Hear from Denplan Champions
"Because we're all on the same page and genuinely positive about Denplan, patients really pick up on that. It feels less like a sell and more like we're guiding them towards something we truly believe is beneficial."
May 2026
Tara's story
Meet Tara Clarke Mackean, Practice Manager at Merivale Dental Practice, who shares how becoming a Denplan Champion has helped her team create more natural patient conversations, improve confidence across the practice and drive positive results.
What made you want to become a Denplan Champion, and what appealed to you about the role?
As a Practice Manager, I’m always looking at ways to improve both the patient journey and how the practice runs day to day. We’ve always really valued Denplan as a practice and genuinely believe in what it offers our patients, so becoming a Champion felt like a natural step. It gave me the chance to lead from the front, support the team, and make sure we’re sharing that message in a clear and consistent way.
What does being a Denplan Champion look like in your day-to-day role?
Day to day, it’s about keeping Denplan part of the conversation. Because we believe in it as a practice, it’s not something that feels forced; it just fits into how we talk to patients. I support the team with any questions, help with patient queries when needed, and make sure everyone feels confident explaining the benefits.
What support or resources have helped you the most?
The training and resources have been really helpful, especially in giving clear, simple ways to explain Denplan to patients. It’s also great having the backing of something we already trust as a practice, which makes those conversations feel much more natural and genuine.
What difference has having a Denplan Champion made in your practice (have you noticed that patients respond differently)?
Definitely. Because we’re all on the same page and genuinely positive about Denplan, patients really pick up on that. They seem more engaged and open to the conversation, and it feels less like a ‘sell’ and more like we’re guiding them towards something we truly believe is beneficial.
How has it changed the way your team talks about Denplan?
It’s made the team much more confident. Before, it might have only come up occasionally, but now it’s part of our everyday conversations. Everyone understands it better, so it feels more natural and less scripted when they’re talking to patients.
What results or improvements have you seen so far?
We’ve seen an increase in patient sign-ups and better retention overall. There’s also been a noticeable improvement in how confidently the team discusses Denplan. Patients seem to have a clearer understanding of their options, which leads to better decision-making and satisfaction.
What do you enjoy most about being a Denplan Champion?
I enjoy seeing the team grow in confidence and knowing we’re giving patients a better experience. It’s also really satisfying to see the impact it has on the practice as a whole.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a Denplan Champion (do you have any top tips for them)?
Go for it! If you already believe in Denplan and what it offers, that’s half the job done. My biggest tip would be to lead by example. Be confident, keep it simple, and just make it part of your normal conversations with patients and your team.
Why do you think every practice should have a Champion?
I think every practice should have a Denplan Champion because it brings consistency and keeps Denplan front of mind. Having a Champion helps make sure that message is shared clearly and confidently across the whole team. It also gives the team someone to lead by example, which really helps build confidence and keeps everyone aligned. Ultimately, it benefits both the patients, who feel more informed and reassured and the practice as a whole.
Become a Denplan Champion
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