People

Lester Ellman BDS

As a working GDP owning several NHS and private practices, I have first-hand experience of the problems and pitfalls that can arise when you are trying to juggle business matters and a clinical case load. I was Chair of the General Dental Practice Committee for 6 years, and as a body that represents every sector of the profession this experience gave me a unique insight into the needs of all members of the profession.  Through my involvement with the BDA and as former Dental Practice Advisor to Manchester PCT for 14 years, I have had the opportunity of observing hundreds of practices and speaking with thousands of GDPs. I am passionate about dentistry and about giving dental professionals the opportunity to understand more about how to run efficient and successful practices, which in turn leads to improved patient care.

Carl Parnell BDS

I practiced in the NHS sector in Macclesfield for many years before finally converting to private practice in 1998. Alongside my clinical positions I was also Regional Advisor for Vocational Training and an Associate Post Graduate Dental Dean, both in the Mersey Deanery and this experience has given me an appreciation of the day-to-day demands on clinicians and managers alike. I now split my time between practice and my role as an advisor and coach in various aspects of Quality assurance and Clinical Governance. With increasing regulatory demands on the dental profession, the need to be vigilant in terms of compliance has never been greater. Through my experience in practice I am able to guide and support practitioners and practice managers through the often alien waters of today’s raft of legislation and guidance.

Sim Goldblum

I have deep understanding of how businesses, large and small, function effectively, gained from many years working for Ford of Europe, ultimately as Director of Product Planning and as Director of Business Development. I put much of that experience into play as a board member of several companies, and as a Non-executive Director of a large NHS Hospital Trust, helping the Trust to achieve Foundation Trust status. It is exciting to bring those skills to the dental sector and deeply satisfying to see the transformation!