About Poppy

“I’ve walked in your shoes — and I’m here to walk alongside you.”

I’m Poppy Louise Dunton, founder of Poppy Dunton Wellness and Consulting. But more than that, I’m someone who knows how it feels to hold a practice together while trying to keep your own head above water.

I didn’t fall into consultancy. I grew into it — through every single role a dental practice could offer.

I started my career in dentistry back in 2006 as a trainee dental nurse through work experience. I’ve been a receptionist answering the phones and managing the diaries, a decontamination nurse, a dental nurse, a therapist, and eventually became the practice manager of a busy NHS practice with 65 team members.

And Along with the help of my amazing mentor whom I am indebted to for my career, I helped to build a successful squat practice from the ground up — growing it into a thriving 10-surgery site with a vaccination centre.

I know the weight of running the business while keeping patients happy, staff supported, compliance in check, and the books balanced.

“It’s not just about the policies. It’s about the people.”

Through my career I’ve learned that no matter how good the systems are, they only work if the people behind them feel heard, supported, and empowered. That’s why my approach is always about more than spreadsheets and checklists. It’s about nurturing leadership, building confidence, and unlocking the potential that’s already sitting within your team.

I’m also a Clinical Lecturer at Teesside University, mentoring the next generation of dental professionals — because I believe we should never stop learning.

“Every day is a school day.”

Like many of the clinicians I work with, I’ve experienced my own challenges with health and wellbeing, including my personal journey with spinal issues. It taught me the importance of balance — that our bodies and minds need looking after just as much as our businesses do.

That’s why wellbeing is a thread that runs through everything I offer — from my menopause coaching for dental professionals to the way I deliver consultancy, coaching, and training.

Because thriving practices are built on thriving people.And leadership isn’t about doing it all alone.

It’s about asking for the right support at the right time — and that’s exactly what I’m here for.

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