From the classroom to the clinic – Alex Blake’s journey into dental practice management

In this episode of Conversations with Chris, we welcome Alex Blake, the non-dentist co-owner and joint managing director of Blake Dental, a thriving independent private practice in Witham, Essex. Alex shares his fascinating journey from teaching mathematics to leading a dental business, bringing fresh perspectives on financial management, leadership, and sustainable practice growth.

Key Topics:

• From mathematics to management – How Alex transitioned from a decade-long teaching career into dental practice leadership.

• Practice growth – The journey of expanding Blake Dental’s private patient base 4.5x since 2019 while maintaining NHS services.

• Data-driven decision making – The role of spreadsheets, KPIs, benchmarking, and a traffic light system for effective management.

• Leadership & team development – Applying educational experience to team management, communication, and delegation.

• Work-life balance – Strategies for maintaining a sustainable workload and avoiding burnout.

• Advice for aspiring Practice Owners – Insights on financial literacy, networking, and continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways:

• Clear data tracking and financial planning are essential for long-term success.

• A structured leadership approach creates a productive and motivated team.

• Work-life boundaries and strategic delegation help maintain a healthy balance.

• Small, consistent improvements lead to significant practice growth.