The head of the dentists' trade union will tell independent optical practitioners of the merits of going private at a major conference in the new year.
Ian Wylie, chief executive of the British Dental Association, will discuss the opportunities facing health professionals following the reorganisation of the NHS in a speech 'What do you mean, you're private?' He will make his key note address at the Sight Care one-day business conference at the NEC's Metropole Hotel, the annual event which is attended by hundreds of independents.
In what is being publicised as a hard hitting talk, Wylie will argue for professionals to 'seize the initiative and redefine their roles', as well as reinterpret their services and values to the public, government and to the overall health economy.
Only last month, in his role as BDA chief, Wylie told government that his members had little confidence in their Health Service work ahead of wholesale changes in that profession planned for October 2005. It followed the publication of a National Audit Office report telling Westminister that NHS dentistry is at crisis point.
'This report will not make easy reading for the Department of Health,' said Wylie. 'The BDA has consistently warned the Government that it needs to get these changes right first time if it is not to lose what little confidence the dental profession has left in NHS dentistry. Our own research earlier this year found that only one in 10 dentists believed their PCT could cope with their new responsibilities. With less than a year to go until implementation, and still without a draft contract, it's no wonder that many dentists are seriously considering whether or not their future lies within the NHS.'
Other subjects at the Sight Care event include:
'Selling in a professional environment' and 'Perceived barriers to sales in practice'
'Target marketing - using your practice computer'
'Making IT work in your practice'.
The 2005 Sight Care one-day business conference will take place on Monday February 28.
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