In this episode of Conversations with Chris, we sit down with Rachel Addison, the principal and owner of Cotteswold Dental Care in Gloucestershire. Rachel shares her incredible journey, from an unplanned start in dentistry to running a thriving 7-chair private dental practice. She opens up about the challenges of practice ownership, the impact of COVID-19, and how resilience and patient-focused care have driven her success.

Key Takeaways:

• Rachel's journey began with a dream of becoming a vet, but a pivotal experience in RAF dental training redirected her path to dentistry.
• Her career trajectory was reshaped by a car accident during her vocational training year, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
• Rachel’s decision to purchase Cotteswold Dental Care was driven by a desire to maintain independence from corporate dentistry, supported by her father’s business expertise.
• The pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity to redesign systems, boost efficiency, and focus on patient loyalty through membership plans.
• The practice has expanded significantly post-pandemic, growing from 5 to 7 chairs, with a strong emphasis on quality care and personalised service.

Topics Covered:

1. Rachel's Background
   • From Cheshire roots to Bristol University, discover what sparked her passion for dentistry.
   • How a car accident reshaped her career plans.
2. Journey to Practice Ownership
   • The unplanned opportunity to acquire Cotteswold Dental Care.
   • Navigating the transition to ownership with support from family expertise.
3. Navigating the Pandemic
   • Redesigning systems during COVID-19 for long-term efficiency.
   • The critical role of patient loyalty and membership plans in sustaining the practice.
4. Scaling the Business
   • Adding 2 new chairs to meet demand and improve the dentist-to-hygienist ratio.
   • Cultivating a strong brand around quality, personalised care.
5. Looking Ahead
   • Future goals to optimise operations and explore potential for expansion.
   • Balancing growth while maintaining a commitment to genuine patient care.

If you’re curious about the challenges and rewards of practice ownership, Rachel’s story offers invaluable insights into resilience, business growth, and the power of patient-focused care. Her journey is a testament to the importance of adaptability, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to quality dentistry.

Visit Cotteswold Dental Care to learn more about Rachel’s practice.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Subscribe to Conversations with Chris on your favourite podcast platform, and share this episode with anyone passionate about dentistry or small business success.