mydentist

{my}dentist announces record salary investment for all employed roles

The UK’s largest dentistry provider, {my}dentist, has announced that it is investing more than £5m into the salaries of all of its employed staff, the largest such investment in its history.

Those working in practices, including dental nurses, practice managers and receptionists, will see the biggest benefit with minimum and maximum hourly rates increasing across all roles to ensure that {my}dentist continues to be a great place to work.

This approach means that two-thirds of frontline practice teams will receive a pay increase of more than six per cent, while more than 60 per cent of receptionists will receive a pay rise of at least nine per cent.

The record investment has been designed to recognise and reward frontline colleagues and ensure that clinicians can continue working with some of the best practice teams in the dental sector.

Overall, the average pay increase for all colleagues across {my}dentist will be five per cent effective from 1 July 2022.

Tom Riall, {my}dentist chief executive, said: “Thanks to the hard work of our teams across the country we are starting the financial year in a strong position allowing us to invest in the future and deliver on our plans.

“We have an exciting future ahead of us and there is much to look forward to. But we cannot achieve any of our plans without ensuring that our colleagues are properly rewarded. I’m proud that this year we have been able to recognise the contributions of all of our support teams with the largest pay increase in our history.”

Nyree Whitley, {my}dentist chief clinical officer, added: “I’m delighted that we have been able to make our biggest ever investment in salaries. This is designed to ensure we continue to attract and retain the best people, providing our clinicians with outstanding practice support locally.”

{my}dentist currently has opportunities for clinical support staff in practices across the UK. For more information visit www.mydentistcareers.co.uk

Introducing the {my}dentist Open Ride

{my}dentist’s first charity cycle challenge takes place on 22 May 2022

{my}dentist has launched it’s charity cycle challenge – the Open Ride 2022 – and is inviting clinicians and colleagues from across the industry to take part and raise money for Dementia UK and Bridge2Aid.

The ride takes place on Sunday 22 May 2022 in the picturesque Peak District. Setting off from Hassop Station in Bakewell riders will have a choice of either a 50km or 100km distance through the rolling hills to test their endurance, or a beginners ride of 16km on the Monsall Trail.

The event is open to all and while there is no fee to take part riders are encouraged to get sponsored  or make their own donation to help raise as much money as possible for {my}dentist’s two chosen charities; Dementia UK and Bridge2Aid.

Among those taking part will be Tom Riall, {my}dentist Chief Executive, and Nick Marston, Director of Private and Specialist.

Tom Riall said: “Myself, Nick and many of our team are keen cyclists so we wanted to host an event that will be a physical challenge and a way to raise money for both important charities.

“Everyone is invited to take part, both colleagues at {my}dentist and beyond. It looks set to be a fantastic day in some of the best cycling country in the UK.”

Anyone wanting to take part who can’t join on the day are invited to take part by completing the distance at home on a stationary bike or a cycle through their local area.

All funds raised through the Open Ride will be split equally to support both charities’ work. Dementia UK was chosen as {my}dentist’s charity of choice in a staff poll, due to the links between poor oral health and dementia. The charity provides support to carers and families of people with dementia via its team of Admiral Nurses.

{my}dentist has also supported Bridge2Aid for many years by donating to the charity each time a dentist or dental nurse is successfully referred to the team. Bridge2Aid works in partnership with dental professionals, dental associations and governments in East Africa to train local dentists and dental therapists to train health care workers to be able to offer safe emergency dental treatment to their communities.  

Riders taking part will benefit from food and refreshments served at Hassop Station after their ride, plus there will be a refreshment stop on the route.

Those who want to take part should register here to sign up.

{my}dentist donates mobile dental unit to Dentaid

The UK’s largest dentistry provider, {my}dentist, has donated its ‘Smiles Mobile’ to Dentaid to help the charity provide oral health advice and dental treatment to even more vulnerable people in the UK.

The mobile unit was previously used by {my}dentist to visit schools and community groups to provide oral health education. It has now had nearly £10,000 worth of equipment and mechanical upgrades that mean it can now be used as a fully functional, mobile surgery.

It was presented to Dentaid Chief Executive Officer, Andy Evans, and Communications Director, Jill Harding, by Nyree Whitley, Group Clinical Director, and Andrew Powell, Head of Facilities & Construction, at {my}dentist’s support centre in Greater Manchester.

