482: Dr Rupert Neville - Business and Life Mastery

The Savvy Dentist

In this episode of The Savvy Dentist Podcast, Dr. Jesse Green is joined by fellow dentist from the U.K Dr. Rupert Neville, who, along with his wife Alannah, own dental practices in the south of England.

Rupert is a long term client of Savvy Dentist, and has a really great perspective, not just about business, but about life. Rupert is a deeply reflective human being and very courageous in the way he goes about life.

Rupert shines a light on a pathway for dental practice owners that might be going through challenges to help them come out the other side. And of course, the pathway is not always beautifully laid out. Rupert has had to deal with his share of challenges along the way, as you'll hear in this podcast, and the way he's overcome them has been magnificent.

Rupert qualified from Newcastle University (U.K) in 2006 and started working at the Lodge Dental Surgery in 2007. He bought the practice with his wife Alannah in 2011.

He has recently become a validation supervisor (trainer) for dentists. Away from dentistry Rupert is a keen sportsman and played rugby for Newcastle Falcons between 2000-2006 . He now enjoys coaching.

• [03:31] - A valuable lesson in resilience for every parent.
• [07:17] - The power of sports in helping us be better dental practitioners and ‘bounce back’.
• [14:51] - The importance of finding good role models and mentors.
• [18:04] Spending your day ‘running and gunning’ is exhausting. Dr. Rupert Neville offers a healthier and more efficient alternative.
• [21:10] - The importance (and team power) of you being vulnerable can never be understated.
• [23:53] - COVID from a UK perspective. What it was like working in a dental business in the UK during the pandemic.
• [30:48] - Rupert explains how he built his powerful team, and what he does to lead and empower them.
• [36:48] - Taking over an established practice … verse … starting a practice. Compare the pair!
• [43:51] - Being a leader means you must have a passion and strong vision for the future of your practice, and the team. It also means you must make tough decisions at times. For Dr. Neville, removing his practice from the UK DEMPLAN system after 30 years meant losing long term patients, for the long term sustainability and profitability of the business.