Sophie Johnson has been a familiar face at DHU Healthcare for the past two and a half years, serving as the Dental Performance Manager. Now, she’s starting on an exciting new journey as an Operational Performance Manager (OPM), stepping away from the dental world for the first time in nearly two decades.
With 18 years of experience in the dental industry, Sophie started her career as a trainee dental nurse before moving into practice management roles. Over time, she developed her expertise in orthodontic contract tendering, CQC inspections, and operational management. But after years of dedicated service in dentistry, she was ready for a new challenge.
“When I saw the Dental Performance Manager role at DHU three years ago, it felt like the perfect fit—still within dentistry but allowing me to step back from the clinical environment,” Sophie shares. Now, she’s taking another leap, moving into a role that broadens her scope beyond dentistry entirely.
Starting her new role in April, Sophie is eager to embrace the challenges that come with being an OPM. “This role is a completely different dynamic. I’ve been used to working closely with clinical teams, but now I’ll be more involved with non-clinical teams, including NCPMs and health advisors,” she explains.
One of Sophie’s strengths is her love for figures and stats, which will play a crucial role in her new position. “I like working under pressure and being busy,” she says. “This role is all about supporting teams, monitoring performance, and helping colleagues excel in their roles. It’s exactly the challenge I was looking for.”
Since joining DHU, Sophie has seen firsthand how the organisation supports professional development. “I’ve had the opportunity to really focus on specific skills and grow in ways I couldn’t in previous roles,” she says. Last year, she completed the Inspire leadership course, which she describes as an invaluable experience. “It’s not just about professional growth but also about building connections with colleagues and understanding the wider DHU organisation.”
Looking ahead, Sophie is excited about the future. “For now, I’m focused on learning, adapting, and supporting my new team. I hope that with my clinical background I can bring something new to the table!”
With her enthusiasm, experience, and dedication to development, Sophie is set to make a lasting impact in her new role. We wish her all the best on this exciting new chapter!