"Tell us about yourself:I qualified as a Dental Hygienist in Scotland in 1982 and moved down to Brighton in 1994 with my 3 children, both my father and grandmother were born and brought up here.
Describe your business and how it started:
It started as a direct result of a change in law allowing registered dental professionals other than dentists to set up and manage the business of dentistry in 2006. My dream was to take dental hygiene services to the high street making it as accessible as optician in a relaxing spa environment. Unfortunately the law as it stands has not removed the need for a referral from a dentist. However, both the medical and optical market have seen change which allow you to take a copy of your prescription or treatment plan to any other clinician, this is true of dentistry. Hopefully there will be a change in the law so that you can walk in off the street without having to pay a dentist a fee to do so.
How has your business changed over the last year?
It's changed in that a full dental service / children's clinic have been added to our portfolio as a result of consumer wants. Turnover in the last business year has grown by 70% despite the fact that we have been in the deepest recession since 1930s. We pride ourselves on growing a patient base of over 2500 that have mainly come from word of mouth and walk by.
What is your business philosophy?
I think this can be expressed by the sentiments written in a thank you note that I received recently, 'To be cared for nicely and kindly, to be given a bit of hope and empowerment (explanation, information and response to pain) is a powerful thing and will have a positive effect upon the subconscious'.
Describe your company's special qualities:
My staff at Dental Health Spa always take the time to talk to our patients and explain what we are doing and why. Putting a patient at ease and keeping them informed is paramount to having a happy patient.
What advice would you give someone starting out in a similar line of work?
Research your market to ensure that it is there and then be prepared for a long hard slog as you will have to build your patient book from the ground up.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully lying on a beach in Barbados with a cocktail reviewing franchise figures (whilst still keeping an eye on the Brighton spa).
How do you relax? Do you find time for hobbies and interests?
At present I do not find much time to relax as I am also a full-time hygienist within the business. I do like to cycle when the weather is nice and try to relax in my sister in laws hot tub with a glass of wine when I get the chance!"
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