Conversations that matter
Dr Matthew Nolan on connecting with the dental community
28 October 2025
Written by Dr. Matthew Nolan, Head Dental Officer, Denplan
Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of stepping out of the office and into the heart of our dental community, connecting with practices, members, and professionals who continue to shape the future of dentistry.
My journey began in Somerset, where I visited several practices to hear feedback directly from the teams delivering care every day. These conversations were invaluable, offering honest reflections of challenges that practices face and ideas that will help us continue to evolve and support our members meaningfully.
Next, I swapped the clinic for the course at the Denplan Golf Day. Beyond the friendly competition and a chance to show off some golfing skills, the day was rich with deep and meaningful conversations. I spoke with members about what Denplan truly means to them, how it supports their practices, their patients, and their professional growth. One area of discussion was that of our Denplan Excel Programme and how, after many years, they still find it invaluable as they continue to deliver best practice to their patients. These insights reaffirmed the importance of staying connected and listening closely.
One of the most impactful moments of the month was hosting the Welsh Dentistry Webinar, where we delved into the recent Welsh Government consultation responses and their implications for dental practices across Wales. This session was more than just a presentation; it was a collaborative dialogue.
I was honoured to be joined by two of our members who brought real-world context to the discussion, answering questions and sharing their perspectives on how proposed changes could affect clinical delivery, patient access, and operational sustainability. Their insights helped translate policy into practice, giving attendees a clearer understanding of what lies ahead and how to prepare. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy, transparency, and member-led conversation in shaping the future of dentistry in Wales.
Finally, I travelled to Harrogate for our first Denplan Connect event. The evening was filled with insightful dialogue, collaborative thinking, and a shared commitment to shaping not just the future of Denplan but the future of dentistry itself. There was a real buzz in the room around the new online patient joining journey and the Denplan dashboard. The energy in the room was inspiring, and the ideas exchanged will undoubtedly influence our direction moving forward.
This month has been a powerful reminder of the value of being present, listening actively, and engaging meaningfully. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me, shared their thoughts, and contributed to these important conversations. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and proud to be part of a community that’s always striving for better.
Highlights from the past month
Left to right: Nick Potter (Chief Financial Officer, Simplyhealth), Jagmohan Badwal (Swanwick Dental Practice), Dr Matthew Nolan (Head Dental Officer, Denplan)
Left to right: Nick Potter (Chief Financial Officer, Simplyhealth), Nick Spilke (College Dental Surgeries), Dan Eddie (Director of Customer Services, Simplyhealth) Dr Matthew Nolan (Head Dental Officer, Denplan)
Denplan member dentists and colleagues at the Denplan Connect event in Harrogate