The practice manager deals with all of the non-clinical elements of running a practice so that the clinical side of the dental team can concentrate fully on treating patients. The manager’s role and responsibilities vary depending on the size and individual needs of their practice, but generally they perform the following duties:
Skills
Practice managers must have a very high level of literacy and numeracy, as well as excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational and leadership skills. They require a wide range of dental and management
skills.
Qualifications
Many practice managers begin their professional life in the industry as dental receptionists or dental nurses and ideally would hold formal qualifications in information technology and/or business. Many practice managers also obtain an ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) or a MBA (Master of Business Administration) accredited qualification in Practice Management. Practice managers don’t have to be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), but may already be registered if they have previously obtained a Dental Care Professional (DCP) qualification.
What is the BDPMA?
The BDPMA is the body that deals with all aspects of dental practice management in the UK. It is a nationally recognised organisation that is run by practice managers.
What does the BDPMA do?
The BDPMA looks after the interests of its members and provides information to practice managers by: