What if your dental practice could open with a plan for predictable revenue already in place?
In this episode of The Dental LaunchPad, Dr Arnold Gangaidzo sits down with Chelsea Holland, Practice Success Manager at Patient Plan Direct, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing new practice owners: creating financial stability during those unpredictable first 6–12 months.
Chelsea explains why membership planning shouldn't be an afterthought, how dentists can begin building a patient base before opening, and what it really takes to turn new patients into long-term plan patients.
Arnold also shares the lessons from launching Lancashire Smiles Dental Practice, including the early months when patient numbers fluctuated and how recurring membership revenue eventually provided greater stability.
The conversation covers PPD's 12-month roadmap, pricing, team training, patient journeys, choosing a plan provider and what to focus on when growth is slower than expected.
Whether you're planning a squat practice or preparing to launch, this episode gives you practical steps to build momentum from day one.
Meet the Guest:
Chelsea Holland — Practice Success Manager, Patient Plan Direct
Patient Plan Direct (PPD) supports dental practices with the implementation, administration, promotion and ongoing development of dental membership plans.
Their new-plan launch process includes support with:
- Setting plan fees
- Promotional and communication guidance
- Team training
- Online portal training
- Patient journey and plan promotion
- Ongoing reviews and development
In this episode, Chelsea shares her experience supporting principals through the process of launching and developing dental membership plans.
We explore:
Why the first 6–12 months can feel financially unpredictable
Why membership planning should start before opening
How to build a patient list and local awareness
The importance of team buy-in
How to approach membership pricing
What to do when plan uptake is slower than expected
How systems and training support long-term patient conversion
FREE RESOURCE
The Pre-Launch Playbook - Don't just listen. Build your launch.
We've turned the key lessons from this episode into a practical resource specifically designed to help dentists turn the ideas from this episode into an actionable launch plan.
This resource includes PPD’s free 12-month roadmap for squat practices, to help you think through your membership journey and build a stronger foundation for sustainable recurring revenue.
About Dental LaunchPad
Dental LaunchPad is a podcast for dentists planning, launching and growing their own practices. Hosted by Dr Arnold Gangaidzo, each episode is designed to give dentists practical insight from the people who have actually navigated the decisions involved in building a successful practice.
Connect With Us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentallaunchpadpodcast/
Website: https://www.dentallaunchpad.co.uk/
Sponsors:
CHUPAco
Patient Plan Direct
