#276 Beyond the Bracket — Claire Nightingale

Claire Nightingale, a consultant orthodontist and former practice owner, shares her remarkable journey through dentistry spanning over three decades. 

From her early experiences as a patient that sparked her interest in dentistry, through to her recent venture into stand-up comedy, Claire offers candid insights into practice ownership, clinical excellence, and embracing change in orthodontics. 

She discusses her transition from NHS to private practice, her pioneering adoption of Invisalign and digital dentistry, and her recent experience selling to a corporate group. 

In This Episode

00:01:45 - Early career influences and becoming an orthodontist

00:04:15 - Digital dentistry adoption and Invisalign journey

00:09:35 - Evolution of aligner treatment

00:12:15 - NHS training challenges and future of orthodontics

00:33:25 - Practice ownership journey

00:42:10 - Keys to running a successful business

00:49:55 - Selling to a corporate group

01:04:35 - Women's Dentist Network

01:21:55 - Blackbox thinking

01:24:00 - Life after practice sale

01:57:15 - Stand-up comedy venture

02:02:15 - Fantasy dinner party guests

02:03:50 - Last days and legacy

About Claire Nightingale

Claire Nightingale is a consultant orthodontist at Watford General Hospital and private practitioner with over 25 years of specialist experience. 

A pioneer in digital orthodontics and remote monitoring, she successfully built and sold Queensgate Orthodontics while maintaining her NHS consultant role.

Claire is actively involved in the Women's Dentist Network and recently embarked on a new chapter combining expert witness work with stand-up comedy.