Hill House Dental Surgery
In this testimonial video, Principal Dentist Orla O’Herlihy from Hill House Dental Surgery shares her inspiring and highly successful NHS-to-private conversion journey, made possible with the expert support of the Patient Plan Direct team.
Orla graduated from Cork University in Ireland in 2010, then moved to Somerset. She joined Hill House Dental Surgery in 2014 and went on to purchase the two-surgery practice in 2019.
After years of providing high-quality patient care, Orla recognised that the time was right to transition her practice from the NHS to private dentistry. The decision was made for several reasons, which included the opportunity to offer patients more time, greater flexibility, and an enhanced overall dental experience.
In this video, Orla explains how Patient Plan Direct provided first-rate support from the very beginning. The first steps of the NHs conversion process, which begins with a comprehensive viability analysis and financial forecasting, gave Orla a clear understanding of the practice’s earning potential as a private practice. With this clarity, she and her team were able to move forward with confidence, knowing the conversion was financially achievable and strategically sound.
Beyond the numbers, Orla highlights the exceptional hands-on support provided by the Patient Plan Direct team throughout the transition. She describes the Patient Plan Direct team as highly responsive, who provided engaging training, systems, and a simple, streamlined process. For Orla, these elements were essential in ensuring her staff felt fully supported, informed, and motivated during every stage of the NHS-to-private conversion.
Now successfully operating as a fully private dental practice, Hill House Dental Surgery continues to thrive. Orla shares how the conversion has enabled her to deliver an improved patient journey, provide more personalised care, and enjoy greater autonomy as a practice owner. Her experience demonstrates what is possible when strong leadership, expert guidance, and a structured conversion plan come together.
This testimonial is essential viewing for dentists, practice principals, and managers exploring or preparing for a transition from NHS to private dentistry. Orla’s story not only showcases a real, successful conversion but also highlights the value of partnering with plan specialists who understand the financial, operational, and cultural aspects of such an important change.
All clinical testimonials are provided by GDC-registered professionals. Dr Orla O’Herlihy (GDC: 194080).
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