The mobile unit will now support Dentaid in expanding its reach across the UK, providing free dental treatment to even more vulnerable people. Previous projects include visiting shelters, hostels and other centres for people experiencing homelessness who find it difficult to access dental care.

The units are staffed by volunteer dentists and dental nurses who provide dental screening, oral health advice and dental treatment.

Nyree Whitley, {my}dentist Group Clinical Director, said: “Dentaid provides vital support to people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access dentistry. It helps vulnerable people live life free of dental pain and we’re really pleased to have been able to support their work.

“It is fantastic that our Smiles Mobile now has such a bright future helping the charity to reach even more people in need across the UK.”

“We are incredibly grateful to {my}dentist for donating this unit to us,” said Dentaid CEO Andy Evans.  “Since the pandemic, demand for our charitable services has skyrocketed and we’re helping more people than ever before.  However, every week we receive several calls from organisations supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities who desperately need to find dental care for their clients.  Now we have this new mobile dental unit we’ll be able to launch more clinics and visit new venues providing emergency dental care and oral health education for people who have no other access to treatment.”  

Dentaid has volunteering opportunities across the UK for dentists, dental nurses and assistants.  The charity’s clinics take place from Exeter to Cromer and Weymouth to York and patients include head and neck cancer patients, fishermen, ex-service personnel, refugees and asylum seekers, people recovering from drug and alcohol misuse and schoolchildren in areas of high social deprivation.  Dental volunteers can either spend a day on the unit or sign up regularly to provide dental care for those who are most in need in their communities.

“We are always delighted to hear from new volunteers,” added Andy. “We make sure it’s a very rewarding and positive experience and our patients are always so grateful.

“Not only can we help them out of dental pain we can also help to restore their confidence. Dental care really can help to transform their lives.”

The new dental unit will be available to view at the BDIA Showcase at London ExCeL 25 – 26 March 2022. Clinicians are invited on board to see the unit and find out more about Dentaid’s important work at projects across the UK.

{my}dentist supports a range of charitable projects in the UK and beyond. It also supports Dementia UK to raise funds and create awareness of the link between dementia and oral health difficulties as well as Bridge2Aid to help create access to dentistry for remote communities around the world. For more information visit the website.

Great British Oral Health Report confirms the need for levelling up access to NHS dentistry

The Great British Oral Health Report, published today by ADG member {my}dentist has confirmed again the need for the Government to “level up” access to NHS dentistry.

The survey work finds that 58% of the public believe that getting access to NHS dentistry has become more difficult over the past decade with 40% saying it is “much more difficult”.

The report also shows a growing North/South divide identified by the ADG here, in particular tooth decay amongst 5 year olds varying across regions from 18% in the South East to 32% in the North West.

Neil Carmichael, Chair of the ADG welcomed the report, saying: “The Great British Oral Health report shows widening inequalities between the North and South of England and that constituents in “red wall” constituencies are crying out for better access to NHS dentistry.”

“The solution is simple – we need more dentists. We are calling on the Government to launch an army style recruitment campaign to attract more people into the profession from both home and abroad  otherwise we are going to see more “dental deserts” in many parts of the country .”

Tom Riall, Chief Executive of {my}dentist, said: “Despite the heroic hard work of dentists, millions of patients are struggling to access the care they need.  There is a growing workforce shortage, NHS dentists are facing increasing pressures, and many are considering leaving the profession altogether.

“We need action now to support NHS dentists and to fix the dental workforce{ crisis once and for all.  Without this, the problem will only get worse – more patients will be left in unnecessary pain and discomfort, dental decay will go untreated, and vital oral cancer diagnoses will be missed.”

The Great British Oral Health Report is published by ADG member {my} dentist here.

{my}dentist announces record investment in salaries of frontline staff to ensure clinicians are supported

{my}dentist has announced a record investment of nearly £4 million into the salaries of its frontline practice colleagues to ensure clinicians have access to the best support network in the sector.

Effective from 1 August 2021, {my}dentist dental nurses have received an average pay increase of 5.5% which is nearly double the government’s award for NHS workers.

In addition, {my}dentist has introduced further career progression opportunities for its 4,000 dental nurses, with new pay tiers for nurses with four to six years’ experience and six plus years’ experience, and a new area support nurse job role. Each of these tiers will see increases in their minimum and maximum hourly rates.

The longest-serving dental nurses will also be rewarded with an increase in their annual leave entitlement.

The record level of investment has been designed to recognise and reward frontline colleagues and ensure that clinicians can continue working with some of the best practice teams in the dental sector.

