My Story - New Beginnings

EXCELLENT

Based on 12 reviews

DBS

I recently attended Michael Bentley’s Mastering Practice Management event through Practice Plan and found it to be a fantastic session. Michael was engaging from the very start and delivered the content with real energy and a wonderfully flamboyant flair. He was also refreshingly open and transparent when sharing his own experiences, which made the session both insightful and relatable. Having worked in dental business management for many years myself, supporting others in their own development, I strongly believe there is always something new to learn or refresh. This event provided exactly that, along with a great opportunity to engage, connect, and share experiences with others in the profession. I would absolutely encourage anyone to attend one of Michaels' sessions whether you are new to practice management or highly experienced. It’s a great learning opportunity and a brilliant way to connect with others in the industry.

Amy Burty

I have seen Michael speak many times, he is always such a joy and so engaging, his content is so useful as is his experience he shares. THANK YOU Michael.

Fliss McCalmont

I've had the pleasure of working with Mike Bentley now coming up to 20 years and I've throughly enjoyed every minute! Mike truly is one of the best Consultants and public speakers in the industry. Not only is he tremendously knowledgeable but so very engaging and hugely entertaining, always keeping his audience totally enthralled, envolved and upskilled. Feedback is always amazing! Mike it's been a delight and I hope it's not too long before our paths cross again!

[BDAC]PracticeManager ÖzgeYelken

I had the pleasure to join Michael Bentley's 'New Beginnings' programme as I had taken over the role of Practice Managing without having any sort of training/handover from a Practice Manager! The support, systems, techniques and knowledge which Michael has is amazing. His effort and guidance is exceptional and his willing to help always puts you at peace. I will always appreciate the growth within my role which he has given me throughout the years. I cannot thank Michael enough!

Josie Hutchings

Michael is an excellent dental support coach and speaker. His extensive knowledge experience and commitment are what makes him outstanding. This comes from successfully working in the dental industry for many years and experiencing first hand the topics he covers. I can not recommend him highly enough he brings a fresh lively approach that benefits all members of the team.

Springmount Dental & Implants

Michael played a key role in supporting our business over several years. He was consistently kind, approachable and highly supportive, and made a real effort to understand the business inside out. He quickly grasped what makes Springmount unique — our focus on high-quality, patient-centred care and the more complex nature of the work we undertake — and tailored his support accordingly. His expertise and guidance were invaluable, and he became someone we truly trusted. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.

Sophie Trolio

I really enjoyed Michael's course and would thoroughly recommend it to any Practice managers new or experienced as he has some great tips and tricks

Donna Robb

I attended Michael's not really knowing what to expect as this was the first course I have attended in my new role as Practice Manager From the beginning he had me captivated and wanting to rush back to the practice and implicate lots of his strategies and tips.

Selina Alexander

I found Michael’s content incredibly relevant to the real challenges dental practices are facing today. His insights were practical, timely, and truly resonated with the day‑to‑day realities of working in a modern dental environment. Michael was also exceptionally engaging—his delivery was so compelling that I genuinely felt I could listen to him all day. Thank you, Michael, for coming up to Scotland and delivering such valuable learning to our Practice Plan practices as part of Mastering Practice Management. It was greatly appreciated! Selina x

Infinityblu HR

I recently attended the Practice Manager course and found it extremely useful and informative. Michael is engaging and a fantastic course provider. His career in dentistry has given him a wealth of knowledge, which he shares in a very practical and easy to understand way. I would highly recommend this course to anyone working in dental practice management.

The Story Behind My Approach

From reception desks and qualified nursing to practice management and consultancy, my approach isn’t built on textbook theories - it’s built on real practice life.

★★★★★ 5/5 on Google · 12 reviews

My Journey in Dentistry

In 2026, I am proud to be celebrating 26 years in dentistry and I can honestly say my passion for this industry continues to grow every single day.

My journey began in October 2000, when I joined Boots Dentalcare as a Practice Manager in Birmingham. At the time, I had no idea that one interview would shape the rest of my career.

Since then, I have dedicated my career to understanding every aspect of dental practice life, from leadership and team development to patient experience and communication.

Because I’ve been exactly where you are.

Building Strong Foundations

In 2005, I joined JM Dentalcare as Practice Manager, where my career developed significantly.

During this time, I:

Implemented Treatment Coordination from scratch
Built and developed a dedicated TCO space
Strengthened my expertise in patient communication and case acceptance

In 2009, I qualified as a Dental Nurse and gained my GDC registration, something I remain incredibly proud of, as it strengthened my clinical understanding alongside my leadership role.

Passion for Patient Experience

I have always been passionate about the patient journey.

There is a real “buzz” in building relationships with patients, helping them feel confident, informed, and supported in their decisions.

I strongly believe:

The reception team is the powerhouse of the practice
Communication drives performance and growth
The patient experience starts at the front desk

Consultancy & Real-World Experience

In 2012, I began working as a Business Consultant alongside Laura Horton with Horton Consulting and Practice Plan.

Until 2016, I worked both in practice and as a consultant, which gave me a unique perspective of both operational and strategic challenges.

In 2016, I moved into consultancy full-time, delivering training, coaching, and presentations across the UK and Ireland.

Why I Returned to Practice

In 2020, everything changed.

I made the decision to return to practice because I believed that to truly support teams, I needed to experience the challenges first-hand.

In 2021, I joined Highfield Dental Clinic in Edgbaston, Birmingham, where I remained for two and a half years:

Patient Experience Manager
HR & Complaints Manager

This experience reinforced everything I believe about leadership, communication, and team support.

New Beginnings

In 2022, my husband Colin and I relocated to Norfolk to start a new chapter of our lives.

Since 2021, through New Beginnings, I have been supporting practices across the UK and Ireland through:

Coaching and mentoring
Membership programmes
Team training and development
Leadership support for Practice Owners and Managers

If you have read this far, you will know I genuinely care about the people and practices I work with.

The Story Behind My Approach

My Background & Approach

My Journey in Dentistry

Building Strong Foundations

Passion for Patient Experience

Consultancy & Real-World Experience

Why I Returned to Practice

New Beginnings

Real Practices. Real People. Real Results.

How We Can Work Together

Memberships

In-House Training

Speaking & Events

Ready to Explore Working Together?