Dentists 'brace' themselves for the future.....

Following Government reforms five years ago, aimed at improving dental health and access to dentistry, and making life more straightforward for dentists and their patients, some dentists have found themselves unable devote the time for the procedures their patients need, and out of pocket if they try. These issues were recently explored in the Channel 4 programme Dispatches and go some way in identifying the changing nature of dental practises and the real difficulties that dentists in today's society face.

Harrison Clark offers the expertise to deal with the pressures on modern dentists and on 23rd May 2011 the firm held a Dental Seminar at the Queen's Hotel in Cheltenham. The seminar commenced with a fictional case study of a modern practice facing a period of uncertainty - from the death of an intestate expense sharer to the retirement of an expense sharer with a property interest to the funding of the diversification of the practice.

The dentists in attendance were given a useful and insightful guide to planning for and overcoming these issues from Dawn Oliver Head of the Wills and Probate team, Mary Wathen from the Property department and Clare Emery from the Corporate department.

Dawn went to great lengths to emphasise the importance of having a will, especially when in partnership with other dentists. Dawn explained how assets would be distributed on the death of one expense sharer and how dentists can be proactive and take steps to ensure that they are protected should an unfortunate event occur.

Clare discussed the ins and outs of GDS contracts and how they deal with adding or removing partners. Further to this Clare explored the implications of TUPE in relation to employment issues following on from the sale or amalgamation of practises and the implications of this legislation for practitioners. Clare emphasised the benefits of incorporating dental practices in terms of giving the practice limited liability and tax planning advantages too.

Mary Wathen focussed on the need for practitioners to be well informed and prepared in relation to their property ownership. Mary's advice was that practitioners should consider how ownership of the property could be structured; how the property purchase has been financed and options available i.e. selling/leasing the property should the requirement arise. Planning ahead was the key message.

In conclusion, this was a worthwhile and intuitive event with a very positive response from the dentist's in attendance. This seminar was packed with pragmatic advice and a proactive approach to the real need of dental practitioners.

To listen to the podcast of this Seminar please follow the link below:
Dentist Seminar Podcast (27MB)

MMcD