Two years ago, I was working as an associate in two private dental practices. Although I was generally happy with my work, I always felt like something was missing. I had started my career as a dental foundation trainee in the South West London scheme and then worked in hospitals for two years, one year in the restorative department, oral surgery, and oral medicine at Guys Hospital, and the second year at Northwick Park Hospital in the maxillofacial department.
I continued to work part-time in hospitals and part-time as a dental associate in different practices which I enjoyed but during the COVID-19 pandemic I felt the time had arrived to plough my own furrow and create an environment that reflected my aspirations and ambitions… I felt ready!!
One day, I came across Abbey Road Dental, which was up for sale. It was a small private practice in St Johns Wood actually located on the iconic Abbey Road and not only that just a half a mile from my home! I arranged a viewing and fell in love with it the minute I walked through the door. The principal was welcoming and showed me around. I knew from that moment that this was the practice for me.
The sale was not an easy process and took a lot longer than I envisaged. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with stress, excitement, and times when I was so upset that I wanted to give up. But after months of paperwork, due diligence, and dealing with accountants, banks, and lawyers, the sale finally happened. It was such an odd feeling going from associate to principal literally overnight.
The previous owner and I celebrated with a pasta supper together, both of us in a state of shock after what seemed to be endless to-ing and fro-ing, especially with our respective lawyers and accountants. Fortunately, the seller had an excellent agent who simply didn’t give up and rolled that boulder to the top of the mountain so to speak!
Although the first few months were a challenge, I am pleased to say that things are improving day by day. As a new practice owner, I had a lot to learn, but I approached the task with enthusiasm and dedication. It has been an eye-opening experience, and my appreciation for all the hard-working practice owners out there has grown tremendously.
Changing from being an associate to a principal is like walking through the Looking Glass. The good news is that I have received a great deal of support from my colleagues, the staff at the practice and the other associates. The previous owner agreed to stay on and as a result, the transition period was pretty smooth. The patients were perfectly happy and I did not make any major changes in the first few months. Before I knew it I was building up my own book quite quickly and I purchased new equipment including a digital scanner and simply built and improved the systems already in place.
I have learnt that I am not alone and that there is a great deal of help out there to maximise the potential of an already lovely practice. The previous owner was delighted to hand over the baton to me and she is probably enjoying herself more now than ever as she can now concentrate on clinical practice and leave everything else to me!
I realised that every decision I make has a significant impact on everyone, and I strive to create a positive working environment for my team. I understand that change can be difficult, but I am committed to making improvements where necessary, even if it requires overcoming some hurdles. The overheads can be significant (rent, materials, recruitment fees, maintenance and servicing, bills!), and as an associate, I never fully appreciated the amount that goes into running a practice. (Take note associates!)
It has been an incredibly steep learning curve. Running a business and dealing with staff is not something that is taught in Dental school sadly, so I have had to learn on the hoof.
Do I regret it? No, not yet at least! It has been a learning opportunity that has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.
Being a practice owner is not an easy task, but I am enjoying my new status as now anything is possible and I can write my own story.
I’m determined to make it work and provide the best possible dental care for my patients while creating a happy working environment for my team.
Transitioning from a dental associate to a practice owner has been an adventure but I love the responsibility, and I am excited to see where it takes me in the future.
Anything is possible!
Dr Christina Diamanti
(Member Alpha Omega)
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