Shaping a portfolio career in endo

Shaping a portfolio career in endo

21st August 2023

[The Probe, August 2023]

In dentistry, as with many professions, we’re in the privileged position to be able to build a portfolio career. We don’t have to follow the 9 to 5 within a single environment if we choose not to. 

At this stage in my career I work in my own referral clinics; I’m also a lecturer at Queen Mary’s; a Foundation Dentist Educational Supervisor at the London Deanery and; via evo endo, I provide private training courses – all within the single focus of endodontics. I also get invited to present on endodontics at exhibitions and conferences in different parts of the world which is a really nice bonus. 

Pursuing various strands of endodontics, for me, satisfies different ambitions. Each has its own set of rewards and challenges of course. But best of all I am never bored. I have curated a busy portfolio for now that can flex with demand and evolve over time. It’s something that can be re-shaped where necessary. I think the pandemic taught us to be geared up for that reality.

Working with students and new dentists means I get to give something back. I remember how I engaged with my lecturers, what worked for me and how much it helped in the early years. It also exposes me to fresh thinking and curious minds which ensures that I have nowhere to hide – I have to keep ahead of new and emerging techniques, equipment and approaches.

My private practice is where I meet and treat patients – the dental equivalent of the coal face! Each patient interaction calls on all of my training and experience to date and there’s never a situation that’s routine or mundane. When you consider the uniqueness of each interaction your focus needs to be equally sharp and focused every single time – you can’t afford to be complacent. As my patients are mostly referrals it’s my job to listen, understand, treat, follow up and return the patient to their GDP with a successful outcome. Obviously I see the trust placed in each visit by both my colleagues and the patient. The more complex cases can bring every aspect of my skills and strategy planning into play – it is why I do the job ultimately.   

Designing and creating my own endodontic courses is a direct result of the other parts of my career. Recognising what needs to be taught and using my experience to do it is really enjoyable. Every part of private training, from choosing the venue to designing the course, delivering it and honing it each time – right through to emailing the CPD completion certificates, is a real buzz. For me it is a reflection of what I have achieved, and continue to achieve, and passing that on is fantastic. The portfolio career isn’t for everyone but it’s a rare dentist who doesn’t step outside the practice at some point. For me it’s also a really good way to see where I’d like to spend more time and adjust the weekly spread of hours and days accordingly.