We are in interesting times indeed. I felt that there are many dental practitioners out there who were feeling overwhelmed and under prepared for the challenges that we are to face over the coming months and years. The CQC is now our lord and master, and the BDA is seen to shrug its shoulders when asked “What is to happen, what are we to do?”. So what do we do?
Well, we can gain knowledge and prepare ourselves. The problem is that most practice principles don’t have the time to do anything but work on their patients. Many of you are working more hours than you want to (be honest with yourself). Many more of you are stressed, some to the point of suffering health problems. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to do what we want to do. It can sometimes seem as if the job has becomes a burden. You can always employ a practice manager to lighten the load, and of course you can always sell your practice……or can you? Whilst the corporate bodies are still buying, they are being selective. The young blood coming out of dental school seem to have no interest in being anything other than associates, and that’s all; assuming they can actually find a job. You feel trapped with an uncertain future made worse by the now almost crushing weight of regulation. And when the CQC comes and examines your practice (and you can bet your bottom dollar they will be checking the management, audit and administration structure) how do you feel you will fair? What are we to do?
