Let’s go Nonclinical! – Transitioning Out of Clinical Dentistry (Part1)

Dental friends, welcome to this two-part series on transitioning out of clinical dentistry.

In part 1, we’ll explore how, with the right mindset, it’s entirely possible for a dentist to land a non-clinical role. I’ll break down a job listing to show how your dental experience applies. I’ll also introduce you to my friend Vera, and we’ll cover why she is a particularly strong candidate for this role.

Part 2 will dive deeper into how the right network can supercharge your chances of finding a non-clinical or even a non-dental job. It’s absolutely achievable.

Let’s be honest – many of us aren’t thrilled with clinical dentistry anymore, if ever, and we were ready to throw in the towel yesterday already. Some of us have tried dropping days, moving to nicer practices, upskilling, or being selective with treatments (I’ve done all of these). While these can provide a temporary reprieve, the underlying feeling of living a life that no longer aligns often creeps back in.

A common misconception is that, as dentists, we’re stuck because our skills are too specialised. Spoiler: that’s not true!

Meet my friends Laura and Vera. Laura, a career coach and founder of Lolabees Career Coaching, helps dentists transition out of clinical roles. She is also running her course, Let’s Go Nonclinical! Starting Friday 30th August. Through Laura’s community, I met Vera, who successfully moved into a part-time non-clinical role. I, too, have somewhat made this transition, and it has been crucial in clarifying what I want from my career.

Us on “Safari N Side Gigs” in Kenya – friendship and community is so important on this journey.

Stepping away from clinical dentistry has given me the space and confidence to explore new paths, and this blog is one direct result of that journey. If you’re considering leaving clinical practice, exploring non-clinical options can be the first step toward finding a career that truly aligns with your passions, whether it ends up being non-clinical or not.

Let’s look at the job listing:

1. Carestack: A dental tech company specialising in practice management software. This is a non-clinical job where your dental experience is a big plus -perfect for a clinician considering the switch.

      2. Event coordination, sales background OR customer service background: As a dentist, you have experience in all of these. Don’t be intimidated by the terms—if you’ve helped organised open days or special events at your work, for family or friends, you’ve got relevant experience. Maybe you’ve done a home renovation or like me have gone to the extremes of building a house, it all counts! Even if you don’t tick the box in this sense, think of it as project management, something we do every day in dentistry, whether it’s coordinating treatment plans or managing patient schedules. It’s a case of confidently conveying why the experience is relevant.

        Dentistry involves selling the best treatment options to patients. It’s about negotiation, planning, and delivering top-notch service—all skills that translate well into non-clinical roles.

        However, here’s why Vera is probably going to be above you in the pecking order on this occasion:

        Vera actually does have a background in B2B customer service, having worked as a business development manager outside of the dental industry.  With Laura’s help this was a chance she was willing to take, and she gained copious skills in the process. Although she moved on from that role, she has that experience for life now and can directly put it into something like this.

        3. Social Media: Even if social media isn’t your thing, it’s a skill you can learn like any other, especially if it’s tied to a specific task. As dentist’s we’re smart and often quick learners, willing to aquire new skills, even after years of study, to get the job done best. Approaching social media for this job, and any challenge, is no different.

          Why Vera trumps you this time:

          Vera has direct experience in social media as Laura’s VA. Having immersed herself in LinkedIn and taken a course on Instagram she saw an opportunity to help Laura’s cause and out her knowledge into practice. She had the confidence to ask for what she wanted. Now she has working experience (alongside her other non-clinical role) that she can demonstrate to prospective employers.

          4. Remote Work: One of the perks of clinical dentistry is flexibility, but it can also feel limiting trying to find something that offers the same level of freedom. A remote job offers similar flexibility without the face-to-face burnout. With occasional travel, this role is ideal.

            5. Mentorship: something you don’t always see in job listings. This shows they don’t expect you to be perfect from day one; they’re willing to train the right person. It’s a real opportunity because it means they understand no one comes fully equipped with every skill needed, especially for a role at this salary level. Their expectations are realistic, which helps manage yours too. You won’t be expected to be the perfect candidate right away.

            6. Salary: £35-37K per annum might seem low compared to full-time private practice, or it might be fairly comparable to someone working part time. Consider the trade-offs – working from home, less stress, and the potential for growth and bonuses in the corporate world. This could be the start of something better suited to your current life goals.

              Salary is often a barrier to making the necessary changes. Money mindset comes up for us all and is something we consider extensively in the Start Your Side Gig community.

              Remember, every job doesn’t have to be your final destination. Compared to dentistry exploring new opportunities is a quicker, more flexible process in the corporate world. If it doesn’t work out, you can pivot, leveraging the new skills you’ve gained.

              This is precisely what Vera has done that has allowed her to be a great choice for this role, but it’s difficult to acquire the mental metal you need to get your foot in the door. It may sound easy, but Vera’s journey has been a steady process of emotional ups and downs. With the right knowledge and community, she is graciously carving the right path for her.

              I’ll be chatting with Vera in part 2 next week to discuss her journey in more detail.

              For now get the knowledge! You can check out Lolabees Career Coaching and join Let’s Go Nonclinical! here.

              Here’s to you and your transition out of clinical dentistry!


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              2 Comments

              1. I love how you break this process down!

                • Kiri-Gabriella

                  Thanks I wanted to show how it is so achievable, the tough part is the mindset but this can be addressed with the right support, as you know!

              Leave a comment below, I'd love to hear your thoughts