Dental nurses are supported throughout their careers at {my}dentist and have the opportunity to take post-qualification training to become advanced and head dental nurses. {my}dentist also operates a comprehensive student dental nurse training programme accredited by the NEBDN with £500 qualification bonus and a development programme for qualified nurses, Flourish, which is endorsed by the British Association of Dental Nurses.

Further benefits include payment of the GDC retention fee, medical indemnity insurance, Dental Hero recognition scheme and access to a Dental Nurse Forum to share best practice.

Tom Riall, chief executive of {my}dentist, said: “Our dental nurses have given extraordinary support during the pandemic, making a huge difference to our patients across the UK, and supporting our clinicians to grow their private revenues at the fastest rate on record. I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to make this investment which has been designed to recognise the crucial role of our dental nurses and to reward their long service and outstanding experience.

“Dental nurses joining {my}dentist can be assured of support to advance their careers with a transparent progression structure and a clear pathway of what they can achieve throughout their career with us.”

{my}dentist currently has opportunities for dental nurses across the UK. For more information visit www.mydentistcareers.co.uk

IDH management to partner with Palamon in buy-out from Carlyle

The management team of IDH Group has announced that it will be partnering with Palamon Capital Partners, one of the current owners of IDH Group, to acquire the remaining shares in the business from The Carlyle Group.

The Palamon-backed buy-out, in partnership with management, will provide fresh investment to support the company’s plans for the future and will give the current management team greater control in delivering its strategy. The transaction is expected to complete in the last three months of the calendar year following receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals.

IDH Group runs {my}dentist, the largest provider of NHS dentistry in the UK which was named the “Best Dental Practice Corporate Group” at the 2020 Dentistry Awards, and DD (formerly Dental Directory), one of the UK’s largest suppliers of dental and beauty products. Over the past four years, IDH Group has been transformed under the leadership of its current management team, who have focused on improving patient satisfaction scores to the highest levels on record, growing access to affordable care for patients, and helping clinicians to build their long-term careers.

The existing executive management team will remain in place to guide IDH through the next stage of its growth plans. The management team also includes {my}dentist’s leading Clinical Directors who are responsible for supporting practices and clinicians in continuing to provide the highest standards of patient care.

Tom Riall, CEO of IDH Group, said: “This is a great outcome for {my}dentist, our clinicians, our practice teams, and our patients. Building on our long-term partnership with the NHS, this transaction will give us the fresh investment that we need to pursue our exciting plans for the future, and to focus more than ever on helping patients access the affordable care they need and supporting our clinicians to build the careers they want.”

Nyree Whitley, Group Clinical Director of IDH Group, said: “Having led our clinical leadership team for the last four years, I am hugely excited about the opportunities this new ownership structure will provide to continue improving care for patients and supporting clinicians across {my}dentist to grow their careers. The management team – including our leading Clinical Directors – are more in the driving seat than ever and can continue to listen to clinicians, act on their feedback, and build on the success we have seen over the last few years.”

IDH Group runs {my}dentist, the largest provider of NHS dentistry in the UK which offers treatments to more than five million patients every year through its network of almost 600 dental practices. It also runs DD, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of dental and beauty products, which services more than 12,000 dental practices and 6,000 beauty clinics.

{my}dentist announces new charity partnership with Dementia UK

{my}dentist, the UK’s largest chain of dental practices, has announced Dementia UK as its new charity partner, following a staff poll.

Team members across the UK were given the choice of six charities, each with a link to oral health, and Dementia UK was the clear winner with more than a third of the vote. Practice staff and support colleagues will now aim to raise funds through individual and team challenges as well as learning from Dementia UK how best to care for patients with the condition.

Dementia is the UK’s biggest health issue and one of the leading causes of death in the country. It can have a devastating effect on a person’s everyday life, including their oral health. People living with dementia can struggle to perform daily activities, such as an oral hygiene routine, and individuals living with dementia often have a high rate of tooth decay and gum disease. This may be due to difficulty in remembering or performing daily activities like brushing the teeth, in addition to communication challenges which could make it difficult to express discomfort or pain.

Dementia UK is the only charity dedicated to supporting people with dementia and their families through their dementia specialist Admiral Nurses. When things get challenging or difficult for people with dementia and their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them; giving compassionate one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions which can be hard to find elsewhere. 

For every £230 raised, two families could be offered life-changing support for a day from a new Admiral Nurse. 

