Virgin Dentistry arrives today

This morning’s British Dental Journal will carry an advert from Virgin Healthcare, looking for dentists and hygienist/therapists to apply for jobs. 
It is rumoured that they plan to open private dental clinics inside large medical health centres only — up to 7 dentists per site. 
The patients will be those attached to the health centre and they are aiming at affordable family dentistry with cherry-picking for cosmetic cases. 
Virgin Dentistry is currently being formed as a corporate and they could open their first practice by the late summer — the progress will be tied to the Governments schedule to build a open a new breed of large family health centres.  
Chances are that: 
1.    They will advertise nationally to hoover up staff (that’s what Boots did);
2.    Throw money at the marketing;
3.    Create the fear of God in the minds of many dentists; 
I’m surprised at the absence of any apparent NHS commitment — although that speaks volumes for Virgin’s assessment that the NHS sector is not the place to be. 
Family dental practices need to be worried — the cosmetic boys will be OK and those offering a boutique experience. 
My quick assessment is that the over 50’s patient will be OK — they don’t identify with Virgin. 
25-35’s will love it. Affordable families will love it.  
Just off to an 8.00am meeting with a PNC after rolling in to Salisbury at 8.30pm last night in snow. 
Knackered and happy after an excellent week as a coach — best bit being working with Simon in Scotland — we rock.

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Chris Barrow

Chris Barrow has been active as a consultant, trainer and coach to the UK dental profession for over 20 years. As a writer, his blog enjoys a strong following and he is a regular contributor to the dental press. Naturally direct, assertive and determined, he has the ability to reach conclusions quickly, as well as the sharp reflexes and lightness of touch to innovate, change tack and push boundaries. In 2014 he appeared as a “castaway” in the first season of the popular reality TV show “The Island with Bear Grylls”. His main professional focus is as Coach Barrow, providing coaching and mentorship to independent dentistry.