My fledgling portfolio career consists of two primary roles. Clinically, I work mainly in private practice in the East Midlands. In addition, I'm a non-executive director for a dental social enterprise which provides community dentistry in the East of England.

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The two companies may appear worlds apart, and on first appearance, they are, but if you scratch the surface, you'll see one crucial common factor. A similar set of core values drives both businesses, prioritising patient care while ensuring staff wellbeing. These values guide every aspect of their operations.

I first encountered the idea of a values-based business early in my career. To say that I was sceptical would be an understatement. Like many, I thought that business values were pointless and simply a new-age fad that wouldn't affect the dentistry that was carried out. In this instance, I'm happy to say I was wrong, and I believe every dental business should be values-based.

Business values set the tone for every aspect of a practice. They act as a touchstone for both staff and patients, shaping the way we operate and interact with each other. By clearly articulating our values and ensuring they're shared with patients and employees, we create a shared idea of what is important to the business, leading to a sense of unity and purpose throughout the practice, including from patients.

In a dental practice, we encounter countless choices and challenges daily. Whether determining the best treatment approach for a patient or making operational decisions, our values provide a framework for making sound choices. Our values help us stay true to our mission and vision, ensuring that every decision aligns with our principles.

Furthermore, in a high-trust field such as dentistry, solid values and evidence that we live up to them show patients that we hold ourselves to high ethical standards. When we uphold values such as honesty, respect, and transparency, we build trust within our patients and attract patients with like-minded values. With many practices offering similar services, intangible aspects like values can differentiate us from others. Patients increasingly seek care from practices that resonate with their beliefs and values. By expressing our values clearly, we attract patients who align with our principles, thus fostering long-term patient loyalty.

And it's not only patients we attract. Given the current recruitment crisis in the profession, having a solid core set of values immediately identifies what kind of practice you are and want to be, sending a strong message to those looking to work in a similar environment. Embracing strong values can set a dental practice apart in a competitive recruitment landscape.

So, business values are not just a formality but a fundamental component of a successful dental practice. They shape the culture, build trust, guide decision-making, differentiate the practice, and inspire the team. By formulating and embracing solid values, we can create a practice that excels clinically and thrives as a positive and influential force in the community.