From retail to Dental Care

From retail to dental care - Practice Manager Karen is sharing her experience of working within a Bupa Dental practice and what attracted her to the role of Practice Manager.

Tell us about your career journey so far.

Before Bupa Dental Care, I had never worked in dentistry or even healthcare – I had been a Retail Manager for over 20 years starting with my first management experience within a company selling tents! I then moved onto the fashion industry, working with stores such as Harvey Nichols as either a Store Manager, Concession Manager or Floor Manager.

What attracted you to the role?

I had started looking at new opportunities when I came across the advert for Bupa Dental Care and was amazed at how similar the job role was to my existing role – all very transferable skills, so this was when I started to really research and understand the role expectations.

How have you found your first few months within the role?

My first few months within the business have been challenging, but I have loved every second of it. I have met some amazing people who have supported me with my role and I have found new skillsets which I am putting into place every day – I have realised how people-focused Bupa are and love feeling valued.

Our latest vacancies

Search our latest vacancies from across the UK and Ireland

Search
Karen Hardidge, Practice Manager at Bupa Dental Care Bristol

Karen, Practice Manager at Bupa Dental Care Bristol, St George.


"I have realised how people focused Bupa are and love feeling valued."

Karen Hardidge, Practice Manager at Bupa Dental Care Bristol

“I have met some amazing people who have supported me with my role and I have found new skillsets which I am putting into place every day – I have realised how people-focused Bupa are and love feeling valued.”

What does a typical day in the life look like for you as a Practice Manager?

My typical day as a Practice Manager starts with a nice cuppa whilst reviewing all business emails that need actioning, this could be anything from updating my key performance indicators within the practice, ordering more whitening products, or looking for new marketing opportunities to grow the business within the practice.

I love welcoming my team for a quick catch-up individually throughout the day, checking they have everything they need to carry out their job roles efficiently – especially with all the new standard operating procedures put in place that has really protected myself, staff and patients. I have felt very safe coming in and out of practice during this time.

What would be your best piece of advice, or words of encouragement for those considering moving into dental care?

My only piece of advice or words of encouragement would be – what are you waiting for? There has never been a better time than now to change careers!


Our practice culture


Our culture is centered around going above and beyond for patients. Whether you’re working with patients directly or indirectly, you’ll be based within an empowering environment to give your all to create positive experiences and broad smiles.

Our caring approach extends to our employees too. It’s why we’re so big on training, development, and progression. It’s also why our practices are such friendly, collaborative places – people quickly become friends as well as colleagues.

Bupa Dental Care Dentist - London

Why we're different


As the only corporate dental provider in the UK not backed by private equity, we’re in a unique position. We’re committed to the UK dental industry for the long-term – both private and NHS – and are ready to treat not just today’s patients, but generations to come.

Furthermore, Bupa has no shareholders, so we’re able to focus 100% on delivering the best service for customers. We are run commercially to ensure we remain competitive, but we reinvest 100% of our profits to help provide better care for patients across the world.

Why not join us today? You can find our latest vacancies here.

dentist and patient smiling into a mirror

Register for job alerts

Want to keep updated with the latest roles at Bupa Dental Care?

Register for job alerts