Paste Dental
Choosing the right dental plan provider is a critical decision for practices looking to grow sustainably, strengthen their brand, and deliver outstanding patient care. In this video case study, Dr Alan Clarke, Founder and Clinical Lead at Paste Dental, joins Simon Reynolds, Managing Director at Patient Plan Direct, to share their experience of the Patient Plan Direct Simple Switch process and the positive impact it has had on their Belfast-based practice.
Paste Dental had previously worked with another plan provider, Denplan, but as the practice evolved, it became clear that the existing model no longer supported its ambitions. Dr Clarke and his team wanted to build a bespoke practice brand, differentiate themselves locally, and disrupt the Belfast dental market with a higher level of service. To do this, they needed a white-label dental plan provider that would allow them to retain full control of their brand identity and patient proposition.
Patient Plan Direct provided exactly that. Working closely with the PPD team, Paste Dental created a bespoke, practice-branded dental plan tailored to its patients. The plan was flexible, cost-effective, and adaptable across a wide range of treatments, including implants, orthodontics, and surgical procedures. Crucially, the practice didn’t want to be restricted by the limitations of a third-party plan provider.
As part of the switch, Paste Dental made the bold decision to move away from capitation-based plans altogether and transition to a maintenance style dental plan. While many clinicians fear that removing capitation could result in patient drop-off, Dr Clarke explains that this concern proved unfounded. “It was a brave move, but it wasn’t a risky move,” he says. Patients were loyal to the practice, not the plan provider, and responded positively when the rationale was clearly communicated.
By explaining the benefits of the new approach, including fairness, transparency, and improved service, the practice strengthened relationships with its patients. The new model allowed Paste Dental to establish a clinical baseline, ensuring care was delivered appropriately and without the constraints of a historical capitation system. Patient retention remained extremely high, with minimal drop-off following the switch.
Financially, the results were equally compelling. With around 400 plan patients, Paste Dental achieved savings of £5–£6 per patient per month, equating to £7,000–£8,000 per year. Importantly, these savings were shared with patients, further reinforcing trust and loyalty. The practice has since reinvested this value back into the business, supporting continued growth and service expansion.
The switch itself was smooth, well planned, and expertly supported by Patient Plan Direct. Clear patient communication, effective team training, and a simple “elevator pitch” ensured everyone who worked in the practice understood the benefits of the new plan. As Dr Clarke notes, the experience of working with Patient Plan Direct has been overwhelmingly positive.
Paste Dental is now positioned above the competition, offering a strong, practice-owned dental plan aligned with its values and long-term vision. Click below to watch the full video and hear firsthand how the Patient Plan Direct Simple Switch helped Paste Dental reduce costs, grow their brand, and enhance patient relationships.
All clinical testimonials are provided by GDC-registered professionals. Dr Alan Clarke (GDC: 227791).
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