Expert advice and support throughout the practice ownership journey: Dorothy’s story

When Dorothy Riley moved to the UK from Nigeria, practice ownership was not part of her original plan.

Like many dentists starting out in a new country, she was focussed on building her clinical knowledge, passing exams, and establishing her career. She joined us almost immediately for access to resources, advice, and a sense of professional community.

After joining as an Essential member, she upgraded her membership as her career progressed and her needs changed. Nearly two decades on from joining, she is an Expert member and practice owner, having transformed a run down one-surgery practice into Dover Priory Dental, a thriving four-surgery practice in Dover, with room to grow.

Throughout that time, her membership has evolved alongside her career. From educational resources and professional guidance in her early years, to contracts, one-to-one advice and indemnity as a practice owner, she has continued to draw on the expertise BDA membership offers.

Finding a place in UK dentistry

After qualifying in Nigeria, Dorothy moved almost immediately to the UK to continue her studies and pursue her career.

“I joined the BDA very soon after arriving in the UK for the resources, information, and for feeling like you are part of a community in your profession.”

As she navigated exams and the next stage of her career, access to trusted information, research on clinical topics, and educational resources proved invaluable.

“When you’re navigating exams and professional milestones, it is nice to have that level of dental resource available.”

What began as a practical need for information quickly became something more enduring.

“The advice is always there when you need it.”

As her career progressed, the questions she faced changed in nature and became more complex but the value of having access to trusted and tailored support became more important than ever.

An unexpected journey into practice ownership

Practice ownership was never a career goal.

In the early years, Dorothy expected to build a career in general practice and eventually become a vocational trainer. However, after gaining experience in practice and completing a master’s degree, she began to see opportunities beyond the path she had originally imagined.

Then came an opportunity that changed everything.

“I found a practice that was about to close because it was in such a poor condition that nobody wanted to buy it. It was the only practice I could just about afford.”

The practice required significant investment and improvement, and she found herself balancing the demands of ownership alongside raising a young family.

“It was really, really daunting.”

The reality of ownership was unlike anything she had experienced before. Like many first-time owners, she quickly discovered that success depended on much more than clinical expertise. Managing business decisions became part of everyday life.

Despite the challenges, she kept moving forward.

“One day at a time. One foot in front of the other. That is the biggest advice I would give to anyone thinking about owning a practice.”

Growing a business and developing as a leader

10 years later, the practice has evolved from a single-surgery site into a successful four-surgery practice.

For Dorothy, however, the greatest growth has not just been measured purely in business performance.

“Even now, 10 years in, I find I’m still growing as a person.”

Practice ownership has pushed her to develop skills beyond dentistry, from leadership and communication, to managing people and navigating difficult situations.

“It pushes you to keep growing in the way you communicate with people, the way you listen, the way you manage individuals and the way you deal with challenges.”

She is also realistic about the challenges of running a successful dental business.

“There will be times when things go wrong. Sometimes you spend money and it’s the wrong decision. That’s part of running a business.”

Success, she believes, comes from remaining positive, adaptability, and continuing to move forward.

Along the way, having access to BDA advice has helped give her confidence when making decisions and facing unfamiliar circumstances.

Trusted advice every step of the way

As Dorothy’s practice grew, so too did the complexity of the decisions she faced.

With a larger team and greater responsibilities, having access to clear, practical guidance became increasingly important.

“I’ve always used the contracts and looked to see what is there.”

Over the years, she has drawn on the range of benefits available through Expert membership, including model contracts, online advice, courses, and one-to-one support from our team of industry experts.

What she values most is the confidence that comes from knowing the advice is considered, practical and relevant to the realities of modern dentistry.

“The advice is very considered and not ambiguous. You feel a sense of confidence that if that’s BDA guidance, you will be alright if you’re following it.”

In a profession where information comes from countless sources, Dorothy believes trusted resources are more important than ever.

“There are so many voices now. Having guidance I know I can trust makes a real difference. It’s always been a big fallback that if I need support, advice is there.”

Choosing BDA Indemnity

As the practice grew and additional dentists joined the team, Dorothy’s indemnity needs changed too.

Alongside advice and business support, she wanted protection that reflected the realities of practice ownership.

“As a practice owner, having vicarious liability cover for associates and entity cover for a limited company was a big thing for me.”

With multiple clinicians working within the practice, she recognised the importance of having the appropriate cover in place.

“You don’t necessarily have as much oversight of individual dentists’ clinical decision-making, so having that additional protection is really important.”

She also values indemnity that has been specifically designed to provide protection when it is needed most.

“It feels tailor-made for UK dentists.”

Making a difference to patients

Although she is proud of what she has achieved as a practice owner, patient care remains her greatest source of professional satisfaction.

“I think connecting with people is probably the biggest thing. Really listening and being able to help.”

After more than a decade in the same community, she has built strong relationships with patients and understands the difference that listening can make.

Sometimes the most important part of an appointment is not the treatment itself, and patients need someone to understand what they are experiencing.

Dorothy recalls one patient who attended with concerns about dental pain after losing her dog. By taking the time to listen, she realised the issue was not dental at all.

“What she really needed was space to grieve. It’s that personal touch that matters.”

Support for every stage of the journey

Looking back, Dorothy sees a clear thread running throughout her career.

From newly arrived postgraduate student to established private practice owner, membership has evolved alongside her needs and supported her through every step of professional life.

“The BDA is there to support people at so many different stages of their journey.”

For dentists considering Expert membership, particularly those running, growing, or planning to own a private practice, her message is simple.

“There is so much support available, whether that’s courses, one-to-one advice, or simply being part of a professional community.”

Having experienced the challenges and rewards of private practice ownership firsthand, she believes that access to trusted expertise can make a real difference.

“As someone in exclusively private practice, I’ve seen the support adapt to the changing profession. It’s a great resource and community to be part of.”