Walk into almost any dental practice in the UK and you’ll find familiar support networks everywhere. Dentists have colleagues, study clubs and mentors. Dental nurses work alongside other nurses. Reception teams share the front desk load together.

And then there’s the Practice Manager.

One role. One person. One desk. One inbox that never sleeps.

For many Practice Managers, the job can feel isolating, not because anyone has designed it that way, but simply because there is no one else in the practice doing the same role. You are the “one of a kind”. The problem solver. The buffer between team and owners. The keeper of compliance, HR, finances, patient experience, CQC, staff wellbeing, complaints, rotas, policies, audits and about a hundred other spinning plates.

It’s no surprise that so many Practice Managers quietly describe themselves as lone wolves.

That’s exactly why the Association of Dental Administrators and Managers (ADAM) exists.

A Role With Huge Responsibility… And Very Little Backup

Practice Managers often step into their role through experience rather than formal training. Many are promoted internally, learning on the job while still keeping the practice running smoothly. Others join from outside dentistry and are expected to “just know” how things work.

Yet when challenges arise, and they always do, there isn’t always someone in-house to turn to.

Who do you talk to when:

• You’re unsure about a compliance issue but don’t want to panic the team?
• You’re navigating a difficult HR situation?
• You need reassurance that you’re handling something correctly, not just quickly?
• You’re feeling overwhelmed but don’t want to burden colleagues?

This is where ADAM steps in, not as a distant organisation, but as a genuine support system built specifically for Practice Managers.

ADAM: Your People, Your Space, Your Safety Net

ADAM was created to give Practice Managers a professional home. A place where questions are welcomed, not judged. Where advice is practical, not theoretical. And where members understand exactly what it’s like to carry responsibility without always having authority.

Membership gives access to:

• A free legal helpline, because sometimes you need clear answers fast
• A comprehensive members’ website and FAQs, covering real-world practice issues
• A members’ magazine, packed with relevant insight and guidance
• A monthly prize draw, just because everyone deserves a win
• A growing range of exclusive practice benefits and discounts, added to regularly

But beyond the tangible benefits, ADAM offers something far more valuable: reassurance.

Reassurance that you are not the only one dealing with these challenges. Reassurance that your questions are valid. Reassurance that support is there when you need it.

Sometimes that support looks like expert advice. Sometimes it’s a shared experience. And sometimes it’s simply someone saying, “Yes, I’ve been there too.”

Why the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show Matters

Industry events can be overwhelming for Practice Managers. They’re busy, noisy and packed with information. But they’re also an opportunity to step out of the practice for a moment and reconnect with the wider dental community.

At the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show Birmingham 2026, ADAM will be there for exactly that reason.

If you’re a Practice Manager who: Feels isolated in their role, wants reassurance they’re doing things right, needs guidance without judgement or simply wants a safe space to talk things through then ADAM’s stand is for you.

Come and find us at Stand L04.

Whether you need advice, support, a sounding board or even a shoulder to cry on, you’ll be met with understanding, not sales pitches. Conversations are informal, confidential and centred around you and your role.

Membership That Makes Sense

ADAM membership is deliberately affordable because support shouldn’t be a luxury.

Standard membership is just £10 per month, with full details available at www.adam-aspire.co.uk

And for those attending the show, there’s an exclusive offer: Full annual membership at HALF PRICE. Just £5 per month. Quite literally, the price of a London coffee

It’s a small investment for year-round support, peace of mind and professional confidence.

From Lone Wolf to Supported Leader

Practice Managers are the backbone of dental practices. The role demands resilience, adaptability and an enormous amount of emotional intelligence. Yet too often, Practice Managers are expected to carry that weight alone.

ADAM exists to change that.

If you’re attending the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show in Birmingham in 2026, take a moment for yourself. Step away from the noise. Visit Stand L04. Ask questions. Share concerns. Discover what it feels like not to be the only one anymore.

Because being “one of a kind” shouldn’t mean being on your own.