The West Country - Introducing the regional co-ordinator

Maggie Williams

My Background

My dental career started too long ago to mention! I worked as a nurse in general practice and went on to do many other things before returning as an orthodontic nurse. After my first son was born I was a stay-at-home mum for eight years and then worked in a school for nearly ten years as well as running my own direct sales fashion business!

I became a practice manager four years ago when I was invited to apply for a new post at the practice I had left in 1984! I am now part of a thriving team and have been able to do a Diploma in Professional Practice Management as well as being involved in the BDPMA for all of that time. (I became a member before I started the job!)

What I have gained from being a BDPMA member

Even before I started I was able to get some idea of what I should be doing and have continued to develop as a manger through the regional development seminars and annual conferences as well as through talking to other managers and using the other links available through membership. I have had lots of fun and made new friends too.

My vision for Devon and Cornwall 

I would love to see more dentists releasing their managers to participate fully in the BDPMA locally and maybe even coming along to the seminars with their managers.
I would also like to build on the system of communications we already have so we can be even more of a support to one another. Devon and Cornwall is a large area and we need more people to sign up to this expanding professional body.

My advice to anyone new to the role of practice manager 

Sign up on or before your first day in post and definitely get the support of your principal. They need training to raise their awareness of just how diverse our role is!
Your team are a big asset so keep talking to them and learn from each other.

simply click on my email address to get in touch m.williams@exeterortho.co.uk

Mike Baker

Mike has been involved in the dental trade since 2000. He is the Laboratory Manager of CBC Dental Lab based in South Gloucestershire. Although his role is different to the conventional dental practice manager, the skills required are not and he therefore finds the BDPMA's seminars are just as relevant and enjoyable.

Mike is married with three children and manages to find time to coach his sons' football team and travel all over the country to watch Plymouth Argyle FC.