Sugar Tax + work in progress.....
The Apprenticeship for Dental Practice Managers has recently commenced at Barnet and Southgate College, London. Employers have the opportunity to train staff members on this fantastic new course, which aims to develop candidates’ ability to lead and support the workforce, manage a practice competently and drive the business forward.
The first 6 months of the apprenticeship programme is dedicated to the Level 4 ILM certificate in Management and Leadership covering three skill domains – leadership, management and communication. Dentabyte is delighted to be involved in delivering this nationally recognised qualification – a tremendous asset for any dental practice manager and a chance to progress into a number of career pathways. Here the renowned healthcare lecturer, Seema Sharma, explains how this section of the course will be structured:
“I am conducting the ILM Certificate part of the apprenticeship programme with full workshop sessions. These workshops encompass the three skills development domains but are cleverly wrapped into a project format and conveniently designed into three core units.
Understanding the managers role
The first unit will teach apprentices the specific responsibilities of middle managers to enable a dental organisation to achieve its goals. They will learn how communication and interpersonal skills affect managerial performance and how to assess personal development opportunities to improve their own managerial performance.
Managing a complex team activity
The second unit will show learners how to plan a complex team activity, communicate information effectively and how to lead a team. Candidates will need to organise efficient operational practice systems including elements such as:
- setting SMART objectives
- planning and delegating work
- allocating resources efficiently to produce reports and meet deadlines
- monitoring, evaluating and improving individual and team processes
- developing advanced IT skills to meet requirements in their management role
Leading innovation and change
This unit will teach apprentices how to improve through innovation. It will cover interpreting and presenting data, negotiation skills and overcoming barriers to change in order to improve compliance, patient care and business growth.
“Trainee managers will complete an assignment for each of the three areas. This could include completing a work-based assignment, a reflective review, a practical task and report or a group discussion and write up. It is hoped that during the ILM Certificate programme each trainee will learn one topic in depth whilst completing their own project and also gain an overview of how they can approach the other topics from their peers.”
The Level 4 ILM certificate in Management and Leadership is Phase 1 of the apprenticeship programme. Candidates are then required to compose a portfolio of evidence of practical skills gained, before end point assessments take place. All aspects of the course have been structured and designed by leading employers working within the dental sector to ensure that delegates meet the standards required to become valuable, leading members of the dental team.
“I will closely supervise the first assignment and then candidates will be required to complete further projects (eight in total) for their portfolio, with the support of their mentors,” continues Seema. “Along with the workshops, delegates will be expected to conduct independent study with access to email and telephone support from myself as well as online resources from the Dentabyte Learning Zone and the ILM Learning Zone.”
Barnet and Southgate College is running the Apprenticeship for Dental Practice Managers periodically throughout the year and the next start date is 16th March 2016, with more dates to follow.
For more information on the Apprenticeship in Dental Practice Management, please contact Barnet and Southgate College:
0203 764 4333
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Jon Drysdale of Chartered Financial Planners, PFM Dental, assesses today’s Budget. Headlines may focus on the fragility of the economy and the need to further cut public spending The Chancellor offered positive news on personal finances which could benefit dentists.
· Higher rate tax threshold to rise from £42,385 to £45,000 in April 2017. The majority of dentists are higher rate tax payers and will therefore feel the benefit.
· Many dentists employ their spouse and will take advantage of the tax-free personal allowance to rising to £11,500 also in April 2017.
· Annual Isa limit to rise from £15,000 to £20,000. This is a welcome increase to the alternative savings vehicle for those dentists no longer funding personal pensions (due to lifetime and annual allowance limits).
· Dentists trading as a limited company will welcome the changes to corporation tax, cut from 20% to 17% by April 2020. This may somewhat offset previously announced increases to dividend tax effective from April.
· Reforms to business rates will mean 6,000 small businesses pay no rates and 250,000 have their rates cuts from April 2017.
· Dentists buying a practice with a freehold property are likely to be affected by changes to commercial stamp duty – 0% rate on purchases up to £150,000, 2% on next £100,000 and 5% top rate above £250,000. The freehold of a dental practice is often valued at less than £250,000 so this could be an advantage to many buyers. However, buying a larger freehold practice, especially one in the south east, could make you worse off.
The much anticipated changes to personal pensions and tax relief didn't transpire - but we already expected that didn't we?
A more detailed appraisal of the 2016 budget will shortly be available at pfmdental.co.uk
Are you offering your patients finance options?
In this day and age, most people will expect credit – particularly for large-scale purchases. As elective dental treatments grow in popularity in the UK, this expectation will certainly extend to your service.
But these days, gaining and maintaining consumer credit authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is a lengthy, time-consuming process – one that many busy dental practitioners will not have time to complete.
Which is precisely why Chrysalis Finance is the perfect option.
Its unique service allows you to become Appointed Representatives – essentially allowing you to offer consumer credit through Chrysalis Finance’s existing authorisation: it’s quick and easy and allows you to offer your patients more options.
Simply sign up for a nominal monthly fee and let the expert team at Chrysalis Finance deal with all the regulatory management and FCA reporting. All you need to do is continue providing your patients exceptional, affordable dentistry!
As the UK’s ONLY licence-free provider of dental finance, Chrysalis Finance is changing the way practices offer credit. To find out more, contact the friendly team today.
For more information about Chrysalis Finance call us on 0333 32 32 230 or visit www.chrysalisfinance.com
Dedicated to bringing you the best, RPA Dental recently launched a new uniform range from leading medical clothing designer, Pastelli.
Pastelli uniforms are handmade in Italy from the highest quality of Egyptian cotton assuring you comfort and safety at work.
The collection – which boasts over 150 models in 32 different colours – is available in a variety of sizes and has been specially designed to inspire confidence and endure the day-to-day life of a dental professional.
Pastelli uniforms are also seven times stronger than a pair of jeans, thus offering you the highest quality and a guarantee on your product!
As Pastelli uniforms have been designed with professionalism in mind, RPA Dental is offering you the opportunity to take your practice’s appearance to the next level.
Essentially, a uniform can be as influential as your choice of equipment and the design of your practice; it has the potential to improve your status and reputation.
Make a lasting impression on your patients with Pastelli – contact RPA Dental for more information.
To see how RPA Dental can transform your dental practice, please call
08000 933 975 or visit the website www.dental-equipment.co.uk