It’s coming to the end of Paula Thompson‘s first month as practice manager of three SpaDental practices: SpaDental Chard, SpaDental Glastonbury and SpaDental Tewkesbury. And she’s loving it!
Meet practice manager Paula Thompson
Q: You qualified as a dental nurse in 2001. Why did you choose dental nursing as a profession?
Paula: “As part of my work experience while I was still at school, I went to work in the local dentist as a receptionist. They showed me what they did in surgery and I was interested. They said they’d keep me in mind if a vacancy came up. Then, just two weeks before I was going to start my college course in Child Minding, the dentists contacted me and offered me a job. I leapt at the opportunity, and I’ve been in dentistry ever since.”
Q: What sort of practices have you worked in?
Paula: “I’ve worked in both NHS and private practices mostly in the North East, around Newcastle and Durham, as well as the Manchester region. More recently I moved south, and was working in Somerset before joining SpaDental.
Q: You’ve been a practice manager for twelve years. What’s that been like?
Paula: “For me, managing practices was a natural progression from nursing. As a lead nurse I realised that I enjoyed the challenges of managing, and team-building especially. As I wanted to progress, my area manager at the time saw my potential and offered me an opportunity. As a new practice manager, I began in a busy single practice, which was predominantly NHS. Later on, as a senior Practice Manager, I looked after six practices. I absolutely loved it – I’d found something I felt passionate about. The role involved training new practice managers, as well as developing the potential of each practice.
I love being able to work and develop the team I’m with; making sure the patients get the best treatment, and the practices are safe and successful.”
Q: What have you liked about being in SpaDental so far?
Paula: “Working with the team I am fully supported and I understand the vision of the company. I’m passionate about what we can achieve together.
In less than a month, we’ve already achieved some important goals. We’ve started our drive to promote the education of children’s oral health, with a school visit in Chard. It was great to collaborate with Heather Cresswell from SpaDental Plymouth, and share her expertise in this area. We’ve also placed a new dentist in Glastonbury so we’re growing the practice, encouraging new patients in as well as supporting registered patients. And we’re getting some amazing feedback!
I’m delighted I can bring my experience to SpaDental, and develop my teams so we share a passion and vision for our work together. After all, our commitment and goal is to offer our patients the best care and treatment journey.”
Q: Do you have any free time to relax?
Paula: “Fortunately I have a lot of energy! At home, I’m a football Mum, running my seven year old boy to practices and spending time with him. Relaxation for me is four visits to the gym each week! And going out with friends, as I love to socialise. I also love rugby!
SpaDental welcomes practice manager Paula Thompson to the team!
Thank you for already making a difference, Paula!
- Browse NHS jobs, to find out more about working as a healthcare professional.
- SpaDental Chard – patient reviews
- Paula signs up for a skydive to support disadvantaged children
- Meet restorative dentist Aryaan Khalid
- Meet the assistant practice manager for SpaDental Chard and SpaDental Glastonbury.