#15 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 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.