{my}dentist hopes to work together with Dementia UK to provide hope for vulnerable families facing dementia by improving their quality of life, health and wellbeing.

Tom Riall, chief executive of {my}dentist, said: “Our practice teams come into contact with patients with dementia every day and see the amount of support necessary not only for the person with the condition, but for their families and carers.

“Dementia UK provides a vital lifeline and we hope to support both financially, to allow even more people to benefit, and practically by improving understanding of dementia and what we can all do to support our communities. I’m looking forward to seeing what fundraising activities our teams come up with.”

Paul Edwards, Director of Clinical Services at Dementia UK, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with {my}dentist. Prior to the pandemic, people with dementia were at increased risk of tooth decay and untreated gum diseases; these issues have now been compounded by people not being able to attend dental care check-ups during lockdown.

“This partnership will therefore allow us to support {my}dentist’s vital work with people with dementia. Their staff’s fundraising will also help us to be there for more people who need access to dementia specialist support.”

{my}dentist has set up a fundraising link for anyone who would like to donate to Dementia UK. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/MyDentist-supports-DUK

{my}dentist reveals Excellence Award winners 2020

{my}dentist, the UK’s largest network of dental practices, has revealed the 13 winners of its annual Excellence Awards. Click here to see a video highlighting {my}dentist’s 2020.

The awards recognise outstanding individuals and teams whose commitment to patient care and professional development continues to raise standards at {my}dentist and across the sector. This year there were more than 1,300 colleague nominations – the highest number in the history of the awards – demonstrating the extraordinary care teams have continued to deliver throughout the pandemic.

Practices adapted quickly to a new way of working and saw more than 1.5million patients during lockdown while supporting local communities by delivering prescriptions to those in isolation, calling elderly and vulnerable patients, donating food and toothpaste to foodbanks, and raising thousands to support colleagues in the NHS.

Excellence Award winners this year include Savina Yordanova, who won the award for Dentist of the Year, Amit Patel who won the Best Young Dentist Award and Bernard Moroney who won the CEO’s award for outstanding achievement for his efforts in training new clinicians joining the company, via the {my}dentist Academy. The awards were presented during a virtual ceremony on 26 November.

Nyree Whitley, Group Clinical Director for {my}dentist, said: “I’m incredibly proud of how our teams have risen to the challenges presented throughout 2020.

“Our winners are all individuals and teams who have delivered exceptional patient care in challenging circumstances, and we couldn’t be more proud of their achievements.”

The winners are as follows:

Dentist of the Year – Savina Yordanova, Isle of Wight

Young Dentist of the Year – Amit Patel, Bognor Regis

Orthodontist of the Year – Kris Llewellyn, Malvern

Practice Team of the Year – {my}dentist Oakham

Hygienist or Therapist of the Year – Amber Belgrave, Bradford Orthodontic Therapist of the Year – Marie Baxter, Bexleyheath

Practice Manager of the Year – Stacey Cartawick, Andover

Receptionist of the Year – Erin McBride, Dinnington

Dental Nurse of the Year – Donna Orbell, St Ives

Support Team Member of the Year – Katie Hesford, Senior Project Manager

Student Dental Nurse of the Year – Carina Liquito dos Reis Marques, Reading

Field Team Member of the Year – Danielle Chappell, Clinical Support Manager

Best Community Initiative – Keshan-Jasmin Uppell, Kidlington

Chief Executive’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – Bernard Moroney, {my}dentist Academy

{my}dentist growth and security with Dr Nyree Whitley (S02 E03)

Dr Nyree Whitley, Group Clinical Director at {my}dentist, is in the hot seat in this episode of The Probe Dental Podcast. {my}dentist is the largest provider of dentistry in the UK, and it was recently announced that a record number of clinicians joined its ranks during the pandemic.

Nyree, who reveals she was sceptical about joining a large corporation earlier in her career discusses the benefits {my}dentist practices experience, as well as the help they received during the pandemic.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts:

 

For more information, visit: https://www.mydentist.co.uk/

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The Probe Dental Podcast is presented by The Dental Awards.

The Dental Awards is the original and most respected awards programme in British dentistry. 2021 marks the 22nd anniversary of the Dental Awards, and over the decades, this prestigious event has recognised the outstanding individuals and teams whose commitment and drive continue to raise standards throughout the profession.

The Dental Awards is attended by over 600 clinicians each year. Winning, or being a finalist, is a tremendous accolade and provides a massive publicity boost to the profile of your practice and your team. After all, who wouldn’t want to be treated by the Dentist or Dental Team of the Year?

