professional fulfilment.
Helen highlights how the team had increasingly struggled to keep up with NHS contract amendments. The pace felt rushed, and the constant pressure to add more NHS patients left the clinical team with less time for meaningful patient interaction. Routine check-ups were often pushed to 12-month intervals, which is something the team didn’t feel clinically comfortable with, as it made it harder to stay on top of oral health issues. Most importantly, Helen felt patients weren’t getting the time and attention they deserved.
During the conversion process, Patient Plan Direct handled the NHS patient mailing from start to finish, clearly outlining the upcoming changes and what the NHS conversion meant for their ongoing care as a private patient on a dental plan. This significantly reduced the practice’s administrative burden, allowing the team to focus on delivering high-quality dentistry while patients were reassured by clear, consistent information.
Training also played a crucial role. As Helen explains, the practice team benefited enormously from Patient Plan Direct’s tailored training sessions, which ensured that every member of staff felt confident, aligned, and able to provide accurate answers to patient questions. With everyone “singing from the same hymn sheet,” the team felt equipped to support patients through the transition and uphold a unified message about the benefits of moving to private dental plans.
In-practice support during the NHS conversion week proved invaluable. Having an experienced specialist from the Patient Plan Direct team on-site meant the team were never left to handle challenging conversations alone. Patient Plan Direct provided hands-on guidance as the practice enrolled patients in their new dental plans, ensuring a smooth, supported, and stress-free conversion.
The impact since transitioning has been transformative. The practice is now planning to add surgery and recruit another dentist to meet the growing demand for private care, which is evidence of a thriving, sustainable private model. Dr John Griffiths shared how the conversion has revitalised his career. With the pressures of NHS dentistry removed, he now has the freedom to focus on the treatments he is passionate about, including facial aesthetics. For the first time in years, he feels he has the time and clinical headspace to deliver dentistry the way he wants, without “working every second just to stay afloat.”
If your dental practice is considering an NHS to private conversion, this video demonstrates the tangible benefits of partnering with an experienced, trusted provider like us. Drop us an enquiry should you want to talk about your own NHS-to-private conversion.
All clinical testimonials are provided by GDC-registered professionals. Dr John Griffiths (GDC: 278408).
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