Tara-Dee Harris
Elmswell
Summary
Highly experienced CQC Registered Dental Practice Manager with over 15 years’ experience in healthcare administration, leadership, and operational management. Proven track record of overseeing busy multi-surgery practices, managing large multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving financial performance. Known for strong people management skills, patient-focused service delivery, and the ability to lead teams through change.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
CQC Registered Practice Manager
MyDentist
2023.08 - 2026.03
- Oversee the day-to-day management of a busy 9-surgery Advanced Oral Health Centre
- Lead, recruit, and supervise all non-clinical and clinical staff, ensuring safe staffing levels and high morale
- Maintain full CQC compliance, health & safety standards, and regulatory requirements
- Conduct performance reviews, manage disciplinary processes, and identify training needs
- Monitor practice finances including budgeting, billing, and income performance
- Implement strategies to improve revenue, control costs, and maximise profitability
- Prepare and analyse financial and operational reports to support decision-making
- Work closely with clinicians to support performance, utilisation, and patient outcomes
- Collaborate on marketing initiatives to attract new patients and improve retention
- Represent the practice in audits, inspections, and external stakeholder meetings
Treatment Coordinator
MyDentist
2021.01 - 2023.08
- Coordinated and presented treatment plans to patients, improving case acceptance
- Acted as the key liaison between clinicians and patients
- Supported revenue growth through patient education and relationship building
- Maintained accurate records and supported compliance requirements
Practice Support Manager
MyDentist
2011.01 - 2021.01
- Supported multiple practices with operational, HR, and performance management
- Assisted practice managers with staffing, compliance, and financial targets
- Provided mentoring and guidance to developing managers
- Played a key role in practice improvements and change management initiatives
Head Receptionist
MyDentist
2008.01 - 2011.01
- Managed front-of-house operations in a busy dental practice
- Supervised reception staff and appointment scheduling
- Delivered high standards of patient care and service
Baby Room Leader
Street Farm Day Nursery
2006.01 - 2008.01
- Led a team within an early years setting
- Ensured safeguarding, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance
Education
Level 3 Diploma - Early Years
West Suffolk College
Bury St Edmunds 2004.01 - 1 2006
GCSEs (A–C) - English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Science, Design & Technology, Religious Studies, Drama
Stowupland High School
Stowmarket 2001.01 - 1 2004
Skills
- Practice & Operations Management
- CQC Compliance & Governance
- Staff Recruitment, Training & Supervision
- Financial Management & Budgeting
- Performance Management & Appraisals
- Patient Experience & Retention
- Marketing & Community Engagement
- Treatment Coordination & Sales
- HR Policies & Employment Law Awareness
- Reporting & KPI Analysis
- Proficient in spreadsheet software
- Patient confidentiality adherence
- Effective delegating
- Healthcare regulatory compliance
- Audit handling
- Practice performance monitoring
- Financial budgeting
- Medical terminology familiarity
- Time management mastery
- Contract negotiation capabilities
- Multitasking efficiency
- Ethical practice upholding
- Proactive initiative taking
- Leadership aptitude
- Risk assessment procedures
- Patient confidentiality understanding
- Knowledge of cqc standards
- Knowledge of healthcare laws
- NHS system understanding
- HR policies implementation
- Account reconciliation
- Payroll administration
- Practice Management Systems (PMS) training
- Data analysis and reporting
- Patient complaint management
- Practice complaint oversight
- Staff recruitment and training
- IG compliance knowledge
- Record-keeping compliance
- Recruitment and hiring
- Human resource management
- CQC compliance knowledge
- Practice development plans
- Infection control management
- Contract negotiation
References
Available on request
Additional Information
Fitness, Travel, Reading
Additional information
Full UK Driving Licence
Timeline
CQC Registered Practice Manager
MyDentist
2023.08 - 2026.03
Treatment Coordinator
MyDentist
2021.01 - 2023.08
Practice Support Manager
MyDentist
2011.01 - 2021.01
Head Receptionist
MyDentist
2008.01 - 2011.01
Baby Room Leader
Street Farm Day Nursery
2006.01 - 2008.01
Level 3 Diploma - Early Years
West Suffolk College
2004.01 - 1 2006
GCSEs (A–C) - English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Science, Design & Technology, Religious Studies, Drama
Stowupland High School
2001.01 - 1 2004