Dr Jason Berry - Clinical Senior Lecturer, London

“After running and working in my own general dental practice for over 20 years, it came as a huge shock that a totally unexpected medical diagnosis prevented me from working for nearly a year. On my return to work it became very obvious that I needed to change my career direction and as a consequence I sold my practice and moved into the academic arena as a university lecturer. Dentists’ Provident have supported me throughout the stressful process of change in work and the subsequent reduction of income.”

Jim - a member of Dentists' Provident since 1969

Out cycling one Sunday in October 1999 he was knocked off his bike. He spent four months in hospital, paralysed from the neck down, and had to claim for nine years. The accident contributed to him being forced into early retirement. Jim retired some years ago and continued as a member. The good news is that he is back on his bike. Jim’s advice to any young dentist is...

“I would like to convey to any young practitioner the importance of thinking ahead, and the advantages of joining Dentists' Provident. I was lucky enough to see a letter in the BDJ in those far off days in the sixties commending membership of Dentists’ Provident. I followed this advice and was fortunate never to have to make a claim until late in my career when I had my near fatal bicycle accident, followed by serious health problems involving abdominal vascular surgery. This caused me to have to relinquish my dental practice, and I was grateful for the support of Dentists’ Provident throughout this period. Everyone hopes never to have to have recourse to insurance, but life is full of unforeseeable and sometimes very unpleasant surprises. It is reassuring to enjoy the security of membership and to use the current phraseology, it is a 'no brainer'!”