Expert insights for dentists entering aesthetics
Dr Raquel Amado, whose background and training is in dentistry, runs the award-winning Dr Raquel Skin and Medical Aesthetics Clinic
“One of the major hurdles of developing a successful aesthetics clinic is to build a client base – which is a challenge in itself without the obstacle of patients’ negative associations of going to the dentist”, says Dr Amado. “There is an historic association between dentistry and pain or an unpleasant clinical experience. Although cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, many people associate dentists with painful medical procedures – fillings, tooth removal, even wire braces from when they were teenagers! Retiring from dentistry and moving into aesthetics requires totally disassociating with this stigma.
“Dentists are perfectly placed to become aestheticians, as they have an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the face. Dentists are used to working in confined spaces with syringes and instruments, and, of course, rebuilding smiles takes an artistic eye.
“We are also experts in pain relief, and the delicate and dexterous process of injecting the mouth – one of the most sensitive parts of the body. You really couldn’t ask for better expertise.”
“I know that setting up your own practice can seem intimidating – but from my experience, it’s vital to success”, says Dr Amado. “Even if it’s a single, small consultation room in your current dental practice to begin with, expanding into a new, dedicated space – without a dental chair and the smells and sounds associated with being at the dentist.
“My own business didn’t begin to take off until I completely severed my ties from dentistry; I was able to start my aesthetics practice with a ‘clean slate’ and build a whole new brand.
“Of course, this means a significant investment in your new business – so you need to be prepared to take an initial financial hit, especially if you decide to go into aesthetics full-time. Don’t jump into aesthetics without a plan and without being in a secure enough position financially to be able to make it work. It’s a big commitment and you need to be ready for it.
“You won’t be fully booked from day one, so one option might be to register for locum work as a dentist, or work part-time at an already established aesthetics clinic. This will give you a secure stream of income for future expansion, as well as giving you time to develop relationships with new patients and build your reputation.”
“Being a skilled aesthetician is just the first part of the battle; you’ve got to be able to market yourself and grow your patient base, and that takes an investment in time and money”, says Dr Amado. “Don’t overlook the business-side of your new practice in the excitement of moving into a new industry.
“Your experience in dentistry will set you up for aesthetics clinically-speaking, giving you a good foundation for dealing with issues around patient care, consent and in managing patient expectations. However, you will need to invest in expanding your expertise, as aesthetics – as with all medical sub-specialisations – is a constantly developing field. You need to seek out new skills and qualifications to increase your knowledge of evolving industry innovations and techniques.”