The Dental Awards are sponsored by B.A. International, Colgate, Colosseum Dental, Dental Elite, and Water Pik. The Probe and The British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show are official partners.

For more information, please visit the-probe.co.uk/awards

For more from The Probe, visit the-probe.co.uk. Theme tune courtesy of Bensound.

{my}dentist reveals Excellence Awards Nominees

{my}dentist, the UK’s largest chain of dental practices, has revealed the shortlist for its Excellence Awards 2020.

The annual awards recognise the outstanding individuals and teams whose commitment to patient care and professional development continues to raise standards at {my}dentist and across the sector. This year there were more than 1,300 colleague nominations – the highest number in the history of the awards.

Winners of the 13 awards, which include categories for clinicians, practice, field and support centre individuals and teams, will be announced during a virtual ceremony on 26th November.

Nyree Whitley, Group Clinical Director for {my}dentist, said: “Throughout 2020, we’ve had to change the way we work and adapt to new circumstances, and it’s clear from the nominations we have received that everyone has risen to the challenge and come together to give our patients access to treatment, care and advice when they’ve needed it the most. 

“It was really moving to read the nominations and it was very hard for the judges to select a shortlist.  We’re now looking forward to revealing the winners next month.”

The nominees are as follows:

Dentist of the Year

  • Jane Pickersgill, Heaton
  • Savina Yordanova, Isle of Wight
  • Leo O’Hara, Stroud
  • Syed Aurangzeb, Tunstall
  • Paulo Duarte, Doncaster

Young Dentist of the Year

  • Amit Patel, Bognor Regis  
  • Saqib Saghir, Bradford
  • Christian Lucas, Haslington
  • Devin Mandalia, Tonypandy
  • Mohini Patel, Penistone

Hygienist or Therapist of the Year

  • Amber Belgrave, Bradford
  • Amie Holder-Soares, Ely  
  • Navraj Rai, Basingstoke
  • Sadaf Aziz, Crossgates
  • Vivien Agius, Euxton

Practice Manager of the Year 

  • Martina Barnes, Havant   
  • Stacey Cartawick, Andover  
  • Nafeesa Iqbal, Bradford  
  • Kerrie Roulstone-Moss, Kirk Hallam
  • Jessica Silverster, Eastleigh    

Dental Nurse of the Year  

  • Donna Orbell, St Ives  
  • Anna Hagger, Hull   
  • Louise Robinson, Peterborough 
  • Poppy Heath-Williams, Dinnington
  • Laura Murray, Frome 

Student Dental Nurse of the Year

  • Carina Liquito dos Reis Marques, Reading
  • Magdalena Jakubowska, Bournemouth
  • Tatiana Stanislavova, Fleetwood 
  • Kirsty Ascough, Knaresborough

Best Community Initiative

  • Christian Lucas, Haslington
  • Keshan-Jasmin Uppell, Kidlington

Orthodontist of the Year

  • Kris Llewellyn, Malvern
  • Sally Alwan, Beverley
  • Daryoush Elmiyeh, Chelmsford
  • Ahmed Abdullah, Killingworth
  • Santosh Sinha, Newark

Practice Team of the Year

  • Frome, Rodden Road
  • Bridlington, Quay Road
  • Fleetwood, London Street
  • Oakham, Burley Road
  • Bristol Kingswood, High Street

Orthodontic Therapist of the Year

  • Denise Morris, Glasgow
  • Sally Chapman, Plymouth
  • Marie Baxter, Bexleyheath
  • Lisa Taylor, Bridgend
  • Carly Locker, Killingworth

Receptionist of the Year

  • Erin McBride, Dinnington
  • Stacey Washburn, Plymouth
  • Barbara Polya, Plaistow
  • Roberta Richards, Cardiff
  • Alison Gargett, Pocklington

Support Team Member of the Year

  • Katie Hesford, Senior Project Manager
  • Tom Dawson, Senior Project Manager
  • David Gray, Profit Protection Manager
  • Asif Nazir, P&S Senior Project Manager
  • Rachael Myers, Resourcing Team Leader

Field Team Member of the Year

  • Danielle Chappell, Clinical Support Manager
  • Hannah Sweeney, Regional Support Manager
  • Tara Morris, Area Development Manager
  • Diane Duncan, Area Development Manager
  • Paul Mead, Area Development Manager