A major event for General Dental Practitioners in Northern Ireland will take place later this year. ‘Life beyond the SDR’ aims to empower practitioners to take control of their dental careers, and the professional development and business model that is most suited to them. Applying a key focus to the business side of dentistry, it will be equally relevant to Associates at all career stages, and to Practice Owners. 

With a backdrop of immense pressures in Health Service dentistry, and a shift in the dental landscape following the COVID-19 pandemic we are encouraging practitioners to take one day out of practice to invest in their dental futures.  

The day is designed to inform, to challenge and to provide access to the sector’s best advice; there’ll be expertise to help delegates to take stock, and more importantly to start to make informed, purposeful decisions about how they can move their careers and dental businesses forward.   

The multi-session event acknowledges the recent growth in the private dental market. It will also help those practitioners who may be interested in transitioning towards private practice navigate the process.  

We will also update on latest developments in relation to General Dental Service contract reform as we seek to ensure the profession is as fully informed as possible. 

Our headline speaker Kevin Lewis will skilfully guide delegates through the business of dentistry approach, complemented by case studies of local practice owners who have recently made a shift into private dentistry. Associates will benefit from real-life experiences and insights on career development and ‘knowing your worth’. Come and be inspired by fellow Associates who are taking opportunities to progress their careers in new emerging fields of practice.     

We are delighted at the line-up of highly respected speakers we have secured – from Kevin Lewis to well-known economist Richard Ramsey and a showcase of contributors from our own expert solicitors and consultants and policy makers. A number of our NI Dental Practice Committee representatives will add value to proceedings.  

It’s time for a battered and bruised profession to take stock and take action. So, pencil in 20 October and invest the day with peers to consider if there is an approach you can take to improve your work/life balance, your financial goals and the happiness and wellbeing of your dental team, your patients and yourself.